Based on Mary Wardle's father's own account, this book recounts the exploits of William Donald, who went to sea as a boy in 1912 and stayed in the Merchant Navy for almost 50 years. In the course of his career, he dealt with many incidents, including: eccentric captains and crews; a crazy baboon; and a submarine chase and grounding. The years between the wars were full of incidents, including: a cargo of bones; a steadily expanding fireman; and the sinking of a tanker. World War II brought endless convoys, gun watches and sleepless nights. This record of life at sea should be of interest as an entertaining read, as well as for its historical detail and account of operations in the Merchant Navy.