Raymond, M: Steel Coffin -

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Résumé :
The Second World War was a terrifying ordeal for grown men. For mere boys caught up in the conflict, it could be utter hell. John Morgan joins the merchant navy as a cabin boy, looking for adventure and the chance to broaden his horizons beyond his working-class Cardiff childhood. The experience tests his courage to the very limit. His first ship is torpedoed and he is rescued from the sea as a prisoner of the Germans, confined in first a U-boat, then the hold of a tramp steamer - both 'steel coffins' to the teenager stricken with claustrophobia. Allowed out on compassionate grounds to serve the enemy officers, he learns enough German to play a crucial part in the British prisoners' daring takeover of the ship. Despite everything he has been through, after a brief respite with his family, John goes back to sea. Life with a convoy sailing through Russian waters proves arduous, but he strikes up the great friendship of his life with fellow ship's boy Terry. What follows is an extraordinary story of two inseparable pals, who survive yet more dangers and adversity, including further captivity and the unspeakable horrors of the worst steel coffin of all... Malcolm Raymond founded the famous Ever Open Eye Youth Club for underprivileged boys. The youth club name, nominated by the boys, was from the flash on his army tunic of the Guards Armoured Division, known as The Eye. He received a special award, forty years after founding the club.