Memoirs of a Mariner

W.A. Morrison was Military Advisor with the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations.

Rear Admiral Horatio Nelson Lay retired from the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in October 1958, having served for over 40 years. His last appointment was that of Vice-Chief of the Naval Staff; previously he had held important command and staff positions in peace and in war. In his introduction, the author notes that the book “contains the ramblings of an ancient mariner”; but amid the chatty descriptions of relatives, friends, and golf courses there are many military recollections. Between the wars, the RCN did not receive the lion’s share of defence expenditures. However, Lay tells us that those who were in the senior service fared well through the many international professional contacts which had been developed and fostered. His World War II exploits are well explained including the episodes which resulted in his being awarded the Polish Cross of Valour and being mentioned-in-dispatches. The RCN had a difficult time establishing proper international command relationships in 1942-43, and Lay recounts well his part in the convening of the Convoy Conference in Washington in March of the latter year. His comments on individuals are interesting — especially those about Brodeur, Brooke Claxton, Hennessey, Hellyer, and Pearson. Of particular note are his recollections of W.L. Mackenzie King, an uncle by marriage. King is described in many vignettes as a kind, caring soul who always had time for the correct social gestures.

Memoirs of a Mariner adds to our general body of knowledge about the historical development of our armed forces and the relationships between the military and the government of the day. It will be of use to today’s historians and military professionals.