Impoverished after World War II, Britain was forced to take drastic economic measures - not least in her armed services, and the postwar decade was particularly difficult for the Royal Navy. The tough lifestyle and rudimentary conditions on the lower deck of its warships, which had been tolerated during the war, showed few signs of improvement in peacetime. Coupled with wardroom indifference and the Admiralty's conservatism, it was several years before the ordinary seaman saw any improvement in conditions. It came as no surprise, therefore, to learn that the Navy was experiencing problems with the recruitment and retention of men. David Phillipson experienced the privations of this period at first-hand and has canvassed the memories and opinions of dozens more who served with him in the decade following the war. The picture he paints is one of eternal dissatisfaction and represents the authentic voice of the men as opposed to officers at this time.