Tribute to a Flower
HMS Bryony
by Ron Horabin

reviewed by Timothy Dike
Those of you that know Ron Horabin, know that he does a lot of research on the subjects he models. Not content to just have a few pictures or drawings. He really likes to dig in and find out as much as possible about the men and the machine he is working on. In this case Ron uncovered enough material to write a book. So he did and the result is this Tribute to the men and the ship, the HMS Bryony.
The book begins with details about the model and the technical details of this unique Flower class corvette. There are a large number of armament drawings by John Lambert included that show all the weapons and some fitting that she carried. Photo's of the Bryony and her sister are also included. The photo's are all backed up by historical background. The story of her first convoy duty to Russia with PQ 18, right up to her service in the Mediterranean until the end of the war. The book not only tells about the ship but also the men that sailed on her. Eye witness accounts of the action are provided from the men that were actually there. Her post war career is also covered including her stand in as a show of force in a little known standoff with the Yugoslavian forces then occupying Trieste. 

Unlike most of the Flower class corvettes the Bryony was sold to Norway to become the weather ship Polarfront II. She was extensively refitted twice in her post war career and each time there are photo's that show her appearance. The Bryony served until 1980 when she was scrapped, the end of a long and storied career.

 
click images
to enlarge
Plan and elevation drawings are included in the back of the book with interior details shown as well.

This book is sold by Ron Horabin himself. You can e-mail Ron and he will send you the address to send the check to. The book is selling for £10.00 + postage (about $15 US depending on the exchange rate). There are only about 300 copies left, there will be no others. Ron paid £1,800.00 out his own pocket to have this book published. When he recovers his cost, the rest of the proceeds will go to The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the Flower Class Corvette Association. In Ron's words, "I will not make a $, but its been a pleasure to do".
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