View Full Version : RN Shore Training Establishment: HMS Ganges
I am so sad things have ended the way they have on this thread but I feel very strongly that it appears only the good times deserve discussing.Thats it I'll say no more on the subject.:confused:
Rab.
harry.gibbon
02-12-2010, 21:58
I am so sad things have ended the way they have on this thread but I feel very strongly that it appears only the good times deserve discussing.Thats it I'll say no more on the subject.:confused:
Rab.
Rab, might I suggest that you refer to post #875 (and some later) on this thread where-in you find that the book Band of Brothers is in circulation amongst the forum members. At his initially offering of this book, MacSporran referred to brutality in the Ganges regime during the period covered in the book. It is therefore available to you should you wish to contact the current reader.
Little h
I am so sad things have ended the way they have on this thread but I feel very strongly that it appears only the good times deserve discussing.Thats it I'll say no more on the subject.:confused:
Rab.
Personally I think that navigator11 ~ the Pilot ~ was given a very fair hearing and he neither justified or explained why he went well outside the very broad boundaries tolerated by all in respect of the title of this thread. Us Ganges Boys fully understand and accept discipline when it is needed. Maybe he needed a shot across his bows. Having said all that its still not too late for him to rejoin us if he wishes. I'm sure it would be 'forgive and forget' by all.
astraltrader
03-12-2010, 17:40
I am so sad things have ended the way they have on this thread but I feel very strongly that it appears only the good times deserve discussing.Thats it I'll say no more on the subject.:confused:
Rab.
I think you make a very good point Rab.
Whilst there is a need to put this behind us and move on with the thread itself, and there is nothing to stop any member contacting Navigator 11 by PM [Private Message] and continuing to debate/discuss this as long as he is happy to do so....
Rab, might I suggest that you refer to post #875 (and some later) on this thread where-in you find that the book Band of Brothers is in circulation amongst the forum members. At his initially offering of this book, MacSporran referred to brutality in the Ganges regime during the period covered in the book. It is therefore available to you should you wish to contact the current reader.
Little h
Thanks for that h.Would love to read it but don't know who has it at the moment.Help please.
Rab.
Batstiger
03-12-2010, 20:33
G'morning Bob,
Book arrived this morning --- It's reading weather here in Guzz - Extremely wet and gusting.
Any takers for next read lads ???????
Dave H
Try dropping Dave a PM.
Bob.
Dave Hutson
04-12-2010, 16:23
Hi Rab,
As Bob says drop me PM giving my your name and abode and you will be next in line.
Haven't had much time for reading lately but now there is yourself waiting I will crack on.
Dave H
navigator11
06-12-2010, 22:32
;)Cheery bye :)
alanandbren
07-12-2010, 05:21
;)Cheery bye :)
What photo does that tell anybody, BYE BYE.
What photo does that tell anybody, BYE BYE.
Regarding the Pilot's foto.
Grenville Division 1963-64. Divisional Officer Lt. Cdr. J.M. Phillips. The Chief (Chockhead) believed to be named Dear? :D
JackW1208
07-12-2010, 17:23
;)Cheery bye :)
It would appear that the 'pilot' is front row extreme left. Looking at the pic he posted in the RNLI thread #38, very similar!.
Under magnification, his name tag appears to be D.J.WAUGH.
Should narrow things down somewhat.
Jack.
Slan leat Nav.;)
Rab.
We do not all understand garlic?
harry.gibbon
07-12-2010, 23:37
In the compilation of the 41 pages of this thread, originated by Bob/Batstiger, occasional references have been made to the types of punishment available, and on occasions used, on/against those of us who passed through both the Annexe and the Main Establishment known as HMS Ganges.
To the best of my knowledge, no effort has been made by any of us to disguise the potential for 'supreme harshness' or any other 'difficult situation/obstacle' placed before the Ganges boy during his passage through the two adjacent locations.
We know that 'the cuts' were a recorded punishment meeted out to some offenders.
References have been made to Shotley Routine and other 'lesser' punishments available and used on occasion to bring either the whole Mess, a Class, a group, or an individual back into line - the Ganges way.
That most of us got through it without (apparent) adverse effect is perhaps a vindication of the methods used.
However, some individuals do have issues and have in the past referred to written accounts, including links to other websites.
So, as a Ganges boy of the 50's I have no difficulty with any former Ganges boy including a post or posts on this thread which makes reference to, or enlarges upon, conditions which they believe to have been harsh beyond their expectations or acceptance.
However I do not speak for the thread originator, or any other former Ganges boy whom I am sure will intercede should they so wish.
Little h
--------------
Prompted by the following exchanges in post#1001:-
Originally Posted by rab.m.
I feel very strongly that it appears only the good times deserve discussing.
Rab.
and the response in post #1004 by Terry/Astraltrader:-
I think you make a very good point Rab.
__________________
Best wishes,
Terry/Exeter. UK
Dave Hutson
08-12-2010, 08:28
Well put Harry ------ my class underwent a week of "Shotley Routine" but it left no lasting memories because I can't even remember why it was imposed. I do know that it bonded our class into a tightknit team because it was agreed that noone would falter and we wouldn't leave anyone behind.
I wouldn't say the punishments in the 50's were particularly harsh - but then it depended on the crime - Going Run was rewarded with six cuts across the buttocks and if repeated it was 12, this was probably the harshest of the bunch. Anything else between that and "Shotley Routine" was IMO character molding or instillation of team building.
I am just going thru the various punishments in the 50's in our book "Band of Brothers" which I strongly recommend as others before me have done.
Rab is the next on the list.
Dave H
alanandbren
08-12-2010, 09:01
Well put Harry ------ my class underwent a week of "Shotley Routine" but it left no lasting memories because I can't even remember why it was imposed. I do know that it bonded our class into a tightknit team because it was agreed that noone would falter and we wouldn't leave anyone behind.
I wouldn't say the punishments in the 50's were particularly harsh - but then it depended on the crime - Going Run was rewarded with six cuts across the buttocks and if repeated it was 12, this was probably the harshest of the bunch. Anything else between that and "Shotley Routine" was IMO character molding or instillation of team building.
I am just going thru the various punishments in the 50's in our book "Band of Brothers" which I strongly recommend as others before me have done.
Rab is the next on the list.
Dave H
Dave, I wish I could go through it all again, as you say in the 50s it was not that harsh in our eyes, maybe by todays soft standards it would be a capital crime. Although we did shotley routine and the rest,I still look on it all with nostalgia and feel proud to say I was a Ganges boy.
Alan
Dave Hutson
08-12-2010, 09:25
Alan,
On reflection I guess you could say we 50's boys were a product of our age. Most of us born just before, or during the war. So the majority of us grew up in austerity, some in evacuation homes, many without fathers who never returned from the war. Bombsites were our playgrounds and we had a good degree of discipline already through respect for our elders and authority.
The Navy of the late 1800's and early 1900's was certainly harsher but then so was the life up to and including the Dreadnoughts.
Our Instructors were all veterans given the task of making sure we would be up to the mark and all in all I reckon they succeeded.
I agree with you - I would go back and do it all again - probably make all the same mistakes too.
Is today's Navy soft on discipline ?? We probably think so but when I think of people like Kate Nesbitt and her oppos in Afghanistan and the like I wonder.
Dave H
Derek Dicker
08-12-2010, 09:39
Hi all,
I joined Ganges 7th May 1957, never got to the Captains table, or did shotley routine, but I do remember one or two instances of serious discipline.
I well remember a giant of a PTI (physical training instructor( from Canada, cant recall his name someone me enlighten me, who took delight in making the whole class do forward rolls on the hard wooden deck of the main gym without vest top, if one of the class was not up the standard of kit required.
The Chief Tel. in charge of our class in Anson 22 mess would make a particular class member stand in the big highly polished dust bin and recite I am rubbish.
Didnt do any harm to us young men.
Perhaps we were made of stronger stuff in those days.
I think the problems we have today are clearly linked to a lack of disciplin and morals.
Plead guilty and get off.
"TOUGH ON CRIME." What a joke
Derek (Bunts) old codger
alanandbren
08-12-2010, 09:51
Hi all,
I joined Ganges 7th May 1957, never got to the Captains table, or did shotley routine, but I do remember one or two instances of serious discipline.
I well remember a giant of a PTI (physical training instructor( from Canada, cant recall his name someone me enlighten me, who took delight in making the whole class do forward rolls on the hard wooden deck of the main gym without vest top, if one of the class was not up the standard of kit required.
The Chief Tel. in charge of our class in Anson 22 mess would make a particular class member stand in the big highly polished dust bin and recite I am rubbish.
Didnt do any harm to us young men.
Perhaps we were made of stronger stuff in those days.
I think the problems we have today are clearly linked to a lack of disciplin and morals.
Plead guilty and get off.
"TOUGH ON CRIME." What a joke
Derek (Bunts) old codger
Hi Derek, as you remember we both joined on the same day, and if you had not changed to bunting tosser and stayed with us seamen in Benbow under POGI Dolly Grey, then you would have sampled shotley routine, Ah' the things you missed.
Alan
This has been a very interesting thread. My father was a Ganges Boy and returned 30+ years later as an instructor for mature entrants. He was a Gunnery/General instructor.
Working with mature / older (especially Canadian) recruits, many of whom had a great deal of sea experience, he used (I believe) extra parade drill or the dismantling / reassembly of weapons as 'punishment'; does anyone have any knowledge or experience of this??
Edna
alanandbren
08-12-2010, 11:13
This has been a very interesting thread. My father was a Ganges Boy and returned 30+ years later as an instructor for mature entrants. He was a Gunnery/General instructor.
Working with mature / older (especially Canadian) recruits, many of whom had a great deal of sea experience, he used (I believe) extra parade drill or the dismantling / reassembly of weapons as 'punishment'; does anyone have any knowledge or experience of this??
Edna
Edna, the only punishment we did with weapons was bunny hopping round the parade ground with a 303 rifle over your head.
Alan
Discipline and punishment.
I agree with just about all comments. In my time 49-50, I never heard of or saw any punishment which was not justified. It usually stemmed from a Boy not doing as he was told let alone ordered to do or a battle of wills. A Boy deciding that an Instructor was not going to get the better of him. Harsh? I don't think so. That was the way it was in that era.
THE TORTURE CHAMBER?
Never seen this before. Can someone enlighten me please?
Dave Hutson
08-12-2010, 14:43
Looks to me like the forerunner of the Damage Control Trainer now situated in HMS RALEIGH. A basic simulator for compartment flooding and hopefully control. Suspect it was introduced into Ganges in the 60's.
It certainly looks like a damage control trainer, Dave.
They had one at HMS Phoenix in Portsmouth. Which I had the dubious pleasure using. Great fun if you like nearly being drowned and having thunderflashes dropped all around. It was certainly realistic. Thank god we never had to use our training for real.
Dave
Dave Hutson
08-12-2010, 14:57
Nice to see you back Dave.
