The Amazing Captain Knight and his Golden Eagle

Set during the Battle of the Atlantic, this tale follows Captain Charles Knight and his golden eagle, Mr Ramshaw, as they navigate survival after a torpedo attack on their ship.

The Amazing Captain Knight and his Golden Eagle recounts the extraordinary journey of Captain Charles Knight, a naturalist, filmmaker, and falconer, during a perilous time in history. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story begins on August 29, 1940, when the Dutch steamship Volendam departs from Liverpool, carrying 321 children, known as 'sea-vacs,' along with over 500 other passengers. Among them is Captain Knight, accompanied by his remarkable partner, a golden eagle named Mr. Ramshaw, who has helped make him a celebrated figure across the Atlantic.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when, just hours into the voyage, the Volendam is struck by torpedoes launched by the German submarine U-60. The ship is soon abandoned, and in the ensuing chaos, both Mr. Ramshaw and a young boy named Robert are left behind. Against the odds, they survive the attack, with Knight ultimately reuniting with his beloved eagle days later. This incident not only highlights the perils of wartime travel but also serves as a testament to the bond between Knight and Mr. Ramshaw.

Knight's life story is one of resilience and adventure, tracing his rise from humble beginnings in a tobacconist's shop in Kent to becoming a renowned figure in the fields of naturalism and filmmaking. The Amazing Captain Knight and his Golden Eagle captures the essence of an extraordinary life, filled with remarkable experiences that resonate with themes of courage, companionship, and the enduring spirit of adventure.