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Clear Lower Deck
Do you know where the expression 'grog' comes from? Or what happened when the admiral's parrot got seasick? Or why a gun-toting generalissimo in the Philippines distributed medals from a shoebox? Do you know why a distinguished royal visitor had difficulty in flushing the ship's toilet in Antigua or why Invergordon was referred to as 'dump'? Or have you heard about a cat called Oscar who was sunk with the German battleship Bismarck in World War II but survived to be sunk twice more in the ships which rescued him? The answers to these questions, and other true salty stories, can be found in this book by former Royal Navy officer Roger Paine, as he charts the ups and downs of life, both ashore and afloat. Together with recipes for rum punch and Christmas cake, plus the traditional RN toasts for each day of the week, this delightfully irreverent, and occasionally indiscreet, collection of 'yarns' is here to be savoured and treasured. Shortlisted for a Mountbatten Maritime Media Award, 2010
132 pages, Paperback
First published February 21, 2012
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September 18, 2012
Roger Paine's book, “Clear Lower Deck” is a collection of the author's recollections and anecdotes, and provides a fascinating view of the post war Royal Navy from the 'sixties to the early 'eighties. The style is relaxed, competent and extremely easy to read, and the book presents well, in the large format paperback style favoured by Fireship Press. A few illustrations would have been welcome, but this is a minor point. What stands out is the intimate view of the RN of that time; you feel accepted into that tight club, with jargon, slang (always explained), and camaraderie abounding. It is a truly personal account of service life; one which is both authentic and totally captivating.
The author certainly led an active career, with deployments aboard a wide variety of vessels, as well as time at the Ministry of Defence, and on an admiral's staff during the Falklands conflict. Starting as a sixteen year old junior rating, he rose to Commander, a rank he held for several years before opting for retirement. There are no eye witness accounts of great battles or major incidents, but in smaller matters, like entertaining visiting dignitaries, dealing with a manipulative superior, or heading an exercise to secure an ammunition depot, the detail is minute and insight fascinating. Service etiquette is also covered, as well as a good deal of background into various naval traditions. The author even recounts his experiences as he retires from a life he had known since a lad, faces the civilian world, (and further watery perils beyond).
Don't expect side splitting humour; this is not a naval joke book, neither does it paint an overly sentimental picture of jolly Jack Tars, or totally improbable Navy Lark capers. But as an entertaining glance at a time when the RN still boasted more ships than admirals “Clear Lower Deck” is absolutely first rate, and serves as an excellent reminder of the Navy we have lost.
The author certainly led an active career, with deployments aboard a wide variety of vessels, as well as time at the Ministry of Defence, and on an admiral's staff during the Falklands conflict. Starting as a sixteen year old junior rating, he rose to Commander, a rank he held for several years before opting for retirement. There are no eye witness accounts of great battles or major incidents, but in smaller matters, like entertaining visiting dignitaries, dealing with a manipulative superior, or heading an exercise to secure an ammunition depot, the detail is minute and insight fascinating. Service etiquette is also covered, as well as a good deal of background into various naval traditions. The author even recounts his experiences as he retires from a life he had known since a lad, faces the civilian world, (and further watery perils beyond).
Don't expect side splitting humour; this is not a naval joke book, neither does it paint an overly sentimental picture of jolly Jack Tars, or totally improbable Navy Lark capers. But as an entertaining glance at a time when the RN still boasted more ships than admirals “Clear Lower Deck” is absolutely first rate, and serves as an excellent reminder of the Navy we have lost.
Displaying 1 of 1 review