The Cruel Sea Trivia Quiz

Answer: HMS Compass Rose

Although "Compass Rose" is a fictitious name, in the hectic early years of the War, some very odd names were given to the new ships being rapidly built to meet the threat of the German Navy.

Answer: George Ericson

George Ericson was called up from the Merchant Navy at the outbreak of war, and initially struggles with the demands of commanding a fighting ship.

Answer: Used car salesman

Bennett is work-shy and sadistic; he doesn't last long, however, as he is taken violently ill, and taken ashore where a ruptured stomach ulcer is diagnosed.

Answer: Lockhart

Lockhart rapidly adapts to his new role, and soon appreciates the many qualities of Ericson, and proves an able and adept First Officer.

Answer: Julie Hallam

Julie Hallam works in the Admiralty, and Lockhart meets her when he goes to enquire about ship movements. Sadly, she is killed when a stray bomb hits her barracks during air raid.

Answer: The U-boat was under a group of survivors in the water

The ship's sonar shows the precise location of the U-boat, which is exactly underneath a group of survivors from a sunken merchant ship. Ericson has to make the agonising decision as to whether to attack and risk killing the men in the water, or to let the U-boat escape.

He attacks, and in the depth-charging attack, the survivors are killed. Evidence of the sinking of the U-boat is scant consolation.

Answer: Jim falls in love with Bob's sister

Jim, a lifelong bachelor, is smitten with Glad, Bob's sister with whom he lives. After a slow and gentle romance Jim finally tells Bob that he intends to ask Glad to marry him on their return ashore. However, when they do finally return, they find the entire street demolished in an air raid, and Glad has been killed.

Answer: It is suddenly hit by a torpedo and sinks

Compass Rose is torpedoed during the night; only a handful of crew survive, including Ericson and Lockhart. The few survivors cling to life on a pair of inflatable liferafts. It is too dangerous for rescue to be attempted during the night, but they are finally picked up the next day.

Answer: HMS Saltash Castle

Ericson tells Lockhart that he, also, has been promoted. Although Lockhart could now take his own command, Ericson asks him to be his First Officer onboard Saltash Castle. Because of his friendship with, and respect for, Ericson, Lockhart instantly accepts.

Answer: Accepting the surrender of U-boats in Italy

The U-boats that surrender to them in Italy are the only ones they actually see throughout the entire war. Their only success was in sinking one U-boat, and that in tragic circumstances.