Through Fire and Water: The Life and Faith of a Naval Surgeon in War and Peace

Extraordinary times require ordinary people. With a flaming temper and a sharp tongue - what does it take to transform an insecure underachiever into a fine Christian surgeon? Bombed, machine gunned, torpedoed and trapped in a sinking ship, Paul Houghton was one of the colourful characters of the Malta convoys. He saved the lives at sea of two fighting admirals and become the first Fleet Surgeon of the Royal Navy. With exclusive access to letters, colleagues and interviews, this is an intimate portrait of a bold, yet shy, man of faith; ham-fisted at home but almost miraculous with a scalpel. Dr Mark Houghton explores the roots of his father's resilience in war and peace.