In 1852, the British H.M. troopship Birkenhead foundered. More than 400 men chose to drown or be eaten alive by sharks rather than allow one woman or child to suffer. This is the story of the bravery and heroism that has come to be known as the Birkenhead drill. - Cover. The British H.M. Troopship Birkenhead was the crowning glory of her generation. The first iron-hulled vessel of war, she was believed to be unusually resilient and seaworthy. On the night of February 26, 1852, she was sailing for the coast of South Africa with about 638 men, women, and children aboard, including a large contingent of military reinforcements for the troops engaged in the Kaffir Wars. At about 2:00 a.m., the vessel struck a ledge off Cape Danger. Twenty minutes later, she was submerged. Before she sank, an important decision was made. The men would sacrifice their lives for the women and children. They would willingly die rather than even possibly capsize the overloaded boats on which the women and children sought refuge. Over the next few hours, wives and children watched as their loved ones drowned or were consumed by man-eating sharks engaged in a wild feeding frenzy. The heroism of these men not only established the maritime principle of "women and children first," but served to inspire generations of men and women to stand by the ancient Christian principles of heroic manhood

John G. Paton was an evangelist for Jesus Christ among the South Sea cannibals. Since beginning Vision Forum, we have made it our goal to urge fathers to turn their hearts to home and to rise up with courage to address the issues of the age. When I share this message before an audience, I usually begin by quoting at length an autobiographical account, penned by John G. Paton in the 19th century, describing how his father's love and training prepared him to endure bitter hardship, to persevere against unspeakably difficult circumstances, and to resist sin. This may be the most important narrative of missionary work you will ever read. The book touched me on the deepest level and has become an important part of my life and personal vision. We have republished it because it contains the finest testimony of multi-generational love and devotion between a father and son that I have ever read outside the Scriptures. Paton, a descendant of the Scottish Covenanters, was able to love and lead to Christ the very people who tried to eat his wife and child. One of the most important books you will ever read to your children. An Autobiography.