Heroes of World War II – Their Finest Hour - Terry Ford

Book details:

South Shields Heroes of World War II

Their Finest Hour

Published Date - May 28 2024

ISBN - 9781068641817

Dimensions - 23.4 x 15.6 x 1.0 cm

Page Count - 140

 

Available at The Word £10 or online at:

South Shields Heroes of World War II – Their Finest Hour

 

Background:

The book started as an oral history project with Oxford University’s Their Finest Hour team. South Shields Local History Group recorded our members and the public with their wartime stories about their parents, grandparents, friends experiences in WW2.  These have now been turned into a 140 page book consisting of over 50 stories. The stories here cover most of the main theatres of war: the Home Front, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, North Africa, the Far East and the Atlantic Ocean. They also cover the various branches of the armed forces: Army, Merchant Navy, Navy and RAF and civilians.

 

Reviews:

Hard as it is to believe, there will come a time when there is no-one left alive who remembers how the Second World War devastated our South Shields landscape and robbed it of the flower of a generation. It underlines the importance of this remarkable volume which records, for posterity, the memories of some of those local folk who were child evacuees or, while still barely teenagers, were catapulted into the horrors of conflict on land, sea and in the air. Elsewhere in its pages, it falls to children and grandchildren to ensure that the stories of family members’ endurance and bravery, in action and on the home front, go on being told. In that respect there is no mythologising of war, which emerges as cruel, terrifying, pointless, muddled, sometimes funny and too-often heart-breaking. Oh, and it’s also a lesson in one generation talking to another, before it’s too late… 

Janis Blower

 

The history of South Shields at war in 50 memories. I couldn’t put it down. At home, living from day to day, rationed, bombed, making munitions, defending the town. In the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy on Arctic, Atlantic and Malta convoys, and with the ‘Wrens’ at Air Stations. With the RAF bombing Germany and on the ground in Africa. On the march with regiments in Normandy and Burma, and as Prisoners of War. Memories of fear and laughter, of death and camaraderie. Oral history at its best. Highly recommended. 

Peter S. Chapman, author of A Tyneside Heritage

 

We will remember them, words spoken every November but as time goes on less and less remembered. This book brings together the real stories of the real people of South Shields in their own words. Not just the military stories, but the impact on women and children. A fantastic initiative by South Shields Local History Group has ensured that, we will remember them. 

Ann Clouston, Colonel (Retired) OBE ARRC TD DL VR

 

I love this book. South Shields Heroes of World War II gives us 50 stories told by relatives with loads of photos. They did everything in all theatres of the war – as Churchill put it, at sea, on land and in the air – and of course there were those who kept the home fires burning, and the coal and the ships coming. This book makes me proud to be a Shieldsman. 

Robert Colls, Professor Emeritus of History, author of various books on North East history including Geordies. Roots of Regionalism.

 

Full marks to everyone who contributed to this important book. It astonishes that, almost eighty years since the ending of the Second World War, we now have this valuable record of the remarkable stories of some of the women and men of South Shields who fought, or simply endured life at home, during such a momentous time. 

Al Newham, Chair of South Shields Local History Group

 

This gem of a book is an amazing collection of wartime stories as remembered by those who lived through the war or as told to their relatives. What they experienced is very moving and the stories will leave you feeling quite humbled. They are written in the style in which they were narrated without editing which adds poignancy to the whole theme of the book. You will find it hard to put this book down.

Les Snaith, Lieutenant Commander, Royal Navy

 

The 50 memories contained in this superb volume are a true testament to the ordinary people of South Shields who like so many others answered the call of their country. The sacrifices of those in the Merchant Navy are particularly poignant given that South Shields lost more Merchant Navy personnel than any other town in the United Kingdom whilst serving on convoys ranging from the Arctic to Pacific. Throughout the book is the common theme of ‘after the war they never talked about it’ which is understandable given what some had gone through. However as time passes and those that experienced the war are no longer with us, those stories are now lost to time never to be recounted, which I am pleased to say this book goes a small way to addressing. Perhaps if that generation of ordinary heroes had told their stories we as a nation may have learnt from them the futility of war and moved on to a better place. 

Keith Trotter ex Second Mate Merchant Navy

WHAT HAVE WE DONE - HAYDN WATSON

 HOW TO ORDER

Price £9.99 & £3.00 P & P

Available from Lynn Davidson, The Memoir Club, 34 Lynwood Way,                                        South Shields, NE34 8DB 07552086888

Please make cheques payable to Lynn Davidson

Or email memoirclub@msn.com

                                                     This is a story of sorrow, hope and courage.                                                          During a time of fear and despair, faith in humanity is put to the test.

AUTHOR

I was brought up in South Shields. I lived in Simonside and attended Simonside Junior School. I then attended Westoe Boys and gained certificates including Northern Counties in Geography and CSE Grades in maths, English and English literature, history and technology. My first 20 years in employment was as an Engineer in Fabrication and Welding. In 1991, I gained a B.Ed. in Design & Technology and began teaching in Seaton Delaval. I moved onto schools as Head of Department in Sunderland and Ashington. I then took up lecturing posts at New College Durham, Gateshead College and Newcastle College. I retired from teaching in 2020.

As a child, I was an avid reader and that has continued to this day. I was spellbound by books such as Kidnapped, Treasure Island, War Of The Worlds, Robinson Crusoe, Tom Sawyer, The Old Man And The Sea, To Kill A Mockingbird and Kon Tiki.

