The summer of 1917. Britain is losing the war against the deadly German U-boats. After a close fought action, Commander David Smith uncovers what he believes is a deadly plot against Britain from a dying German sailor. Code-named SchwerttrZiger — or Swordbearer — it could turn the tide of the war in Germany's favour. But nobody will listen to him. He is under suspicion, and ignored. With just one one ancient destroyer, a turtle-back ‘thirty-knotter’ known as ‘Bloody Mary’, under his command, he must wage this battle on his own. Smith has to take on shore batteries and bigger, faster enemy destroyers. He has to fight the hostility of his commanding officer and is plunged into a world of espionage behind enemy lines. Through it all the mystery behind ‘Schwerttriiger’ lures him on — until he stakes his career and his life in a desperate attempt to solve it. ‘Ship of Force’ is an edge-of-the-seat WWI naval adventure that combines thrilling story-telling with meticulous research. I think a 21 gun salute is required… Alan Evans has produced a cracking thriller Evans provides a different sea story, sustained suspense and vivid battle scenes Alan Evans was a thriller writer known for vividly recreating the atmosphere of the First World War

The year is 1917. After three years, the outcome of the Great War is poised on a knife-edge. One man believes he can make a difference. David Cochrane Smith, the captain of the armoured cruiser HMS Thunder, is patrolling off the coast of South America. He has attacked and sunk the Gerda, a neutral ship in a neutral port. He is labelled as mad man. Smith already has a reputation as a maverick. Now he faces professional ruin as he is called to account for the sinking. But he is certain he was right. He is sure the Gerda was one of two ships masquerading under neutral flags that are in fact supply ships for the German warships, Kondor and Wolf. These two superbly equipped German warships threaten to annihilate British shipping on the Pacific seaboard. Only an outdated cruiser and a young captain who is prepared to break all the rules stand in their way… As the battle draws to a climax, the battered HMS Thunder will be facing trials fiercer and more terrifying than any yet witnessed at sea. ‘Thunder At Dawn’ is an edge-of-the-seat WWI naval adventure that combines thrilling story-telling with meticulous research. “I think a 21 gun salute is required… Alan Evans has produced a cracking thriller” “Evans provides a different sea story, sustained suspense and vivid battle scenes” Alan Evans is a thriller writer known for vividly recreating the atmosphere of the First World War. His other titles include ‘Ship of Force’, ‘Sword at Sunrise’ and ‘Orphans of the Storm’. Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books