The RMS Queen Mary and her sister ship the Queen Elizabeth were converted to troop carriers during World War II. Known as the Grey Ghosts they came and went with such speed and secrecy that, to watchers from the shore, they would suddenly appear off Staten Island out of a grey fog or, as dawn broke, be swinging at anchor at the Tail o' the Bank on a dull rain swept day disappearing again just as suddenly. To sink one, or both of these ships was the dream of every U-boat commander, but their speed was no match for these giants of the sea, even given a lucky interception. Either Way Dead is the chronicle of the conception, gestations and birth in the distant and unforgiving waters off Iceland, of Operation Konigin. The target? The pride of the British Merchant Fleet the Queen Mary.
