Book Talk with Chris O’Flaherty: Torpedoes, Tea, and Medals
The Gallant Life and Exploits of Commander Derek ‘Jake’ Wright DSC** RNVR
Tuesday 17th March at 18:00 | Drawing Room | £10.00*
*£5.00 to join via Zoom
In his country’s time of need, Derek ‘Jake’ Wright was plucked from obscurity as a tea broker to become one of the Royal Navy’s most decorated Motor Torpedo Boat officers.
His first Command, Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB) 331, trained for a daredevil mission to destroy German boom defences protecting their battleships. He repeatedly torpedoed German convoys in northern Europe, in one especially dramatic action keeping his MTB in the fight until the enemy had been sunk, despite being wounded by enemy shrapnel. For his bravery and leadership, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. He perfected the ‘slow stalk’ tactic used to hunt down his prey, and he was awarded two bars to his DSC for further gallantry in action.
After demobilization he returned to the tea trade, rising to become one of Brooke Bond’s top executives supplying Britain’s beloved beverage. He even helped develop the International Standard on how to make the perfect cup of tea!
In his civilian and retired life, Jake was a longstanding member of both the Naval Club and the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Yacht Club.
Join us on Tuesday 17th March to hear all about Torpedoes, Tea, and Medals – the gallant exploits of a brave officer who has earned a place in the hearts of our nation.
About the Author:
Captain Chris O’Flaherty joined the Royal Navy in 1987. As a Minewarfare and Clearance Diving Officer he spent his early career in the navy’s smallest ships. He went on to qualify as a Principal Warfare Officer, deploying in frigates and aircraft carriers around the globe. Awarded the United States Legion of Merit for his operational activities in the Middle East, in 2017 he was elected as Hudson Fellow by St Antony’s College, University of Oxford, publishing a seminal work on Naval Minewarfare: Politics to Practicalities.
Chris transferred to the retired list in 2024. He now works for The Nautical Institute advocating for seafarers at the International Maritime Organization. He is also Deputy Chair of the Coastal Forces Heritage Trust – a charity devoted to preserving the memory of Coastal Forces heroes.