Mrs Fergusons Tea-set, Japan and the Second World War

In this new work, the author argues that he is not just setting the history right in terms of all the inaccuracies so far reported, but is also offering significant new data based on direct contact with surviving members of the Automedon crew and their families, together with access to new primary sources. Offering a Japanese perspective for the first time, the book tracks the role of the Japanese navy as a silent partner and active participant in the war at sea against Britain and her allies prior to Japan's flagrant formal entry into World War II at Pearl Harbor. The author argues that the cooperation between the German and Japanese navies led to Japan's final defeat when Admiral Yamamoto was misled by the intelligence obtained from the confidential cabinet papers recovered from the Automedon. Indeed, one of the most significant conclusions to be drawn from this fascinating story is how happenstance impacts on the outcome of conflict: had not Mrs Ferguson, who was on board the Automedon when it was sunk demanded from the German captain that her baggage 'not required on board' containing her tea service should be saved, the German crew would never have found the ship's secret strong room containing the British cabinet papers. The book's 16-page plate section provides a valuable pictorial resource, many of the photographs appearing here for the first time.