Catalogue description Admiralty: Navy Reference Books (OU Series)

This series contains examples of the OU series of Admiralty publications, which were issued for internal use only.

Their purpose was to give information, such as facts and lessons learned; guidance and instruction on the use of facilities and equipment; and generally on various aspects of management in the Royal Navy - 'Service methods'.

OU stood for 'Official Use'. The now-discontinued OU Series of Admiralty publications was material classified as"For Official Use Only", and provided information on service methods and materials to those"holding an official position in HM Service". This included all Royal Navy officers, plus any rating who required access to an OU in the course of his official duties.