A BROMSGROVE author signed his latest work of art at a town bookshop.

Peter Ward, of East Road, was at Ottakar's, in High Street, for the launch of Pacific Voyage A year on the escort carrier HMS Arbiter during WWII.

The book is a personal account of the closing stages of the war against Japan, victory being due to the contribution of the British Pacific Fleet.

Formed in 1944, the Fleet, the largest collection of ships of all shapes and sizes to operate as a single unit, collaborated with the much larger forces of America to reclaim all the areas of the Far East overrun by the Japanese.

Peter joined HMS Arbiter, an escort carrier and part of the fleet.

The book describes HMS Arbiter's trip to its Pacific base, Sydney, Australia, via Gibraltar, the Mediterranean and India followed by her part in supplying the Main Fleet in the forward area off Japan using naval bases at Leyte in the Phillipines, and Manus, Christmas Islands. Arbiter also visited Hong Kong twice.

Memories

Pacific Voyage is based on memories, memorabilia and photographs taken at the time, together with pictures and ship's log references.

It describes the danger and discomfort endured by crewmembers in ships, such as Arbiter, engaged in the final episode of the Second World War.

Peter said: "Two things overshadowed the Far East theatre of war as far as the people at home were concerned, the distance from the British Isles and the European War, well on its way to a conclusion.

"I hope that this book will, in some small way, help to redress the balance."

The book, priced £9.95 is available from Brewin Books Ltd by calling 01527 854228.

LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVES: Darryl Howard, from Sidemoor, has a book signed by Peter Ward. Ref: NT01647.