The modern one at Raleigh is something else. As I understand it there isn't much they can't throw in - force 8 gale followed by floodings, incomings, rammings, you name it I think they can do it. Seem to recall there was a TV programme made about it several years ago.
Dave H
It certainly looks like a damage control trainer, Dave.
They had one at HMS Phoenix in Portsmouth. Which I had the dubious pleasure using. Great fun if you like nearly being drowned and having thunderflashes dropped all around. It was certainly realistic. Thank god we never had to use our training for real.
Dave
Did the fire fighting course at Phoenix. Was it F.F.E.1 or similar. Plenty of smoke and oil fires. Only time it was put into practice was fighting forest fires in Turkey which were quite impressive. Remember the portable damage control pumps in a tubular frame? Great for clearing the upper decks of other ships when the regatta finished when used from a motor boat. Wonder what they do for 'fun' these days?
What a great site this is,how is the memory of my time at Ganges so vivid after nearly 51 years?is it because for most people it was such a life changing experience.Can remember my father taking me to the train station, giving me words of advice (as a ex asdic rating) "son be good ,if you cant be good be careful, if you cant be careful dont tell them your name"passed time on the train working that one out.Arrived at the annex 15March 60 had a instructor who was more interested in his standard 8 than us, he parked it under the colonnade to keep it dry, on April 1st we all got round it, turned it side ways jamming it between a pillar and the wall.We were on the parade ground when he appeared and went mental.We were sent to the mess had to take our bootlaces out, put oilskins on back to front, put our best boots on top of our weekend case and double around the parade ground until your arms were like lead.Still worth it, had a good laugh later.
THE TORTURE CHAMBER?
Never seen this before. Can someone enlighten me please?
Following received from the Secretary of the Museum.
"The photo is of the wet chamber which was used for the ABCD training at Ganges in the later years. It combined with the old gas chamber that we used to test the gas masks.
The people went in with the gas mask on, plus oilskin with towel around neck. (As per on watch on open bridge ships!). They had to take mask off, got wet and and eyes smarting so you couldn't see.
Have a couple of photos in the museum about this."
Edna, the only punishment we did with weapons was bunny hopping round the parade ground with a 303 rifle over your head.
Alan
I'm sure you will remember the old music hall skit - 'this is the butt which is attached to the .... which in your case you have not got'
Before it was lost in the removals, I saw my father's book of dismantling and reassembling a rifle, very extensive, - and he knew it by heart. There were others for different types of gun, from revolvers to 4"mobiles, etc. He was Ganges and Excellent, of course - so he was also good at the parade ground stuff as well!
In the 1940s, my father was instructing recruits over 25, preparing them for combat of whatever type, and whatever their previous lives, none (except a very few Canadians) had any experience with firearms. His particular quote was the Newfoundlanders, who were hopeless on the parade ground and in boat drill, - but they could turn a small boat on a sixpence and could 'smell' a change in the wind and a change in the weather.
I suspect this period was somewhat different from the general experience of young entrants to Ganges.
Edna
What a great site this is,how is the memory of my time at Ganges so vivid after nearly 51 years?is it because for most people it was such a life changing experience.Can remember my father taking me to the train station, giving me words of advice (as a ex asdic rating) "son be good ,if you cant be good be careful, if you cant be careful dont tell them your name"passed time on the train working that one out.Arrived at the annex 15March 60 had a instructor who was more interested in his standard 8 than us, he parked it under the colonnade to keep it dry, on April 1st we all got round it, turned it side ways jamming it between a pillar and the wall.We were on the parade ground when he appeared and went mental.We were sent to the mess had to take our bootlaces out, put oilskins on back to front, put our best boots on top of our weekend case and double around the parade ground until your arms were like lead.Still worth it, had a good laugh later.
Hey! You deserve a medal for this! I know how risky this could have been.
What a great memory...keep your memories coming.
GANGES MUSEUM
I thought some might like to see the attached copy of the latest Newsletter especially the 3rd paragraph referring to the Shotley Magazines.
harry.gibbon
21-12-2010, 22:21
Juvenile Court offers of:- Borstal or Ganges!!!
I have been pondering for some time about submitting a post about this issue.
Certainly, occurrances of this 'offer' being made to some 'miscreants' have/has surfaced in this thread and I have read it on other naval forums.
Whether these lads stayed the distance having opted for the Ganges solution and therefore a 12 year stint in the pusser, is not what my post is about.
I was due to join Ganges as part of the 6th January '58 intake, but received a notification from the recruiting office to advise that I would be deferred until the 10th February '58 intake. In fact it was more of a request that I assist in making the placement possible, of a lad who had been made the offer 'Borstal or Ganges' and had opted for the latter.
So, to the essence of this post:-
-Does anybody know what it was that allowed magistrates to participate in this 'policy'?
-was it an official policy in place in Juvenile Courts?
-was there was a similar policy in place allowing the option of joining the Junior Leaders (I think it was called) boys training camp(s) in the Army?
-indeed, was it even Legal?
Little h
Good point, h.
I was deferred six months due to the incompencies of the probation services.
I had a misdemeanour which could have devastated my whole life.
If these 1950's / 1960's clots had thier own way, nobody would have been safe from these sick prototype "do-goodies!"
I can't abhor them enough!
Obviously, some people have the opposite view. Good luck to them.
We are simple human beings..why do we make life so difficult for others?
Francis Stanley
22-12-2010, 09:42
Juvenile Court offers of:- Borstal or Ganges!!!
I have been pondering for some time about submitting a post about this issue.
Certainly, occurrances of this 'offer' being made to some 'miscreants' have/has surfaced in this thread and I have read it on other naval forums.
Whether these lads stayed the distance having opted for the Ganges solution and therefore a 12 year stint in the pusser, is not what my post is about.
I was due to join Ganges as part of the 6th January '58 intake, but received a notification from the recruiting office to advise that I would be deferred until the 10th February '58 intake. In fact it was more of a request that I assist in making the placement possible, of a lad who had been made the offer 'Borstal or Ganges' and had opted for the latter.
So, to the essence of this post:-
-Does anybody know what it was that allowed magistrates to participate in this 'policy'?
-was it an official policy in place in Juvenile Courts?
-was there was a similar policy in place allowing the option of joining the Junior Leaders (I think it was called) boys training camp(s) in the Army?
-indeed, was it even Legal?
Little h
Little h
An interesting question, I have always wondered about this as even in '71 when I joined, a couple of my messmates had been given the same option, so it must have been a recognised persuasive correctional tool. As it happened these miscreants were no worse or better than the rest of us, we were all treated like we had commited some foul deed but just had not yet been caught!
Dave Hutson
22-12-2010, 10:39
Thinking back Francis wasn't that what our PeeDoo was awarded for - 15 years of undetected crime. :rolleyes:
Dave H
PeeDoo - Long Service and GOOD Conduct Medal
Dave Hutson
06-01-2011, 16:47
Thanks for that h.Would love to read it but don't know who has it at the moment.Help please.
Rab.
Hi Rab and a Happy New Year to you and yours.
Book posted this day. Happy memories, which in some passages weren't so happy, just memories. Howeer, well written and researched.
Dave H
Hi Rab and a Happy New Year to you and yours.
Book posted this day. Happy memories, which in some passages weren't so happy, just memories. Howeer, well written and researched.
Dave H
Cheers Dave let you know when it arrives.
Rab.
Will put this query on this thread by virtue of the fact I was at GANGES when it happened, but if Mr Moderator wants it moved - feel free!
How many ex-RN ratings can remember being on Pay Parade, and taking cap off, holding cap out, and money placed on cap?
I seem to remember it was thus when I joined, January 1957, but at some stage during the year it changed. The routine then became, salute, hold out hand, collect pay! (and get picked up for haircut - but that's another cross we had to bear........running the gauntlet to get paid):confused:
The point is.........WHEN did it change?
harry.gibbon
17-01-2011, 20:26
Aaah Scurs, me thinks you might have 'the cat amongst pigeons set' .... with this one:)
My recollection from joining a year later is:- Pay parade inside Nelson Hall, long line, step forward in turn, salute, off caps, upturned cap in outward stretched arm, give name and possibly ships book number(?), dosh placed inside upturned cap.
I also seem to remember dosh being placed on pay-book inside cap at some stage though(?).
Now waiting eagerly for someone with 'total recall' to come along and put it all into the correct sequence/procedure ... please:)
I don't remember the plonking of dosh in hand bit though.
Little h
joshjake233
17-01-2011, 21:45
Here are some postcards of HMS Ganges bought by my father in 1941 when he joined the RNVR.
There is also a photo of recruits presumably after passing out.
Dad(Ronald Hodgson) is 2nd row from the back 2nd from the left.I don't know the exact date of the photo,but he was 18yrs on 28 Mar 1941 and presumably joined shortly after that.
Can anyone tell me how long basic training took at that time.
Pete.
alanandbren
18-01-2011, 05:17
Will put this query on this thread by virtue of the fact I was at GANGES when it happened, but if Mr Moderator wants it moved - feel free!
How many ex-RN ratings can remember being on Pay Parade, and taking cap off, holding cap out, and money placed on cap?
I seem to remember it was thus when I joined, January 1957, but at some stage during the year it changed. The routine then became, salute, hold out hand, collect pay! (and get picked up for haircut - but that's another cross we had to bear........running the gauntlet to get paid):confused:
The point is.........WHEN did it change?
I joined in May 57 and we were paid as you described with three half crowns placed on top of your cap, if one rolled off, then that was a third of your wage gone.sorry can't remember it changing.
Alan
Will put this query on this thread by virtue of the fact I was at GANGES when it happened, but if Mr Moderator wants it moved - feel free!
How many ex-RN ratings can remember being on Pay Parade, and taking cap off, holding cap out, and money placed on cap?
I seem to remember it was thus when I joined, January 1957, but at some stage during the year it changed. The routine then became, salute, hold out hand, collect pay! (and get picked up for haircut - but that's another cross we had to bear........running the gauntlet to get paid):confused:
The point is.........WHEN did it change?
All
Never did Ganges, not old enough of course, being only a youngster I joined in 1980 and after Raleigh went onto Collingwood and up to December 1980 we were still paid fortnightly at Pay Parade, Bank details had to be given before Xmas leave so that January pay of 1981 was first via Bank Transfer and monthly thereafter - I believe the weekly nutty ration for those under 17 1/2 carried on to April 1981 and was then no more....
Danny
Danny...........UA's got a nutty ration? Cor, I dipped out, never had one when I was UA !
A colleague of mine on a different site, who was just one recruitment after me at GANGES, reckons I am suffering from "defective memory syndrome" and the "off cap" at payment continued for all of 1957.
Which comes back to question, "When did it change", cos change it did! :confused:
Dave Hutson
18-01-2011, 08:56
1953/4 Shekels on Titfer ............. Nutty Ration :confused::confused::confused::confused: Oo's Navy were they in ????
This is my first post!!
The mention of Hutch at Ganges prompted this reply.