In 2012, I began writing short stories and in 2020 I started writing my first book A Life Navigated. This story was based on true events and follows the life of a man who faced many challenges in his life. My second book Garn Yem, is about my life as a teenager in South Shields. It is a chronicle of nine young men and their lives in the early 1970s. It is about friendship and is a chronicle of short stories that has many comical experiences. My third book What Have We Done? is a story of the Holocaust. I have created a fictional Jewish family in Czechoslovakia who are caught up in the Shoah. I have also written a follow up to Garn Yem, which will be published next year.

I have five children and eleven grandchildren. My interests include music; I play guitar and I am a singer with the Jarrow Choral Society.

INTRODUCTION

The world has known horror, desolation and inhumanity ever since man first walked the earth. The persecution of the Jews and the rejection of their faith has been prevalent for thousands of years. From the early days of the Old Testament, they have suffered treachery and hostility resulting in many instances of condemnation and exile.

As a result, the spread of antisemitism radiated across the globe. Many sought to undermine and exclude their traditions and ultimately seek to extinguish their very existence. History has shown us that Jews have endured hatred on a vast scale. Jews have been subjected to racist ideology, misery and indescribable cruelty by monarchs, despots and dictators. They have often been portrayed as untrustworthy, selfish and corrupt. Even literature has revealed its resentment, when Shakespeare sought to create Shylock as an unpopular Jew in the Merchant of Venice; when Launcelot Gobo wrestles with his conscience and describes his master as a fiend and a devil.

However, what transpired from 1933-45, under the cloak of National Socialism and Adolf Hitler; will be remembered as the darkest period in human existence. Hitler’s obsession with the cleansing and clearing of Jews (Judenrein) would remain his singular perversive objective. The horror of what took place in Europe on the orders of Hitler and the Third Reich is beyond belief and yet it happened. The Nazi regime sought to complete their ‘Final Solution’ and exterminate a race of people because they posed a so-called threat to their ideals. The only weapons Jews possessed were their pride and faith. This atrocity was not just wreaked upon the Jews; Hitler also included gypsies, communists, homosexuals and Jehovah’s Witnesses in his inventory of persecution. The self-proclaimed master race even created a dictum that summed up their grim agenda with Lebensunwertes meaning ‘life unworthy of life’. 

This terrible passage of time in history must never be forgotten. The human race will only survive if we respect each other regardless of colour, race, sexuality or religious beliefs. Hearts and minds must be strong in the face of evil and recognise suffering. It is my firm belief not enough was done to prevent the annihilation of over 10 million souls. This does not rest well with me and it was a shameful derogation of responsibility that allowed Hitler to maintain his murderous plan of democide.
I dedicate this narrative to the millions that were murdered. To those who survived, you carried the torch of life and hope.

PROLOGUE

Reuban and Beila Spielmann were one of many families who had migrated from Kobrin in Bello Russia to avoid the continual repression the Jews were subjected to. They had serious misgivings as to the future under communist rule and sought a life of prosperity in the new state of Czechoslovakia. They travelled 305 miles to reach Czechoslovakia by train, taking two days, travelling through Poland to arrive at their destination in the district of Moravia. A friend, Benjamin Gerber, had made the same journey six months earlier and had sent Reuban a letter extolling the opportunities in Staré Hamry. Benjamin was a tanner and he had opened a shop selling leather goods in nearby Cieszyn. Reuban was a music teacher and he quickly established a school of music in Staré Hamry which is situated in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids mountain range, on the River Ostravice. The name of the village relates to a steel mill built in 1636 and the name Hamry refers to mill and Staré means old. The population of Staré Hamry in 1919 was 356.

Reuban and Beila had been married for five months when they arrived in Staré Hamry in the summer of 1919. Both Reuban and Biela’s parents had all died by the end of 1916 and they had no siblings. They settled into their new life and enjoyed a decent living, within a small enclave of other Jewish families. Beila worked for Moshe Schuster who was a cobbler in the village. In June 1922 Beila gave birth to their first child a boy, whom they named Yosef and two years later she gave birth to a daughter who they named Saris. Life was good in Staré Hamry and both children were thriving. In 1927 Reuban and Beila had another addition to the family when Tomas was born on a warm June morning. Unlike her first two deliveries Tomas was a difficult birth and Elazar Rabe the doctor was concerned Beila had lost too much blood during the birth. Fortunately, Beila recovered with the help of her family and much needed rest after the baby was delivered. Dr Rabe had advised Belia this must be her last child, as it would prove to be too great a risk, given the problems with the pregnancy.
Life was idyllic in those early years as the children grew, working hard in school and enjoying the world around them. At weekends Reuban would take the boys out hunting in the many forests bordering the village. Deer, hares, rabbits and partridges were regular sources of sustenance for the family. 

