Bravo Zulu, meaning ‘well done’ in naval speak is the latest publication by local author, Ian Pfennigwerth.

The book’s full title is ‘Bravo Zulu: Honours and Awards to Australian Naval People Volume 1: 1900 – 1974’
It recounts the stories behind the orders and decorations presented to Australian naval personnel during this period.

Retired Naval Captain, Ian, has written no less than 13 books and had 11 published to date.

Having moved to the Bay in the year 2000, Ian began his writing career as well as gaining a PhD from the University of Newcastle in 2005.

Ian has intended the work to be eminently readable and hopes that it will also aid high school students with their studies.
Bravo Zulu has filled-in all the gaps in others’ previous works to be the definitive work on the subject and has been 7 years in the making.

Ian plans to approach high schools with his work and is very keen to speak about it to groups.
As part of the research for the book, Ian had to travel to the UK, Canada, USA and Japan.

He was able to interview as many naval and ex-naval personnel as possible and their families.
Through this he discovered some amazing stories as well as to correct errors that he found in official records.

Ian told the News of the Area that it was historical archaeology, dragging the information out of dusty old records.
“There are many people from Newcastle and the Hunter region mentioned in the book,” he said.

Last week, Ian travelled to Canberra for the official launch of the book by the Chief of Navy, Admiral Tim Barrett, no less.
Tim Barrett also wrote the book’s foreword.

Ian is now working on the second volume: 1974 – 2014.
Bravo Zulu Volume 1 is available from Ian’s website, www.nautilushistory.com.au or from Echo Books – www.echobooks.com.au

The paperback version retails for $65.99 and hardback at $75.00.
There is also a copy in Tomaree library.

Ian told News of the Area, “The beach is not the end of the land, but the stepping stone to all the countries of the world.”

By Sarah STOKES