ISBN: 9781844860548
The Royal Navy Officer's Pocket-Book(1944)
Edited by Brian Lavery
"The art of command is to be the complete master, and yet the complete friend of every man on
board; the temporal lord and yet the spiritual brother of every rating; to be detached and yet not
dissociated."
A Seaman's Pocket-Book, 1943, re-issued by Conway in September 2006, has found huge appeal with
the British public. Presented in the same format, The Officer's Handbook gathers
together useful advice and instruction for those naval officers fighting the Second World War on
all aspects of their job, expressed in the benevolent language of the day, when authority was
respected.
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.
About the Author
Brian Lavery is one of Britain's leading naval historians and a prolific author. His most
recent publication is the highly successful Churchill's Navy (2006) (ISBN 9781844860357). Brian
lives in Greenwich, London.
Publisher: Conway
Publication Date: 20 August 2007
ISBN: 184486054X
ISBN: 13 9781844860548
Size: (h x w) 180x120mm
Binding Hardback:
Pages: 120