There was an abundance of wildlife in the area and they would often encounter brown bears, wild cats, foxes and lynx. On one hunting trip in 1932 they stumbled upon a brown bear attacking a wild boar. They watched for over an hour as both animals fought. 
The boar finally succumbed and it was killed and dismembered by the bear. Tomas was both shocked and a little uneasy having witnessed the battle and asked his father; “Why have you not rescued the boar father?”
Reuban answered; “The bear will have cubs hidden somewhere near Tomas and they will have to eat to survive. Life can be cruel, but without food those young bears will die. There are many wild boars in the forests Tomas and the meat from the boar will feed the cubs for many days.”
Reuban would often listen to the wireless after the evening meal and the news that Germany was in a state of political fervour troubled him. The National Socialists were gaining prominence and many thought the rhetoric being broadcast was very worrying. 
In 1932 the tension in the corridors of world power was palpable. Germany had established a strong army and along with Japan, had abandoned the League of Nations. Adolf Hitler became chancellor after gaining 36 per cent of the vote in a national election in January 1933. Ten years earlier Hitler had penned a book called Mein Kampf (My Struggle) while in prison for his radical beliefs. Within the narrative, he concluded; “The Jew is a destroyer of culture and a parasite within the nation.”

Reuban now spent most evenings listening to the wireless and would often seek the company of other Jews in the village and discuss the implications of Germany’s propaganda. Oblivious to all this; Tomas, Yosef and Saris enjoyed their school life, they had their own circle of friends. Reuban and Beila’s youngest boys’ close companions were Esther Wechsler, brothers Asher and Peter Solomon and Jan Moravec who was a Czech. Jan’s father was an electrician and his services were always in demand. The boys would play football together and go on adventure trails in the forest. Tomas and his friends also enjoyed fishing in the Ostravice River and in the summer, they would often dive in for a swim. As Jews, the Spielmann’s did not neglect their religion and readings from the Torah were regularly carried out along with prayers. Staré Hamry did not have its own synagogue, so prayers and religious festivals were performed within the houses of the Jewish community.

Europe was bracing itself for what was about to occur and the sabre rattling of Nazi Germany was intensified by one man’s prophecy of total domination. With this power he would eventually take hold and would create so much despair and sorrow, never ever seen before in the history of mankind.

FOREWORD

Having read this book, I was drawn into a world of fear. But also, a determination to survive in a reign of terror perpetrated by the Third Reich during World War Two. The characters jump out at you and then you are drawn into an epoch where safety is often a difficult place to find. We join them in empathy as we look at an environment where hatred and evil exist. The twisted ideology of Fascism that resulted in the planned mass extermination of a race of people is a terrible legacy of the last century.

This was an era when human beings were treated without respect and are herded like animals to their deaths. As a young teenager my mother encouraged my older sisters and me to watch the TV programme, The World At War. This she said, would guide us along a path of awareness to the evils carried out by those who would disregard human life. I still recall the introductory music and the haunting images of that programme.

Knowledge is important for all of us. It will help the world reject such hatred and in doing so; treat human beings with respect and dignity. And yet, we have seen such evil in the latter part of the 20th century. This has resulted in nationalities and religions being targeted with hostility. We must never forget or diminish the severity of the greatest act of revulsion that resulted in the anti-Semitic persecution of the Second World War. Let us learn from the past and in doing so; build a better life for all.

Reverend Mervyn P Thompson All Saints Church, South Shields

SIR ALAN COCKSHAW - BUILDING BRIDGES - CONNECTING PEOPLE

 SIR ALAN COCKSHAW 

BUILDING BRIDGES - CONNECTING PEOPLE

How to Order

HARDBACK  £25  & UK postage £4.50

By Post: Mail to Lynn Davidson, The Memoir Club, 34 Lynwood Way, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE34 8DB cheque payable to Lynn Davidson.

By Email memoirclub@msn.com   OR MOBILE 0755 2086888

Bank transfer details    Lynn Davidson      Barclays

20 83 69        83948145  please insert COCKSHAW as bank reference

Book launch 

Building Bridges - Connecting People is an examination of the life and work of one of the UK’s most distinguished civil engineers. Written in his inimitable style, it is an engaging portrait of a driven man and his charm and lust for life. In this fascinating autobiography, readers will learn about Sir Alan’s early years and his engineering education under esteemed mentors, showing both the highs and lows of a life lived in the spotlight.

 

It is an honest story but also a useful historical document, giving a contemporary account of some major infrastructure developments written from an engineer’s point of view. It outlines the combination of grappling with technical problems, and the added challenges of politics.

 

His forty years of involvement in urban regeneration, vast business leadership experience and local knowledge were invaluable during the regeneration of Hulme and the rebuilding of Manchester city centre.

 

Sir Alan discusses his belief that engineers are problem solvers not problem creators. He emphasizes that the future of engineering requires more cooperation and partnering which would provide huge cost savings and greater efficiencies. He discusses the need for local and central government and the private sector to work together for the benefit of society as a whole. 

AUTHOR

Sir Alan Cockshaw is a highly respected figure in the business world. Born in Manchester he spent his early career in both the public and private sectors. He became the Chief Executive of Fairclough Civil Engineering in 1978 and a Director of Amec in 1982 before his appointment as Group Chief Executive in 1984. In 1988 he became Chairman until his retirement in 1997.

 He was Chairman of Manchester Millenium (1996-2000), English Partnerships and Commission for the New Towns (1998-2001) and Roxboro plc (1998-2002).

He became a Director of Pidemco, Singapore (1991-2001), Director of CapitaLand, Singapore & UK, and the International Advisory Board (2001-2007).

He was Chairman of the Governors of Bolton School (1997-2007) and Chairman of the Major Projects Association (2005-2010).

 He became a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 1986 and was President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (1997-98). He holds two Honorary Doctorates from Manchester and Salford Universities.

He was knighted in 1992.

