Diary of a Wartime Naval Constructor: Sir Stanley Goodall

During World War II, Sir Stanley Goodall was the head of the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors and was the principal technical advisor to the Board of Admiralty. His private diary provides new and unique insights into the wartime construction program, which built nearly a thousand major warships and a myriad of landing craft and coastal forces.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Sir Stanley Goodall, a renowned figure in the world of twentieth-century warship design, achieved remarkable success by rising through the ranks of the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors. In 1936, he assumed the position of its head, a crucial role in overseeing the entire design and construction of British warships. The Corps played a pivotal role in every aspect of these vessels, and its head, the Director of Naval Construction, served as the principal technical advisor to the Board of Admiralty. Although Goodall's tenure in this post ended in January 1944, he continued to hold the position of Assistant Controller Warship Production until October 1945. As a result, he undoubtedly emerged as the single most influential figure in British naval technical matters during the war years.

It is worth noting that Goodall's private diary was never intended for publication. Instead, it appears to have served as a means for him to vent some of his professional frustrations. Nonetheless, the diary offers candid and unrestrained opinions, providing new and unique insights into a wartime construction program that resulted in the building of nearly a thousand major warships, as well as a vast array of landing craft and coastal forces.

To enhance the reader's understanding of this historical period, Dr. Ian Buxton, a renowned authority on British shipbuilding, has meticulously edited the entries covering Goodall's war years. He has identified the various personalities and ships referred to in the diary, often using cryptic references. Additionally, he has provided introductory essays that set the context for the entries, making this book an invaluable resource for warship enthusiasts.

As an insider's view of a complex process, this book offers a wealth of new material and a fresh perspective on a subject that may seem familiar to many. It provides a deep dive into the world of warship design and construction during a critical time in history, offering valuable insights into the strategies, challenges, and achievements of the era. Whether you are a seasoned warship enthusiast or someone with a casual interest in naval history, this book is sure to captivate and inspire you.

Weight: 856g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399082709