RNLI APPEAL: 100 for a Century?

WW1 Sailor Story to Aid Lifeboats

In support of the RNLI May-Day Appeal, mother and daughter

team Alison and Meg are aiming to sell over 100 copies of a

First World War story “Memories of a First World War Sailor

for RNLI during the month of May.

Available at Amazon on Kindle (£2.99) and paperback (£5.99)

– proceeds from the book will go directly to the Anstruther

Lifeboat Station, Fife.

Monday May 15th 2017 is the 100th Anniversary of WW1 Battle of Otranto,

remembered by WW1 Sailor J. M. Smith, aboard the Craignoon KY279. The battle is

being commemorated with a display at The Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther,

where signed copies can be bought from 3PM (while existing stocks last!).

About “Memories of a First World War Sailor”

In May 1917, a fierce battle plays out on the Adriatic Sea. Austro-Hungarian destroyers have their sights on

the annihilation of an Allied naval barrage, and they won’t go home disappointed.

The barrage is made up of fishermen and fishing boats gathered from fishing villages all over Britain and

given over to the war effort, fishing nets put aside in order to fight. On board one such drifter is naval

engineer John Smith, hailing from the East Neuk of Fife.

The fisherfolk of the East Neuk of Fife were used to harsh and dangerous times and being dependent on

the sea, so when war arrived in 1914, although dreadful, it was a further extension of their day to day

struggles. But for some men and crafts, this battle, hundreds of miles from their native coasts, would be

their last struggle.

But for John, it’s only the beginning of the tale he shares with us – a tale of courage and resilience, told

with modesty and quiet humour.

To enhance the picture of John’s world and life, this edition also features research notes, family history and

recollections, shedding further light on John’s naval career, family and experiences.