FOREWORD

by

The Rt Hon. the Lord Heseltine CH

It is a curiosity of ministerial life that there is no formal process of training. One day you are a backbencher with a constituency to look after aided by whatever public or private sector experience that preceded your election to the House of Commons. A day later you are seated behind a desk appropriate to the dignity and status as one of His Majesty’s ministers responsible for policy direction over a myriad of issues about which you may have little knowledge or experience. You will of course, have a feel for what your party expects of you! An outside observer may feel that there must be a better way to run a whelk stall.

I revert to the concept of training ministers. If I were to design such a scheme Alan’s book would be required reading. He brings the objectivity of a trained professional to the multi-disciplined challenges of public policy. I share his view that once an objective has been set the first essential is to put someone in charge and create a mechanism to deliver. Results will invariably depend on cooperation between the public and private sectors based on an understanding of the essential contributions that both can bring. He makes the important point that as many of the problems to be solved have similarities abroad it makes sense to see how other countries cope.

There is a fashion to promote recently graduated party enthusiasts to act as political advisers to ministers. I never did that but time and again I appointed advisers to bring their specialist expertise into the heart of the civil service. Alan’s story is a role model of how men and women with proven track records can be attracted into public service for the enrichment of us all.

 REVIEWS 

The best book I have ever read... what it says about leadership is astonishing. In my view, nobody has ever written a book about the construction industry like it. 

It’s also the best love story I have ever read.                           PC

Sir Alan and his wife Brenda have four adult children and live in the Manchester area.

 

MICHAEL SAUNDERS - FROM BARBED WIRE TO MOORLAND

MICHAEL SAUNDERS - FROM BARBED WIRE TO MOORLAND

Proceeds from the sale of books will go to Médecins Sans Frontières.

How to Order

HARDBACK  £14.50  & UK postage £3

SOFTBACK £9.50  & UK postage £3

By Post: Mail to Lynn Davidson, The Memoir Club, 34 Lynwood Way, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE34 8DB cheque payable to Lynn Davidson.

By Email memoirclub@msn.com   OR MOBILE 0755 2086888

Bank transfer details    Lynn Davidson      Barclays

20 83 69        83948145  please insert SAUNDERS as bank reference

AUTHOR

Michael Saunders has led a full and varied life, dominated by roles as a medical neurologist and an Anglian priest. His journey is both challenging and at times painful as he discusses his personal battle with a slow progressive form of muscular dystrophy leaving him as a full time wheel-chair user.

The author shares his life story and reflects on a time of transition in medicine and the practice of Christianity. He is open about his struggles with mental health and the movement from an exclusivist conservative evangelical version of Christianity to religious pluralism. This book emphasises the importance of intellectual honesty in any journey of self-discovery.

Michael is a retired consultant neurologist and Church of England priest. He spent many years in both roles simultaneously and has worked predominately in North East England and North Yorkshire. He spent a short time as a medical missionary in South India before returning to the UK through ill health. He is married to a retired psychiatrist and has four adult children and lives in the Yorkshire Dales.

AUTHORS WIFE, CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN

This book is the story of a life starting on the South Coast of England just before World War Two and nearing completion in a historic small market town in North Yorkshire, at the foot of beautiful moorland, in the 21^st century. The period represents a time of transition for the three most important things that have fashioned me. These are religion, medicine and a progressive muscle disease that has resulted in disabilities. I describe my religious and spiritual journey to ordination as an Anglican priest and subsequent ministry, life as a medical neurologist, and the diagnosis and progression of a form of muscular dystrophy.

The practice of formal Christianity has declined in the West. All-embracing dogmatic frameworks no longer impact on the majority of people. Advances in science challenge forms of religion that do not adapt to new knowledge. Young people have difficulty connecting with the established Church in the United Kingdom that is unable to embrace issues related to human sexual orientation and gender identity and at the same time unable to deal effectively with institutional sexual abuse. Increased global awareness has unveiled the challenge that other great faiths bring to Christian exclusivism. Instead of a move towards Christian liberalism, there seems to be a retreat into conservative Christianity during my lifetime. Large ‘successful’ churches may appear to suggest a general flourishing in churchgoing, but this is illusory. We live in a secular state. I describe my struggles with dogmatic Christianity, leading to a more open faith. I conclude that the majority of people who describe themselves as Christians are not within the walls of Christendom in the country I inhabit.

The practice of medicine has changed dramatically due to scientific progress. Many diseases are now treatable, and life expectancy has increased globally, but unequally. The advent of new imaging techniques and laboratory advances makes disease diagnosis more straightforward and accurate. Discoveries in genetics have enabled better classification of groups of disorders and novel treatment options. The development of vaccines has reduced the impact of some infectious diseases and eradicated smallpox. Yet, other new infections have occurred, including AIDS and the Covid pandemic. The discovery of antibiotics has reduced the mortality and morbidity of bacterial infections, although antibiotic resistance has emerged as a challenge to their effective use.

Society takes a more enlightened attitude towards people with impairments and disabilities. Advances in equipment design and development have reduced handicap, and there are more accessible buildings. Legislation has enhanced progress.

Unfortunately, aids for people like myself, with muscular dystrophy and other neurological diseases may be expensive and unavailable through the National Health Service. Self-funding or charitable donations fill the void in service provision.

My family has been my inspiration. I pay tribute to their love and support through good times and bad. They may not share my opinions all the time, but we have discussed and argued in a way that only families can. Although my days have been happy, privileged and fulfilling, there have been periods of difficulty and sadness. Although it is tempting to omit such episodes, they are part of me. There is no point in recalling a sequence of events without reflection, but I have tried to place any sorrows in perspective. I have seen enough poverty and suffering in this world to realise that I have lived a good life, full of interest and meaning. 

