Review
“A revealing book and essential reading for those wanting to understand the chilling detail of how Britain's nuclear deterrent is operated.”
Britain at War
"The book is well-written and the story flows smoothly from one topic to another. In time, this book will become one of the autobiographical accounts that future naval historians will consult when writing about the Royal Navy during the Cold War."
PowerShips
“Overall, I would thoroughly recommend the book. It was an interesting, sometimes thought provoking, but above all an entertaining read.”
Nuclear Futures
"Presented with humility, humour, and political and technical awareness, this remarkable book provides a succinct insight into the daily reality of maintaining nuclear deterrence."
Mountbatten
“After so often reading of accidents and problems afflicting Britain's nuclear submarine fleet in often sensationalised articles in the general media, it is refreshing to learn what really happens directly from a knowledgeable and reliable source.”
Baird Maritime
"This is a personal memoir, but a superior one. As well as being a cracking read, Thompson puts his professional experiences in their wider context which is why this book should have broad appeal. There is much to learn here about the RN’s submarine service and about the UK’s nuclear weapons policy."
Naval Review
"This book is highly recommended, not just for the detail and historical perspective it gives, but also for the lightness of the writing. This reviewer could almost sense Eric Thompson smiling wryly as he put his memories down on paper or computer screen."
Warship World
"It is written in a delightfully understated, humourous style with some quirky turns of phrase, which forms an unusual didactic prose but nevertheless makes it an absorbing read."
Scuttlebutt
“One wonders now if the "mutually assured destruction" threat has any real meaning with respect to Britain's nuclear deterrent. Fascinating slice of cold war history.”
Books Monthly
"This memoir is not just a personal tale but a chronicle of insights and activities during the period of [Commodore Thompson's] service (1961-1998). Both witty and serious, his social commentary is as insightful as those of a maritime nature. This book is not just easy but fun to read. The language alone is worth the trip."
Naval Historical Foundation
"Endowed with a wry sense of humor and a literary bent, Thompson paints at times a disquieting picture of the darker, human side of life in submarines. His characters are portrayed vividly, and anyone who has served will recognize their types instantly."
Naval War College Review
"...well and entertainingly written and thus, easy to keep on with, as well as informative of a submariner’s career."
The Northern Mariner
“…an engaging, thoroughly entertaining read, which also serves up contemplation (and education) about the unthinkable.”
Warships International Fleet Service
“A well-written book offering readers a fascinating glimpse into the little-known world of the modern Navy and its submarine service. Littered with amusing stories and anecdotes, Thompson’s writing entertains as well as informs. I was a little surprised some of the content isn’t covered by the Official Secrets Act but we must be grateful that its time constraints allow us to now read what was actually going on beneath the waves and how these dedicated people helped prevent the Cold War becoming more.”
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About the Author
Eric Thompson was born in Scotland during the Second World War. He won a scholarship to Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth at sixteen, was streamed as an Engineer Officer, volunteered for submarines and thirty-seven years later retired as Commodore of Britain's principal nuclear submarine base at Faslane. A creature of the Cold War, he served in five submarines, two squadrons, the staff of Submarine HQ and the Ministry of Defence. In addition to being a nuclear propulsion specialist, he took a Masters degree in Acoustics and became a lead officer in the ultra-secret world of underwater warfare and stealth technology. His MBE was awarded for leadership during a submarine emergency on patrol.
