Told primarily through numerous period photographs - including those taken by Luftwaffe reconnaissance missions - and with reference to a wide variety of sources written sources, this book is the story of how the great River Clyde and its estuary played a central part in both the 1914-18 and 1939-45 world wars. The major air base at Prestwick, the centre for commando training at Inveraray, the terminal point for Atlantic convoys at the Tail of the Bank and of course the Gare Loch, the major British military port of the Second World War, were all of vital significance to the Allied cause. On both banks of the river the ships that fed and protected Britain were launched - from the mighty Hood, most famous of all Britain's warships, to the humble escort and convoy vessels which ferried supplies and men back and forth across the Atlantic. It was also the scene of human tragedy in the form of the Clydebank and Greenock blitzes.
'One of the most intensive raids in Britain was launched on Clydeside on Tuesday night. HE and incendiaries dropped on centre of one town over prolonged period. Much damage due to fires.'
- Greenock Telegraph
'They towered above us. The sand under our bare feet trembled to the vibration of their engines. Yelling and waving we pranced about. They make OUR ships. Their engine rooms were manned by OUR uncles and brothers and cousins.'
- Tom Gallagher
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