REVIEWS

I read Michael’s earlier book from Certainty to Mystery because initially I was particularly intrigued by the title. It then became very clear that this was the Michael that I had known in the late 1950s early 60s. I renewed contact with Michael mainly because I identified with his faith journey. We had both been part of a lively Baptist youth group in Hove which we are both very grateful for but now for different reasons our personal journeys have taken us from a faith that was certain, sure and clear cut to one which is happy to embrace mystery and uncertainty.

I have just read Michael’s autobiography from Barbed Wire to Moorland which is remarkable in the detailed memories that Michael has of both his early life until the present time . The early influence of family school and church life are clearly recorded and thoughtfully analysed. Michael is now in his mid 80s, but his memories are clear and detailed and he recalls clearly the influences that have been powerful for him over the years.

Michael from early days has struggled with significant health issues and with his mental health. This in no way has distracted from a long and distinguished career as a neurologist and latterly as a Church of England priest. In fact it seems to me it has enriched him. I was fascinated to read about his experience of working in India and how that was a pivotal period for rethinking so much about his evangelical understanding of Christianity.

I am full of admiration that he continues to think and write despite increased disability because of his progressive muscular dystrophy. As we go through life, we have the opportunity to learn from all our different experiences if we’re willing to allow them to teach and change us - this is exactly what Michael has done and I’m grateful for his latest book and warmly recommend it.

Sue Saville

Dr Martin O'Dell - MAKING A DIFFERENCE - A CIVIL ENGINEER'S WORLD

 

How to order

MAKING A DIFFERENCE - A CIVIL ENGINEER'S WORLD

HARDBACK 250 photographs in text 393 pages

UK

                   HARDBACK £22  & UK postage £4.50

By Post: Mail to Lynn Davidson, The Memoir Club, 34 Lynwood Way, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE34 8DB cheque payable to Lynn Davidson.

By Email memoirclub@msn.com   OR MOBILE 0755 2086888

I REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO COMPLETE YOUR ORDER

Author's name or book and the number of copies required.

Your details NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER                                           

Bank transfer details    Lynn Davidson      Barclays 20 83 69 83948145  

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Conquest of the 7th continent

The family: Rowan, Oscar, Kylie and
Nicholas at back with Robyn, Ava and myself seated

HOW TO ORDER FROM AUSTRALIA 

HARDBACK A$44.00 & A$10.60 Postage within Austalia

Contact Martin O’Dell directly providing your name, address and telephone number:

By post: 22 Gardiner Parade, Glen Iris, Vic 3146     

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                                   REVIEWS: 

Making a Difference is highly recommended reading.   S M Braint

Few books about engineering engage the general reader. Engineering work is considered too specialized for the general reading public and engineers are given little credit for the work they do. Or as Martin O’Dell writes, while medics deservedly get praise, ‘engineers often go unsung’. Making a Difference is the exception.

Meet the engineer who sets out to rectify the omission, an attitude that reflects his approach to some of the most daunting engineering projects around the world. If there is a problem: solve it. If something is lacking: fill the gap. If the dam wall leaks fix it. 

Martin O’Dell, a civil engineer, has written a compelling adventure story about his work in twenty-one countries, constructing, amongst other things, mega-sized dams, sewerage plants, and village water supplies. The word ‘adventure’ is used advisedly. One of the most attractive features of the book is the way it generates the author’s enthusiasm and optimism about the countries he visits, even in the face of physical danger and bureaucratic procrastination. Life is an adventure full of challenges and opportunities and he meets life full on. The result, as the title promises, is that he has made a difference to the lives of millions of people. 

It is a transformative book. After reading, you can never again take for granted having a shower, flushing the toilet, or turning on the tap for a drink of water. What is a ‘norm’ for us, however, has been denied to so many communities around the world. Martin O’Dell and his teams set out to make these basic amenities possible, bringing sanitation and water to underprivileged peoples, changing their lives forever.

While this book deals with the technological problems involved in building dams and sewerage systems (quite a specialized interest) it is above all a book about people. Throughout his career, Martin consulted with local engineers and local communities as an essential part of his projects. He was always conscious that no job could be satisfactorily completed without the aid and co-operation of local expertise.

He listened to what people wanted and when engaging with a new project readily accepted advice from local experts. People were central to success, whether it was co-operating with Zulu Chieftains in Southern Africa, or members of the Snowdonia Board in North Wales, or the Palestinian Surveyor (Abdul Latif) in Saudi Arabia. 

Martin was appointed the Deputy Project Manager for building the Mudhiq Dam in Saudi Arabia and he gives a telling insight into the complexities of such an undertaking: ‘…roads and tunnels; bridges; huge concrete pours; large-scale mechanical works; major temporary works; building works; survey and monitoring; and the need for innovative design.’ 
One of the more distressing aspects of his work was learning to accept the customs of societies very different to his own. For example, the occasions when he was faced with what to him were draconian Sharia laws that could not be appealed. ‘The right hand was amputated for theft. For murder, rape, or drug offences the sentence was beheading.’  He reports the situation with a typical dry, ironic humour: ‘“Chop square” saw action on many Fridays.’

