J P W Mallalieu

[Constance]

If you like Monsarrat: Very Ordinary Seaman - Mallalieu's slightly fictionalised (I have since learned) account of his wartime naval service. I read it as a teenager, found it unputdownable. Now o/p but plenty on abebooks.com.

 

[Poignard]

I remember that in the early 1960's he and another Labour MP came on board HMS Gambia for a "fact finding" circumnavigation of the UK. They were lavishly entertained and much fossil [and alcoholic] fuel was expended. Most nights we anchored somewhere and the dignitaries went ashore on a "jolly". Those of us on the lower deck were not allowed shore leave; perhaps it was thought that the sight of drunken Ordinary Seamen might prove offensive to the honoured guests?

I'd like to know what the late Captain Munn who, as far as is known did not show any socialist tendencies, thought of having to entertain these two Labour people on board his ship.