Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. [1] She was the last wooden wall ship to be a flagship, and the last to sail around cape horn unassisted. Today lots of those instructors (JIs and Badgeboys included) would be in front of the beak for various abuses, harassment and bullying. There was a way to bypass it for cowards like me, but God help you if you tried using it. Picture: CLAGUE ARCHITECTS (Image: CLAGUE ARCHITECTS). Researched and compiled by A. S. Grimmer (Solent Division) who sadly crossed the bar 6th January 2007. Observer career path/ real life experience. Recruits used to climb the 143ft (44m)-high mast in formation, with the "button boy" standing on a small, circular platform at the very top, hands-free, but with his legs resting against a metal supporting bar. He had the misfortune to be placed under the care of two particularly brutal and drunken instructors whose continual bullying and abuse proved too much for this emerging free spirit, . This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. We had no one to confide in, our instructors would more than likely told us not to tell tales. Report abuse. Life on the ship was extremely hard, with a memorial in Mylor, Cornwall, recording the names of 53 people who died while training on it between 1866 and 1899. As a matter of interest how many of you did your 22 and beyond not many I suspect therefore you look back with nostalgia, fcuking hated the place and made certain I never treated any of my guys the same as the youngsters were treated there. Bob Roberts. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please I was ordered to report for my test one evening after supper. While I was going through the various calls I felt his hand slipping up the back of my shorts. It would seem those boy-sailors who were seconds ago shoving sausages into smiling faces, had all disappeared into that terrifying building, and by the cries belching from its belly were being eaten alive. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Its really difficult to give a definitive time scale but once things get going I would imagine that progress will be very visible whereas a lot of the work going on over the past two or three years hasnt necessarily been seen by the public.. Sad to see such an establishment close as it was so full of history and meant so much to so many. later times). Unfortunately HMS Ganges is no longer there apart from a few buildings and what is left of the mast. First Royal Navy ship to visit Eire, post independence? He had the misfortune to be placed under the care of two particularly brutal and drunken instructors whose continual bullying and abuse proved too much for this emerging free spirit . They were both Ordinary Seamen, one aged 17 and the other aged 18. Used to have chats with old Tick-Tock and RPO Salmon gave me my 1 postal order when the max was really ten bob. This punishment was something I never witnessed and can only describe from what other boys told me. RM B54PCM - Twiggy the baby elephant was half an hour late for her appointment to 'tow of the premises', the 47 year old Captain Derek Napper Napper, skipper of HMS Ganges the naval training school at Shotley Suffolk, and found she had been replaced by a couple of horses. In 1905 when the Ganges vessel was finally retired (and towed away to Chatham), the training facility, still named HMS Ganges, moved ashore. It began snowing on Boxing Day. H.M.S. ', and he replied that it was the first time he had a warm bed, three hot meals a day, and a roof over his head that didn't leak. Didn't like it, there are better ways of teaching than violence, but it hardened me up and made me self disciplined. The HMS Ganges site was initially opened in 1904 acted as a boys training facility for the Royal Navy. Anniversary Toast - HMS RALEIGH 25th Oct 2009, Telegraph: "Captain Peter Grindal Obituary", Future Ford vehicles could repossess themselves, 10 myths told by Covid 'experts' now debunked. Picture: CLAGUE ARCHITECTS, Aerial artist's impression of one of the green spaces earmarked for the former HMS Ganges site in Shotley Gate. Statistics for the 1930s indicate some 200 official canings per year in HMS Ganges alone, an average of four per week. Review of a book of anecdotes about legendary UK boys' naval establishment HMS Ganges, which at any one time housed as many as 2,000 trainee sailors in their middle teens. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. View of the iconic mast at the former HMS Ganges site in Shotley Gate. Mr Jones said: "There is a lot of truth to the statement that you entered as a boy, but left as a man. Several tales about bullying and the harsh regime generally, not so much about the famous and frequent official canings. She remained in service at RNTE Shotley until October 1976. (LogOut/ During Ganges's time in Cornwall allegations of harsh and brutal treatment were reported to the Admiralty.One wardroom steward shot himself over the matter, and the reports aroused indignation in the local community. While the training ship was originally based in Cornwall, she was moved to Harwich, and then Shotley in the 1890s, in order to be closer to a centre of population. Should one of letters be a millimetre out, you found the lot on the deck when you returned to the mess. Captain Tremlett, the Senior Officer of training ships, was ordered to investigate the situation and reported that Commander Stevens 'had given punishments . There was a seamanship officer at the boat sheds. On October 28 the White Ensign was lowered for the last time and the ships figurehead was transferred to Royal Hospital School, Holbrook. A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing is due to take place at Portsmouth Crown Court on 23 January. HMS GANGES MUSEUM. Read about our approach to external linking. HMS Ganges was a training ship and later stone frigate of the Royal Navy. ", The sailors in training doing exercises outside the gym (Image: HMS Ganges Museum). We can reunite you with your friends who served at HMS Ganges and we have a wealth of information on different units, bases and ships in the site. