Publisher: Bygone Ages Press
Page Length: 177 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
“I am ordered to commandeer this vessel, immediately, for use by the navy and to take command of it!”
The words were spoken by a naval sub-lieutenant to Ben Bainbridge, captain of the motor vessel Bee. The crew of the small ship were unloading a consignment of steel plates on to the quay in Portsmouth dockyard. They were looking forward to sailing back to their home harbour, Newport, Isle of Wight, in time for supper. But that was not to be.
Within thirty-six hours, the Bee was in a sea littered with wreckage, oil spills and floating corpses, dodging lethal bullets and bombs as wave after wave of German aircraft flew overhead.
This is the story of a “Little Ship”, inspired by the diary of the ship’s engineer.
Michael E. Wills presents an evocative tale in his historical fiction novel, “May 1940: Destination Dunkirk, The Mission of a ‘Little Ship.’” This richly crafted narrative is designed to engage both young adult readers and seasoned history enthusiasts alike.
The story revolves around the daring evacuation at Dunkirk, highlighting how the fleet of civilian “Little Ships,” including the humble Bee, exemplified bravery and sacrifice while rescuing stranded Allied soldiers. As the Bee’s crew navigates wartime perils, the narrative reveals the essence of courage, selflessness, and the indomitable human spirit, immersing readers in the urgency and relentless determination of those involved. Wills’ detailed storytelling transports readers to the shores of Dunkirk, underscoring the central theme of ordinary people displaying extraordinary heroism in desperate circumstances.
In the author’s notes at the beginning of the book, Wills shares that his inspiration for writing this story stemmed from his personal connections with the crew of the Bee, especially the captain. Although the narrative is rooted in historical fiction, Wills masterfully captures the profound and unsettling realities of the rescue operation. His vivid descriptions and poignant insights bring to life the true horrors faced by the crew, immersing the reader in an experience that honours their struggles and sacrifices.
The novel features a tight-knit group of characters, each of whom finds themselves aboard the Bee, whether through design or by sneaking on board. Each character is vividly brought to life through rich descriptions and compelling backstories.
At the centre of the story is Pearson, a 17-year-old whose hardships and troubled past prepare him for the challenges ahead. His journey is shaped by loss, violence, and institutionalisation, casting him as a complex figure wrestling with pain and anger. As Pearson tries to escape a cycle of violence and find redemption, the narrative uses his perspective to examine how adversity can forge hidden strengths. His transformation at Dunkirk, demonstrating profound bravery and selflessness, reflects the broader theme: even those marked by hardship can rise to acts of remarkable courage through the support and belief of others.
Ben is the rugged skipper of the motor barge. A man of few words, he embodies the essence of hard work and determination. His straightforward demeanour masks a deep understanding of the waterways he navigates with ease. Notably, Ben has mastered the peculiar art of communication, often relying on the single word “um” to convey a range of emotions and thoughts—his preferred expression in both moments of contemplation and conversation. This unique quirk endears him to those around him, as it reflects his straightforward nature and reinforces his character as a reliable, albeit enigmatic, presence on the barge.
Ted, the engineer of the Bee, is an exceptionally determined character, embodying relentless dedication as he sacrifices sleep to ensure the Bollinder engines hums steadily throughout the night. His past as a sub-lieutenant in the army has granted him a deep understanding of the realities of war and its accompanying horrors, shaping his resilient spirit. Throughout the novel, Ted’s steadfast dedication to keeping the boat operational, even in the face of daunting challenges and several near-catastrophic incidents, serves as a powerful testament to his strength of character. Ted’s steely resolve shines through, reinforcing his role as the backbone of the crew and a symbol of hope amidst adversity.
Alf, the seasoned first mate, feels a profound sense of obligation to follow the Navy’s orders, even though the memories of war haunt him. The thought of facing the chaos and violence once more weighs heavily on his mind, but he cannot escape his sense of duty, fearing he would not be able to look his children in the eyes if he does not do his bit.
Bert, the eager young third hand who has just turned eighteen, possesses a strong sense of duty that drives him to remain with the ship. He feels a deep connection not only to the soldiers stranded in perilous situations but also to his fellow crew members, with whom he has formed tight bonds. Wherever the ship is ordered to sail, Bert is resolute in his decision to be there on the deck, ready to face any challenges that lie ahead.
Sub-Lieutenant Russell of the British Navy initially views the crew aboard the Bee with a condescending air, believing himself to be more experienced and capable than they are. However, as he observes their actions, he quickly comes to appreciate their exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to assisting in any way possible. The crew, despite being in a state of uncertainty about their mission and destination, displays remarkable resilience and determination. They are thrust into an unfamiliar situation, yet they proceed with a sense of purpose and camaraderie, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead without question or hesitation.
When they get to Dunkirk the crew members aboard the Bee came to a stark realisation as they fully grasped the gravity of their mission. After successfully ferrying the soldiers to a larger rescue ship, they had to return to the perilous waters to retrieve more men in need. This daunting task fills them with a deep sense of fear, yet it is eclipsed by an unyielding determination. The camaraderie and courage displayed by the crew of the Bee—and indeed, by all the vessels involved in this heroic rescue operation—creates an incredibly poignant narrative. Their willingness to brave the unknown for the sake of others solidified this story as one of courage and selflessness in the face of adversity.
The exceptional attention to historical detail truly merits commendation. The looming threats from German U-boats, hidden mines lurking beneath the waves, their dominance over the perilous skies, and the ominous presence of the beach create an atmosphere of palpable tension. This striking realism effectively draws the reader into the intense, immersive experiences of the characters. As the protagonists’ manoeuvre through these perilous landscapes, they are acutely aware of the nauseating sight of oil and blood swirling on the surface of the ocean, accompanied by the grim spectacle of bodies entangled with abandoned equipment, each element conveying the harsh reality of wartime chaos.
“May 1940: Destination Dunkirk - The Mission of a ‘Little Ship’ by Michael E. Wills may be brief enough to be consumed in a single sitting, yet its emotional resonance and profound impact will linger with readers long after they have turned the last page. This novel comes highly recommended.
Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion
Michael E. Wills
Michael Wills was born in Newport on the Isle of Wight and attended the Priory Boys’ School and later Carisbrooke Grammar. He trained as a teacher at St Peter’s College, Birmingham, before teaching mathematics and physical education for two years at a secondary school in Kent.
After re-training to become a teacher of English as a Foreign Language he worked in Sweden for thirteen years. In 1979 he returned to UK with his wife and young family to start a language school, the Salisbury School of English.
From small beginnings the school developed into substantial business enterprise. Michael retired in 2008 after over forty years in the field of education. Along the way, he was President of Salisbury Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Co-Chair of English UK, the national association of English language training providers.
Currently, Michael is employed part-time as Ombudsman for English UK. He divides his spare time between indulging his life-long interest in medieval history and enjoying his grandchildren, writing, carpentry, amateur radio and sailing.
Michael also has an interest in modern history and has a website relating to the evacuation of Dunkirk in World War II: https://www.iowtodunkirk.com
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Mary Anne xxx