The Secret of Sherwood Forrest

(Oil Production in England during WWII) By; Guy Woodward and Grace Steele Woodward I learned of this book by an e-mail from a friend. I was intrigued and purchased it. We have all read many books about this war but most were related to combat. This one I doubt if anyone ever heard of. It is not exciting, but is a detailed report of how England sent an envoy to America asking for help in developing oil production in England in 1942. We responded by organizing a group of 50 roughneck oil men to go to England together with American equipment promising to drill 100 wells in a year’s time. This was accomplished and exceeded. They worked two 12 hour shifts seven days each week. Along the way they shared their knowledge with English oil workers so they could continue after the Americans left. One of the hardest hurdles was to provide adequate food to sustain this hard work due to rationing. Some of the men lost 30 or more pounds and struggled to continue. How this was solved is interesting. We get to know the men and some Englishmen as the book proceeds. If you are looking for excitement this is not the book for you but if you are interested in one of the keys to attaining victory the contribution of these hardy men is inspiring. Jack B. Walters October 8, 2018