John Winton Libros

Winton, John. Hurrah for the Life of a Sailor. Life on the lower-deck of the Victorian Navy. London, Michael Joseph, 1977. 24 cm x 16 cm. 320 pages. With many black-and-white illustrations throughout the book. Original Hardcover with original dustjacket in protective collector's mylar. Very good condition with only minor signs of external wear. Includes for example the following The British Tar - the early nineteenth-century Navy / From Burma to Navarino - the Navy of the 1820s / From Acre to Borneo - the Navy of the 1840s / Captain and Eurydice - two mid-Victorian naval tragedies etc etc.

This engaging history explores the relationship between the Royal Family and the Royal Navy throughout the twentieth century. The Navy has long been viewed by the Royal Family as an ideal training ground for their duties, with many serving in its ranks. Notably, two of Queen Victoria’s grandsons, Prince George and Prince Albert, began their naval careers as cadets on HMS Britannia in 1877, facing rigorous training without royal privileges. King George VI also had his share of naval experience, manning a gun turret during the pivotal Battle of Jutland in World War I. The narrative follows four generations of royal naval officers from King George V, who believed in the Navy's role in instilling character, to Charles, now King Charles III, who trained as a helicopter pilot and commanded HMS Bronington. The book recounts thrilling naval engagements, such as Prince Philip’s significant role aboard HMS Valiant during the night action off Cape Matapan in 1941, and his presence in Tokyo Bay for Japan's surrender in 1945 as First Lieutenant of HMS Whelp. John Winton skillfully captures the deep mutual respect between the monarchy and the Navy, showcasing a remarkable legacy of service and duty.

In the Illustrated History of the Royal Navy, author John Winton captures the military splendor of the British Royal Navy. Lavishly illustrated with visual matter mainly drawn from the collections of the Royal Navy Museum, John Winton brings to life the magnificent tradition of the Royal Navy and its key role in the defense of the United Kingdom. It encompasses all the majesty and storied reputation of the Royal Navy, which continues to the present day.