I stood by Courageous during her build in Barrow-in-Furness. The Leading Writer (John Jobson) and myself organised a weekend of canoeing/camping in the Lakes for a group of lads, Hutch was with us, a really pleasant lad. Courageous had been on a visit to Bergen. I had left the boat before he was lost but met the boat when she returned to Faslane the day after he was lost. By prior arrangement Princess Anne spent the following day on board including a short trip at sea.
Derek Dicker
18-01-2011, 12:34
I joined in May 57 and we were paid as you described with three half crowns placed on top of your cap, if one rolled off, then that was a third of your wage gone.sorry can't remember it changing.
Alan
Afternoon Alan
Remember it well, those three half crowns didnt seem to go very far.
Packet of woodies, packet of doby dust and perhaps a couple of goffers in the naffi. Still remember the capitalist boys who sold fags for 6d a time,
Derek (Bunts)
alanandbren
18-01-2011, 14:41
Afternoon Alan
Remember it well, those three half crowns didnt seem to go very far.
Packet of woodies, packet of doby dust and perhaps a couple of goffers in the naffi. Still remember the capitalist boys who sold fags for 6d a time,
Derek (Bunts)
Hi Derek, I was one of the tobacco barons you mentioned,not only could you sell a ciggy for 6d, on the night before payday you could command that sum for a drag of a cig. Where's all my money gone now I ask.
Alan
mikeyeats
18-01-2011, 17:41
Sorry if I have come in in the middle of a thread.
I am the secretary of Devonport Services rugby club in Plymouth. Some of your members may well have played for us while in Plymouth.
I have a question. This is about a rugby cap, and I wonder if any of your members can shed any light on why he should get a cap at such a young age and if Ganges did in fact issue caps for rugby.
Our local librarians father was at Ganges and this is what he said about him.
"As far as I can make out, the inscription on the cap reads: R.N.T.E. Shotley. Shotley, near Ipswich, was a Royal Naval Training Establishment for boys from 1905 to 1976. My dad was at Shotley (HMS Ganges) as a Boy (1924-26) but I don't know whether he gained this cap then or later (as a commissioned officer).
He started playing for Services c.1930 when he was an Able Seaman, being advanced to Leading Seaman in 1935 and Petty Officer in 1937. He attained Warrant Rank in 1938 and subsequently rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander. At Services he was promoted from the 'A' fifteen during the 1931-32 season. He played at three-quarter (outside centre) and, in emergency, full-back. He was capped for Somerset in the mid-1930's.
In the words of T T Euman, quoted in 'Jock' Dunbar's history of the club: "I always reckoned that George Criddle was the best centre who never played for England".
Any information would be most welcome.
Thanks
Mike
devonportservices at yahoo.com
astraltrader
18-01-2011, 19:38
Here are some postcards of HMS Ganges bought by my father in 1941 when he joined the RNVR.
There is also a photo of recruits presumably after passing out.
Dad(Ronald Hodgson) is 2nd row from the back 2nd from the left.I don't know the exact date of the photo,but he was 18yrs on 28 Mar 1941 and presumably joined shortly after that.
Can anyone tell me how long basic training took at that time.
Pete.
Could all members please take note and appreciate the photographs kindly uploaded by Joshjake233 [Pete] in post #1041 above??
As they were posted in a thread on its own I have moved it [or them] here to be kept with all other posts on Ganges and would not wish the photographs to be missed by anybody.
Many thanks for your kind efforts Pete which I feel sure will be appreciated by the regulars of this thread
Here are some postcards of HMS Ganges bought by my father in 1941 when he joined the RNVR.
There is also a photo of recruits presumably after passing out.
Dad(Ronald Hodgson) is 2nd row from the back 2nd from the left.I don't know the exact date of the photo,but he was 18yrs on 28 Mar 1941 and presumably joined shortly after that.
Can anyone tell me how long basic training took at that time.
Pete.
Good evening joshjake. I have sent you a p.m. ~ personal message.
Am I alone in thinking when I viewed Pete's pictures, that they could equally well have been taken in 1951, or even 1961..........little had changed since 1941. Terrific photos.
Thanks for sharing them.
mickeyeats..........can't speak for pre-war, or even for Rugby, but I played Hockey for GANGES once (and only the once), and certainly didn't get a "cap" of any sorts. What you got if you played was "Ganges colours", which if failing memory serves, was Ganges Crest to sew onto your Sports Shirt.
Can anyone else confirm this, as memory aint was it used to be!
Scurs,
I think if you represented 'Ganges', in any event, against a team outside from the establishment, you were entitled to a 'GANGES' colours badge; but I am not the establishment.
what think our experts?
alanbenn
18-01-2011, 21:22
Mike, I'm pretty sure someone at the 'Ganges Association' would be able to answer your question regarding the issue of Ganges caps for sport.
In my time 1971 I represented 'Ganges' at Hockey and Water Polo we were issued with badges which were sewn onto your sports kit shirt.
Regards
Alan
buster185
19-01-2011, 07:00
Great pictures of Ganges but you'd have thought someone would have moved the Josman's motorbike out of shot before taking a picture of the main gate for a postcard??
Buster
(Re Post 1041}
Could all members please take note and appreciate the photographs kindly uploaded by Joshjake233 [Pete] in post #1041 above??
As they were posted in a thread on its own I have moved it [or them] here to be kept with all other posts on Ganges and would not wish the photographs to be missed by anybody.
Many thanks for your kind efforts Pete which I feel sure will be appreciated by the regulars of this thread
For info I have assisted Pete as far as I can but his question ~ "Can anyone tell me how long basic training took at that time." ~ is still outstanding.
Batstiger
19-01-2011, 13:56
For info I have assisted Pete as far as I can but his question ~ "Can anyone tell me how long basic training took at that time." ~ is still outstanding.
I would imagine these guys would have been "Hostilities only"
Bob.
Clive 58
19-01-2011, 18:38
Can anyone tell me how long basic training took at that time.
Pete.
Pete, my Dad (pictured above) was there from 15th November 1943 until 4th April 1944.
So, just short of 5 months.
Cheers,
Clive.
Here are some postcards of HMS Ganges bought by my father in 1941 when he joined the RNVR.
There is also a photo of recruits presumably after passing out.
Dad(Ronald Hodgson) is 2nd row from the back 2nd from the left.I don't know the exact date of the photo,but he was 18yrs on 28 Mar 1941 and presumably joined shortly after that.
Can anyone tell me how long basic training took at that time.
Pete.
Wartime Ganges: At some point in the 1940s, boy/youth training was transfered elsewhere and Ganges was used solely for recruits over 25 (?) I believe, certainly older entrants. These were commonwealth volunteers, mostly from Canada, I believe, and I think the length of training was adjusted, I don't know about 'style' . I know the navy introduced older, more experienced, instructors, some of whom were eccentric, with unusual skills and interests ............
Edna
Wartime Ganges: At some point in the 1940s, boy/youth training was transfered elsewhere and Ganges was used solely for recruits over 25 (?) I believe, certainly older entrants. These were commonwealth volunteers, mostly from Canada, I believe, and I think the length of training was adjusted, I don't know about 'style' . I know the navy introduced older, more experienced, instructors, some of whom were eccentric, with unusual skills and interests ............
Edna
WARTIME GANGES
The following is from the Secretary of the HMSGA Museum and may be of interest.
From Secretary of the Museum: To answer your queries, basic training in 1941 was approx 6 months for
part one training and ratings left Ganges for their part two training which was carried out mostly at sea in
one of the larger ships or another shore establishment, this depended on which branch of the RN they
wished to train as. Able seamen were trained as Gunners, Radar plot, Torpedo and anti submarine,
boom defence and many other trades.
WARTIME GANGES
The following is from the Secretary of the HMSGA Museum and may be of interest.
From Secretary of the Museum: To answer your queries, basic training in 1941 was approx 6 months for
part one training and ratings left Ganges for their part two training which was carried out mostly at sea in
one of the larger ships or another shore establishment, this depended on which branch of the RN they
wished to train as. Able seamen were trained as Gunners, Radar plot, Torpedo and anti submarine,
boom defence and many other trades.
Mousey - yes, thanks, but still doesn't tell us anything about these older entrants / trainees??
Edna
Mousey - yes, thanks, but still doesn't tell us anything about these older entrants / trainees??
Edna
Edna I assume that the Secretary is referring to all those who passed thru during the war years - the over 18 year olds - as there were no Boys there during that period.
alanandbren
22-01-2011, 06:09
Looking at Petes pic number 1 in post 1041, It makes you wonder out of all those smiling hopefull faces, how many saw the end of hostilities, it makes you think when you see photos like that.
Alan
buster185
22-01-2011, 06:54
A sobering thought Alan, made me take a second look. From a detail perspective, I noticed some are not wearing lanyards, rig of the day slip up or maybe some other distinction??
Buster
I noticed in a previous post on here some way back.... that when HMS Ganges closed, the wardroom silver was auctioned off to mess members of the day. this sees to me great pity. IMHO, the RN should have a system like for example, the Royal Artillery whereby when a Regiment becomes defunct, the regimental silver goes into central storage in case a unit comes out if "Suspended Animation" as they call it. It can then also be loaned out to other regiments or used by other regiments as sports or achievement trophies. Who knows? there may one day be another ship named HMS Ganges.
Whilst rightly there is no stopping progress and modernisation, I feel that too much tradition and heritage is being exponentionally destroyed by following the "here-now" ethos that permeates modern society.
I always understood that unused silver ware was kept in a store in Portsmouth. When one thinks of all the siver table decorations which had been presented to various ships there must be an Alladin's cave somewhere. As I recollect we had a large model of a tiger which appeared at mess dinners in Tiger. All those old WW1 battleships must have had tons of silver adornments for WR mess tables.
I always understood that unused silver ware was kept in a store in Portsmouth. When one thinks of all the siver table decorations which had been presented to various ships there must be an Alladin's cave somewhere. As I recollect we had a large model of a tiger which appeared at mess dinners in Tiger. All those old WW1 battleships must have had tons of silver adornments for WR mess tables.
SILVERWARE
An example and explanation
The silver 'trophies' of HMS BERMUDA displayed on the Quarterdeck beneath the ship's silver bell during one of her three visits to the Colony. From the time of her first commissioning in 1942 the people of the Colony of Bermuda had not only presented silver to the ship but had also been extremely generous in gifting many 'comforts'. During the war years, when even the existence of the ship was 'Secret', they included a piano, laundry equipment, magazine supplies, cigarettes and tobacco. When the ship arrived in Freemantle in 1945 everyone onboard received a 'comforts pack' from the people of Bermuda. Though the UK Government had in place a £250-per-ship gift ceiling the Colony was creative and determined in their efforts to make life better for the ship's company and it was appreciated.
Jan Steer
01-02-2011, 16:11
Quite right Old Salt. Back in the mid-seventies and working in the 1st Sea Lord's office for a short time whilst my destroyer was refitting in Pompey (Portsmouth) I was detailed off to return a bag full of the stuff to the trophy store in barracks. I never managed to actually enter the place but, like you, I reasoned that there must have been a ton of it safely esconced. I always felt that it was a great shame that, to my knowledge, it was never put on general display and that only our lords and masters in the wardroom ever got to take a look-see at special functions and the like.
best wishes
Jan
MAST & HMS GANGES MUSEUM FOTO ARCHIVE:
A 'bit' of an update is attached. Ignore the reference to the Suffolk Heritage site ~ which provides access to our Museum's foto Archive. I am most reliably told by an impeccable source that the cuts will not affect Suffolk Heritage. The Mast is and entirely different matter and the comments are probably quite close to the mark.
As this is a Ganges thread I would just like to mention the following.
It may help to highlight the really great relationships that were formed in this establishment by many boys and junior entrants who became men and Royal Navy men. Particularly because of the Ganges experience.
Hope it doesn't bore anyone:
I joined the RN as Junior M(E) at HMS Ganges in October 1960.
I was 15 years old.
I was from a working class family from Middlesbrough who believed having a trade was the best thing you could do.
I couldn't get one or even an apprenticeship as I went to a secondary modern school and we didn't take exams. At 11 I had failed the 11+ exam.
I was always interested in the sea. I used to read avidly about foreign places.
My Uncle had been a Cook in the merchant navy during the war and my family had so much respect for his experiences (he was sunk 3 times on north atlantic routes) an absolutely lovely man who twice took me out fishing in a small boat from the Tyne.
He was my hero. Making sure, before we went we had a full breakfast of egg bacon, black pudding and flapjacks !!
Not surprisingly I wanted to go to sea not work in a factory etc.
I tried to join the Merchant Navy as a steward (I didn't care what I did I just wanted to go to sea).
They gave me an interview but when I got there realised I was only 15 and said, Sorry you have to be 16 and a quarter !! I still don't know why?
I had been in the Sea Cadets for a while but didn't do well at seamanship. however I learned there that HMS Ganges was avery formidable place. It didnt stop me.
I tried for an apprenticeship in a shipyard (Smiths Dock Middlesbrough) but when they asked me why I wanted to be an engineer I said...... So I can go to sea.
No one told me that was just what they didn't want to hear!!
In the end I filled in a form and a CPO from the Hartlepool careers office arrived at the door with a bus ticket for me to go to Hartlepool and do tests and an interview.
My Mother was horrified. My elder brother had had a very bad experience as national service in the Army and she just didn't want me in the RN. I insisted. My father said, let him go and do the tests let him get it out of his system.
Mother replied with .............. Don't you realise it will take at least 12 years to get it out of his system ?? He is only 15.
I went. I passed.
I couldn't do the academic tests for artificer (we hadnt covered any of it at school). But I had high scores and had a choice. All I wanted to be was a marine engineer. I remember the career officer tried to get me to join as an air electrical mechanic ?? What's that all about ??
I wanted to be an injuneer.:p
JME (m) !
The Ganges experience lasted from October 1960 to I think July 1961.
I hated it and loved it. Loved the sport and the physical things and the knowledge and I hated the bullying and the crap.
It was a very hard time.
But what made it bearable was the friends I met and we really were a team. Not only that but from that experience those who went on to management really knew how to build a team. I am sure of that.
I could write a book about those 9 or 10 months.
I left it to join HMS Raleigh and to go on to serve for 24 years. Leaving as a Charge Chief and having been the MEO of my own ship. Job done.
However Ganges will always be very important to me.
A few years ago.
I made contact with a few of my fellow Ganges classmates.
It was clear we were all interested in meeting again and to that end a few of us set out to find every one we could in our class in 1960-61
We found 14 of the class of 15 of the class of 16. One we not found one member 2 had crossed the bar and of the ones we found all but two attended a reunion after 45 years. We made up the numbers with 2 other members of the group that joined later in the year. From an associated class.
Great reunion and fantastic to see them all again. One came all the way from The USA.
Just shows how important those days at Ganges were to many of us.
We haven't made the 50th Anniversary but its on the cards for this year.;)
harry.gibbon
09-03-2011, 21:00
Pash,
I enjoyed reading your post about Ganges, your career and reunion with class mates. Good Stuff!!
I am in regular communication with one of my classmates and in touch with 2 others. Several of our class chose to qualify as Tel(S)'s so there has been a continuity of Ganges with us for a while now.
All the best,
Little h
THE MAST
Please see the attached.
alanandbren
19-04-2011, 09:41
THE MAST
Please see the attached.
Let's hope some good could come of this,but I think there is more hope of flying pigs. thanks for keeping us updated Mousey.
Alan
Francis Stanley
19-04-2011, 09:51
Good for him, although I will not hold my breath when it comes to any positive action, I am convinced the developers are waiting for it to fall down so it they can put up a concerete plinth with a blue plaque that reads Ganges mast was here RIP :mad:
ANOTHER GANGES BOY
Noting your badge I wondered if you had seen this Stanley?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/military-obituaries/naval-obituaries/8457100/Lieutenant-Commander-Bill-Filer.html
It was posted elsewhere in connection with the 60th anniversay of the loss of HMS Affray.[/I]
Francis Stanley
20-04-2011, 08:04
Mousey
Yes I knew "Uncle Bill" Filer, he was officer in charge of the deep trials unit when I as a young Leading seaman diver in the 1970's and did some deep diving there, he was very fond of the odd drinky poo and used to take all the divers across the road to the pub when we were doing our post decompression, bends watch. The trouble is by the time he had finished with us we were too numb to know if we had decompression problems or not!
Co incidently many years later, long after he had retired I became the facility manager of the deep trials unit from 1993 until its closure in 2008, a job I really miss.
HMS GANGES ASSOCIATION MUSEUM
A very welcome update follows plus congratulations to all those involved.
Success at last. We have asked repeatedly our web sponsers, Suffolk Heritage Direct, to allow our web site to search on a wider criteria. THIS IS NOW AVAILABLE. Up till very recently only the wording in the heading gave results but now you can widen the choice. To give an example our treasurer, Shelia Wilson, brother of a Ganges boy gave us a photo of the boys division of HMS Kenya in 1948. In our museum computer if you searched for that record you would not only get the photo but the names of the 20 or so boys in that photo. Now, if you put in the name of one of those boys in the online site, you will also get the photo up. Today after leaving the museum I entered Shelia's brothers name on my computer and it does work. So any one who is entered on our system can be found, IF we have his name anywhere in our files. It has given our spirits a boost because we were very frustrated at the inability to use all the information we have entered on our database. I would like to pay tribute to the work Sheila does on this programme, she is a trustee of the museum and does a sterling job in that role and also on imputing. The museum of course, as a registered charity can recruit non Ganges persons as museum members, if only we had 10 more like her we would have finished this project, still only about 3,000 more to go as of today. George Atholl.
alanandbren
22-04-2011, 04:41
HMS GANGES ASSOCIATION MUSEUM
A very welcome update follows plus congratulations to all those involved.
Success at last. We have asked repeatedly our web sponsers, Suffolk Heritage Direct, to allow our web site to search on a wider criteria. THIS IS NOW AVAILABLE. Up till very recently only the wording in the heading gave results but now you can widen the choice. To give an example our treasurer, Shelia Wilson, brother of a Ganges boy gave us a photo of the boys division of HMS Kenya in 1948. In our museum computer if you searched for that record you would not only get the photo but the names of the 20 or so boys in that photo. Now, if you put in the name of one of those boys in the online site, you will also get the photo up. Today after leaving the museum I entered Shelia's brothers name on my computer and it does work. So any one who is entered on our system can be found, IF we have his name anywhere in our files. It has given our spirits a boost because we were very frustrated at the inability to use all the information we have entered on our database. I would like to pay tribute to the work Sheila does on this programme, she is a trustee of the museum and does a sterling job in that role and also on imputing. The museum of course, as a registered charity can recruit non Ganges persons as museum members, if only we had 10 more like her we would have finished this project, still only about 3,000 more to go as of today. George Atholl.
Splendid news Mousey,
Alan
Dave Hutson
22-04-2011, 09:47
Thanks Mousey and a big BZ to Sheila.
Dave H
alanandbren
07-05-2011, 04:29
It is 54 years ago today,7th May 1957, that Derek Dicker and I walked through those annexe gates, anymore members out there who joined the same day, or are we the only one's.
Alan
Sorry Alan
They had to wait another 9 yrs before this legend in his own lifetime passed through that main gate to the life of luxury that was promised to all of us at the Recruitment Office:rolleyes:
Dave
clevewyn
07-05-2011, 07:34
It is 54 years ago today,7th May 1957, that Derek Dicker and I walked through those annexe gates, anymore members out there who joined the same day, or are we the only one's.
Alan
I was a month after you Alan, 12th June.
Nozzers! :D 3rd January 1957! :)
Derek Dicker
07-05-2011, 07:59
It is 54 years ago today,7th May 1957, that Derek Dicker and I walked through those annexe gates, anymore members out there who joined the same day, or are we the only one's.
Alan
Just think chaps those that are still around will be 70 years young, still like to swing the lamp with anybody that will listen.
Derek (bunts)
Dave Hutson
07-05-2011, 10:50
Nozzers! :D 3rd January 1957! :)
A mere lad :D - me, thru' that gate 17th March 1953 - just missed the East Coast Floods [thinks - could have been foreign {Holland} before getting out of the Annexe:eek::eek:]
Dave H
alanandbren
07-05-2011, 10:52
It's also my wedding anniversary today, who say's you don't make the same mistake twice, mind you I still would not change any of my two decisions.
Alan
Dave Hutson
07-05-2011, 11:08
It's also my wedding anniversary today, who say's you don't make the same mistake twice, mind you I still would not change any of my two decisions.
Alan
Congrats Alan and Bren - I will raise a glass of Raki to you both, or, on second thoughts, A GOODLY TOT. BZ
Dave H
Derek Dicker
07-05-2011, 11:52
It's also my wedding anniversary today, who say's you don't make the same mistake twice, mind you I still would not change any of my two decisions.
Alan
Best wishes Alan.
Derek
alanandbren
07-05-2011, 13:46
Thanks to Dave H and Derek for your warm thoughts, Lets all have a drink.
Cheers Alan and Brenda.
Batstiger
07-05-2011, 15:26
Just think chaps those that are still around will be 70 years young, still like to swing the lamp with anybody that will listen.
Derek (bunts)
May 6th 1952, fifty nine years and one day!!
Bob.
Dave Hutson
07-05-2011, 15:28
May 6th 1952, fifty nine years and one day!!
Bob.
Just knew there was an older codger than me on here :D:D Greetings Bob;)
Just been watching this 'propaganda' :o;) video of the mast manning ceremony.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaiRLNLuSGQ)
"There are no lack of volunteers for this ceremony"
"Even for Button Boy?"
"Oh yes, even for Button Boy"
I have no idea if that is correct but it was certainly NOT my experience. I was part of the mast manning ceremony for the parents day 63 - 64. We were simply told we had been selected\volunteered to man the mast for parents day. On being told that my heart nearly discharged itself out of my backside. I was absolutely terrified that the next bit of news would be me being told I would be ordered to stand on the button. I cannot describe the relief when after the first day of rehearsals it was decided that the tallest would be at the bottom, shortest at the top......... Never have I been so pleased to be so tall.