Dr Martin O’Dell was no armchair academic. During his late adolescence, with few academic qualifications to his name, he was at a loss as to what career path to follow. A chance encounter with his school’s Deputy Head turned out to be fortuitous: ‘You are good at Latin, Larry (his nickname), so why not consider civil engineering?’  Quirky advice and he never did understand the link between Latin and engineering.  But the world can be grateful that he took up the challenge.   S M Baint
 

If you are technically minded, about to embark on a career, and fancy seeing the world, then Dr Martin ‘Larry’ O’Dell takes you through an outgoing, challenging life as a civil engineer lived in many countries around the world where clean water supply or sewage management have required civil engineering expertise. 

Lucky to have survived his early years after a golf club caved-in his skull, and a lesser, but significant accident when his ankle completely snapped, he went on to test his luck further by escaping perilous risk when leaping from a bucking survey ship in raging seas onto a Liverpool dockside.  With an adventurous spirit he went on to put his engineering skills to effective use in several countries both before and after emigrating to Australia where he met his wife, Robyn.
 
He summarises his working career as around 25 years spent away from homes in  UK and Australia, on engineering projects in well over a dozen countries/regions ranging from Wales/ Saudi Arabia/ South Africa/ Indonesia/ IndoChina/ China and various Pacific islands finishing on Samoa, and on projects ranging from large dams to both major city and minor village water/sewage developments. So, the book title “Making a Difference” is well justified.  Alan Bayly                                                       
Stephen Henningham (Historian and Author) who, some years ago, as Australian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and as Australian High Commissioner in Samoa gained some sense of the challenges and achievements of Dr O’Dell and his colleagues in those countries.
 

That Dr Martin (Larry) O'Dell has made a real contribution and difference, both in his profession and more widely in community affairs, is well appreciated by his many friends and acquaintances, but many of us have been sketchy about the details. So, it is good news that he has set out the story so far. And this well written and presented book certainly does not disappoint indeed, it is of great potential interest to many people beyond those who have had the good fortune to be acquainted with him.

After some career false starts (forestry, anyone?), and encouraged by a helpful schoolmaster, the author settled on civil engineering, attaining a first degree and then a PhD, and specializing mainly in water storage and supply and wastewater and sewerage management. In a long and varied career, extending well beyond the usual retirement age, he had the privilege and faced the challenges of working in demanding environments across the world. And meanwhile, he fitted in much travel and many adventures. 

Some autobiographies charting a professional life are addressed to a narrow readership. Not so this book. There is fascinating detail on engineering projects and challenges, but the language is clear and non-technical, and thus accessible to the layperson, and there is much else in the book to interest, inform and amuse.

Some autobiographies get bogged down in too much detail but this one cuts to the chase, while nonetheless presenting many insights.  We learn how the author, with others, contributed to the improved management of dredged silt in the Mersey estuary, resulting in significant cost savings; how to spit roast an ox African-veldt style, even if the improvised roast equipment sagged a little; and how the author confirmed the characteristic concave/convex shape of high sand dunes by driving rapidly up one side and then flying (literally) down the other (don’t try this at home).
Some mysteries remain however, including the connection between Latin proficiency and the discipline of engineering – is it to do with discipline and attention to detail? – and whether elevated nocturnal champagne consumption is an effective prophylactic against a nasty African waterborne disease.

Some autobiographies make poor use of photographs and other illustrations, but not this one. Numerous illustrations are skilfully integrated into the text – many of them author’s own photos – to enhance and illuminate the text.

Some autobiographies are written in a fashion intended to ‘big up’ the role and achievements of the author. Not so this one. Any claims made are backed up with evidence – some of it literally ‘concrete’ evidence, with respect to dams and other structures built. Moreover, this most civil of civil engineers generously acknowledges those who have helped along the way, both in the main text and in an appendix listing several key people. They include, of course, his wonderful spouse Robyn and their impressive sons.
The author’s reflections on and insights into the implementation of development projects in China, Vietnam, Laos, Samoa and elsewhere are of particular interest. As well as technical challenges there were linguistic and cultural issues. And navigating and eventually mastering the arcane bureaucratic forms and procedures of the Asian Development Bank was a further challenge. The author demonstrates that to succeed in this sort of work, high-level professional technical skills need to be fully complemented with cultural awareness and social and people skills.

Sometimes the progress delivered by a successful project was not an unmixed blessing. The author gives the example of the village women who had reservations about the provision of improved water supply when they had been comfortable enough with walking several kilometres to collect water from a well or a river, chatting with friends, exchanging gossip and useful information with the other women, and having a break from their overbearing husbands. Distorted aid donor priorities were also a problem. One example was the funding and building, on more than one occasion, of impressive sewage management works, which could be opened with ribbon-cutting, media coverage, and much fanfare, while the essential task of constructing a sewage delivery system to feed into the works was neglected. 
So, finally, two more points – first, this book would be an ideal gift to a young person embarking on an engineering or related career, especially if they have a sense of adventure and want to work in international locales; and second, it would be a very welcome addition to a personal, school, university or other library.   
 

