Mike Carlton has emerged as a gifted historian of Australia's outstanding naval contributions in two world wars. He polishes this reputation in his new book ... The pages of The Scrap Iron Flotilla may not be encrusted with salt, but the Mediterranean breeze is certainly there to be felt. This is a very fine testament to the courage of the Royal Australian Navy in a most difficult period of World War II. Future generations of Australians will stand in Mike Carlton's debt.