"The Depths of December offers a concise yet impactful exploration of one of the most significant naval battles in World War II. This 12,000-word account details the confrontation between the British Far East Fleet and the Mitsubishi Bombers from the 22nd Flotilla of the Imperial Japanese Air Service, taking place off the coasts of Singapore and Malaya. The narrative is delivered with vigor and authority by the accomplished author.
For years, Britain and Japan had adopted contrasting military strategies: the former relied on powerful artillery, while the latter focused on the efficacy of aerial strikes. On December 10, 1941—shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor—the true effectiveness of these strategies was put to the test. This work exemplifies Stuart Lloyd's signature storytelling style by incorporating firsthand accounts from those directly engaged in the heat of battle, thereby propelling the narrative forward.
Readers are positioned as virtual spectators in the waters near Kuantan, Malaya. The intensity of the experience can be gauged through the words of Seaman Matthews: “The vibration and speed of Repulse was truly unbelievable. Our skipper had us falling over everywhere in his attempts to evade the incoming torpedoes.… I began to notice that the bombers were starting to fly directly overhead after they’d dropped their torpedoes. It was as if they were taunting us. I could even see the pilots’ faces quite clearly.”
Ian Hay, involved in the chaotic scene, recalls his harrowing task as an ammunition bearer, running between storage areas and exposed gun mounts. “The run back along the deck was terrifying. It had now claimed the lives of three of our delivery party, all by machine gun fire. It was like playing some crazy game of dare.” In this audiobook, Stuart Lloyd demonstrates his prowess as a storyteller, immersing listeners in a momentous episode from history."
