*British, WW2, Royal Navy “A Seaman’s Pocket-Book” B.R. 827, June 1943 Admiralty Training Manual*
Original Second World War Royal Navy issue handbook titled A Seaman’s Pocket-Book, B.R. 827, dated June 1943 and published by His Majesty’s Stationery Office by authority of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
This practical handbook was supplied for the public service and intended as an essential instructional guide for Royal Navy ratings and new recruits during wartime service. Covering the fundamentals of seamanship, shipboard discipline, naval terminology, steering, rigging, anchors and cables, and general life aboard His Majesty’s ships, it served as a concise but highly important reference manual during the rapid wartime expansion of the fleet.
The original printed paper covers remain present with blue cloth spine binding, the front titled “A Seaman’s Pocket-Book – June 1943” with Admiralty emblem and B.R. 827 designation. Rear cover retains the original HMSO publication details and wartime price of 1s. 3d. net. Internally complete with period commercial advertising pages including Ross binoculars and telescopes, Siebe Gorman diving apparatus, and marine engineering firms, adding further period interest and strong wartime character.
A very collectible and evocative Royal Navy wartime publication, ideal for naval collectors, maritime historians, or WWII militaria displays.
Approx. Measurements – 18.5 cm x 12 cm.
History Note:
B.R. (Book of Reference) publications were official Admiralty instructional manuals issued across the Royal Navy for training and operational use. During 1943, with Britain fully engaged in global naval warfare across the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Arctic convoys, and Pacific preparations, practical training books such as this were essential for rapidly preparing sailors for active service. “A Seaman’s Pocket-Book” distilled core naval knowledge into a compact and portable format suitable for everyday shipboard use, making surviving wartime examples highly desirable today.
*Condition*
Good original condition for age with light handling wear, minor creasing and age toning to covers, and some light marks consistent with service use. Blue cloth spine secure and intact with some light edge wear. Internally generally clean and complete. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQ
