Hell Boats

A daring Royal Navy Reserve officer tasked with commanding a small flotilla on a top-secret mission. He remains cool under pressure, improvising from salvaged parts to keep the boats seaworthy. His personal code is tested when an affair with Alison complicates duty and loyalty.

A Jewish Palestinian Chief Petty Officer who joins Jeffords in the planning and execution of the mission. He brings loyalty, practical seamanship, and a steady presence under fire, serving as a vital link to resistance networks. His role highlights cross-cultural cooperation in wartime operations.

Wife of Jeffords' commanding officer, a complex figure torn between fidelity and temptation. She engages in a covert romance with Jeffords, exposing vulnerabilities and the personal cost of wartime secrecy. Her actions reflect the precarious human side of the war.

A high-ranking Royal Navy officer whose strategic mind and authority drive the mission. His position as a senior commander adds tension, with personal loyalties intersecting with operational imperatives. He embodies the far-reaching decisions that shape wartime outcomes.

A German E-boat captain who becomes the target of Jeffords’ plan to seize an enemy vessel. He represents the Axis’ ruthless efficiency and the constant danger of coastal operations. His role heightens the cat-and-mouse dynamics that define the mission.

A fellow Royal Navy officer aboard the MTBs, contributing to crew cohesion and tactical decision-making. He shares in the risks of frontline action and supports Jeffords’ leadership under pressure. His presence emphasizes teamwork and resilience amid peril.

Another RN lieutenant in the flotilla, sharing duties and the stress of executing a perilous plan. He exemplifies professional competence and gritty endurance required for small-boat warfare. His role highlights the range of skills necessary for mission success.

A submarine lieutenant contributing to stealth and reconnaissance for the operation. He helps coordinate scuba infiltration into harbour tunnels and supports the extraction of the crew. His technical role underscores the marine stealth components of the mission.

A senior petty officer who coordinates logistics and day-to-day operations aboard the MTBs. He embodies discipline and reliability, keeping the flotilla moving despite constant danger. His steadiness helps the crew endure the mission's strains.