Just a Simple Seaman is a heartwarming story, initially of being brought up and schooled in post-war England with anecdotes of family life and childhood mischief. The book continues by recounting Andrew's life after he left home at the age of sixteen seeking adventure on the high seas as an apprenticed navigation officer in the British Merchant Navy at a time when the Red Ensign was flown with pride on vessels in ports all over the world. The book relates his observations and experiences while sailing on cargo liners for the following four years - until he met the love of his life at a school reunion. It is a book of warmth, humour, poignancy and occasional sadness.