A wonderfully human story and adventure

I very much enjoyed this book, not only from the Civil Engineering point-of-view, but also from the obvious humanity and care that has been a hallmark of Dr. O'Dell throughout his career. To balance what could be a very dry engineering synopsis if it was just left at that, his introduction and occasional referral to his family, together with his descriptions of the cultures he experienced, made this very much a human story. Dr. O'Dell is in many ways the reluctant hero of this book, but one shouldn't forget the love and support received from his family. His wife Robyn is equally heroic in her dedication to Martin's career, for without this, much of what Martin achieved just wouldn't have happened. As so many reviewers have noted, young STEM students should read this marvellous book to inspire them to aim high in the rest of their professional and private lives.   David Willison

                            Splicing work with adventure

When Dr O'Dell tells you that he didn't really know what he wanted to do before falling into a career he loved, you know you're in for an honest appraisal of how it turned out. This book should be an inspiration to young people looking to splice work with adventure. Each part of his life was a short story in itself, and he covers the places, the people, the projects, the achievements and the challenges with remarkable recall, even when the requirement to keep pace with some cultures' hospitality sometimes caused overnight amnesia. Civil engineering gave him a chance to experience many cultures in interesting parts of the world while earning a salary, and he took full advantage of it. Don't be surprised if you feel a little envious by the end of his story.   Peter Gerstrom

Engineering is Ingenuity

The title says it all, with one man’s hands-on experience, making a huge positive difference working on crucial engineering projects in developing countries. Dr Martin (Larry) O’Dell recounted many interesting facts and insights leading teams involved in civil and hydraulic engineering projects across South Africa, Middle East, Asia and culminating in the Pacific islands over a career spanning 38 years to 2015.

The adventurous spirit and commitment to assist less fortunate societies commenced with Martin (Larry) O’Dell achieving the Queen’s Scout around 1962. That “doing a good deed” scouting theme certainly shines through in Larry’s choice of the civil engineering profession. His organizational and ingenious skills, combined with an affinity for working with cultures of all persuasions has enhanced countless lives for generations in many parts of the world.

This fascinating book Dr. (Larry) O’Dell has written demonstrates his skill and encourages others to follow in providing a healthy world, with basic water and sanitation sortedI found this a fascinating account of a working life well spent contributing in so many ways to the benefit of others. It shows the variety on offer in an engineering career that illustrates a highly rewarding profession in which he combines work, family and friendships. I highly recommend this book as a very engaging and entertaining read and encourage younger engineers to read and discover the many opportunities out there and the job satisfaction that follows. A remarkable achievement.  John F Kell BE (Civil), M App Sc, MICE (ret), MIE Aust

Engineering does not have to be mundane and tedious (although, like all careers, it sometimes is). Dr. (Larry) O'Dell's tales of water engineering planning and projects across many parts of the UK and Asia provide fascinating views of the highs and lows of major projects. The highs are often working alongside the wonderful local counterparts and the lows are usually associated with institutions and bureaucracies - especially where subtle translations are an added trap. The book is an interesting mixture of the personal and professional, and the many photos (of varying quality) sprinkled through the text provide striking interludes in the narrative. If you know a bright young person who is looking for a different type of career, then this book could be an excellent present.   David Hanrahan

An unusual career

A most informative book which combines a lifetime of travelling adventures with international engineering experience. It is well presented, clearly structured and written in a most pleasant way filled with amazing anecdotes. Photographs incorporated within the text enhance the reading experience. In addition, it presents a lot of details for those who are interested in an unusual career.  Dr Bert Gergen
 
Dr O’Dell spent most of his working life as an expatriate engineer in many countries around the world. His book ‘Making a Difference’ describes in detail the work involved, the highs and lows of an expatriate engineer’s life. From personal knowledge Dr O’Dell is an exceptional water/wastewater engineer as is clear from the contents of his book. He worked diligently on many schemes and his professional knowledge resulted in their success. The book reads well and is well illustrated by Dr O’Dell’s personal photographs. I worked in some of the countries where Dr O’Dell worked, and we became firm friends. I too was an expatriate water engineer for over 30 years. Dealing with numerous clients with differing objectives is not easy but Dr O’Dell patiently overcame many of these obstacles before the schemes were completed. The detail of his work is well documented in his book and needs no further comment.
My final comment is that Dr O’Dell did make a difference to many communities around the world. He should be proud.   John Sinclair MICE, FIWES (retired).

For those with experience or interest in water engineering this is a fascinating read of a lifetime "making a difference" to the water supplies in many locations throughout the world particularly in developing countries. Dr O'Dell recounts his career over almost 45 years mainly for international consulting firms based in the UK and Australia. Much of his experience was in Asia. Many with similar experience will enjoy the nostalgia of work and living in surroundings that are full of unfamiliar and rewarding encounters.
The book is full of details of water engineering projects and the associated interaction with local people and their customs. It is a very personal account which must have given him great satisfaction in recording a lifetime helping to improve the lives of those in need and his appreciation of the relationships with all those he worked with. Written in a very readable style with much detail but possibly a little too personal by inclusion of his family life and leisure trips which, although important to him, may not be of interest to those who do not know him.  Peter Moody Consulting Water Engineer
 
Dr Martin (Larry) O'Dell has condensed his long and outstanding professional career as a Civil Engineer working in many countries around the world into a truly fascinating and inspiring memoir which will appeal to a broad audience of all ages. It helps us to understand the role of a Civil Engineer and the impact that Engineers can make on the health, prosperity and life of people all around the world, particularly in developing counties in great need for urban and rural infrastructure. It will hopefully encourage young people to take up a career in Civil engineering and to see the world.

