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Reviewed by Richard Taylor for The Review, Journal for the Naval Historical Collectors & Research Association
THIS BOOK is a follow-up in similar format to the earlier Seaman's Pocket-Book 1943, re-issued by Conway in September 2006.The present book, compiled and edited by Lavery, brings together a number of official pamphlets issued during the war to provide advice to officers on a wide range of subjects. The section on leadership is well worth reading because it is as relevant today as it was more than sixty years ago - and not just to those in the armed forces.
Lavery provides an informative ten-page introduction and commentary on the seven pamphlets, which range from "The Officer's Aide Memoire", through "Your Ship" to "Dealing with Mutiny". He opens with a quote from the late Sir Alec Guinness who, as an RNVR officer, commanded an infantry landing craft. He said: "My own lack of know-how and swift, rash judgements hampered the Allied Cause like small but irritating gnatbites."
It was inexperience such as this that led to the pamphlets chosen by Lavery who highlights the fact they deal with almost every aspect of life in the Navy, except for fighting and technical subjects such as engineering. There are occasional hints of some of the problems that led to the need for the original wartime pamphlets. The chapter entitled "Your Ship" has a section dealing with petty officers. It says: "They (petty officers) are the connecting link between the Officers and the men. At present the tendency is for them to be too close to the men and too distant from the Officers. It is your duty as Captain to rectify this tendency..." One suspects that on many ships this would have been a hard nut to crack.
This is a book bound to appeal to those who served afloat during the Second World War or in the years immediately after. It will also attract anyone else who is seeking a more thorough understanding of Britain's wartime navy and the way it worked.
Lavery provides an informative ten-page introduction and commentary on the seven pamphlets, which range from "The Officer's Aide Memoire", through "Your Ship" to "Dealing with Mutiny". He opens with a quote from the late Sir Alec Guinness who, as an RNVR officer, commanded an infantry landing craft. He said: "My own lack of know-how and swift, rash judgements hampered the Allied Cause like small but irritating gnatbites."
It was inexperience such as this that led to the pamphlets chosen by Lavery who highlights the fact they deal with almost every aspect of life in the Navy, except for fighting and technical subjects such as engineering. There are occasional hints of some of the problems that led to the need for the original wartime pamphlets. The chapter entitled "Your Ship" has a section dealing with petty officers. It says: "They (petty officers) are the connecting link between the Officers and the men. At present the tendency is for them to be too close to the men and too distant from the Officers. It is your duty as Captain to rectify this tendency..." One suspects that on many ships this would have been a hard nut to crack.
This is a book bound to appeal to those who served afloat during the Second World War or in the years immediately after. It will also attract anyone else who is seeking a more thorough understanding of Britain's wartime navy and the way it worked.
Product Description
"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', 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. '..this is an important document, significant for its sense of time and place'. Good Book Guide 'Pure undiluted nostalgia!'. Ships Monthly magazine '..an authentic presentation of life in the wartime Navy and issues of leadership, discipline and initiative'. Best of British magazine '..this book has enough illustrations, layouts, definitions and first hand information to keep any naval enthusiast fascinated for hours'. Family History Monthly '..exceptional value in every respect'. Navy News '...very highly recommended - another 'little gem' to go alongside the Seaman's Pocket Book on your yacht bookshelf'. Royal Naval Sailing Association Journal
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This little book is indeed a gem. Not only does one salute the writers for their incisive advice to Royal Navy officers in a time of total war, this book makes clear the steep learning curve of those many civilians who became sea officers in World War II. The introduction begins with a lovely quotation from some time RNVR officer Sir Alec Guinness.
But this is more than a document - rather, a collection of documents - of war history. It is a pocket-book that will be instructive for naval officers, of any nationality, even today. Anyone who has had sea command, indeed served in a warship, will enjoy reflecting on chapters entitled "Your Ship", "HMS Duncan - Captain's Orders" and "The Home Fleet Destroyer Orders". Those in the sick bay might not so much enjoy the two chapters aimed at Medical Officers at sea in wartime!
Any naval rating who has been a defaulter will be interested to see the advice offered to investigating officers (too late to request 'to state a complaint' now, though!) and the final chapter, on "Mutiny in the Royal Navy", is a lesson for all time.
The section on leadership is just as relevant today, perhaps moreso, and is not just for naval officers; the advice should be read by anyone in a leadership role, whether in the armed forces or civilian life. Those who have served in the Royal Navy, as well as other services, will surely nod in agreement as they read "Never forget that the Ratings have few rights; but they definitely have got a right to good Officers", and "Do not despise advice tendered to you by your subordinates", as well as "There is nothing more irritating to a sailor than to be addressed as 'You there' or something akin to that. He likes to know that he is known by name." At this price, I'd wager that this is one of the best value books on leadership on the market today - the basics are timeless. There are indeed good lessons from history.
For those with an interest in family history, with ancestors or relatives who served in the Royal Navy, this little volume will certainly give a good idea of the responsibilities of naval officers and of life in the Royal Navy. Although the book cover states 1944, it could just as well read 1964, 1984 or, perhaps, 2004.
But this is more than a document - rather, a collection of documents - of war history. It is a pocket-book that will be instructive for naval officers, of any nationality, even today. Anyone who has had sea command, indeed served in a warship, will enjoy reflecting on chapters entitled "Your Ship", "HMS Duncan - Captain's Orders" and "The Home Fleet Destroyer Orders". Those in the sick bay might not so much enjoy the two chapters aimed at Medical Officers at sea in wartime!
