Rogue's Yarn

"Joe" Oram rose from boy-sailor in the sail training vessel "Worcester" just after the turn of the century, to the exalted corridors of the Admiralty by the end of World War II. This book tells of his transition from the Merchant Navy to the Royal Navy just before the Great War, of his early experience in submarines under the tutelage of some of the pioneers of this revolutionary technology, and his eventual appointment as Captain (S) 5th Flotilla at HMS Dolphin, the submarine training school at Fort Blockhouse. Before he was 20, Oram had twice rounded the Horn under canvas, aboard the wool clipper "Port Jackson". The change to the Royal Navy threw sea-going life into a new perspective. During his 33 years in the King's service he witnessed tumultuous social and political change both within and without the Navy. His passion became submarines. He was involved in three major accidents, including the "Thetis" disaster, where he was one of only four survivors who risked their lives in vain to save their 99 shipmates in Liverpool Bay.
He was an effective and skilful teacher who had an unconventional approach to submarine training, and consequently at the outbreak of World War II officer selection and training produced immediate and positive results, echoes of which are still felt in the Service today. He was a revealing diarist and entertaining writer, who recorded lively comments on world affairs as he pursued his career in pre-revolutionary China, South America, South Africa and the many colourful landfalls in between.