From Ceylon to Corsham

Published: 29 June 2009

From an early age Pat Horn knew he wanted to be part of the Royal Navy and his early childhood memories of Sri Lanka and his education provide a great many stories that lead him to his first post as Midshipman in 1935.

Sailing around the world on numerous ships and to places like Korea and the West Indies, Pat met a variety of people from all walks of life. In 1942 the varied reservists he joined with on HMS Fitzroy included a New Zealand sheep farmer, a barrister and a London socialite.

It would be this boat that Pat and the crew would have to abandon ship due to a floating mine. After this, Pat was to reach command level at the age of 33 when he became commander of his own ship.

His wife Peggy plays a big role in the book and after his retirement to civilian life in 1960 we read the charming and entertaining memoirs about work and family that continued through the years until Peggy’s death in 1974.

It’s a great read of stories and anecdotes that tell of a much travelled and high-achieving life. Pat is a former President of Corsham RBL and, even at 92, is still Vice President.

Copies of the book can be obtained from Corsham Bookshop, 16 Martingate, High Street, Corsham, Wilts, SN13 0HL. Or you can order by email at corsham_bookshop@yahoo.co.uk