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George Edmunds: A Life of Passion, History, and Writing.
George Edmunds’ life has been one of diverse passions, from aviation to diving, to maritime history, and his journey as an author has been a natural extension of these interests. An aviation enthusiast at heart, George’s fascination with the Battle of Britain has shaped much of his personal and professional life. At the age of 21, he applied to RAF Hornchurch for entrance exams, dreaming of a career in aviation. However, life had other plans, and after completing an engineering apprenticeship, he found himself offered a position as a junior draughtsman, a role he accepted. Despite this career shift, George’s love for aviation never waned, influencing his later creative endeavours.
His passion for maritime history, fuelled by a love for diving, led him to write extensively on the subject, focusing on treasure hunting and pirate lore. His books, The Gower Coast (1979), KIDD, The Search for His Treasure (1996), and Anson’s Gold (2016), reflect his deep knowledge of maritime mysteries and the thrill of uncovering hidden histories. This knowledge was put to rewarding use as a Speaker/Lecturer on cruise ships before COVID.
In recent years, George’s interests have evolved into a new area of exploration: the Pembrook Dock Flying Boat Station. This fascination with the history of the station sparked the creation of his latest book, Call-Sign ‘N For Nuts’ – Against All Odds. This book marks a significant moment in George’s writing career, bringing together his interests in aviation and history with his storytelling ability.
George’s devotion to aviation remains strong. Despite never becoming a pilot, he has created a space for himself to indulge in his love for flying. Investing in a flight simulator complete with a large panoramic screen and VR setup, George can now fly Spitfires and Hurricanes from the comfort of his home, immersing himself in the aircraft of his dreams whenever the mood strikes.
Call-Sign ‘N For Nuts’ – Against Overwhelming Odds
Call-Sign ‘N For Nuts’ – Against Overwhelming Odds tells the remarkable story of the Sunderland Flying Boat ‘N for Nuts’ and its epic battle against 8 JU88 Fighter Bombers of the Luftwaffe over the Bay of Biscay in June 1943. Focusing on the survival and aftermath of the crew that (just) made it home and the aircraft’s historical significance in WW2, the narrative provides a detailed account of this flying boat’s place in history, adding context to the operations of No. 461 Squadron of the RAAF and the Short Sunderland.
While definitive histories of the squadron or the aircraft itself are scarce, George’s research offers readers answers to many of the questions they may have, shedding light on this often-overlooked piece of wartime history.
Available In Paperback and Hardback
The Short Sunderland Flying Boat
The Short Sunderland, built by Short Brothers of Rochester, was a key piece of WWII aviation. Initially developed as a civilian airliner, it was adapted into a military flying boat following a British Air Ministry specification. The Sunderland’s design – a four-engine shoulder-wing monoplane – was groundbreaking at the time and proved invaluable for ocean reconnaissance and combating the U-boat threat.
Through his writing, George brings attention to the legacy of this aircraft, immortalizing its role in history and its connection to the brave men who flew it.
George – The Treasure Hunter
Beyond aviation and maritime history, George has carved out a niche as a treasure hunter. As a specialist in underwater detecting, he hit the headlines in 2016 recovering a £10k diamond ring for a lady. His interest in solving pirate treasure charts led him to solving a particular long-standing cipher. At 75, he is not simply a hobby diver; he has become an expert in cracking long-standing ciphers. ‘Another by-product of his sense of adventure; he had two Paintball Sites in South Wales in the 1980s and 90s.
The Shugborough Inscription
One of his most notable achievements is deciphering the Shugborough Inscription, a cryptic sequence of letters carved into the Shepherd’s Monument in Staffordshire. The cipher had eluded the efforts of many prominent figures, including Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, and even Bletchley Park veterans, but George believes he has succeeded where they failed.
His interest in the inscription began while researching a secret 18th-century expedition led by Admiral Lord George Anson to recover hidden treasure. Anson, whose family owned Shugborough Manor, is believed to have funded the creation of the Shepherd’s Monument.
George’s breakthrough with the Shugborough Inscription has earned him recognition, as he is thought to have cracked a puzzle that has baffled the world’s greatest minds for centuries. The complete story is told in ‘Anson’s Gold’ also the link to Captain Kidd’s treasure charts and the part they play in this saga of Spanish gold.
Pembroke Dock Heritage Trust
George’s work extends beyond his writing and research; he is also an active supporter of the Pembroke Dock Heritage Trust. This charity, dedicated to preserving the history of the Sunderland flying boat and the surrounding area, plays a vital role in recovering and preserving the remains of the Sunderland flying boat T9044. George has pledged to donate a portion of the royalties from his book Call-Sign ‘N For Nuts’ – Against Overwhelming Odds to support the Trust.
Founded in 2006, the Pembroke Dock Heritage Trust relies on admissions, gift shop sales, and charitable donations to fund its mission. The Trust also receives support from corporate sponsors and a small contribution from the Pembroke Dock Town Council. However, like many small heritage organizations, it faces financial challenges.
Help Support The Trust