Any naval rating who has been a defaulter will be interested to see the advice offered to investigating officers (too late to request 'to state a complaint' now, though!) and the final chapter, on "Mutiny in the Royal Navy", is a lesson for all time.
The section on leadership is just as relevant today, perhaps moreso, and is not just for naval officers; the advice should be read by anyone in a leadership role, whether in the armed forces or civilian life. Those who have served in the Royal Navy, as well as other services, will surely nod in agreement as they read "Never forget that the Ratings have few rights; but they definitely have got a right to good Officers", and "Do not despise advice tendered to you by your subordinates", as well as "There is nothing more irritating to a sailor than to be addressed as 'You there' or something akin to that. He likes to know that he is known by name." At this price, I'd wager that this is one of the best value books on leadership on the market today - the basics are timeless. There are indeed good lessons from history.
For those with an interest in family history, with ancestors or relatives who served in the Royal Navy, this little volume will certainly give a good idea of the responsibilities of naval officers and of life in the Royal Navy. Although the book cover states 1944, it could just as well read 1964, 1984 or, perhaps, 2004.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
As an ex-Naval Officer, now consultant in leadership, I couldn't pass this book by.
For many people, "military leadership" means strict hierarchy, shouted orders and unquestioned obedience. This book sets the record straight.
The times when shouted orders are necessary are actually few and far between, and unquestioned obedience is earned by mutual respect, patiently built over a long period of time. The book is particularly striking for the emphasis placed on earning that respect, and for the warning against the abuse of power.
In organisations today the abuse of power is usually called "ego" and overbearing managers are referred to as Alpha males. Such behaviour remains unfortunately prevalent in the workplace and is the source of much harmful stress.
In the words of Admiral Willis, Second Sea Lord, writing in 1944: "Do not forget that it is within your power to cause considerable mental anguish to your younger officers by a consistent tone of sarcasm and contempt... and what is worse, nobody is going to tell you about it. In all officers, but above all in Commanding Officers, the words Officer and Gentleman should be entirely synonymous".
The book is full of good, specific advice for people in leadership positions. This advice remains as valid in organisations today as it was in the wartime Royal Navy in 1944.
Here is one example:
"You must look upon your talks with your men as one of the most important things you do. An intelligent man wants both information and inspiration. Work out exactly how to say it beforehand. If Winston Churchill has to rehearse all his speeches, there is no reason why you should not. Explain all you can, giving praise where due."
To get the most of the book, you will nevertheless need a minimum of interest and sympathy for the conditions of life at sea in a warship. At only £3.99, you don't have much to lose!
For many people, "military leadership" means strict hierarchy, shouted orders and unquestioned obedience. This book sets the record straight.
The times when shouted orders are necessary are actually few and far between, and unquestioned obedience is earned by mutual respect, patiently built over a long period of time. The book is particularly striking for the emphasis placed on earning that respect, and for the warning against the abuse of power.
In organisations today the abuse of power is usually called "ego" and overbearing managers are referred to as Alpha males. Such behaviour remains unfortunately prevalent in the workplace and is the source of much harmful stress.
In the words of Admiral Willis, Second Sea Lord, writing in 1944: "Do not forget that it is within your power to cause considerable mental anguish to your younger officers by a consistent tone of sarcasm and contempt... and what is worse, nobody is going to tell you about it. In all officers, but above all in Commanding Officers, the words Officer and Gentleman should be entirely synonymous".
The book is full of good, specific advice for people in leadership positions. This advice remains as valid in organisations today as it was in the wartime Royal Navy in 1944.
Here is one example:
"You must look upon your talks with your men as one of the most important things you do. An intelligent man wants both information and inspiration. Work out exactly how to say it beforehand. If Winston Churchill has to rehearse all his speeches, there is no reason why you should not. Explain all you can, giving praise where due."
To get the most of the book, you will nevertheless need a minimum of interest and sympathy for the conditions of life at sea in a warship. At only £3.99, you don't have much to lose!
Format:Hardcover
Arrived quickly and the condition of the book was great.
It was a present for my boyfriend and he loved it.
It was a present for my boyfriend and he loved it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Superb bit of reference material ...
Many years ago I inherited a dog-eared copy of this handy little book and, though I was not in the RN, found it exceptionally helpful in developing my own career. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Patrick G Cox
another great book
another book in the set for my husbands christmas present. he thought they were all great. see my other review.
Published 17 months ago by picture perfect
A Gem....
Really, really good....but not an easy read. If you stand the 'Official Prose' and 'Admiralty Style', this short, sharp book is fantastic. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Allan One
R N Officers Pocket Book 1944
My brothers an Officer in the Royal Navy and i thought he might like to have a read and compare from then to now, should be fun and a good read for when hes away!
Published 18 months ago by SDNash
A gentleman's guide to warfare
This book was wonderful to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have given this book a top rating for a number of reasons. Read more
Published on 11 Feb 2010 by A. J. Rushton
Insightful and interesting
I found this book most engrossing, having read it in conjunction with 'A Seaman's Pocket-book'. I lacked such a concise book on leadership and people-management when I served as a... Read more
Published on 1 Jan 2010 by Alex W
besides of the war-time...
... in and for which it was written, its a highly interesting guide. I enjoyed especially chapter V, with advices to an officer on assuming his first command. Read more
Published on 24 Aug 2009 by Sandra Gerlach
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