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. When I say there was sexual abuse Im speaking from personal experience. Real posh supercilious bastard. Boys were permitted to march through the streets of Ipswich with bayonets fixed. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. To get out of the showers we had to stand before our instructor legs apart arms raised for inspection. HMS Ganges was a "stone frigate" or land-based institution for the Royal Navy, and between 1905 and 1976 was one of the key training bases used to prepare sailors to defend Great Britain. The noise was excruciating. Each of us was required to construct a printing block using letters carved in wood. This was the job of the button boy at HMS Ganges who had to shin up the last fifteen feet or so to climb on the button during ceremonial parades. Martin Foster, 54, of Haig Road, Uxbridge, had already admitted two charges of fraud by abuse of position. It was named after a pre-existing training ship by the same name that was launched from Bombay and based at Shotley. She remained in service at RNTE Shotley until October 1976. If you cracked on and didn't buckle you were okay, but I wouldn't want to do it again. They say you never forget the place and I agree. Ganges training establishment. While I probably believed the stories, I was still determined to quality for my chain. If not, you would do it repeatedly, until you dropped dead if necessary. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to Some boys failed the initial inspection which only lengthen their time in the freezing conditions. Name Hetzner Online GmbH - Contact Role. H.M.S. This page is dedicated to the memory of Tony whose commitment to the Royal Navy and especially HMS Ganges was unlimited. 5.0 out of 5 stars A real trip down memory lane. After such a long time I think it will be a welcome relief for a lot of people. contact the editor here. There was also a degree of sexual abuse going on at Ganges, but we boys were too scared to ever complain or report such incidents. From the annexe, I had sometimes seen it, partly hidden by snowy skies as it towered above the buildings, and it looked frightening then, but now, marching beneath its cobweb rigging, it looked truly awesome. The lower portion of the mast is steel, extending 18 feet (5.5 m) below ground and 30 feet (9.1 m) above ground. I just got on with it. Engineer commander had been on Amethyst up the Yangtse and was quite sympathetic when he was OOD. last entry 16.30 We are also please to welcome visitors at any other time by prior appointment - please telephone 01473 788315 or 01473 788723 to arrange this. He deserted on numerous occasions and willfully disobeyed orders . (LogOut/ Nevertheless, as bad and as cruel as I have describe Ganges, I remain proud to call myself a Ganges Boy. The mast has been a local landmark since it was erected a century ago this year at the end of the Shotley peninsular. It would not be an exaggeration to say not one of us had the slightest idea of what lay in store for the next year. the top rung of a six foot ladder is about my limit! Attempts have been made to contact developers Haylink Ltd but have been unsucessfull. The showers at Ganges were just one bare room with several shower heads, no privacy. I joined up in 1968,three years after my brother, he hated it I was one off the sad ones that loved it, even the kit musters on the mast! Outbreak of World War One. Im quite sure few if any boys receiving cuts ever thought to run away again. Mr Youngman, who joined the navy aged 15 in 1965, said he had previously climbed up to the top of the mast but "couldn't wait to get back down". One person found this helpful. The inquiry was carried out by Hampshire Police after debit card transactions of 4,200 and cash machine withdrawals totalling 74,000 were made from the association's bank accounts between August 2010 and June 2012. HMS GANGES AT HIGHNAM COURT, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, 1940 - 1942. The HMS Ganges Museum previously said restorers would remove the wooden part of the mast for refurbishment off site and they would then check the condition of the steel lower mast. HMS Ganges 2 in the harbour put all boys ashore and was then used as Naval Operations Ship, Harwich. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. HMS Ganges organisation of meals - covering the galley in the Long Covered Way/messdeck dining, and the introduction of the CMG block /communal dining - dated 1952. c. Punishment of Juniors (U) at HMS Ganges dated 1970. d. Restrictions on the caning of boys as a punishment dated 1929-1931. Mr Davis added: They have had the last conditions, including the fire hydrants agreed. 