Hammond Innes facts for kids
Ralph Hammond Innes (born July 15, 1913 – died June 10, 1998) was a famous British writer. He wrote more than 30 exciting novels. He also wrote books for kids and travel stories about different places.
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Life and Early Writing
Ralph Hammond Innes was born in Horsham, England. He went to Feltonfleet School and later Cranbrook School. He was a very good student. After school, in 1931, he started working as a journalist. His first job was with the Financial News.
His first novel, The Doppelganger, came out in 1937. When World War II started, he joined the Royal Artillery. He became a Major during the war. While serving, he wrote some of his early books. These included Wreckers Must Breathe (1940) and Attack Alarm (1941). Attack Alarm was about his own experiences as an anti-aircraft gunner. He was part of the Battle of Britain at RAF Kenley.
After the war ended in 1946, he became a full-time writer. He quickly became very successful. His books were known for their amazing detail. He would describe places so well, you felt like you were there. For example, his book Air Bridge (1951) featured real places. These included RAF Gatow and RAF Wunstorf during the Berlin Airlift.
How He Wrote His Books
Hammond Innes had a special way of writing. He would spend six months traveling the world. He visited the places he wanted to write about. He did a lot of research to make sure his stories were accurate. Then, he would spend the next six months writing his novel. Many of his stories took place at sea. He also wrote about metalworking.
He wrote fewer books in the 1960s, but still a good number. He became interested in nature and the environment. His novel High Stand was about trees. He kept writing almost until he passed away. His last book was Delta Connection (1996).
His Unique Characters
Hammond Innes wrote thrilling adventure stories. But his main characters were often not typical heroes. They were usually ordinary people. These people suddenly found themselves in very dangerous situations. This might happen in a harsh environment. For example, they could be in the Arctic, on the open sea, or in a desert. Or they might get caught up in a big secret plan. His characters had to use their own cleverness. They had to make the best of what little they had. They didn't rely on fancy weapons or gadgets like many other thriller heroes.
Books Made into Movies and TV Shows
Several of his early novels were turned into films. Snowbound (1948) was based on The Lonely Skier. Hell Below Zero (1954) came from The White South. Campbell's Kingdom (1957) was also a movie. So was The Wreck of the Mary Deare (1959).
His 1973 novel Golden Soak became a six-part TV series in 1979. Part of it was filmed in Nullagine, Western Australia. An audio version of The Doomed Oasis was played on BBC Radio 7.
His Love for the Sea
In 1937, Hammond Innes married an actress named Dorothy Mary Lang. She passed away in 1989. Hammond Innes loved the sea very much. He was a yachtsman, meaning he sailed boats. This passion for the sea showed up in many of his novels. He and his wife traveled and raced their yachts. Their boats were named Triune of Troy and Mary Deare.
They lived in Suffolk for many years. Their home was in the village of Kersey. After they both passed away, they left most of their money. They also left the rights to their books to a special group. This group is called the Association of Sea Training Organisations. They wanted young people to learn about sailing. This way, more people could enjoy the sea, just like they did.
In 1978, Hammond Innes received a special award. He was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This award was for his great contributions to literature.
See also
In Spanish: Hammond Innes para niños
