On 10 June the biography of Vice Admiral Sir Albert Poland KBE CB DSO DSC was launched at the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London by the Australian Naval Advisor, Captain Rebecca Levitt. The book, Salt in His Veins, was written by the former ANI President, retired Vice Admiral Peter Jones. Also attending the event was Admiral Poland’s last serving son, Patrick and a strong contingent of Polands.
A veteran of the two world wars, Albert ‘Patsy’ Poland is best remembered as the commander of the Tobruk Ferry Run during 1941-42. His ships were a motley collection of Australian, British and South African ships ranging from destroyers and sloops to schooners and lighters. The book gives a commander’s insight to the operation. Usefully, Poland had very productive working relationships with the Major General ‘Merciless Ming’ Morshead and his staff, as well as with the officers and sailors who plied the dangerous waters from Alexandria to Tobruk to sustain the then largely Australian garrison.
Captain Levitt noted that on Poland’s death in 1967 that among the letters of condolence to Lady Poland was one from the Australian Rats of Tobruk, which, in part, read, “Sir Albert was better known to us as Captain ‘Patsy’ Poland. He was a magnificent man and served his Country and Empire with distinction. He will be sadly missed by a host of friends and ship mates throughout the world”.
A review of Salt in His Veins will be posted on the ANI website in the near future.
