Submarine history at Seaford

Special guest speakers were welcomed to Seaford College as it hosted its annual History Society talk and dinner.
John Doy, James Jinks, Breege Jinks, John Green (Headmaster), Peter Hennessy & James GisbyJohn Doy, James Jinks, Breege Jinks, John Green (Headmaster), Peter Hennessy & James Gisby
John Doy, James Jinks, Breege Jinks, John Green (Headmaster), Peter Hennessy & James Gisby

The speakers were Lord Peter Hennessy and Dr James Jinks, authors of a much lauded history of the Royal Submarine Service entitled The Silent Deep.

The authors have recently been awarded The Mountbatten Maritime Award and the Duke of Westminster Medal for Military Literature for The Silent Deep.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lord Hennessy began the presentation with a brief sketch outlining the genesis of the project, explaining that due to the sensitive nature of the submarine service’s operations, there was, before their book, a sizeable gap in British naval history where submarines were.

Lord Hennessy & Dr Jinks answering questions from Gifted and Talented pupilsLord Hennessy & Dr Jinks answering questions from Gifted and Talented pupils
Lord Hennessy & Dr Jinks answering questions from Gifted and Talented pupils

This perhaps explains the special fascination that these craft and their operations have, not just for historians like himself but also many curious laymen.

James Gisby, head of history, said: “My vision for the evening was to inspire future historians with influential speakers who are experts in their fields. This talk follows closely on the heels of Seaford’s Gifted and Talented conference for local schools and Seaford staff, making a link between the skills we teach and foster at Seaford, manifested in an authoritative work. ”

The talk and dinner was supported by the Petworth Festival Literary Weekend. Festival manager Kate Wardle, and her colleagues attended the event.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Kate said: “Thank you very much indeed for a superb evening on Friday. We all enjoyed the talk and presentation enormously. Lord Hennessy and James were very knowledgeable people who could both speak eloquently and expertly on the subject, but from different points of view and with different emphasis. All the Festival team so enjoyed being guests at Seaford.”

Seaford's Gifted and Talent student William Morris asking questionsSeaford's Gifted and Talent student William Morris asking questions
Seaford's Gifted and Talent student William Morris asking questions

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.midhurstandpetworth.co.uk/

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Dr James Jinks, John Green (Headmaster) and Lord HennessyDr James Jinks, John Green (Headmaster) and Lord Hennessy
Dr James Jinks, John Green (Headmaster) and Lord Hennessy

3) Follow us on Twitter @mid_pet_obs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Midhurst and Petworth Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics: