HMS Pembroke

[Colleen]

HMS PEMBROKE _ CREW MEMBERS

Hi

My name is Colleen, I am new to the site, so forgive my ignorance in how this may work. I am interested in Genealogy, Photography.

Recently I have learned that one of my relatives possibly two were involved with HMS PEMBROKE, I would like to find out more about this its crew and any background history, Can anyone help me or point me in the right direction as to where I can obtain this sort of information.

Any help gratefully received.

With regards

Colleen ;)

[jonti]

Hi Colleen. HMS Pembroke was the Naval Barracks at Chatham, Kent right next to the Chatham Dockyard. Thousands of naval ratings would have passed through or served there over the years. It may be that your ancestors (really long ago) served in a previous HMS Pembroke and some research on Google would be the way. Regards jonti

[Colleen]

:p

Many Thanks Jonti for your reply, It would certainly be the right sort of area. The relatives came from Kent area. I would be looking about the 1880s
Now to find the records

Once again many thanks


Colleen

[Terry]

My grandfather was also at Pembroke several times throughout his naval service.
Information I received from an enquiry into his career from the Chatham Dockyard Historical Society in 1998 states that: HMS Pembroke was a Royal Navy Barracks at Chatham, adjacent to the dockyard. Sometimes known as the Depot of Chatham Port Division. Home to all sailors based at Chatham since it opened in 1903. Took its name from the 3rd rate HMS Pembroke of 1812, which became the Base ship at Chatham in 1873.
It had a Gunnery School which had transferred from Sheerness, New Entry training centre, church, cinema, canteen, infirmary, gym, swimming pool & large parade ground. Pembroke was commanded by a Commodore until the 1960s. After that, it was commanded by the Captain of the Supply & Secretariat School, which had superseded the Gunnery School.
Like the Dockyard, it closed in March 1984.
Hope this helps.

[jonti]

Hi Terry. Thanks for the history of Chatham Barracks, HMS Pembroke. I must have passed through there several times in my 14 years before the mast, leaving in 1963. I knew nothing of its history since 1963 when I moved to Melbourne where I still live. My question is: what are the buildings used for now or has the place been bulldozed.? Regards jonti

[Alan B]

I believe some of the buildings are still there. Either as part of the historic dockyard or converted into flats. The parade ground is still there. Does anyone remember hearing the Marine band playing after dark, even though they weren't there, spooky,. I think the old East Camp, where I did my part 2 training as a Jack Dusty, is all gone now. Must admit it was a bit creepy getting back to camp at midnight, walking down that alley to the camp.
:D Ah the cinderella shift.
Memories.
Alan

[Terry]

Take a look at the website for Chatham Dockyard, it's quite a tourist attraction now.
There's also Dickens World which opened recently!
Terry
http://www.chdt.org.uk/

[Walter Christ]

Hello Colleen,

My name is Walter Christ. I also am new to the site. I'm located in the U.S. and also have interests along Genealogy lines. I do have a suggestion. You might try the National Archives site found on the Chatham site submitted by Terry who replied to your question. It will be in the Our Collection section and then Family History. Might be a lead.

I also am looking for my wife's great grandfather who i think I have managed to track to the HMS Pembroke on April 5, 1891. You could try the 1881 Census.
It would need to be indexed so you could just enter the names.
That's how I found the individual. Coincidently he also was from Kent (West Ham to be specific.). His name was will G. Young. I used the 1891 Census

I have visited the Natioal Archives site with no luck. I'm now trying to find any place where I can get crew lists for the time period of 1891 to 1894.

Hopefully you'll glean something worthwhile from the info above.

Good Luck

[Stan.J]

A postcard of Chatham Barracks...H.M.S.Pembroke...;)

[qprdave]

I'm afraid that it would be almost impossible to get a "Crew List" of HMS Pembroke, Whilst there would be a "Ship's Company" for the general maintenance of the Barracks. The rest would be transient. Just coming off a ship, preparing to join a ship. joining for a short time for courses or being accommodated whilst their ship is in the dockyard refitting

Dave

[David Verghese]

A postcard of Chatham Barracks...H.M.S.Pembroke...;)

Stan,

Many many thanks for posting this picture. I have a similar one from another postcard but of poorer resolution. 'The Lady of the House's father was a E.R.A. Apprentice here from 1936-9 and lived in these barracks.

Permission to download it.

David

[Walter Christ]

I'm afraid that it would be almost impossible to get a "Crew List" of HMS Pembroke, Whilst there would be a "Ship's Company" for the general maintenance of the Barracks. The rest would be transient. Just coming off a ship, preparing to join a ship. joining for a short time for courses or being accommodated whilst their ship is in the dockyard refitting

Dave Where might I find a "visitation" of a Royal Navy ship to a port in the U.S. ? Specifically Rhode Island, Connecticut, or Mass. in 1893. :confused:

[NSR]

There are 12 photos of Chatham Barracks (HMS Pembroke) from early in the last century. I am not sure how to set up the link but they are in the thread - Old photos of Chatham Barracks in the Royal Navy Ships and Crews section.

Ken

[dayerb]

HMS Pembroke,
Remember it well? anyone remember the pie stall outside the main gate bought a pie there late one night after a run ashore enjoyed it so much bought another one, mistake? spent 3 days in the sick bay with food poisoning.

[eskimosailor]

This is the only thread I have found dedicated to Chatham Dockyard, so I,m posting this picture here. Forgive me if there is a more suitable place for it.
The picture shows the staff of the Wardroom Mess Office in 1940, "RN Barracks, Chatham".
The people are (L to R)
Winnie Cutts, Olive Duvant, Charles Genge, Wynne Bozier, Chas "Jumper" Collins, Theodora Pettman (My mother)
I was amazed when I eventually saw this picture, following my mother's death, as she had always told me that Jumper Collins, the fount of all knowledge Naval in her eyes, was an H.O. RNR Lieutenant. Instead he appears to be a "bootneck". No wonder he got so much wrong.
Steve