I joined the Royal Navy in 1951. I wanted to see the world and became a leading writer in the Royal Navy. I served for 10 years. Naval experience taught me how to manage a ship’s office (“Plummeting morale, low pay, unjust wars. It’s no wonder young people resist joining up”, Comment). On leaving the service, I married, and soon found employment in civvy street, including as an office manager, senior personnel manager in the BBC, a senior industrial relations officer in Bradford and a tenant involvement officer. Not bad for a young Scouser.
Every aspect and success of my working life was founded on what the Royal Navy drilled into me all those years ago. Perhaps the military recruiting services should speak to some of today’s advertising companies?
Tom Clinton
Cononley, Keighley, Bradford
