Gunboat Command cover art

Gunboat Command

The Biography of Lieutenant Commander Robert Hichens DSO* DSC** RNVR

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Gunboat Command

By: Antony Hitchens
Narrated by: Alex Hyde-White
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About this listen

This biography draws heavily on the personal diaries of the subject, Robert Hichens (or ‘Hitch’ as he was universally known).

After a brief description of his early life, time at Oxford, his motor racing achievements (including trophies at Le Mans in his Aston Martin), and RN training, the book focuses on his exceptional wartime experiences. Hitch was the most highly decorated RNVR officer of the war with two DSOs, three DSCs and three Mentions in Despatches. He was recommended for a posthumous VC. We hear of his early days in vulnerable minesweepers and the Dunkirk ‘Dynamo’ operation, (his first DSC).

In late 1940, Hitch joined Coastal Forces serving in the very fast MGBs, soon earning his own command and shortly after command of his Flotilla. He was the first to capture an E-Boat. His successful leadership led to many more successes and his reputation as a fearless and dynamic leader remains a legend today.

The book contains detailed and graphic accounts of running battles against the more heavily armed E-boats. Tragically, he was killed in action in April 1943, having refused promotion and a job ashore.

©2015 Antony Hitchens (P)2023 Pen and Sword Armed Forces Historical Military Military & War Naval Forces World War II War Biography
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fantastic of the bravery of all the men who gave their lives for the country they loved

The bravery of the me.

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An interesting biography of “Hitch” a fascinating story of a small boat commanders life and death through the war. Obviously loved by friends and family and the story tells of his love of the sea and the small boat war.

Interesting family story

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although the man was a hero, his story was told across the country by the many that called up to serve. I enjoyed the listen, but was frustrated by the seemingly English reader using American terms, such as dates in their lazy way (June 4 for example) Also when would you an English say booo-ee when it is most certainly a buoy pronounce boy!

A name that should not be forgotten.

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Whilst the story is riveting and living near to Felixstowe I have visited LT Cmdr Hitchens grave I did AGAIN get a little annoyed that a English speaking narrator is unable to pronounce fairly simple place names such as as “Harwich “ let alone the Cornish ones .. constantly he repeats place names wrongly as well as using the American pronunciation for “Bouy” ( Booy )
Didn’t ruin it for me but did get annoying

Great Story but poor Pronunciation

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The performance was spoilt by bad editing with frequent repeats and coughs etc not being removed.

An interesting story of a little known aspect of the second world war at sea.

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