Yashimoto's Last Dive [Hardcover]

Antony Trew (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 31, 2009

Togo Tashimoto, captain of the Japanese submarine I-357 and a ruthless disciplinarian steeped in the samurai tradition; and John Barratt, captain of HMS Restless, haunted by his wife's death while a prisoner of the Japanese in Changi Jail; were two very different men whose destinies were linked in the deadly game of hide and seek they were to play out among the islands and atolls of the Mozambique coast. Homeward bound after a disappointing patrol in the Indian Ocean, Yashimoto encounters an unescorted American freighter making for Cape Delgado. To conserve his remaining torpedoes he decides to attack by gunfire. In the night action which follows he sinks the Fort Nebraska, but not before her stern gun has scored a lucky hit. Unable to dive, Yashimoto makes for the coast to carry out repairs and to hide from the British air and surface forces he expects on the scene at dawn. HMS Restless, returning to her base, picks up Brad Corrigan, the only member of the freighter's crew to survive the massacre that followed her sinking. On the strength of the American's report, Barratt sets out in pursuit of the submarine. Stretching over four days, the destroyer's relentless search has the added flavor of a vendetta, since Barratt and Corrigan have personal scores to settle with the Japanese. Skillfully, hour by hour, the tension is built up until at last hunter and hunted meet in a tremendous climax. Never have Antony Trew's mastery of naval detail and powers as a storyteller been more successfully blended than in this novel of thrilling authority.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Devotees of World War II naval adventure may enjoy this slow, drawn-out tale, but Trew won't win any new fans. The story revolves around the long-range duel between Togo Yashimoto, ruthless commander of submarine I-357, and John Barratt, stolid skipper of the British destroyer Restless. In the Mozambique Channel off East Africa in 1942, the Japanese sub sinks a U.S. Liberty ship but is severely damaged by a fluke shot from the freighter's gun. To maintain secrecy Yashimoto machine-guns the survivors and takes I-357 to a semi-deserted island for repairs. One American does survive, though, and is picked up by Restless. His account of the atrocity inflames Lt. Commander Barratt (whose wife died in a Japanese prison camp) and, disregarding wireless orders, Barratt tracks and finds the camouflaged sub. After long, detailed accounts of life aboard the two vessels, there is, finally, a showdown. Almost all the characters are flatly drawn, and the action finale comes too late to save the book.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

YA Trew captures all of the action of destroyer-submarine warfare in the Indian Ocean during World War II. He pits the ruthless Samurai tradition of the Japanese captain of a battle-damaged submarine against the sensitive English captain of a British destroyer who has a vendetta against the Japanese for the death of his wife. Students will like the book's fast action and strong characterizations. A good choice for World War II enthusiasts and readers requiring fast-moving adventure. Barbara Batty, Port Arthur Independent School District
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Robert Hale (March 31, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0709086245
• ISBN-13: 978-0709086246
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds

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