Lead With Courage: Learning to Lead From Those Who Have Gone Before
112 pages
Dr James Bosbotinis
This is a notable new book from the Britannia Museum Trust Press, which has previously put out books in its ‘Naval Histories of World War II’ series, combining declassified documents with a detailed introduction provided by a contemporary historian. This series has included books on the Norwegian Campaign, the Arctic convoys and Operation NEPTUNE, all reviewed in The Naval Review. In contrast, Lead with Courage features 21 notable naval figures, from the First and Second World Wars, through the 20th century to the present, including Lieutenant Commander Catharine Ker, the first woman to qualify as a Mine Clearance Diving Officer, as well as, for example, Admirals Fieldhouse, Leach and Woodward, and five Victoria Cross recipients. As the First Sea Lord explains in his Foreword, this book is “a call to action for the next generation of naval officers. It stands as a testament to the values, ethos, and responsibilities that come with the privilege of command.”
Lead with Courage is very much aimed at the young naval officer, and it is written by Officer Cadets. Captain Andrew Bray, Captain of Britannia Royal Naval College, states in the Introduction that the stories in this book, were “written by Officer Cadets in training who were asked to write about inspirational naval leaders”, whose legacy forms part of the “Blue Line…the unbroken thread of leadership and values connecting every naval officer – from Nelson at Trafalgar to cadets on the parade ground today.” Each contribution follows the same basic approach; a brief introduction to the person and their naval career, with a focus on a particular achievement or whatever it is that marked out the person as an inspiration to the Cadet writing. Across the 21 entries, the diversity of the people that have served and continue to serve, their backgrounds, and experiences, whether of World War, the Falklands, or the challenges of today, vividly illustrate the enduring importance of, as the First Sea Lord states, “making sound decisions under pressure, inspiring others through adversity” and “By reflecting on those who have gone before you…help you understand what it means to lead in today’s Navy.”
Lead with Courage provides a concise and highly engaging read: there are a few minor typos and issues with dates on pages 69 and 70, but none that detract from the quality of the book. Alongside the text are an excellent selection of photographs. It will of course greatly appeal to anyone starting the naval journey or those thinking about naval service and seeking to learn about those who have gone before. It will also appeal to anyone with a general interest in naval history. Lead with Courage is certainly recommended.
