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Born in Stockport - Grew up in the Royal Navy: Book One
A true story of life in Greater Manchester through the sixties and seventies that pushed a boy to become a man in the Royal Navy. Armed Forces experiences that catapulted his development and forged bonds with comrades who became friends for life and the lessons learned that he took with him into civilian life. The story is told in a humorous and gritty style, describing events and incidents, fast-paced and straight from the heart. Mostly funny, there is a sober and occasional sad side to the events, which match the ups and downs of life. Maurice describes himself as a Scallywag who became an Executive. Never slow in expressing himself, he paints a picture of life that is not always visible to everyone.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2020
20 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 9, 2021
An honest book about life without embellishment
I empathized with the author in all his childhood and youth adventures, as well as difficulties in the last grades of school.
I had a similar childhood, albeit at a different time and in a different country. The book inspired pleasant memories of mopeds and motorcycles.
The years I spent in the police and the army had a huge impact on my development as a person. And it was very interesting for me, as a landlubber, to read about service in the navy.
Matelot's crude jokes, swear words and drinking, in my humble opinion, only add colour to the story.
Many thanks to the author for opening the curtain and letting the reader into the everyday life of matelots on a warship.
I cannot fail to note the courage of the author to publish a book where life is described as it is - without embellishment and retouching.
There is hope in the story, despite all the challenges that the author constantly faces.
I am going to read other books by the author as well.
I empathized with the author in all his childhood and youth adventures, as well as difficulties in the last grades of school.
I had a similar childhood, albeit at a different time and in a different country. The book inspired pleasant memories of mopeds and motorcycles.
The years I spent in the police and the army had a huge impact on my development as a person. And it was very interesting for me, as a landlubber, to read about service in the navy.
Matelot's crude jokes, swear words and drinking, in my humble opinion, only add colour to the story.
Many thanks to the author for opening the curtain and letting the reader into the everyday life of matelots on a warship.
I cannot fail to note the courage of the author to publish a book where life is described as it is - without embellishment and retouching.
There is hope in the story, despite all the challenges that the author constantly faces.
I am going to read other books by the author as well.
March 21, 2025
Maurice Perkins' Born in Stockport, Grew up in the Royal Navy (2020) was a kick to read. I picked it because I have a couple of military kids here in the USA, but know little about military careers in other nations, Like the UK. Once Maurice got into the military life (which took a chunk of the book), it became apparent that there were a lot of similarities between enlisted life in the two countries:
“On the day of the test after practicing a few times, you had to remove you mask inside the gas filled room and shout out your name and official number, then pause to receive the command to leave, just as you breathed in.”
"The exam was used to determine which type of school the student should attend after primary education, a grammar school, a secondary school or a technical school."
"...having completed my basic training on the 2nd of February 1975, had to head off for my professional training as a Radio Operator."
But up until enlistment, life for this boy was one wild adventure after another, with lots of violence and brushes with the law. Maurice was smart, but didn't want to be considered a brainiac so he hid his clever side, so well I was surprised he graduated from school. By the time I got to the part of the book about his time in the Royal Navy, I figured either they would fix him, he would grow up, or the Brits would never win another war.
Spoiler: Happy ending! But you’ll have to read to see how that comes to pass. I will tell you it is an interesting inside story of one man’s coming of age experience compliments of the British military, from--in his own words--"Scallywag to Executive". I loved the authors voice. It was down to earth with a touch of humor regardless of the event. There were lots of Brit phrases that will make sense to those who live there. He did make an effort to define them in context but sometimes that just made it worse. Overall, a good read and I'd have no problem picking up the next books in the series.
“On the day of the test after practicing a few times, you had to remove you mask inside the gas filled room and shout out your name and official number, then pause to receive the command to leave, just as you breathed in.”
"The exam was used to determine which type of school the student should attend after primary education, a grammar school, a secondary school or a technical school."
"...having completed my basic training on the 2nd of February 1975, had to head off for my professional training as a Radio Operator."
