Originally Posted by
jimdavis
What bitter news that he's gone.
John epitomised the difference between the RN and all the rest. Matchless competence along with an ability to inspire confidence, combined with a quiet but ready wit made him a natural leader of men. A man happy to lead by example. All qualities that are in short supply these days and characterising the enormous resource in depth of manpower that the Navy has enjoyed for hundreds of years and put the Great in Britain.
The powerful great and the good, no matter how exalted or talented can only at the end of the day, propose a course of action. It was the John Mankerty's of our world, that disposed - made them happen. Able to organise resources and inspire men with the minimum of fuss, mostly out of the limelight, he and people like him made the crucial difference that would make all things possible.
A great seaman and 'Guns' he was also a true gentleman. It was a privilege to know him.