About the Book
In his autobiography, Danny Marks takes us back to the days when Britannia ruled the waves. The formidable Mediterranean Fleet was stationed in Malta and, at that time, exercised considerable infl uence on the international scene. He describes his teenage years in Malta, where he was born, when the island became the most bombed place on earth. He shares his memories of that time when, a mere fourteen days short of starvation and surrender, salvation arrived in the form of the highly protected convoy which fi nally reached its shores. He goes on to recount his experiences of 29 years service in the Royal Navy, a tale packed with incident and observation, in turn amusing and serious. He tells the reader that a warship and a sailor's uniform acted as a magnet for girls seeking a good time and of how easily he could have joined the ranks of those with 'a girl in every port'! The difficult conditions endured on board ships in his days were, he affirms, more than compensated by his adventures in hundreds of ports and towns, his visits to countless cities, lakes, rivers and mountain ranges, set in their historical and cultural contexts, across fi ve continents.
As for his life, he would, he tells us, happily live it as it was all over again.
Review :
'What a wonderful story of nearly 86 years' experience. The words paint a picture of the naval personalities who had global experience'. Captain P Stickland RN Rtd. 'I very much enjoyed reading about a most interesting life in the RN in what I regard as a superb autobiography'. Mr D Waller (Maritime History Researcher) 'I enjoyed the book from start to finish. A good read with good illustrations and thoroughly recommended. Go buy it'. HMS Saintes Reunion Association Secretary 'An excellent book which I enjoyed reading immensely. It relates a life story with many unusual features set out in interesting episodes, introduced with historical and current affairs scenarios which drives the reader onwards' Mr L Leigh (North Wales History Researcher and Writer) 'I found the book to be a good read and very informative. I also learned how sailors live in a warship'. Mr C Holingworth (Retired Estate Regional Director) British Army Rumour Service Forum Review: "The 'Alert' is blown by the Royal Marine Bugler, the ships company, all dressed in their smart, very uncomfortable white suits, are brought to Attention. They are manning the Port side of the upper deck by divisions. Slowly from ship to ship in Grand Harbour a smart launch appears, there in the stern stands the CinC Mediterranean Fleet, he accepts the salutes of all the ships as he passes them by, his critical eye roving around just hoping to catch a glimpse of something untoward. It is a normal Sunday morning for the Fleet." Danny Marks' book is a fascinating tale of the Royal Navy, as it used to be, in the aftermath of the 2nd World War. His story begins by telling the reader what it was like for a teenager to be brought up in Malta during those tumultuous days when the German and Italian Air Forces tried, unsuccessfully thank goodness, to bomb the Island into submission. Click here to buy from Amazon He tells us of his family history, how, by having an English Grandfather, he was able to join the Royal Navy. After a 5 year apprenticeship as an Engine Fitter and Turner, in the Malta Dockyard, he applied to join the Royal Navy as an Engine Room Artificer where, after a successful Trade Test , he awaited joining instructions. This was in November 1945. Danny Marks takes us along on a trip through his Naval career, from his training days to his retirement from the Royal Navy, 29 years later, then into his retirement proper after a successful business career. This book will be of great interest to different types of reader. Those that just enjoy a Naval Tale, those who are interested in Naval history, then those, like me, who were a part of the Royal Navy of the 50's that he was writing about, who love a good wallow in nostalgia. That is what this book brought to me, a remembrance of those by-gone years of my youth. As his story progresses we become a part of his story, we want to know what he did next, what antics he got up to. He writes with a dry humour that typifies 'Jack'. He tells of his romances and close shaves, of how he met his eventual wife. All is told in a respectful and caring way. When he is offered his commission he tells of the changes it made to his life style, how he adapted to life in the Wardroom, but at the same time keeping the narrative going regarding life aboard ship. A lot of us will think to ourselves, 'been there, done that, got the T shirt'. Others may just enjoy a carefree tale of a 'Matelot' as he meanders through his life and career. He shows a list of his 'flimsies' ,as an Appendix at the end of his book, that he was given during his career. From them we see a Man who was well liked by those he came into contact with. An Officer who actually cared. As I finished the book, these two words were in my head, 'He cared'. Nautilus International Telegraph Review: Memories of Happy Days Danny Marks would definitely t into the category of sailor who believes that seafaring today is not like it was in the 'good ol' days'. He spent 29 years in the Royal Navy in the days when sailors boasted of a 'girl in every port', time ashore was plentiful and every colleague was a 'character'. It is easy to see why Mr Marks so enjoyed his time at sea as his first book, written aged 82, is packed with adventures. Some joyful, some difficult, some downright bizarre - and all delivered with a clear honesty. This is very much a 'life and times of book, with historical references providing an engaging backdrop to a life fully lived. The author brings his tale to life with intimate recreations of the locations he visited, an amazing achievement given the age and length of service of Mr Marks - the detail he provides on a mosaic in Pompeii will raise a smile and is clearly an image etched in his memory. It could also be described as a 'who's who' of the twentieth century - Lord Mountbatten, Field Marshall Montgomery, the Queen, the King of Togo - they're all here, although most respect is reserved for the author's father and father-in-law. Pictures are well used throughout the book as the years gallop past, rather than lumped together in the middle. But it is this galloping of the years which is the book's only downfall. There is almost an urgency to get all the tales told, and in doing so, some of the intensity is lost. It is clearly difficult to describe 29 years in only 288 pages, and the reader is sometimes left wanting more detail about an adventure that is done and dusted in only four paragraphs. But maybe that is an excellent sign for the future - after all, it is only his first book. Mr Marks could consider the possibility of revisiting some of his stories in more detail, and this would give the reader a real opportunity to become fully immersed in The Life and Exploits of a Maltese Sailor.
