TWO YEARS IN NAVY BLUE

“Two Years in Navy Blue” is a change of tempo from Ray’s espionage and mystery thrillers. This is a personal account of his two years of National Service in the Royal Navy.

The exploits of a National Serviceman called up in 1951 into the post war Royal Navy, with the Korean War raging on the other side of the world, an ever-present factor that threatened to extend two years’ compulsory service indefinitely.

Times of frustration compensated by moments of humour, notably when, drawn up stiffly on parade during the solemnity of a visit by a visiting admiral, a breakage of wind in an unguarded moment resulted in suppressed laughter rippling throughout the ranks.

Many colourful characters are encountered, a troubled sleep talker in the sleeping quarters, the harsh Patrolman Butcher, fiery naval officers repeatedly on the lookout for minor transgressions, countered by others, strict but fair and not without humour. The Emlyn Williams play, conducted by an in-house play group, totally disrupted momentarily by a line that, for the in-house audience, had a pronounced double meaning.

Two tumultuous years, commencing with trepidation and reluctance, ending with many regrets, including the loss of comradeship and ever-present humour.

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