Commanding Canadians - The Second World War Diaries of A.F.C. Layard (Hardcover, illustrated edition)

Commanding Canadians is the first comprehensive personal account - British or Canadian - that covers the entire inshore anti-U-boat campaign in European waters during the Second World War. Rescued from the archives, the diary of Commander Arthur Layard affords the reader insights into the experiences of command at sea against German naval forces. Far from a daily chronicle, this remarkably full and honest diary outlines Layard's thoughts on his daily life and his naval career, including the strain and responsibility associated with command at sea in wartime. As well as shedding light on the inshore anti-submarine campaign, the diary also discusses significant events, such as the invasions of North Africa and Normandy and convoys to Russia; encounters with important personalities; the sinking of submarines and his own command; and the final surrender of German U-boats. A consummately well-researched work, Commanding Canadians will appeal to both naval scholars, as well as to general readers interested in military history.