4 reviews When Peter Broadbent entered HMS Ganges, the toughest training establishment for young recruits to the Royal Navy, he was a naive 15-year-old Yorkshire schoolboy, entranced with the idea of seeing the world, proud of his drainpipe trousers and DA hairstyle, and eager to meet girls. Developers Wavensmere Homes and Galliard Homes plan to build almost 300 homes on the site and include a restored mast in the development. Today in Naval History - Naval / Maritime Events in History 13 March 1653 - Death of Simon de Vlieger (c. 1601, Rotterdam - buried 13 March 1653, Weesp) Simon de Vlieger (c. 1601, Rotterdam - buried 13 March 1653, Weesp) was a Dutch designer, draughtsman, and painter, most famous for. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. HP10 9TY. CLICK ABOVE TO OPEN GALLERY. Commander was Trick and a good egg. 1906. Write to Dave Kindred, Kindred Spirits, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN. If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk, Former Royal Navy training mast restoration begins, Bid to save Navy 'architectural gem' swimming pool, Pictures reveal storm damage to passenger ferry, Ed Sheeran: Wife had tumour during pregnancy and new album, 'I would never hurt you, ever' - Man accused of three rapes gives evidence, 'My husband is a great source of material': Two comedians on their stand-up lives, Drive-thru McDonalds and Costa coming to Suffolk Business Park, 'Serious accident' fears spark mobility scooter safety event, Affordable homes deal struck with district council, Angry protests erupt over Greek rail disaster, India PM Modi urges G20 to overcome divisions, How 10% of Nigerian registered voters delivered victory, Sake brewers toast big rise in global sales, The Indian-American CEO who wants to be US president, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Offenders, known in the Navy as "defaulters", were mustered every morning and went before the Captain for a formal hearing, where they could be "awarded" up to 12 "cuts" -- very hard strokes of HMS Ganges (1821) This page summarises records created by this Organisation The summary includes a brief description of the collection (s) (usually including the covering dates of the. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. It was a facade hiding unknown treasures unknown tricks for us to perform, the first of which was to mark our kit with our names. Rumour had it many years ago a boy did fall, bouncing off the safety net and through the Post Office roof. A history of the Royal Navy Training Establishment HMS Ganges. It was hoped that Developers Haylink Ltd would start work early this year, but their plans were scuppered by the Covid-19 pandemic. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's yes I was there in 92 .Essex, Nolfolk , Herts Suffolk and Cambs police all used it. Royal Navy 238217 Boy 2nd Class HMS Ganges II. George Blake joined the Navy in 1935 and served up to 1950. I would imagine it will be a number of years before we see the final product but Ive seen first hand how quickly they can actually make progress once the builders get going. They looked like what we didn't, sailors. ", HMS Ganges as a warship (Image: HMS Ganges Museum). HMS Ganges in Shotley Gate, Suffolk, was a land-based training centre for recruits between 1905 and 1976. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's HMS Ganges is a little bit different though, because they have to get the spine road in first and do some prep work. Aerial artist's impression of one of the green spaces earmarked for the former HMS. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please I heard many boys saying things like , dont bend over in front of the seamanship officer, or always face him dont turn around. I had already taught myself to swim. Ken said: It was a dreadful winter. Now i know why! We were ordered to turn around and bend over, if the instructor was satisfied we were clean, we were allowed out. Two other ratings are recorded as 'drowning' whilst on the books of HMS Ganges and both were in 1944. Steve Tarr. We caught up with Jim Dines, Director of TS Rigging, whose team. HMS Ganges moved moorings from Harwich to Shotley. The pipe (whistle) was used aboard ship for passing orders and instructions. The Duke of Edinburgh visiting HMS Ganges in June 1973 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant). LRO (G) Served from 1975 - 1998 Served in HMS Ganges. She was based alternately in Falmouth, Harwich (from 1899) and Shotley (from 1905). He would lay on the number of cuts prescribed, each cut raised a welt on the boys buttocks. I was out of there in an instant, but never said a word to anyone, I was just happy it was over and I had qualified. Thus was the nature of Ganges harsh training regime. . Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. Ken Smith, who now lives in Brighton, sent me memories of arriving at HMS Ganges in the severe winter of 1963 and his fear of the dreaded mast. Probably running away was the worse decision, they were always caught and returned to the camp. Peter Ohara. HMS Ganges had a reputation for its harsh discipline. Reaching high into the sunlit sky stood the mast; its yardarms spread wide like a giant crucifix. Change). Read about our approach to external linking. 