Review by Brian Lowen on show 9th Dec 2010
Keil Harbour, Germany, in 1945 – the war in Europe is at an end but for Lieutenant Vere Marriott and the men of Motor Gun Boat 801 moored amid a scene of utter devastation it is an uneasy, unsettled peace.
MGB 801 is among the first naval contingent to enter Keil Harbour following the terrible bombing by the RAF with their blockbuster bombs that have completely destroyed the harbour buildings and the U Boat pens.
The story deals with an often forgotten phase of a war – what happens when the enemy surrenders? The victors don’t just go home - in this case the British set about restoring law and order with a military government. The German soldiers and sailors keep their uniforms but are stripped of all insignia and are put to work clearing all the rubble and repairing the workshops and quays so that military supplies and food for the starving people can be shipped in.
Lt. Marriott has to adopt a diplomatic role dealing with the rations and German top brass. German and British forces actually work together in a war against corruption and black marketeering.
A good story with interesting subject matter including a nice love interest. First published in 1986 and one of a whole series of war stories written by Douglas Reeman.
review by Brian (Peter Pan)
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