Second World War.- Pike (J. G.) Midshipman's Journal, 1944-45.

Second World War.- Pike (J. G., Royal Naval Reserve Commando and Midshipman on board HMS Newcastle and HMS Gambia) Midshipman's Journal, 186pp., with 3 drawings and 8 hand-drawn maps (2 large and folding) tipped in, contemporary half cloth, rubbed, extremities a little worn, 1944-45; with a small collection of medals awarded to Pike, v.s. (2)

⁂ A vivid and extensive account of the British Navy's role in the Pacific theatre towards the end of the war.

Pike describes a visit by Mountbatten, suicide attacks by the Japanese, the dropping of the Bomb "2 Atomic Bombs had been dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This new terrible weapon destroyed a whole city in one blast.", the surrender of Japan "It seems impossible that the war is over after six long horrible years" and the rescuing of British POWs "On our arrival we were greeted by a large throng of prisoners some in a severs state of emaciation".