Eric Smith, from a poor working-class background, gains entrance to the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth as a Cadet Midshipman. He has to overcome class prejudice and harsh discipline to succeed but finds an unexpected ally in an aristocratic classmate. He falls in love with his classmate's aristocratic sister but has to overcome opposition from his Nemesis, Springett.
He serves on the Atlantic and Russian Convoys and learns the value of loyalty.
This is the third novel from Terry Parker who lives happily in Sydney Australia.