But up until enlistment, life for this boy was one wild adventure after another, with lots of violence and brushes with the law. Maurice was smart, but didn't want to be considered a brainiac so he hid his clever side, so well I was surprised he graduated from school. By the time I got to the part of the book about his time in the Royal Navy, I figured either they would fix him, he would grow up, or the Brits would never win another war.
Spoiler: Happy ending! But you’ll have to read to see how that comes to pass. I will tell you it is an interesting inside story of one man’s coming of age experience compliments of the British military, from--in his own words--"Scallywag to Executive". I loved the authors voice. It was down to earth with a touch of humor regardless of the event. There were lots of Brit phrases that will make sense to those who live there. He did make an effort to define them in context but sometimes that just made it worse. Overall, a good read and I'd have no problem picking up the next books in the series.
June 19, 2021
An entertaining and gritty series of real life tales told with charm…
Maurice Perkins delivers a memoir that is full of charm, fun and tales of experience that covers the years of his childhood to being a young man in the royal navy. Each chapter is full of fun encounters relayed in a way that confides in the reader as if you were sitting opposite Mr Perkins while he shares them; from a youth spent being a ‘scallywag’ getting into all kinds of trouble to finding success in the Royal Navy – his journey is both inspiring and full of lessons that are valuable for anyone. The terminology is fun and many of the Navy cantered stories are insightful while also being entertaining.
Of course much of these recollections are of a time gone by like the many scraps he’s had which are highlighted with a dusting of humour and just the right amount grit. Not once did I feel like there was a dull moment and the many tales flow into one another well which keeps pages turning in what is a fun journey and only part one. I’ll definitely be reading the next part soon.
Maurice Perkins delivers a memoir that is full of charm, fun and tales of experience that covers the years of his childhood to being a young man in the royal navy. Each chapter is full of fun encounters relayed in a way that confides in the reader as if you were sitting opposite Mr Perkins while he shares them; from a youth spent being a ‘scallywag’ getting into all kinds of trouble to finding success in the Royal Navy – his journey is both inspiring and full of lessons that are valuable for anyone. The terminology is fun and many of the Navy cantered stories are insightful while also being entertaining.
Of course much of these recollections are of a time gone by like the many scraps he’s had which are highlighted with a dusting of humour and just the right amount grit. Not once did I feel like there was a dull moment and the many tales flow into one another well which keeps pages turning in what is a fun journey and only part one. I’ll definitely be reading the next part soon.
July 14, 2024
"Born in Stockport - Grew up in the Royal Navy: Book One" by Maurice Perkins is an engaging memoir that recounts the author's journey from his youth in Greater Manchester during the sixties and seventies to his transformative experiences in the Royal Navy. Perkins shares humorous and gritty anecdotes about his time in the Armed Forces, highlighting the friendships and lessons that shaped his life. Written in a fast-paced and heartfelt style, the book captures the ups and downs of life, blending humor with moments of sobriety and sadness. It's a compelling read for those interested in personal growth and military life.
April 23, 2021
True sailor adventure. Maurice Perkins tells it like it is. Some of this book is freaking hilarious. Some of it is the stuff of a mother's nightmares. I loved it. I think the shipboard stuff was even funnier for me because I have a military family.
October 1, 2021
what a character!
This was such good fun to read. A cheeky tale of mischief and shenanigans, a lovely glimpse back in time. I really enjoyed it and look forward to starting the second!
This was such good fun to read. A cheeky tale of mischief and shenanigans, a lovely glimpse back in time. I really enjoyed it and look forward to starting the second!
December 21, 2020
needs a good editor, lots of mistakes
The navy bit was short, that's a shame as that's what i was reading it for
The navy bit was short, that's a shame as that's what i was reading it for
October 10, 2022
Brings back memories
A good read ,enjoyed it no end was never on big ships so it's nice to know how they lived,looking forward to book 2
A good read ,enjoyed it no end was never on big ships so it's nice to know how they lived,looking forward to book 2
July 29, 2022
This memoir is an honest portrayal of a young scallywag who decides to join the Royal Navy. The author shares fun and raw inside stories to what life was like before and during his navy days. I’m looking forward to reading more of his adventures in his following books.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews