The Line Between Us by Kate Dunn. Published by Endeavour

The line between gardener Ifor and the woman he loves is one of social standing. As gardener Nanagalan Manor, Ifor has no reason to expect his love for the daughter of the house, Ella, to be returned. Instead, he marries librarian Jenny, but his heart will always belong to Ella. Ifor enlists in World War II and is one of those unfortunate souls left behind in France after Dunkirk. While the remaining soldiers are supposed to be carried to safety aboard the Lancastria, the ship is torpedoed by the Germans and Ifor is cast into the freezing sea. The only thing that keeps him alive is the thought of finally confessing his love to Ella. But when he survives, will he actually follow through. On a personal note, I thought poor Jenny got a raw deal, but I was fascinated to learn the story of the Lancastria