Without Regret

Without Regret by Leonard A. Harris (1907-1999)

This memoir about the experiences of Royal Navy volunteer between 1923 and 1947 firstly gives details of the way of life of a sailor from recruitment to retirement and secondly gives details of the 14 ships and the shore bases where he served.

Leonard was primarily based in Chatham Barracks and before World War One served in the Home and Mediterranean Fleets. He was a qualified Coxswain and during the war he was involved in the evacuation of Dunkirk, then worked on North Atlantic convey protection. Later he was transferred to convey protection in the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean. Before returning to home waters for the remainder of the war. He retired in August 1947 at the rank of Chief Petty Officer .