Zeebrugge · Eleven VCs Before Breakfast

One of the greatest stories of The Great War.

This is the story, brilliantly told, of a desperate and heroic venture - the raid by British warships of the Belgian port of Zeebrugge, 23 April 1918.

The objective was to sink blockships in the mouth of the canal, sealing off access to the English Channel from the U-boats and destroyers based in the harbour at Bruges.

The British crews were all volunteers, yet highly trained and ready for the fight. Many knew they were unlikely to survive the firestorm from the German batteries. It was the ultimate example of heroism in the face of defeat.

The Germans removed the obstructions, and the U-boats continued to operate through the summer. But in that one brief morning, eleven men won the VC, 21 the DSO, 29 the DSC, among many other awards.

Barrie Pitt, the bestselling author of The Crucible of War (about the Battle of Alamein) and History of the SBS , captures logistics, action and spirit of the men during the campaign.

Zeebrugge is a military classic, a testament to British heroism.

Recommended reading for fans of Antony Beevor, Max Hastings and James Holland.

Barrie Pitt (1918-2006) was well known as a military historian and editor of Purnell’s History of the Second World War and History of the First World War. His publications include 'Coronel and Falkland', 'Churchill and the Generals' and 'The Crucible of War', a trilogy covering the North African campaign of the Second World War. He was born in Galway and later lived near Ilminster in Somerset.

Praise for Barrie Pitt:

'As much a thriller as it is a history book.' Daily Mail

'A breathless and unforgettable narrative.' Sphere

'A magnificent book. Barrie Pitt has almost a novelist's skill and perception of character.' Daily Telegraph

Totally readable, Mr Pitt's study depicts equally well the broad outlines of strategy, the confusions and hazards of the battlefield and the personalities of the generals of private soldiers fighting there.' Oxford Times