Frank's bench

'Armistice Day, November 11, 1940'

The free world is at war with Germany and Italy. Japan is fighting in China with Hitler pressing her to join the war against the allies, turning a European conflict into World War Two.

The Blue Funnel liner 'Automedon' lies 250 miles from the northwest cape of Sumatra, heading for Penang. 16-year-old deckboy, Frank Walker, watches a smudge of smoke on the horizon turn into a ship heading directly for them. Tension on the 'Automedon' peaks as the approaching ship hoists a Swastika battle ensign and proceeds to fire upon her and then board the vessel.

What the Germans found on board gave Japan the final push to declare war on the Allies and attack Pearl Harbour and Malaya and Singapore. But why was an elderly steamship carrying vital information?

Years later, a bench is named in Frank's memory in Mariners' Park on Merseyside. And author Peter Thomson is curious-who is Frank Walker? That small spark led to an investigation into Frank's life and the role 'Automedon played in Japan's decision to enter the war. His findings are inside...