Yes I was on the lowest point but we still had to run across that safety net and somersault onto the ground :( To this day I will always associate 'My Bonny Lies Over The Ocean' with climbing the mast. We moved to the heavy beat of that big bass drum. Clearing the mast was done to the music of the 'Can Can'. It never failed to amaze me that no one ever slipped during those hectic few minutes as 15yr old boys would sometimes jump out to those tarred ropes and descend at a great rate of notes. "HAND OVER HAND YOU STUPID BOY!"
A few minutes later there would be another 'volunteer' being taken to the sickbay with horrible burns to their hands.
During my 12 months at Ganges I can NEVER recall actually being asked if I wanted to volunteer for absolutely anything!
"Who enjoys painting?"
Translation.... I am looking for idiots to paint kerb-stones!
When we went to do that compulsory initial first climb of the mast it was during that record freezing cold winter of 1963... I recall the first attempt at doing it was postponed because of snow. When we went back for the second effort I can recall it was so cold I very quickly lost feeling in both my hands and feet as we ascended that terrifying mast. Coat??? Jacket??? Gloves??? I suppose we should have been grateful that we could wear our seaman's jersey underneath our shirt. Some big fat burly leading patrolman was perched inside of the Devil's Elbow to deter anyone that tried to squeeze through that 'Chicken Hole'
I had a cunning plan to get out of early morning work.... I decided to do my Bronze Medallion Life Saving Award. This meant an early start, doubling to the pool, coming straight out the pool and straight onto the parade ground.
That cold winter had the last laugh though and saw me in the Ganges hospital with bronchial pneumonia. I remember the PTI not allowing me to even think I was sick until after AFTER!!! we all completed that life saving course.
I would like to say happy days but I fear there were more bad memories than good ;)
Swimming was something I enjoyed so whilst at Ganges I applied to do the diving familiarisation course. What fun it was getting into those dry suits:(:rolleyes: and then learning to use a hammer and cold chisel whilst under water. Has anyone else dived in Felixstowe Docks?
We went across on the Ganges MFV, the dive team put out a shot line that disappeared into the murky depths and then the final exercise to pass this course was to descend down into what I can only describe as murky slime!! when my turn came I lowered myself down this shot line, then with my hands I felt and found the distance line and with a broad grin I commenced swimming on what I thought was the sea bed. Visibility was zero and by that I mean when I put my hand to my mask I could not see it....
During this swim it gradually got lighter, this was caused by me involuntarily coming to the surface and try as I might I could NOT stay down. I was pulled to the surface and immediately told I had failed the course. Within minutes though it was found that the weights from my twin tanks had somehow fell away, but this meant nothing because as soon as I took my nose clip off I soaked the Chief CD Diver with blood from the burst blood vessels in my nose!!! That was the clincher and although I pleaded with the diving instructor to reconsider the decision, I was eventually told I could never be a ships diver as the blood vessels in my nose appeared to be suspect :(:( Gloom..
To try to cheer myself up I qualified as a marksman but I still regret not taking that diving route within the Royal Navy :( :(
"Just been watching this 'propaganda' ~ etc."
Thank you for taking the trouble to post that info glojo. Very interesting. Us 49'ers had to go up, over and back down regardless. Worst days were when the mast was covered in frost - so what! Congrats to all those remembering anniversaries especially Alan & Bren. Yes some did have bad memories for whatever reasons but overall it did not do most of us any harm. When you read and see what the pre war Boys went thru we got off lightly?
"Just been watching this 'propaganda' ~ etc."
Thank you for taking the trouble to post that info glojo. Very interesting. Us 49'ers had to go up, over and back down regardless. Worst days were when the mast was covered in frost - so what! Congrats to all those remembering anniversaries especially Alan & Bren. Yes some did have bad memories for whatever reasons but overall it did not do most of us any harm. When you read and see what the pre war Boys went thru we got off lightly?
I totally agree with all your excellent points and it did indeed make 'men' of us. We may have been under the legal age to smoke, drink or even vote but it was not long before we all sailed off to the seven corners of the World. I was only about seventeen when I went on detached duties in Aden.
Regarding the mast I think the only reason that first attempt was called off was because of heavy snow...
That winter was evil and as you say a bit of frost just made things interesting and would certainly not prevent any activities. :) I can just imagine the response if someone were to suggest it was too cold to go out to play :) I reckon the falling heavy snow was simply a visibility issue.
I also see that in another message it was mentioned how the duty instructor would control 'men under punishment' with his whistle.. I got into trouble for grinning at the RPO on the main gate.... This person hurled the usual insults at us as when we were doubling to the education block. Me being me simply grinned at him, but boy did that backfire. Every time we went out that gate and he was on duty he would look out for me and hurl the usual abuse. Me being me I would grin at him as we doubled by until eventually I got 'awarded' 7 days number 9's! :)
He would see me doubling on the parade ground and take over from the duty instructor... One blast of the whistle, rear man to the front.... Two blasts of the whistle meant about turn!! Yes you've guessed........ As soon as we 'about turned' I was at the rear and very shortly we would all hear that single blast and off I would go with that grin still on m y face :) Talk about self inflicted injury :(:( I never knew until then just how heavy a Lee Enfield could get when carried above your head :)
I should have learned my lesson but at 15 years of age that head of mine was not a wise head. The situation nearly got out of control but thankfully for me I was in the GCE class and our school teacher was not happy at his class continually being delayed... (I was also the class leader and when this RPO stopped me, he by default stopped all five students :)
It has been mentioned in earlier post about the pirate radio station that was anchored off the coast and I am sure that from the higher locations of the mast we could see it from the summer of 64??
Some of us "escaped" mast class! I was in Sick Bay with some "lergy" when we were mast class, upon my emergence nobody every suggested that I should go it alone and I wasn't "back classed" so got away with it. Definitely having no head for heights, I certainly wasn't about to remind anyone that I hadn't gone over the half-moon.
When we did the mast-manning display, I was second from bottom on the ratlines........again suited me perfectly.!
Young we were, my age at joining (see photo) was 15yrs, 0 months and 3 weeks old!
I was 16yrs 4 months old when I joined my first ship (unless you count the week I did as a Sea Cadet onboard PLOVER), and had clocked up TWO DAYS of "men's time" when we secured back in Portsmouth, December 18th 1959, after an 18 month FES Commission.
glojo by coincidence I posted the attached elsewhere just an hour ago for someone interested in Aden. This was the 55-56 era.
Hi Mousey,
Thanks for that and I was accommodated in the Mission to Seaman which was between HMS Sheba and the Dockyard\Mermaid Club :o
Scurs
Having looked at recent pictures of that mast I definitely would not suggest you serve any type of penance and do NOT even think about attempting to climb it.
My thoughts are that mast deserves a better ending!!!
I mean this in the nicest of ways and feel that enough is enough. It should be removed and possibly 'cremated' This icon is now in an awful state of 'repair' :rolleyes::o and there is no way it would ever serve any practical or useful purpose. To leave it like it is now is just plain WRONG. :o:o
I read somewhere that one mess painted the inside of their dustbin with white paint? I know for a fact that the interior of our bin was just as shiny as the exterior. Paint!!! :eek::eek:
Did anyone else have races up and down the mess with one person sat or clinging onto the heavy buffer thingie whist two others would pull the thing along the deck? We were always having numerous competitions with those that lived on the other side of our mess :)
buster185
08-05-2011, 08:29
Hi glojo, I did that diving course in early (I think January) 1965. I really enjoyed the time in the tank on the foreshore, nice sunny winters day chiselling and sawing, nice clean water and daylight. Then like you we did the Felixstowe harbor run in the MFV and it was a very cold, overcast blowy day. I can remember struggling into the dry suit with some trepidation and having the telephone transceiver strapped to the top of my head. The descent down was ok at first then it got really dark and my ears started hurting. I reached the sinker and found the attached distance rope by feel and tried to move away from the sinker in the mud and murk. The dive controller on the MFV asked me something but I couldn't really make it out, my ears were hurting and there was a lot of noise, presumably from the ships and boats above. I was freezing cold and got very disoriented. I thought I was walking out on the distance line stumbling over who knows what on the bottom but I found myself back at the shot line and sinker and decided enough was enough. I thought I had been down there for ages but it was only a few minutes. It took me a long time to get warm again on the MFV. After we got back to Ganges, I had my ears checked out and they thought the pain was probably due to a head cold. The dive instructer said I could try again at another time if I wanted to. I respectfully declined the offer!
I do remember the buffer races Scurs, all good fun until you were the rider and found yourself wrapped around a bed leg or slammed into the store room door, but bruises seemed to heal quickly in those days!!
Regards
Buster
I agree the mast should not just be left to rot and fall down of it's own accord. IMO an icon like that is, should be restored to pristine condition as a memorial to all that had to climb it!
"Buffer thingie"? You were spoilt m'lad! :D We had to get on hands and knees, armed with soft shoe brush, and hand-polish the entire floor. When we reached the door, we were sent back to start again! We were not allowed to even WALK on it wearing shoes, but had to remove footwear at door to mess!
As for dustbin and spitkids, woe betide the person that used them for their designed purpose!
Picture is Blake 7 Mess
I agree the mast should not just be left to rot and fall down of it's own accord. IMO an icon like that is, should be restored to pristine condition as a memorial to all that had to climb it!
"Buffer thingie"? You were spoilt m'lad! :D We had to get on hands and knees, armed with soft shoe brush, and hand-polish the entire floor. When we reached the door, we were sent back to start again! We were not allowed to even WALK on it wearing shoes, but had to remove footwear at door to mess!
As for dustbin and spitkids, woe betide the person that used them for their designed purpose!
Picture is Blake 7 MessHi Scurs,
What an amazing coincidence.... I was also in Blake 7!! :) :)
We also hand to hand polish the deck and that buffer was used to give it that 'extra' shine.. Buffer racing was something that was HIGHLY unofficial, I dread to think of what the consequences would be if we had been caught.
I saw a previous image of a bed that was facing into the centre of the mess and that was something that was not how I remembered our own messdeck. Your image thankfully has confirmed my recollections.
When we were there our bedding and kit were laid out as per your excellent image but our sheets were very neatly folded into each fold of the blankets. Hard to describe but it looked just like a stripe from the top blanket down to the bottom blanket but tucked into every fold of each blanket (that sounds like gobbley de gook) :)
For those of a sensitive nature look away now :confused::D
The reason I can remember the bunks being in line astern was that:
At night if a young man felt 'frisky', then every bed would pick up any movement of Mr Frisky :o:o
Rumours were always rife about our tea being doctored with 'chemicals (http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ate/sexandrelationships/sexualarousal/200160.html)' designed to reduce these events, but I was never convinced they were true :p:D
Hi Buster
Can you imagine how I struggled to get into those one size fits all dry suits.. I was well over 6' 2" even at 15yrs of age. I think that pain in the ears was how I burst my blood vessels. I had contracted bronchial pneumonia whilst at Ganges and being sick was a punishment in itself so I got signed off as quickly as I possibly could :o:o
The outcome however was the doctors entered this injury into my medical documents and they stayed with us throughout our career :( :(
Incidentally in 63/64 I cannot recall the communicatiuon between diver and surface... A great idea though
Jan Steer
08-05-2011, 12:54
I share your memories Scurs and more besides. I can still picture lads sticking a ruler into a tin and flicking huge dollops of orange wax polish on to the deck. Happy days? Well, some were anyway!!
best wishes
Jan
Batstiger
08-05-2011, 22:13
What year would this have been and when did they start having the beds lengthways up the mess?
