North West teacher’s book earns top marks
Added: (Sat Jan 29 2022)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
A former teacher and journalist from the North West has dived head-first into her family’s sea-faring history to inspire a hugely impressive debut novel.
Ashton DuFrayn has just reached the top five in Amazon’s charts with her stunning wartime thriller, The General Chase.
And she is quick to admit the inspiration for the page-turner came from her father-in-law’s bravery during the Battle of the Atlantic.
Ashton explained: “The idea for the book stemmed from the role of my father-in-law, who was believed to have hoisted the famous General Chase signal when he served with ace U-boat destroyer, Captain Johnnie Walker.
“An old letter, which stated this was the case, caught my interest and set me on a journey to discover more about the history of the flag.
“Many members of my own family served out of Liverpool as Merchant seaman throughout the Battle of the Atlantic. Captain Walker’s ships protected them on their perilous journey.
“It was the longest continuous military campaign of the Second World War and the loss of life on both sides was very high.”
The hoisting of the General Chase flag signals the release of ships from battle formations to pursue a fleeing enemy force.
Ashton’s The General Chase brings to life two of Britain’s greatest naval victories – the Battle of Trafalgar and the Battle of the Atlantic.
At the heart of her fast-paced narrative are four schoolboys who unite to survive the terrors of the high seas and reach the safety of dry land.
The General Chase is a riveting account of living in constant terror of torpedoes streaking through the dark waters.
And it is a story where rivalries and fears are quickly forgotten as soon as the iconic naval flag is hoisted.
As well as her own family connections, Ashton’s native hometown of Liverpool still honours the bravery of seamen who fought in the Battle of the Atlantic, with a permanent museum dedicated to it and a U-boat exhibition. A bronze statue erected to honour Captain Johnnie Walker stands proudly on Liverpool’s waterfront.
Despite her personal interest in the novel’s background, the ESL teacher, who now lives in Manchester, believes The General Chase will appeal to many others.
Ashton added: “The history of the flag takes in Nelson's navy and the story hopefully gives a glimpse of life aboard ship at two very different times in the country's history.
“It's the sort of book I may have used myself in the classroom and as a grandmother I think it’s important that young people should be aware of the harsh conditions their own relatives may have gone through when, quite often, they were still teenagers.
“Overall, the book covers a bit of school-life, bullying, friendship, and history - all wrapped up in a tale of adventure on the high seas.
The colours of The General Chase book cover reflect those of the medal awarded to sailors who served in the Battle of the Atlantic.
For more information visit Amazon and search for Ashton DuFrayn, where the Kindle and paperback versions of The General Chase are available.
Notes to the Editor
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