Dr O'Dell's important work in some 21 countries on a range of infrastructure projects from the massive scale of large dams and major city sewerage systems to small scale village water supply and sanitation systems is a great credit to him and to the local and international teams working on those projects, often under challenging living conditions. Larry's wife Robyn and their sons Rowan and Nicholas shared these adventures over the years and were a great support.   Geoffrey A Piggott

 
A FASCINATING READ”
A truly remarkable description of the author's journey through life, this book will be of interest not only to engineers but to anyone within travelling & the wider world.   Peter Aylmer
 
This book recounts the adventures of Dr O'Dell, a civil engineer, as he tackles challenging water engineering projects across continents, spanning from the UK to Africa, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia. Alongside delving into the technical aspects of his work, the narrative skillfully integrates interesting anecdotes of his travels and encounters with diverse cultures. Dr O'Dell has clearly greatly enjoyed his lengthy career and can truly take pride in the real difference he has made. As a retired civil engineer myself, sharing similar experiences, I very much enjoyed reading this book. I hope that younger engineers embarking on their career paths discover this book and be inspired to seize opportunities in developing countries and make a difference too.  Richard Baker FICE

This book is a story of one person’s career as a civil engineer working and travelling the world, from the UK to Africa, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia.  Dr O’Dell traces his life and his work as a water engineer, with a very interesting and remarkably detailed narrative of his experiences from being a young 'green' engineering graduate to becoming a sought-after engineering expert and manager.  His narrative brings together the technical aspects of his work, written in a most understandable way for the layman, with the cultural and social aspects of living and working in many parts of the world.  He has managed to illustrate his book with some remarkable photographs covering the length of his career.  He has also managed to bring out his love for his work and the enjoyment and satisfaction he and his family have experienced from his work and travels.

Dr O’Dell’s experiences demonstrate the large scale of opportunities and roles that exist in the civil engineering industry and that the rewards are many-fold - seeing the world, developing lasting friendships and leaving a legacy of improvements to the lives of many.  And it’s not all work and no play. This book provides many compelling reasons demonstrating why a career in civil engineering can be the greatest job in the world.

In total Dr O’Dell worked in 21 countries and travelled through many more. However this is much, much more than an autobiography of projects, countries and dates. It’s a thoughtful insight into the clash of cultures when the less developed world comes up against societies which have been developing since the Industrial Revolution. In the early stages of his career the writer found it difficult working with multilateral banks – “for all their loan conditions, they were unquestionably just banks wanting to loan money. And governments wanted projects with the opportunity to skim off the top. All too often the local contribution to a project would not be undertaken”.

On the Mudhiq dam site in Saudi Arabia, there was another clash of cultures: the French contractor’s distilled spirit “didn’t taste too good” whereas the British red and white wine “using all locally available ingredients was always drinkable”!

Many of us must occasionally ask ourselves the question “did I make a difference?” Having read Dr Martin O’Dell’s book, the answer is definitely “Yes he did”!   Alison & Martin Walshe

 BOOK

From an inauspicious start of not knowing what career to embark on, wading through multiple options and initially receiving uninviting job offers, Martin (Larry) carved out a remarkable life as a civil engineer in the water sector. He worked in many parts of the world, undertaking challenging projects, and meeting engaging people along the way. 

Martin’s memoir weaves the technical aspects of his work with wonderful experiences of living and travelling through countries with diverse political and social cultures.

Martin grew up in St Albans, Hertfordshire in the period after the war when children could be carefree. They were expected to go out and play in the street or the woods from morning until dusk and come home for tea!

There were few restrictions, no one worried, and we were OK. No bike helmets, no concern about hitch-hiking, no seat belts and no drink driving laws! How did we survive?

After six years at university in the revolutionary years of 63 to 69 (Beatles to Woodstock), Martin headed for the big wide world, starting in Africa, and rarely returning to the UK. He met his wife Robyn in Australia and together they explored the world. Two children along the way made travel a challenge on occasion.

Martin and Robyn live in Melbourne close to their two sons and two grandchildren.

Martin and his wife Robyn on an artic adventure

PREFACE

This is an adventure story for surely that is what life is supposed to be. It describes the highlights of my lifetime as a civil engineer in the international arena and the many varied challenges and pleasure opportunities it has afforded. It is a personal adventure starting with the uncertainty of what to do with one’s life, as I imagine many do.

My career spanned the construction of large, heavy civil engineering projects, through to small water supply schemes, engaging closely with village communities. It covered a forty-five-year time period, twenty-seven of those working overseas in twenty-one different countries, contributing to the improved livelihoods of millions of people in the developing world. It also witnessed huge technological changes from slide-rule to laptop.

The engineering projects have been presented in scale, range and the unusual, rather than technical detail. All have had their highlights; few have had downsides.

I have revelled in my career and all the fascinating experiences that have come with it. Such pleasure was enhanced by my wife, Robyn, who was able to embrace the years living abroad, occasionally in difficult circumstances, and who had to put up with me being away from home, sometimes for months on end. Our sons, Rowan and Nicholas, survived their upbringing. They enjoyed their time in foreign countries, what they can remember of it, they certainly added to our experiences.

I have written my story primarily for myself, to enjoy it all over again, and again, and again – with each subsequent edit! It would also be a shame not to document the experiences of a lifetime for children and grandchildren and for anyone else who might be thinking of heading along a similar path. Of course, these are my memories and they may not always be entirely accurate. So, forgive me if anyone believes I have bent some truths, but who lets facts get in the way of a good story.

BOOK LAUNCH, AUSTRALIA,  APRIL 2024