It Really Happened #1

Lieutenant Richard Barklie Lakin and his crew aboard the British submarine *Ursula* face relentless danger during a perilous mission in the Atlantic, evading depth charges and engaging enemy warships with daring tactics. As they navigate treacherous waters and confront Nazi forces, their actions—ranging from ambushes to feints—prove crucial in supporting larger Allied operations, all while enduring the constant threat of death.

Jan Christiaan Smuts, a young South African scholar and future statesman, navigates a life shaped by education, philosophy, and the tumult of war, from his early days in the Boer War to advocating for unity and peace through his vision of holism and a League of Nations. As he rises from military commander to influential leader, his commitment to reconciliation and global cooperation endures through the challenges of empire, conflict, and the quest for lasting peace.

In the winter of 1941, a young woman named Elena and her father Peter, along with other villagers, resist the Nazi occupation by joining the partisan forces behind enemy lines. As they carry out sabotage missions, including destroying a bridge to stop an armored train, they face relentless danger and personal sacrifice. The story follows their courage and resolve in the face of overwhelming odds, highlighting the quiet heroism of ordinary people in wartime.

Benjamin Franklin, a young man with big dreams and a restless mind, leaves Boston in 1723 with just three cents and a determination to make his mark. From humble beginnings as a printer’s apprentice to becoming a renowned inventor, diplomat, and statesman, his journey takes him from Philadelphia to London, where he champions American independence and helps shape the nation’s future.

In the Pacific Theater during World War II, the five Crommelin Brothers—Richard, Quentin, John, Henry, and Charles—each play a pivotal role in major naval battles, from air combat to ship defense, showcasing their relentless bravery and unbreakable spirit. As they face down enemy attacks across different fronts, their shared determination and brotherly bond become a force of their own, earning them extraordinary recognition for their valor.

The young Prince Gautama, raised in luxury and shielded from suffering, begins to question the world beyond his palace walls after encountering death, old age, and illness. As he ventures beyond the palace gates, he confronts the harsh realities of life and ultimately renounces his royal status to seek enlightenment through simplicity and compassion.

Kit Carson, a young man from Missouri, proves his skill and courage as a marksman during a dangerous frontier siege, then leaves to join traders in New Mexico. As he learns the languages and ways of both settlers and Native peoples, he leads daring missions to rescue captives and navigate treacherous terrain, earning respect from both sides through his fairness and boldness.