JOLLY, a good sense of humour; JOSSMAN, a necessary strong personality. Frederick Dale's memoirs show that he clearly had an abundance of both qualities. Throughout a naval career of nearly thirty-three years, he rose from the rank of boy seaman, second class, to the exalted position of a fleet master-at-arms. Being the person responsible for the discipline and many other aspects of several hundred sailors' lives, both at sea and ashore, Dale relates some raucous stories here that will make your hair curl! But fleet master-at-arms Dale hardly led a pure existence himself. He boxed as a middleweight for many years at fairground boxing booths, where members of the public would challenge him. The success of these rough and tumble days spurred him on to begin a career as a professional boxer, whilst simultaneously employed by the Navy; a dual existence that not many sailors have achieved. Dale's recollections give the ordinary person a peep through the porthole into ship life, showing the humorous escapades that befall sailors as they let off 'a little' steam whilst ashore or try to break up the monotony at sea. This is an insider's view of life in the Royal Navy, depicting the sailors in their element, as they work (and play) hard. Being an active member of the Navy, however, is not without its dangers and there are a sprinkling of life's sadder moments covered here; extreme weather carrying men overboard, hostile fire and dealing with the aftermath of World War II. But life goes on, especially when you've got hundreds of sailors to keep an eye on (and all those confounded charge sheets to write!).

Shirley and I were invited as special guests of the Pacific American Lines to cruise aboard their cruiseship, the Experience. On January 9, 2012, we embarked from the port of San Diego. That afternoon, we took a walk about the ship and attended a mandatory lifeboat drill. Later we enjoyed predinner cocktails at the Ocean View Bar and dined at 5:45 p.m. Finally, we returned to our suite, retiring at 9:00 p.m. Thus began our journey, a much expected routine. It had lulled us into anticipating this was the way our cruise would continue . . . However, our disillusionment would soon become evident. If you would like, you are welcome to join us

Shirley and I were invited as special guests of the Pacific American Lines to cruise aboard their cruiseship, the Experience. On January 9, 2012, we embarked from the port of San Diego. That afternoon, we took a walk about the ship and attended a mandatory lifeboat drill. Later we enjoyed predinner cocktails at the Ocean View Bar and dined at 5:45 p.m. Finally, we returned to our suite, retiring at 9:00 p.m. Thus began our journey, a much expected routine. It had lulled us into anticipating this was the way our cruise would continue . . . However, our disillusionment would soon become evident. If you would like, you are welcome to join us

On a beautiful day in September 1987, Fred left for a walk in the Superstition Mountains not far from his home in Mesa, Arizona. This was a thrice weekly occurrence for Fred and he wasn't prepared for what lay ahead; the meeting with a very unusual cowboy by the name of Bob. Not only was Bob unusual but he made Fred an extremely remarkable offer; a trip back in time to a place and event of his choosing.
Come along on this exciting tale about an event which you will recognize. Fred's travel entails a trip back in time, encountering events and people from another era. After his return in 1987 the story continues to evolve. Find out what happened with some of the acquaintances that he made.