IWM in Conversation: Will Iredale

Join author Will Iredale onboard HMS Belfast as he introduces his new book, Churchill's Pirates. Drawing on fascinating first-hand accounts with surviving veterans, exclusive interviews, original papers and new archive material this will be the defining story of the overlooked unit who worked night and day to keep Britain safe in her darkest hour, the Royal Naval Patrol Service. Alongside the fascinating wartime stories, Will will bring to life the personal experiences of ordinary people whose bravery played a crucial role in Allied victory. Following the talk, have your questions answered Churchill’s Pirates was the nickname of the naval force whose “toils and tireless courage”, in the words of Churchill himself, helped the Allies defeat Hitler’s war machine. A rag-tag group of sailors and volunteers that came to form the Royal Naval Patrol Service. These motley crews grew into a force of 70,000 men and women manning and supporting a fleet of 6,000 ships. Using converted fishing vessels, pleasure yachts and trawlers, they cleared sea mines, escorted merchant vessels, hunted submarines, and heroically rescued soldiers at Dunkirk, working day and night to keep Britain safe in her darkest hour. Adults £20