Books
Gunboat Command: The Biography of Lieutenant Commander Robert Hichens DSO, DSC, RNVR
Triumph of the little ships
Antony HichensPen & Sword, 341pp, £25,
Michael Rose reviews Antony Hichens' biography of Commander Robert Hichens
In an era when the Royal Navy seems to be struggling hard to find heroes, it is a relief to discover that one only has to turn back a few pages of history to the second world war to read of sailors who still acted in the tradition of Nelson. Notable are those who fought in the small boats of the Royal Navy, their most successful commander being Lieutenant Commander Robert Hichens. He was a naval volunteer officer who had been a solicitor before the war. By the time of his death in action in April 1943, he was the most highly decorated RNVR officer of the war. More importantly he had entirely redesigned the Royal Navy’s approach to coastal warfare, thereby seriously undermining the German Navy’s ability to operate freely in the Channel and North Sea. It is fortunate that his son, Antony Hichens (a friend and neighbour in Dorset), has now decided to write about his father, for the story that unfolds is a truly exciting one.
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colin morris
October 10th, 2008 3:17pmFor years i have had a second hand but excellent copy of 'We fought them in Gunboats by Lt Cdr Hichens'. First published in 1944 as 'war economy standard. The exploits of Doyle? in Victor mag inspired me to join the RN in 72, though coastal forces were no longer around. It will be good to read the biography by his son, the one who supplied 'Antsie's comfits' I presume?