The War of the Worlds is a book written by author H.G. Wells.
It takes place in England at the turn of the 20th century, and describes an invasion of Earth by aliens from Mars. The Martians nearly triumph, but are thwarted by microscopic Earth organisms.
Charles Tucker read the book as a child. (ENT: "Similitude")
Reference
Background
The USS Thunderchild was named after the ironclad warship described in The War of the Worlds, the HMS Thunder Child. The Thunder Child destroyed two of three Martian fighting machines while defending a steamer that was carrying refugees out of England.