Torpedoes, Tea, and Medals

A biography chronicling one man’s service during World War II as a Royal Navy commander and his career before & after in the tea business.

Jake Wright’s initiation to war was on the beach at Dunkirk, helping evacuate stragglers. Then volunteering for Motor Torpedo Boats, he served with valor throughout World War II, becoming one of only forty-four officers in WWII to receive a DSC with two Bars . . .

Derek Wright learned about small boats from his father, who tragically died when Derek was just fourteen years old. Sent away from his family to finish his education, he left school at sixteen to join the global tea trade. Soon after he finished his training with Brooke Bond, famous for their “Dividend” tea, Hitler invaded Poland and Britain was at war.

By then known to his friends as “Jake,” he was one of the first Volunteer Reserves to be called up to fight for his country. Plucked from his naval training in HMS King Alfred, his warfighting initiation was on the beach at Dunkirk, helping evacuate stragglers after Operation DYNAMO. He then volunteered for Motor Torpedo Boats, where he served with valor and distinction.

While Hitler’s U-Boats were torpedoing shipments of tea bound for Great Britain, Jake Wright reciprocated by torpedoing Axis coastal shipping off Europe. His first Command was MTB 331, trained for a daredevil mission to puncture German boom defenses protecting their battleships. In his next Command, MTB 32, he was wounded in action whilst torpedoing a German convoy, but kept his small ship fighting against the odds to win the action and sink his enemy; for his bravery he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. Further acts of gallantry in action, combined with tactical innovation, saw him earn two bars to his DSC as well as a Mention in Despatches; he became one of only forty-four officers in the Second World War to receive a DSC with two Bars.

After demobilization he returned to the tea trade, rising to become one of Brooke Bond’s senior directors supplying Britain’s beloved beverage. He even helped refine how to make the perfect cup of tea.

This is the life story of a determined, brave, innovative, and decorated officer who has earned a place in the hearts of our nation. It is the story of Derek “Jake” Wright, DSC**.

Praise for Torpedoes, Tea, and Medals

“A must read . . . an enthralling look at motor torpedo boat operations off the coast of France and Belgium during World War II.” —Naval Historical Foundation

“Wright clearly had a really action-packed war and this book skillfully combines his coastal forces experiences with his influential role in the tea business.” —Captain Andrew Welch, FNI, Royal Navy Retired