All Parts Bearing an Even Strain

Between the two World Wars, when the Royal Navy's aura of worldwide near invincibility was still intact, the opportunity it offered young men for travel, adventure and a career were considerable. The Depression of the early 30s was a further boost to try a career afloat that would bring real qualifications. At a time when the Royal Navy's ships routinely carried out Spring, Summer and Winter cruises to 'show the flag' the chance to develop a career while visiting parts of the world most peoploe only read about was irresistable for John Hornabrook Smith. John, who hailed from a Cornish family with strong maritime links, died in 1987. He left behind a collection of memorabilia of his career as a Royal Navy engineer from 1928 to 1945. Like so many of that generation he rarely spoke of his wartime service but did go to considerable lengths to record it. The discovery of photographs, documents and a pocket book chronicling ships, places and events are the foundation of this book.