The Royal Navy Officer's Pocket-Book 1944

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  • Publisher: Conway
  • Catalogue: 159817
  • Size: 19x13cm
The Royal Navy Officer's Pocketbook gathers together in a single volume the official pamphlets issued during the course of the Second World War that provided sound advice to the officer class on a wide variety of subjects, ranging from the niceties of naval culture and etiquette to the harsh realities of battle casualties and insubordination.

The speed at which new recruits passed through the training collages to meet the voracious demands of war meant that few had a chance to gain real sea experience before they were thrust into positions of responsibility. The documents contained in this volume were produced to address these shortfalls.

The Handbook has been compiled and edited by Brian Lavery, who provides commentary and an introduction. Sections include: the Officer's Aid Memoire containing notes of the training course at one of the officer training schools; Notes for medical officers and treatment of battle casualties afloat; Notes for captains on taking command of their first ship; Notes for commanding officers; Notes on the handling and safety of ships and notes on dealing with disobedience and mutiny.

While suffused with nostalgia and charm, the various contents of this book are an authentic presentation of matters of training, authority and deportment in the wartime navy. The book is sure to appeal not only to those who served in the war or had a relative who was in the officer class, but also to anyone who wants to gain a greater understanding of the day-to-day administration of the wartime navy.