Social change in the Royal Navy, 1924-1970

Admiral Sir Frank Twiss KCB, KCVO, DSC, had a distinguished career which included such postings as Flag Officer Flotillas Home Fleet (1962-4), and Commander of the Far East Fleet (1965-7). His career proceeded at a rapid rate despite his going down with HMS Exeter in 1941 and being taken prisoner by the Japanese, in whose captivity he remained until 1945. When he retired as Second Sea Lord in 1970 he became Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod in the House of Lords, where he stayed until 1978.

Social Change in the Royal Navy is essentially the oral history of an entertaining and witty narrator, and weaves the Admiral's personal testimony with his letters and miscellaneous writings. It covers such topics as discipline, training, conditions on board ship, victualling, entertainment and welfare.

It also provides a keen insight into significant aspects of naval history: the Admiral was Deputy Secretary to the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Korean War, for example, and has some interesting comments on his experiences with Churchill.