When did they stop issuing capboxes as there are none in sight and how long have they had shelves on the wall for the weekend cases?
Bob.
1966
Duncan Mess had beds at right angles to the wall
No Cap boxes
No Suitcase shelves
Dave
Bob............unless memory completely at fault, I think positioning of beds in a mess was entirely down to the whims of the Instructor (s).
As for cap boxes...........definitely not issued in 1957......shelves already in place when we first occupied the mess, February/March 1957.
Dave Hutson
09-05-2011, 08:23
Blake 8 - 1953
Beds right angles to wall. Hatboxes - Yes. Shelves - No.
Hatboxes could have been phased out with Black Hats - possibly ?
Still a very smart mess - BZ - no rescrub :D
Dave H
MESSDECK
[I]Perhaps its a reflection/evolution of micks (hammocks) and seat lockers to bunks and 'proper' lockers? I must say white ribbons round the fire extinguishers is a bit girlie ~ maybe they were an 'item' or a preference of the instructor! A piece of codline would be more appropriate./I]
Batstiger
09-05-2011, 11:18
Thanks guys, it also appears that the stoves were quite modern to the ones that we had in '52.
Bob.
THE BOYS OF HMS HOOD & HMS ROYAL OAK
It will soon be the 70th anniversay of the sinking of HMS Hood.
I thought some may be interested in the attached.
I do not know for sure whether any Ganges Boys were lost on HMS Royal Oak but I would suggest many were? Perhaps someone has some information?
RESERVE FLEET.
Good evening Uncle Bob. Would you please post again a foto or two of the Reserve Fleet in the Stour circa 1947-1950. Thank you. Following indirectly refers.
http://scotthaefner.com/beyond/mothball-fleet-ghost-ships/
THE MAST.
Following from HMSGA ~
"The owners of the Ganges site have stated that they have every intention of renovating the mast. They have asked for a costing of the repairs needed to bring it back to its former glory and that the mast is an integral part of the development of the site. They also intend to convert Nelson hall in to a retirement home. The P.Os mess may become a youth hostel and the Swimming baths possibly put out to tender for a private company to renovate and reopen.
However the only way they can move forward is for the planning permission to go ahead for 250 houses to be built on the site, they also intend to build shops and a medical centre, also provide for an industrial estate to be built to create employment. The application has already been submitted.
From what we have been told the owners of the site are very much interested in our Association and wish to work closely with us to achieve a common goal."
Very early days but at least its more positive than negative.
Derek Dicker
13-07-2011, 09:39
Morning Mousey, fantastic news lets hope it all comes to pass.
Derek (Bunts) May 57
Morning Mousey, fantastic news lets hope it all comes to pass.
Derek (Bunts) May 57
Funny how most of us have a hate love relationship with the mast Derek?
Apart from planning permission part of the problem is the 'B' road from 'Swich to Shotley. Its not much more than a country lane and will be used by the anti's yet the 3 toners that took us to our future fate managed it ok.
A mere lad :D - me, thru' that gate 17th March 1953 - just missed the East Coast Floods [thinks - could have been foreign {Holland} before getting out of the Annexe:eek::eek:]
Dave H
Dave,
Thats when I entered the gates also - Afterwards in Blake Divison, off the quarterdeck
Mike B
Dave Hutson
14-07-2011, 18:52
Dave,
Thats when I entered the gates also - Afterwards in Blake Divison, off the quarterdeck
Mike B
Hi Mike,
Jellicoe 2 - Then on the Blake 8 PO Tel Danny Kaye and PO Tel Buck Rogers [or was he a Yeoman ???] - Tom Phillips from Cornwall was our Badge Boy [243 Class]
Dave H
Dave H...............Makes me a mere Nozzer then..........however, likewise Jellicoe 2 (CYS Deadman) but 1957..........then Blake 7 Mess (CPO "Pusser" Brotherton, PO "Percy" Peram)..........almost same as you!:D
Dave Hutson
14-07-2011, 21:27
Scurs .......we have had this conversation before ......... Brotherton was the smartest guy I ever come across, he always looked like he came out of Bernards showroom, even at 0530 ....... not like his compadre ........ Banjo West.:eek:
Great times , even though we thought they were hard at the time. Boys to Men in 15 Months.........can't be replicated today........or are we just getting old :confused:
Dave H
Dave H...........apologies......one of the first things to decrease as age increases, is short term memory! :(
I can tell many a tale of 50 years ago without missing many details, but the fact thee and me had spoken in this vein before, escaped me. :rolleyes:
We are indeed (or I am) "Just getting old" ! ;)
Hi Mike,
Jellicoe 2 - Then on the Blake 8 PO Tel Danny Kaye and PO Tel Buck Rogers [or was he a Yeoman ???] - Tom Phillips from Cornwall was our Badge Boy [243 Class]
Dave H
Dave,
Blake 293. Remember the two instructors - Think Buck Rogers was a Tel. My dodgy memory is telling me that he was there beating a stick on the desk as we QWERTYd in time.
Mike
Dave Hutson
15-07-2011, 19:08
Dave,
Blake 293. Remember the two instructors - Think Buck Rogers was a Tel. My dodgy memory is telling me that he was there beating a stick on the desk as we QWERTYd in time.
Mike
Mike,
See PM
Dave H
THE MAST.
Encouraging news.
Derek Dicker
27-07-2011, 09:56
Morning Mousey.
Thanks for the update.
Derek (Bunts)
MAST, SHOTLEY MAGS & BUTTON BOYS ~
A few items which may interest some?
Button Boy ~ A former "Button Boy", Les Smith, has composed a march called "The Button Boy". It appears , along with two other compositions, on a CD, proceeds from which are going to Help for Heroes. You can purchase YOUR copy for the modest sum of £3.99, this includes post and packing. Contact Les at :- les@shedmanmusic.com
Also try this link and scroll down a bit.http://kindred-spirit.co.uk/hms-ganges-shotley-suffolk/
MAST ~ More positive indications - see attached.
SHOTLEY MAGS - MEMORY STICKS. Also see attached and despite the name the Museum is completely seperate from the Association and is a charity.
MAST, SHOTLEY MAGS & BUTTON BOYS ~
A few items which may interest some?
Button Boy ~ A former "Button Boy", Les Smith, has composed a march called "The Button Boy". It appears , along with two other compositions, on a CD, proceeds from which are going to Help for Heroes. You can purchase YOUR copy for the modest sum of £3.99, this includes post and packing. Contact Les at :- les@shedmanmusic.com
Also try this link and scroll down a bit.http://kindred-spirit.co.uk/hms-ganges-shotley-suffolk/
MAST ~ More positive indications - see attached.
SHOTLEY MAGS - MEMORY STICKS. Also see attached and despite the name the Museum is completely seperate from the Association and is a charity.
SHOTLEY MAGS ~
Just received my memory stick. Excellent value for money and certainly helps to fill in some gaps in the grey matter.
Batstiger
14-08-2011, 23:01
HMS Ganges Reclaimed Parquet Pine flooring!!
ONLY £500.00.
1000+ Blocks of reclaimed pine parquet flooring taken from Mess 40 at HMS Ganges, Shotley, when the building was taken down.
Estimated at at least 25m2
Each piece is 9"x3" there are at least 1000 pieces - and also a large bag full of off cuts and border pieces.
The blocks are solid pine.
Tar pitch still on the underside of the pieces.
They have been in dry storage, unfortunately due to downsizing they are unable to stored much longer, nor is there anywhere to put this historically rich flooring.
There are no signs of rotting, and once sanded down will look stunning as a floor for many years to come.
The flooring was polished daily when they were in Mess 40 at HMS Ganges, shotley, and will beautifully grace any room in the house.
Pick-up only due to the amount of pieces, and cash on delivery.
Pick up from North Nottinghamshire.
Any questions please feel free to ask,
See Ebay.
Bob.
alanandbren
15-08-2011, 06:23
HMS Ganges Reclaimed Parquet Pine flooring!!
ONLY £500.00.
1000+ Blocks of reclaimed pine parquet flooring taken from Mess 40 at HMS Ganges, Shotley, when the building was taken down.
Estimated at at least 25m2
Each piece is 9"x3" there are at least 1000 pieces - and also a large bag full of off cuts and border pieces.
The blocks are solid pine.
Tar pitch still on the underside of the pieces.
They have been in dry storage, unfortunately due to downsizing they are unable to stored much longer, nor is there anywhere to put this historically rich flooring.
There are no signs of rotting, and once sanded down will look stunning as a floor for many years to come.
The flooring was polished daily when they were in Mess 40 at HMS Ganges, shotley, and will beautifully grace any room in the house.
Pick-up only due to the amount of pieces, and cash on delivery.
Pick up from North Nottinghamshire.
Any questions please feel free to ask,
See Ebay.
Bob.
I have a block which I retrieved from my old mess benbow 29 sometime during the 80s while on a visit to the site, and it's worth more than 50p to me.
Alan
HMS GANGES
Some may be interested in this link?
Especially kit inspection? Imagine doing that on the upper deck as opposed to a 'cosy' messdeck at Shotley!
http://saltspringarchives.com/ganges/index.htm
P.S. And we think we had it hard?
HMS GANGES ASSOCIATION MUSEUM
I thought that some of you may be interested in the attached? Please note that despite its official title the Museum is completely seperate from the Association and is a charity. Personally I believe that those who are running it and doing so much voluntary work in their own time deserve our full support? Please post any relavent fotos and foward them to the Museum or I will do it on your behalf. Thank you.
THE MAST.
Encouraging news.
I hope they actually repair it and not talk about it until it's far too late
harry.gibbon
01-10-2011, 14:21
Faith, Hope and Charity for the Ganges Boy in his maturity!!!:):D:D
Some time ago now a local retail park had remedial work done and one of the additions was the 'access' for pedestrians as included in the following two attachments.
When first I clocked my eyes on the feature, I thought of the title included above. A more gentle approach for former Ganges lads of advancing years:)
Little h
Derek Dicker
01-10-2011, 14:35
Oh how sad, there's even the boody shoping trolly on the botom.
Derek (Bunts)
alanandbren
01-10-2011, 14:56
Faith, Hope and Charity for the Ganges Boy in his maturity!!!:):D:D
Some time ago now a local retail park had remedial work done and one of the additions was the 'access' for pedestrians as included in the following two attachments.
