The Man Under the Radar

This biography of Jack Maurice Nissenthall, written by his daughter, Linda Nissen Samuels, draws heavily on Jacks own writings: The Wizard War, an unpublished autobiographical account of his part in the development of radar before and during WW2 and its impact on the eventual outcome, and original letters and photos. Through them, we hear this Unsung War Hero telling his own story in his own words. At the heart of Jacks story is the written order that he accepted, as the anonymous RDF (Range and Direction Finding, an early term for radar) expert - that he was to be adequately protected by bodyguards from the South Saskatchewan Regiment because under no circumstances was he to be allowed to fall into enemy hands. Effectively, this meant that ten Canadian soldiers specifically tasked to assist him, were also, in Jacks own words, a sort of negative safeguard, my execution squad. That he was not captured and did indeed survive was due partly to his physical fitness and the cheerful and resourceful courage that shows in this book. (From the Foreword to Jacks own manuscript- written by Prof R. V. Jones, Britains Assistant Director of Air Intelligence in World War II.) This present book answers the question: what made him do it? It also recounts many episodes which demonstrate how Jacks whole life exemplifies dictionary definitions of a hero as a person of high moral integrity, resourceful, passionate and patient, energetic, courageous, confident and caring who willingly takes risks and makes sacrifices for others. But Jack is not a common-or-garden, rough, tough hero. Youll be charmed to read how, as a love-struck twenty-something, he wears his heart on his sleeve, writing to his girlfriend Dally about their first kiss. Why is it then, that this exceptional person was undervalued and overlooked by the powers-that-be at the end of World War II? And why was he not decorated for bravery? Indeed, an article proposes that he is The VC that never was. This book gives an insight into why, nearly eighty years later, Jack Nissenthalls extraordinary war service is still largely unknown and unsung (except in Canada), and why there are still so many unanswered questions about it. But in the end, readers will surely acknowledge this heros modest and cheerful embodiment of integrity - and want to sing his well-deserved praises. See more