CAA Vancouver Members
J. Gordon Mumford
Author of Memoirs and Creative Non-fiction Books
Writing
As a technical instructor in Africa, Gordon wrote course manuals for both students and instructors, and also provided training to local instructors because neither text books nor teacher training were available locally, then launched his writing career when he retired. He has written five books, with a sixth book nearing publication. He writes creative non-fiction books in a novelistic style. His subject matter ranges from his Merchant Navy experiences in World War II to life in East Africa as the British Empire collapsed in the 1950s. The books present a slice of life seen through the eyes of a young man.
More about author's writing background….
Maritime Memoirs
His wartime experiences are related in his memoirs, The Black Pit…and Beyond (1942-44) and The Sampan Girl (1945-46).
The Black Pit
Beginning with the torpedoing of the Scottish Heather, The Black Pit ends with the sinking of the Empire Path. It describes not only the tortuous seas and life-threatening attacks, but the pure adventure of travel in Gibraltar, Italy, and wartime England. The book does not glorify war, but provides an insight into what war actually means. Highly recommended for ages 16 and up by the BCTLA and CM.
The Sampan Girl
The Sampan Girl is set in the Pacific war theatre. The Canadian Book Review Annual described this book as a story of life, love and loss. It details Gordon's experiences on the Luling, a small tanker. The ship took part in the Malayan beachhead landings and postwar clean-up operations. Discharged from naval service, the tanker became a China coast trader based in Hong Kong, where Gordon met Anni, and fell in love but their relationship faces many obstacles, reminiscent of the TV series "Passions of War."
© J. Gordon Mumford
www.canauthorsvancouver.org/mumford/navy.html
Updated: June 10, 2008