Brian W. Lavery – författare

A haul of forgotten tales of espionage, derring-do, triumph, disaster, heroes and villains trawled from our fishing fleets by acclaimed Hull-based writer, Brian W. Lavery. This collection, adapted and expanded from a lifetime's writing and research, includes the tale of the spy who stole a trawler and led the authorities on an 8,000- mile sea chase with just a sixpenny atlas to guide him; ex-Roedean girl Dora Walker, a skipper before women could vote, who sailed with a pistol on her waist and tamed some tough fishermen too; Skipper Billy Euston who saved more from the Lancastria than were rescued from the Titanic, yet was all but erased from history by Winston Churchill; the group of women known as the ‘headscarf revolutionaries’ who battled to improve safety laws for fishermen; and many tragic fishing disasters and brave rescues, whose ripples lasted long in their local communities. Delve deep into this remarkable collection compiled by a writer described as ‘the undisputed expert of Fleet Street sea stories’.

The harsh seas of 1968.Three trawlers from Hulls fleet sink in just 3 weeks.58 Dead. 1 Survivor.Enough is enough.Lilian Bilocca put down her filleting knife, picked up some sheets of paper and stormed into action. She started with a petition and this journey takes her Headscarf Revolutionaries right to the doors of Parliament. Shipping Laws were changed for the better, and thousands of fishermen were made safer. Lilian became a TV star and an international celebrity. It’s hard to live down fame like that in the back streets of Hull. It's harder still for the lone survivor who battled the storms as the trawlers sank.The Headscarf Revolutionaries thrills with the dangers of the high seas; inspires with the passion of women who changed their world, and reveals the vivid life inside one of history’s most vital communities.Complete with pages of black and white photographs that capture the characters, trawlers, dangers, and occasional glamour of the era. Includes a foreword by John Prescott.Some ★★★★★ Reviews:'History reporting at its best.''There is tragedy and loss but also some warm humour.''Like a portal that took me back to that time.''An incredible story of very brave and driven women.''Evokes memories for us Hessle Roaders, both happy and sad.''A fascinating read. Highly recommended.''An emotionally brilliant read.' 'Brian Lavery has done a fantastic service .' 'A story of pride and grief and social bravery.'