New memoir chronicles a young sailor's experiences during a terrifying World War II up until demobilisation and the life he led thereafter
REDLAND BAY, Australia, July 25, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- George Osborne wrote his career experience whilst in the Royal Navy in the early 1980s probably having been inspired to do so by Douglas Reeman, a very successful author and contemporary sailor from during the WWII period. His handwritten notes remained unread and untyped until his family became aware of them after his death in 1997. Dave Osborne felt his father's story should be shared to a wider audience, hence he decided to release "A Bit Of A Life: From A Boy Sailor to Demobilisation" (published by Xlibris AU).
"I think this a book for those who like true life stories that are different from an autobiography, especially those who find a sailor's life potentially exciting," Dave states. "Here is a real-life experience from a time of great upheaval which includes romance, excitement, camaraderie and some classical good humor of life in the Navy."
"A Bit Of A Life: From A Boy Sailor to Demobilisation" offers a firsthand account of George's journey from being a boy sailor in the U.K. to becoming a chief Petty Officer in the Royal Navy. Life as a boy sailor was exciting for him, but once the dark period of the World War II emerged, things changed radically, and his knowledge and courage were tested in some dramatic experiences. When he moved into the submarine service in late 1942, a very new experience awaited him and by then, he was a married man entering fatherhood in the coming year and already wondering what to do when the war finally ended. The final chapter written by Dave records the greatly unsettled life his father led after demobilisation, including the lingering regret at having taken the wrong pathway despite the emerging successes of his children.
This book will appeal to those who are considering a life of travel and adventure or are just curious as to what life in the Navy might be like. Visit https://www.xlibris.com/en-au/bookstore/bookdetails/849908-a-bit-of-a-life to get a copy.
"A Bit Of A Life: From A Boy Sailor to Demobilisation"
By George Osborne and Dave Osborne
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 520 pages | ISBN 9798369492307
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 520 pages | ISBN 9798369492291
E-Book | 520 pages | ISBN 9798369492284
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the Authors
George Osborne had never written a book before "A Bit Of A Life" and was seemingly inspired by an author and fellow sailor Douglas Reeman who he connected with in 1960. Reeman wrote 68 novels, ultimately selling 34 million copies. In writing this book, over a two-year period, from 1962, George recalled, researched, and wrote by hand, his account of his period of service, which extended from mid-teens in April 1932 until his 30th birthday in August 1946. Looking back over almost half a century it is surprising how much of those early days he was able to recall. His son David Osborne, who more recently contributed the final chapter and the preface, as well as compiling the book, has worked in the mining industry since 1960 having initially qualified with B.Sc. and doctorate degrees from Newcastle University in the UK. Like his father, he has travelled widely and worked in coal and iron ore operations in various parts of the globe. He has previously published books, articles and technical papers, but never a non-fiction book such as this. Dave now lives and (still) works near Brisbane, Australia, with his wife Hazel who is a retired musician and teacher.
Xlibris Publishing Australia, an Author Solutions, LLC imprint, is a self-publishing services provider dedicated to serving Australian authors. By focusing on the needs of creative writers and artists and adopting the latest print-on-demand publishing technology and strategies, we provide expert publishing services with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound and full-color formats. To date, Xlibris has helped to publish more than 60,000 titles.
For more information, visit xlibrispublishing.com.au or call 1-800-844-927 to receive a free publishing guide.
Media Contact
Marketing Services, XlibrisAU, 1-800-844-927, [email protected]
SOURCE XlibrisAU
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