Trampships, Tankers and Polite Conversation
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Product Description
Product Description
When John Lee joined the Merchant Navy he had no idea of the adventures which were to come his way over the next ten years. An innocent sixteen year old from East Yorkshire, he was first apprenticed to the toughest of trampship companies before experiencing the potentially explosive delights of life on an oil tanker.Finally, as a young officer enjoying rather more civilised surroundings, he is obliged to learn the art of polite conversation as he mixes with affluent first class passengers and takes charge of a memorable rescue at sea.... The book is a fascinating insight into life in the Merchant Navy of the 1950's and 60's peppered with a wealth of characters and stories. Often hilarious, but always truthful and entertaining, life on board and in port is described in all its facets- the typhoons, icy, bone-chilling North Atlantic gales, freak waves and near disasters, awful food and the demon drink. The stories and anecdotes come thick and fast of gnarled seadogs and eccentric captains, knife fights and bandits as well as sex pests and the beguiling females who haunt the dock gates. This entertaining book is a window on a way of life now largely gone, a tribute to that unique breed of men who put their skills and mettle to the test as they crossed the wild, unforgiving oceans of the world.
About the Author
John Lee was born in 1937 and educated at Bridlington Grammar School, Boulevard Nautical College, Hull, Chorley College of Education and Lancaster University. He joined the Merchant Navy in 1954 and became a qualified Navigator in 1958. After leaving the Navy in 1964 with minor eyesight problems he trained to be a teacher. He worked in various primary schools eventually becoming a Headteacher in 1982. After early retirement in 1992 he trained to be a marine engineer and set up his own business selling and repairing small boat engines. He spent a short period of time lecturing in marine engineering before reaching the age of 65 in 2002. He now spends most of his time on DIY projects, sailing and renovating outboard motors.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This was well written and informative. Haveing been at sea at about the same era I found this book very interesting.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a really good read, the P.C. and health & Safety brigade would have had a field day.( Shipping Today & Yesterday.)
A publication that will surely earn a place of honour in in telling how life was in the golden days of the Merchant Navy. ( Sea Breezes )
A publication that will surely earn a place of honour in in telling how life was in the golden days of the Merchant Navy. ( Sea Breezes )
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A really enjoyable and informative account of the Merchant Navy. The characters and places described are wonderful and enigmatic. Many of the story are funny; many of them sad - but all of them engaging. If you are interested in the the navy, travel or adventure, you could do a lot worse than give this book a try
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Them days is gone
A book I identified with having spent similar times as sparks on similar ships visiting similar places. Read more
Published 5 hours ago by M. S. Gilbert
Was a gift
This was a gift for my Dad, he says it is a very good read, nostalgic, but as Dad was a Radio Officer for many years, his only criticism is that the author keeps referring to the... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Becky P
Dull
OK... If you were in the Merchant Navy during this era, it's possibly going to be a reminder of days gone by. Read more
Published 11 months ago by timmyuk
Life at sea as it unbelievably was not long ago. Excellent!
Another nostalgic trip down memory lane for any ex seaman, Incidents and anecdotes unbelievable to a landsman are related with the matter-of-factness and humour that I remember... Read more
Published 11 months ago by J. S. Stocking
A jolly good read.
I bought this book because the cover looked like it would be a humourous read. When I started I found it disappointingly dry at first but this impression soon changed. Read more
Published 14 months ago by KenofScotland
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