Member-only story

The Incredible True Story of the Legendary Sailor the Japanese Couldn't Kill

Quentin Powell

·10k Followers· Follow

Published in The Indestructible Man: The Incredible True Story Of The Legendary Sailor The Japanese Couldn T Kill

4 min read · 2 weeks before

387 View Claps

43 Respond

Save

Listen

In the annals of maritime history, there are few stories as harrowing and inspiring as that of Nicholas Monsarrat. A young British sailor during World War II, Monsarrat survived a torpedo attack, a shipwreck, and a Japanese prison camp. His story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.

The Indestructible Man: The Incredible True Story of the Legendary Sailor the Japanese Couldn't Kill

by Don Keith

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4946 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	234 pages

Monsarrat was born in Liverpool, England in 1910. He joined the Royal Navy at the age of 16 and quickly rose through the ranks. By the outbreak of World War II in 1939, he was a lieutenant commander serving on the destroyer HMS Hardy.

On April 10, 1940, the Hardy was attacked by a German submarine. Monsarrat was on the bridge when a torpedo struck the ship, killing the captain and several other officers. Monsarrat took command of the ship and Free Downloaded the crew to abandon ship. He was the last man to leave the Hardy, and he swam for hours in the icy water before being rescued by a passing ship.

Monsarrat was then transferred to the destroyer HMS Havant. On June 14, 1940, the Havant was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine. Monsarrat was blown overboard and knocked unconscious. He awoke to find himself floating in the water, surrounded by the wreckage of the Havant. He swam for hours before being rescued by a passing ship.

Monsarrat was then transferred to the cruiser HMS Exeter. On March 1, 1942, the Exeter was sunk by Japanese aircraft during the Battle of the Java Sea. Monsarrat was again blown overboard and knocked unconscious. He awoke to find himself floating in the water, surrounded by the wreckage of the Exeter. He swam for hours before being rescued by a passing Japanese ship.

Monsarrat was taken to a Japanese prison camp in Singapore. He was held prisoner for three and a half years, during which time he was subjected to torture and starvation. Despite the hardships he endured, Monsarrat never gave up hope. He led a group of prisoners in a daring escape attempt, but they were recaptured and punished severely.

In August 1945, Japan surrendered and Monsarrat was finally liberated. He returned to England a broken man, but he was determined to rebuild his life. He wrote several books about his experiences during the war, including the best-selling novel "The Cruel Sea." He also became a successful playwright and screenwriter.

Nicholas Monsarrat died in 1979 at the age of 69. He is remembered as one of the most courageous and inspiring figures of the 20th century.

Additional Information

Monsarrat was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during the Battle of the Java Sea.
The novel "The Cruel Sea" was adapted into a successful film in 1953.
Monsarrat was a close friend of the writer C.S. Forester.

Image Gallery

Free Download Your Copy Today!

The Incredible True Story of the Legendary Sailor the Japanese Couldn't Kill is a must-read for anyone interested in maritime history, World War II, or the indomitable spirit of the human soul. Free Download your copy today!

The Indestructible Man: The Incredible True Story of the Legendary Sailor the Japanese Couldn't Kill

by Don Keith

4.6 out of 5