The powerful story behind a Mariners' Park memorial
Frank’s Bench: a grave mistake or a Churchill conspiracy by Captain Peter Thomson
On 11 November, 1940 – Armistice Day – a 16-year old deckboy watched in dismay as his ship Automedon was shelled and boarded by the German raider Atlantis in the Indian Ocean. What happened next may have led to Japan’s entry into the Second World War, and changed the course of history.
Because onboard the Automedon, unknown to all but its master, was a slender green bag designed to rapidly allow water ingress if it was thrown overboard. This was to prevent the documents within from falling into enemy hands – documents which, in this case, could provide a treasure trove of military intelligence to any hostile power planning to attack British Imperial possessions in the far east.
Eighty years later, the dedication of a bench at the Nautilus Mariners’ Park Estate in Wallasey to that deckboy – late resident Frank Walker – led author Peter Thomson to discover the story. Published with assistance from the Merchant Navy Association, it details not only the capture of Automedon but also Walker’s experiences as a prisoner of war, and the book is well worth a read for anyone looking for a window into a fascinating historical turning point.
Frank’s Bench: a grave mistake or a Churchill conspiracy
By Captain Peter Thomson
Self published, £9.99 (available in the Nautilus Bookshop)
ISBN: 979 83921 28501
Buy this book in the Nautilus Bookshop
While you're there, why not browse the rest of the titles in our unique maritime bookshop, which sells all the books reviewed on these pages.
Buy nowMore Books
Scottish city's maritime heart
Glasgow Harbour By Graeme Smith and Mike McCreeryFew places are as closely tied to maritime heritage as Glasgow. In this richly illustrated guide, Graeme Smith and Mike McCreery trace the history of the city's Clydeside harbour from its beginnings in the 17th century to its present-day redevelopment.
Standing the test of tide
Piers of England and Wales By Steve EdmundsIn this richly illustrated guide, Steve Edmunds takes readers on a tour of the iconic structures that blend land and sea – home to all manner of amusements and amenities.
Maritime mystery tour
Irish Sea Lime Trade, by David JohnsonIn his attractively-presented book, David Johnson takes us on a tour of historical sites in the Irish Sea lime trade, from South Pembrokeshire up to the Solway Firth, and across to the Isle of Man and Ireland.
From seafarer to force of nature
Gale Force 10, by Nicholas CourtneyFrances Beaufort was born in Ireland to a family of Huguenot descent, and first went to sea in 1789 onboard the ill-fated British East India Company vessel Vansittart. In a fascinating career, he is best known for creating the Beaufort Wind Scale.