Robert Macklin is a horrid old bigot, but he knows how to tell a good story.

And here is a ripper. Australian mine-disposal experts working to defuse Hitler's dastardly weapons: sea-mines aimed at destroying British sea trade and naval power.

Not only did these mines use increasingly sophisticated technology to destroy ships and block shipping lanes, but they also included increasingly cunning booby traps aimed at blowing up the mine disposal officers.

Macklin tells the stories of these brave and skilled men, describing their exploits in horrendous conditions where literally one false move could result in instant death. A flash of light, a puff of air, one screw turn too far, and a hunk of explosive big enough to destroy a whole ship goes off in your face.

And some didn't make it.

These tales had me on the edge of my seat.