From Annapolis to Scapa Flow: The Autobiography of Edward L. Beach, Sr. (review)

As an act of filial pride and loyalty, Edward L. Beach, Jr., arranged for the U.S. Naval Institute to publish his father's memoirs. The book recounts the senior Beach's naval service from 1880 until his retirement in 1922. The junior Beach, who sadly died shortly before this book appeared, was able to prepare a number of supplementary notes for inclusion in his father's account.

The Beachs had similar careers. Both graduated from the Naval Academy and reached the pinnacle of their profession by becoming seagoing commanders. In addition, each man authored numerous fictional and non-fictional books dealing with the U.S. Navy. Although father and son must have been disappointed that they were not selected for flag rank, it is obvious that they had a lifelong love affair with the American naval service.

One arresting aspect of this book is the picture it draws of Beach Sr.'s superior officers, many of whom he respected and admired. But, in a number of cases, his seniors were irascible or otherwise extremely difficult individuals. The Captain faced a major challenge in winning the approval of those seniors.

Beach advanced steadily in rank and responsibility as the nation developed the new American Navy of efficient steam plants, steel hulls, and rifled guns. By 1915 he commanded the armored cruiser Memphis, the flagship of Rear Admiral William B. Caperton. That officer was charged by Washington with handling the revolutionary situations in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. As Caperton's flag captain, Beach played an especially prominent role in restoring order and establishing an American protectorate in Haiti. The Captain displayed great personal sympathy for the Haitians. But his contention that the Americans honored that unhappy nation's right of self determination is contradicted by the forceful American actions that Beach frankly describes.

The most critical moment in Beach's career occurred in 1916 when the Memphis was anchored off the Dominican Republic. Suddenly the vessel was driven aground and destroyed by an enormous and unexpected tidal wave. During an ensuing court martial Beach was found guilty of failing to maintain the steam levels that might have allowed the cruiser to leave port for the relative safety of the open sea. The court apparently ignored Beach's contention that his superior, Rear Admiral Charles F. Pond, who sought to conserve fuel, limited the number of steam boilers that could be used while the cruiser was at anchor.

From Annapolis to Scapa Flow does not have a riveting literary style. Nevertheless, individuals interested in the early modern Navy during its formative years will read this book with enjoyment and profit. Once again we are indebted to Captain Beach and his son for the insights they offer on the often little-understood characteristics and activities of the United States Navy.