‘Shropshire was a true fighting lady to be reckoned with.’
Reviewing the book in June 1990, John Date described “HMAS Shropshire” as a resounding documentary masterpiece of both the history and service of this gallant ship. The author, Stan Nicholls, as the Commander’s Messenger was uniquely placed to know first hand of events about to happen and to visibly witness history in the making.
Shropshire was in the greatest sea battle of all time, the Battle of Leyte including the battleship gun duel of Surigao Strait. The ship was the only Australian cruiser or warship ever to have fired its main gunnery and obtained hits on an enemy battleship. Shropshire was Flagship representing Australia at the Signing of the Surrender of Japan in 1945 and later participated in the London Victory March.
Stan Nicholls has recorded for posterity a valuable and personal insight into the encounters of Shropshire and as author extraordinaire is to be congratulated on an inspiring manuscript”.