Gunboat Command
Antony Hitchens
This biography draws heavily on the personal diaries of the subject, Robert Hichens (or ‘Hitch’ as he was universally known).
After a brief description of his early life, time at Oxford, his motor racing achievements (including trophies at Le Mans in his Aston Martin), and RN training, the book focuses on his exceptional wartime experiences. Hitch was the most highly decorated RNVR officer of the war with two DSOs, three DSCs and three Mentions in Despatches. He was recommended for a posthumous VC. We read of his early days in vulnerable minesweepers and the Dunkirk ‘Dynamo’ operation, (his first DSC).
In late 1940, Hitch joined Coastal Forces serving in the very fast MGBs, soon earning his own command and shortly after command of his Flotilla. He was the first to capture an E-Boat. His successful leadership led to many more successes and his reputation as a fearless and dynamic leader remains a legend today.
The book contains detailed and graphic accounts of running battles against the more heavily armed E-boats. Tragically, he was killed in action in April 1943, having refused promotion and a job ashore.
Duration - 15h 24m.
Author - Antony Hitchens.
Narrator - Alex Hyde-White.
Published Date - Thursday, 18 January 2024.
Copyright - © 2015 Pen and Sword ©.
Location:
United States
Description:
This biography draws heavily on the personal diaries of the subject, Robert Hichens (or ‘Hitch’ as he was universally known). After a brief description of his early life, time at Oxford, his motor racing achievements (including trophies at Le Mans in his Aston Martin), and RN training, the book focuses on his exceptional wartime experiences. Hitch was the most highly decorated RNVR officer of the war with two DSOs, three DSCs and three Mentions in Despatches. He was recommended for a posthumous VC. We read of his early days in vulnerable minesweepers and the Dunkirk ‘Dynamo’ operation, (his first DSC). In late 1940, Hitch joined Coastal Forces serving in the very fast MGBs, soon earning his own command and shortly after command of his Flotilla. He was the first to capture an E-Boat. His successful leadership led to many more successes and his reputation as a fearless and dynamic leader remains a legend today. The book contains detailed and graphic accounts of running battles against the more heavily armed E-boats. Tragically, he was killed in action in April 1943, having refused promotion and a job ashore. Duration - 15h 24m. Author - Antony Hitchens. Narrator - Alex Hyde-White. Published Date - Thursday, 18 January 2024. Copyright - © 2015 Pen and Sword ©.
Language:
English
Opening Credits
Duration:00:00:25
Dedication
Duration:00:00:13
Prologue
Duration:00:06:52
Preface
Duration:00:04:47
Chapter 1
Duration:00:44:11
Chapter 2
Duration:00:30:10
Chapter 3
Duration:01:25:04
Chapter 4
Duration:01:05:20
Chapter 5
Duration:01:00:50
Chapter 6
Duration:00:57:01
Chapter 7 Part 1
Duration:00:55:49
Chapter 7 Part 2
Duration:00:36:26
Chapter 8
Duration:00:37:50
Chapter 9
Duration:00:59:02
Chapter 10
Duration:00:59:20
Chapter 11
Duration:01:03:16
Chapter 12 Part 1
Duration:01:09:42
Chapter 12 Part 2
Duration:00:21:53
Chapter 13
Duration:01:04:26
Chapter 14
Duration:00:55:21
Chapter 15
Duration:00:21:07
Chapter 16
Duration:00:19:29
Acknowledgements
Duration:00:04:33
About the Author
Duration:00:01:03
End Credits
Duration:00:00:39