When first I clocked my eyes on the feature, I thought of the title included above. A more gentle approach for former Ganges lads of advancing years:)
Little h
Thats more like charity for us old ones.
Alan
Faith, Hope and Charity for the Ganges Boy in his maturity!!!:):D:D
Some time ago now a local retail park had remedial work done and one of the additions was the 'access' for pedestrians as included in the following two attachments.
When first I clocked my eyes on the feature, I thought of the title included above. A more gentle approach for former Ganges lads of advancing years:)
Little h
We can really get our skates on now - well at least going down.;)
P.S For those who are not aware of it try Googling Ganges cabin Burgh Island or similar.
A SAILOR IS BORN
In 1949 a film entitled 'A Sailor is Born' was made at Ganges.
This link contains some details about it ~
http://www.colonialfilm.org.uk/node/6669 Note Synopsis on starboard side and click to expand.
I contacted the I.W.M. to see if a copy could be obtained and received the following reply ~
Thank you for your email.
The film can be viewed on our premises, by appointment. Alternatively, you can request a bespoke DVD copy (total price: £28.80). I have attached the paperwork that would need to be completed (although you can pay by personal cheque if you prefer).
If you have any queries, let me know.
Yours sincerely,
Matthew Lee
Curator, Film and Video Archive
Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ, UK
Tel: (UK) 020 7416 5294 (International) +44 20 7416 5294
Fax: (UK) 020 7416 5299 (International) +44 20 7416 5299
Website: www.iwm.org.uk (http://www.iwm.org.uk)
E-mail : mlee@iwm.org.uk
Apols if the above has already been posted. I understand some of my class mates appear in it.:cool:
Sheila1946
01-11-2011, 21:09
Sheila - our official docs/records were known amongst us as 'comic cuts.' Please excuse us for referring to your Dad as him whilst we exchange comments.
Dave I have tried to enlarge some of the docs to try and read the writing. You may well be right regarding the change of official number to MX as he transferred from Seaman Branch to Electrical. No doubt their Museum could provide the answer? I wonder what you or anyone else makes of 'Philoctetes' - in respect of Petunia and Hydrangia - perhaps their base where they were victualled from? Only a shot in the dark. Also the reference to either hill or mispelt nill? Indeed where are our noble scribes? But of course Ganges prime purpose was to produce Seamen and Comms. P.S. In the character columns he also has a couple of V.G. (R.R.), what is R.R.? Note also a couple of Supr's - Superior Sheila - the best!
Discovered HMS Nile was a shore base at Alexandria (I think)
Discovered HMS Nile was a shore base at Alexandria (I think)
HMS NILE
Think you are correct Sheila. Check out these links and many more. Last one contains a foto.
http://www.british-genealogy.com/forums/showthread.php/20376-HMS-NILE-Special-Services
http://www.unithistories.com/units_british/RN_MedFleet.html
http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/special-forces/26963-warrant-telegraphist-harry-pinder-soe.html
http://www.mcdoa.org.uk/ww_ii_awards_for_rn_diving_b_and_md_F.htm
http://www.seayourhistory.org.uk/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=18548
This should be of interest to those who were there in 1956. At least that is the date of issue. No doubt it will stir the memories of others? No sound track but see details to the right before going full screen.
http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=65895
diverdags
20-11-2011, 07:46
The latest sad picture from the late HMS Ganges.
Bob.
Why would that bring a tear to my eye? I'm not ashamed to say that it does.
diverdags
20-11-2011, 21:20
Hi Scurs,
I think I put on a post before but I remember Brotherton in 53/54, Blake Division. His big oppo was a short little CPO Mellows. His opposite number with the class at that time was a "two foot across the eyebrows" POGI but I can't remember his name. Back to Brotherton - I think he was the smartest CPO [your truly included in later years] I ever came across - don't matter what time of the day or night he looked as if he had just stepped out of Gieves window.
Dave H
I think "Pusser" Brotherton must have been almost permanently attatched to Ganges. I joined Sept 5th 1955 over at the Annexe of course - Beatty Mess, Chief Tel Potts, then to Blake 7 - 4th mess down the long covered way of the left. Our instructors were PO Parham [Percy] and CPO Brotherton [Pusser]. I agree with you about him being the smartest Chief ever. He was also a damn good instructor, and I have nothing but good memories of the man. He used to give extra voluntary lessons to those who were interested in the evenings, in his own time, and apart from the lack of practical knowlege we could have passed our PO's exams when we left Ganges. His last words to me were, "one day I hope you'll look back and say, he wasn't such a bad old bastard" Well, pusser, you weren't a bad old bastard at all. I feel I owe Pusser and Ganges a lot - not that I always appreciated it at the time of course!! The first time I went over devils elbow was the exact moment that this boy became a man.
For those like me, who never quite made it to the top - the cross trees was as far as i got - heres a pic specially for you. [hope this works. lol] Bear in mind the instructors mess at the far end of the parade ground is 3 stories high - gives you some idea of what we did back then. Makes ya sorts proud somehow.
diverdags
20-11-2011, 23:07
57 years last May for me Scurs!
Mousey will let us know who the Nozzers are, he is really old.
Bob.
56 years last September for me, time flies quicker than blow-flies don't it?
diverdags
21-11-2011, 00:19
Little H,Thanks for the lesson on "rowing, pulling" or what ever you lads call it, most interesting on all the navy wording much of which I have forgotton over the passed 37 years, still go into restraunts and ask for the chit (you should see the looks that I get ), the wife has tried to educate me to say "the bill" but to no avail, my locker for the wardrobe is another, funny how these little things stick with you.
Whalers or any kind of boat which had to be transported by oars were not my scene only when we used them for banyans abroad,once went "rowing" in the Lake District with my Jack Russell aboard , wife and son were not too happy to join us, don`t think the dog was either because he abandoned ship 1/2 a mile from shore :D no I prefer a boat that is operated with an engine.
I believe they tried to teach us the art of "pulling"(must use the proper wording) during the first 6 weeks of training, could`nt understand the reason for this lesson as I had joined the engineering branch the old sailing ships and Galleys were no longer being used---forgot about the old VICTORY but she was`nt moving anywhere,all I was interested in was differant types of boilers and anything to do with engines not how to tie knots, talk with flags or send morse, leave all that to the "boys" who spent more time up the mast than on the ground----someone forgot to tell them that the modern navy 50s and 70s did not use sails-----thats the reason that they closed GANGES down because the Instrutors there did`nt know anything else and they were all given drafts to be further educated in modern navy ways, thats why you all ended up in good old RALEIGH------ha, ha, just when you all thought old Dave here was beginning to mellow towards the GANGES SPROGS:D:D:D:cool:
ere, 'ang on a tic mate. HMS Reclaim used sails in the 50's.
diverdags
21-11-2011, 00:29
You have a point Little h......just dug out my only photo of Blake 124 Class 1957, only to discover neither Instructor was in it! :(
Both CPO Brotherton and PO Peram were Seaman, I am pretty sure both were Gunnery Rates ("Percy" Peram definately was.....I think "Radar Control 1st Class"....later to become FC1)...............but not GI's!
Scurs- I was in Blake 7 in 1955 and had BOTH PO Parham [percy] and CPO Brotherton [Pusser] and both were definitely gunnery branch. I would bet a fiver on it.
diverdags
21-11-2011, 00:38
Dave H...............Agreed.......hence his nickname "Pusser" Brotherton! However, what I can't remember is whether he was a CH.GI or not?
Anyone at GANGES in or around 1957 recall POGI "Chicken" Childs? He was our Percy Peram's oppo.............all around 5'5" of him....think he was Instructor for one of the Hawk Classes.
Pusser was not a GI but Gunnery branch 1st class - crown on top crossed guns and 1 star beneath. Parham was also gunnery but not a GI Both were Blake 7 in 1955-56
diverdags
21-11-2011, 01:06
Dave, totally different CPO Brotherton,Bulwark mess 1961.
If this guy is Brotherton then there are definitely 2 of them because Pusser was my instructor and this bloke is NOT him. Just for the record. the one in a previous photo standing at the rear of a guard IS "my" Brotherton [known as Pusser.
diverdags
21-11-2011, 02:11
Mornin' Ray [Scurs]
I was Jellicoe 2 - you always remember yours but for the life of me I can't remember the other, although for some reason TYRWHITT rings a bell, but not very loud. ??
Dave H
I was in Beatty mess
Diver - is this same guy? Pusser Brotherton at rear of guard 1957.
Btw - I'm 4th from right, middle rank!
diverdags
21-11-2011, 22:24
Diver - is this same guy? Pusser Brotherton at rear of guard 1957.
Btw - I'm 4th from right, middle rank!
Hi Scurs,
DEFINITELY the CPO at rear of the guard is the "Pusser" Brotherton [bless him] who was in charge of Blake 7 in 1955 -56 when I was there. His PO was Parham or possibly Perham in those days. Both were gunnery branch. I have zoomed the pic and his collar trade badges remain very indistinct. However I am 99% certain he was gunnery. He was the buffer on HMS Birmingham immediately prior to Ganges, and always talking about how good A turret was. He was always refering to the "Brum" when we were at the gunnery school. I can only assume that perhaps there were 2 CPO's named Brotherton. The one at the rear of your guard pics is DEFINITELY "pusser".
I took some stick from the lads when I was drafted direct from Ganges to the Birmingham about it being "owned" by Pusser"
He was always fair but could come down on misbehaviour. On one occasion a swede basher in our class [no names] carved a magnificent willy from a bar of pussers hard, was walking around in the mess with it sticking from the front of his No 8 trousers. Pusser made him bite the end off it and chew it to a pulp before allowing him to spit it out.
Food: Remember sh*t on a raft - devilled kidney on toast and train smash -fried tomatoes, and I think the bromide in our tea seemed to disapear after the annexe.
I wonder what happened to that beautiful old steam pinnace! Memories by the ton, and very few bad ones really.
Diver..........."Pusser" must have been a permanent fixture and kept the same mess, as we were Blake 7 in 1957. I thought the PO's name was "Pelham", "Perham"?.........aka "Percy"! Big bloke, as memory serves, maybe 6ft + and weighing in around 15-16st? Was an early "Little & Large" when he marched across Parade Ground with his oppo "Chicken" Childs, who struggled to make 5ft 6" and 9 stone!
Back to "Pusser" though, he was like a dog with 2 tails when we won "Best Mess" cake!
Not sure if this is the same occasion, might be when we were runners up.
Still not sure about "Pusser" being Gunnery though........Seaman certainly, he always took us for Seamanship subjects, but "Percy" (who was 1st Class Gunnery......wartime 'R' I think, that later evolved into 'FC') always took us for Parade Training and Gun Drill on the 4" down Gunnery School. It is a shame his (Pusser) badges not clearer in my photos. It has been suggested he might have been Cox'n not Gunnery? However either way, same guy as you knew!
THE MAST!
Would everyone do the necessary please?
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22454 (http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22454)
P.S. How high is it?
