THE campaign to restore the reputation of one of Yorkshire’s most maligned First World War naval figures steps up a gear this month when author Steve Dunn visits the county to help spread the word.

Steve, who has written the first ever biography about Rear Admiral Sir Christopher (Kit) Cradock, from Hartforth, Richmond, is determined to use a series of speaker events to right a 100-year wrong.

He aims to convince audiences that Kit, who was blamed for the worst naval disaster for 100 years – the Battle of Coronel – was not at fault and that it was actually the British Admiralty and its First Lord Winston Churchill who were responsible.

And what makes it particularly significant is that the centenary anniversary of the battle is now just weeks away.

“The timing makes it even more poignant.

“I’ve had some great feedback about my book, including positive reviews, letters and emails from readers and invitations to talk at a number of lectures, including at Richmondshire museum,” said Steve.

“It feels significant to be coming back to Kit’s home county so close to the anniversary and I’m sure there will be a great deal of support for a man who I believe is a forgotten hero.”

Steve will be speaking at Kirkbymoorside library on September 24, followed by Scarborough and Filey libraries on September 25.

He is also delivering a eulogy at a service of memorial for Cradock and his men at a church in Catherington, Hampshire, on November 1.

More than 1,600 men died at Coronel on November 1, 1914.

They went into battle against impossible odds, but faced their task with courage and determination.

The Scapegoat; The Life And Tragedy Of A Fighting Admiral And Churchill’s Role In His Death by Steve R Dunn is published by Book Guild Ltd, The Werks, 45 Church Road, Hove BN3 2BE.

It is available from Amazon (in hardback and e-book editions) and all good booksellers.