Author(s): Rae McGregor

Special Order

When 19-year-old Bob Marshall gets his call-up papers to join the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1943 he is ecstatic. Born and brought up in the inland town of Hamilton, Bob wants adventure. He is keen to be in uniform and eager for his naval life to start; he can't wait to be on a ship in action.

Bob's initial training is at Devonport Naval base and on Motuihe Island in the Hauraki Gulf. When his ship does enter the theatre of war Bob finds it frightening, dangerous and boring. Always nervous in the company of women, Bob meets Hilda when the ship is in South Africa. Love blooms. All the ships in the story did exist; action did take place in the Andaman Islands towards the end of World War II; and New Zealand sailors were seconded from the Royal New Zealand Navy to the Royal Navy.

In the opening chapter Bob is an old man facing death. With only a few months to live he sorts his collection of memorabilia and begins to write a book of his experiences.