Recounts the attack on passenger ship SS "City of Benares" during WWII, which was carrying nearly 100 British children escaping from the German onslaught of England's major cities as part of the Children's Overseas Reception Board program. As their military escort departed on the way to Canadian ports, a German submarine torpedoed the ship, not knowing it was a civilian ship carrying children. The author draws on first-hand accounts of the tragedy, providing backstories of the children and chaperones while also documenting their experiences. Includes extensive backmatter including interviews.

A note to readers -- Shipmates -- The noise of war -- Sailing to safety -- A floating palace -- Desserts and drills -- Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye -- Secrets at sea -- U-boat 48 -- September 17, 1940 -- It's only a torpedo -- Fate's hand -- The middle of the Atlantic -- The lounge -- A long green tunnel -- Ships cry -- The longest night -- Break of day -- Best possible speed -- The Hurricane -- Phoenixes -- "In spite of all the precautions" -- Lifeboat 12 -- I spy nothing -- Perils at sea -- British heroes don't snivel -- Hope is a fine feather of smoke -- Darkest hours -- Illusions, delusions, more nightmares -- And on the eighth day -- A watery grave -- After the voyage.