Dave Hutson
22-11-2011, 18:17
Done and dusted
Batstiger
22-11-2011, 21:54
THE MAST!
Would everyone do the necessary please?
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22454 (http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22454)
P.S. How high is it?
Have done.
Bob.
harry.gibbon
22-11-2011, 22:26
THE MAST!
[I]P.S. How high is it?
David,
According to the IHBC (Institue of Historical Building Conversation) in the PDF link which follows, the mast is/(was) 143ft 10inches high. See Unusual Listed Building No 9 & 9 cont'd:-
http://www.ihbc.org.uk/branches/east_anglia/newsletters/26/IHBC_EA26newsletter.pdf
Little h
PS e-petition signed
astraltrader
22-11-2011, 22:42
THE MAST!
Would everyone do the necessary please?
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22454 (http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22454)
P.S. How high is it?
Duly signed and should be by all forum members living in the UK.
[Will only allow UK residents to sign].
Mitch Hinde
22-11-2011, 22:50
Hi All
Not ex Ganges, but duly signed. Couldn't stand the thought of all you lot crying into your tots.
Mitch Hinde
Teuchter
23-11-2011, 07:25
Hi All
Not ex Ganges, but duly signed. Couldn't stand the thought of all you lot crying into your tots.
Mitch Hinde
Goes for me too (ex Collingrad boy!!)
alanandbren
23-11-2011, 07:44
THE MAST!
Would everyone do the necessary please?
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22454 (http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22454)
P.S. How high is it?
Done with pleasure.
Alan
Petition duly signed - lets get lots more matelots (whether ex-GANGES or not) to sign before some 'jobsworth' decides it should become firewood!
Steve
JackW1208
25-11-2011, 11:53
Signed by ex-Raleigh entrant 1965.
Jack.
SheppeyMiss
25-11-2011, 12:51
signed, Dave H wouldn't let me in the Wardroom again if I didn't ;). Seriously, my pleasure to sign and keeping fingers crossed.
Missy
Mitch Hinde
25-11-2011, 13:13
Hi All
Just had a look at the latest postings re Ganges on 28dl. The mast seems to be in a terrible state with the lower yardarm broken and surrounded by weeds. To let what should be a national monument to the RN fall into this condition is nothing short of an act of vandalism, and that's the opinion of an ex Raleigh lad.
Mitch Hinde
Signed in hope, rather than expectation.
THE MAST.
Don't lose hope Boys!
harry.gibbon
25-11-2011, 19:08
THE MAST.
Don't lose hope Boys!
David,
Me thinks that the goobledegook contained in pages 3 and 4 regarding the mast might mean that we will be lucky to see a 14ft 3inch replica, instead of the 143ft 10inch one reported in the grade II schedule:(:( (my post #1151)
The e-petition seems essential to at least get the subject aired in the house.
Little h
Little h............."dew tew" Government "cut backs", a 14ft 3" replica of GANGES mast is out of the question. A select committee, investigating the committee that investigated the original investigating committee, will, after 14.3 million pounds have been paid to cover expense accounts, investigate the possibility of a 1.43" model mast.
A spokesperson stated that "lessons would be learned" if we still had any Instructors available.
:rolleyes:
harry.gibbon
25-11-2011, 20:11
Little h............."dew tew" Government "cut backs", a 14ft 3" replica of GANGES mast is out of the question. A select committee, investigating the committee that investigated the original investigating committee, will, after 14.3 million pounds have been paid to cover expense accounts, investigate the possibility of a 1.43" model mast.
A spokesperson stated that "lessons would be learned" if we still had any Instructors available.
:rolleyes:
:D:D:D:D:D:eek:
Mitch Hinde
25-11-2011, 21:58
Hi All
Methinks the gist of it all is "Come back tomorrow and I'll give you a definite maybe".
Mitch Hinde
Mitch.................."It is a definite maybe and................OOOPS, too late, the BA"£%rd has fell down". :D or :mad: or both!
diverdags
06-12-2011, 00:50
THE MAST!
Would everyone do the necessary please?
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22454 (http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22454)
P.S. How high is it? 140 odd feet
Done.
diverdags
06-12-2011, 01:02
Diver..........."Pusser" must have been a permanent fixture and kept the same mess, as we were Blake 7 in 1957. I thought the PO's name was "Pelham", "Perham"?.........aka "Percy"! Big bloke, as memory serves, maybe 6ft + and weighing in around 15-16st? Was an early "Little & Large" when he marched across Parade Ground with his oppo "Chicken" Childs, who struggled to make 5ft 6" and 9 stone!
Back to "Pusser" though, he was like a dog with 2 tails when we won "Best Mess" cake!
Not sure if this is the same occasion, might be when we were runners up.
Still not sure about "Pusser" being Gunnery though........Seaman certainly, he always took us for Seamanship subjects, but "Percy" (who was 1st Class Gunnery......wartime 'R' I think, that later evolved into 'FC') always took us for Parade Training and Gun Drill on the 4" down Gunnery School. It is a shame his (Pusser) badges not clearer in my photos. It has been suggested he might have been Cox'n not Gunnery? However either way, same guy as you knew!
Hi Scurs,
nice to see your pic of 7 mess. We gave you lot a years start with polishing the deck - no wonder you won the cake lol. Pusser would have been over the moon. We won the pulling race from Felixstowe to Ganges pier and he smiled for a week. Back to your photo of 7 mess - we used to display [never actually use!] 2 brand new, bleached white wooden brooms with tiddly ropework all the way down the handles that pusser did himself. They only saw the light of day for inspections. Did you ever get to see them? They were a work of art.
Ian Goacher
07-12-2011, 16:37
Petition signed
Ian
petition duly signed. Its a shame to see such an iconic feature in the state its in.
eskimosailor
07-12-2011, 19:02
I too have signed, although I have never been near it, nor do I think I would want to, other than as a visitor. However it is a major piece of Naval heritage, and must be preserved.
Steve
MAST.
E Petition ~ thank you to all those who have signed but we will have to redouble our efforts, via ship associations, RNA'S, Legion etc., before the closing date to make an impression but plenty of time yet.
Current state of play ~ Number of signatures:870. Closing:15/05/2012.
Reminder of link to save you looking it up ~ http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22454 (http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22454)
Further reminders ~
Then - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htmC__eg8hc
Now - http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=fvwp&v=_dbIXXG_Ba4
How sad.
KIT INSPECTION & STOVES
Might bring back memories but what is slung behind their backs? Surely not steaming bags - I remember ours being longer than that? No beds? No.3's? - No.8's not issued until '49? Draft class in spare mess?
The second photo shows the way I remember we had to lay ours out.
Also 3 stoves? I only remember 2 in Griffin 19 mess, one at each end, but perhaps other messes varied?
In the last photo there does not appear to be one. Note fire entinguisher and dustbin on square where stove would have been? Had central heating been installed? Believe at one time hot water pipes ran along the ceiling space?
Have the letter of guidance from the Skipper to Parents at the G Spot if you would like me to post it ??;)
diverdags
16-12-2011, 12:19
Dave, totally different CPO Brotherton,Bulwark mess 1961.
This is DEFINITELY NOT the Pusser brotherton that was my GUNNERY CPO instructor in Blake 7 mess during 1955/6 - his oppo was PO Perham or Parham - also Gunner. Neither were GI's I would bet a fiver. If the bloke in these photos is named Brotherton then there are/were at least 2 Brothertons.
diverdags
16-12-2011, 12:30
This should be of interest to those who were there in 1956. At least that is the date of issue. No doubt it will stir the memories of others? No sound track but see details to the right before going full screen.
http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=65895
The Captain at that time was Capt. Michael LeFanu [later 1st Sea Lord] and visible several times during the video. I could be wrong but was Dookies visit something to do with the Queen's Birthday Review that year?
harry.gibbon
22-12-2011, 14:05
Faith, Hope & Charity!!!
link to Bob/Batstiger's pic posted in 2008, page1 of the thread, see post #20
http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13675&d=1215469926
Attachment below, is a pic posted on the RS(S)/CT's SquirrelShack site by one of the 'shackers' this week. Looks like someone still needs to get the pruning sheers out.
Little h
alanandbren
22-12-2011, 15:28
Faith, Hope & Charity!!!
link to Bob/Batstiger's pic posted in 2008, page1 of the thread, see post #20http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13675&d=1215469926
Attachment below, is a pic posted on the RS(S)/CT's SquirrelShack site by one of the 'shackers' this week. Looks like someone still needs to get the pruning sheers out.
Little h
Must be the only living thing on earth to stay still on those steps,
Alan
harry.gibbon
22-12-2011, 17:50
Must be the only living thing on earth to stay still on those steps,
Alan
Hi Alan,
Possibility is that the moggie is a reincarnation of a Chief GI hunting for prey:D:D
Little h
Petition signed in memory of dad who visited the establishment:) in 1926-28.
I know he would have been fighting the cause! Love the Mensa test to sign by the way.:rolleyes:
Happy new year to all .....................................M:)
Petition signed on behalf of my father.. who is still likely partying in 2012.
Happy New Year all.
little h...your 1182..............."REPOOOOORRRRRRT TO ME" :D
harry.gibbon
01-01-2012, 13:08
little h...your 1182..............."REPOOOOORRRRRRT TO ME" :D
Sorry can't Chief, on way to Church Parade Chief;) now which denomination am I this week:confused:
Little h
Either "Church of Wheelbarrow" or "Church of Welsh Tobacconist" mate! :D
This site contains some that you might not have seen before ~
http://www.hmsgangestoterror.org/index.htm
THE MAST ~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSuZXlUxwbk
Spread the gospel everyone!
Mitch Hinde
01-01-2012, 22:04
Hi Mousey
I'm trying very hard to imagine a couple of my teenage grandsons attempting that and I must admit I'm struggling a bit. A set of bunk beds seems to be about their limit.
Although I must say I wouldn't have relished the prospect myself.
Mitch Hinde
THE MAST ~
Please see attached for latest update.
All is not lost - yet!
Being at Ganges in 1966. We were told that there was an Officer who was one of the survivors from the Hood. He was supposed to work in the Signal School. Can anyone verify this.
Also how many have had to run down and up Faith Hope & Charity at night for making a noise after lights out.
The Class that I was in, only did it once. That was enough
I guess that would be Ted Briggs, ex junior- or ordinary-signalman on the Hood - who was latterly at Mercury in the 70s as a Lt Cdr as I recall.
Steve..
Dave Hutson
26-04-2012, 19:39
I guess that would be Ted Briggs, ex junior- or ordinary-signalman on the Hood - who was latterly at Mercury in the 70s as a Lt Cdr as I recall.
Steve..
Confirmed Steve,
He was my boss at Mount Wise 1959 as a Lt . Great Boss but at the time few knew that he was the survivor off the HOOD and he didn't talk about it.
Dave H
YEOMAN OR CHIEF YEOMAN GADEN
Believed to be on Ganges' staff sometime between 1945 and 1950. Does the name ring a bell with anyone please? I am in indirect contact with his son who is seeking information about his father.
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