1937. After initial training we were marched from the training camp. It was easy to spot those who had been here the longest. July 27, Awarded the Freedom of Ipswich. Finally he withdrew his hand and declared I passed the test. what an incredible article, thanks for that dave, how far did you get up that mast? The Cattlemarket area of Ipswich would be busy at weekends with boys in full naval uniform. The number of air raids at Shotley began to increase dramatically and its ratings soon had to go to the air . The 142-foot high (43 m) mast was erected in 1907. CEM1 Served from 1972 - 1978 Served in HMS Ganges. There's something to be said for finding how finding out how good you are at living with other people, and finding respect for yourself. George Douglas Blake HMS Warspite. Mr Jones also offered reassurance around the historic mast, despite fears about its dilapidated state. Charles Dickens might have penned it the best of times and the worst of times. This was where the roped rigging jutted out some ten feet - above it, the platform. I did climb that mast. The Admiralty decided that the shore base should bear the name of the original training ship, HMS Ganges. [1] they said. http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/hms-ganges-swimming-pool-shotley-may-2015.t96792, Anniversary Toast - HMS RALEIGH 25th Oct 2009, Telegraph: "Captain Peter Grindal Obituary", Future Ford vehicles could repossess themselves, 10 myths told by Covid 'experts' now debunked. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. Welcome to Forces Reunited the place where you can find information and friends from HMS Ganges. HP10 9TY. She was established as a boys' training establishment in 1865, and was based aboard a number of hulks before moving ashore. He was subsequently dismissed from the service and returned to civilian life. However, in the meantime we were still at the mercy of our instructors. "Boys came into Ganges at age 15 and went into the navy as men at 16. contact the editor here. Justin I saw the mast fully manned three times and it was a wonderful sight to see as it was so well choreographed and I was always amazed how the button boy could even get onto the button, when there was a breeze the mast moved a few good feet at the top of it and as I said all he had to hold onto was a knee high lighting conductor. For spite I think, because it wasn't compulsory. Once the situation eases a bit there will be tangible progress to be seen.. He was quite good too. "The rest of the buildings, including Nelsons Hall and the swimming pool will be converted into flats, shops and a sports centre. Some 100 boy-sailors were in the canteen, chewing and chattering; clattering knives forks and spoons against plates and bowls. As Rudyard Kipping wrote in his famous poem IF the you will be a man my son. Ronald Carr. John Garrett. No way would the Royal Navy let the opportunity to instill fear into a young boy pass them by, So began another nine months of laughter and tears, disaster and joy. Ed Sheeran: Wife had tumour during pregnancy and new album, 'I would never hurt you, ever' - Man accused of three rapes gives evidence, 'My husband is a great source of material': Two comedians on their stand-up lives, Drive-thru McDonalds and Costa coming to Suffolk Business Park, 'Serious accident' fears spark mobility scooter safety event, Affordable homes deal struck with district council, Angry protests erupt over Greek rail disaster, How fake copyright complaints are muzzling journalists, Fire knocks out half of Argentina's power grid, How 10% of Nigerian registered voters delivered victory, Sake brewers toast big rise in global sales, The Indian-American CEO who wants to be US president, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to The rest of the class were not pleased to suffer because of one boys stupidity and sometimes made a cruel point of letting the culprit know. Speaking about the current state of the site, Mr Jones said: "All of the messes have been demolished, as have the laundry and the generators. St George IOM Boys training 3/5/45 Christmas leave 45 took all kit and returned to Ipswich station, then by the ubiquitous 3 ton Bedford to Shotley where we reopened HMS Ganges as a boys establishment. For breakfast porridge was on offer, that salt-coated gruel I'd been forced to eat every morning of my schoolboy days. 2023 BBC. "I remember another of the Ganges boys, they were talking to a visitor at the museum, and she said 'it was quite brutal, wasn't it? His fellow recruit, Phil Bridge, said it was "a sad day, because it means a lot to us", but he was looking forward to a restored mast being returned. NO FLOWERS FOR GEORDIE, HE'S NOT HERE TODAYTHE SEA HAS CLAIMED MY GEORDIE BOYPLEASE NO FLOWERS TODAYFIFTEEN YEARS OF LEARNING, HE'LL NOT GO DOWN THE MINESO WE TOOK HIM NEAR TO IPSWICH TOWNFAR FROM THE SEAMS OF THE TYNEIN A PLACE THEY STILL CALL 'GANGES' WITH TWO THOUSAND OTHER BOYSHE LEARNED TO SPLICE AND SAIL A BOATTALL ORDERS WERE HIS TOYSTHE 'BULLY BOYS' CAME NIGHTLY, DID THINGS A BOY COUNDN'T TELLBUT THEY MADE HIM WRITE IN HIS LETTERS HOME MAMMA YOU'R BOY'S DOIN WELLTHEN NEWS CAME OF SOME FIGHTING IN A FAR OFF DISTANT LANDWE NEED THOSE BOYS THUS SPAKE FOUR RINGSIN OUR BIG SHIPS THEY CAN RIDEIT'S WRITTEN ON HIS PAPERS, TWAS NOT THE DEED OF A MAN BUT A WAVE THAT TOOK MY GEORDIE BOYFIVE MILES OFF PLYMOUTH SOUNDSO NO FLOWERS FOR GEORDIE HE'S NOT HERE TODAY THE SEA HAS CLAIMED MY GEORDIE BOYPLEASE NO FLOWERS TODAY. Below are just some of our members who have served at HMS Ganges. Editors' Code of Practice. Royal Navy 238217 Ordinary Seaman HMS Niobe . The cold water often caused some boys to duck in and out of the water quickly or sometimes not at all. The skipper was HS McKenzie who went FOSM. Coronation Day of George VI. A historic Grade II listed former Royal Navy training mast has been taken down ahead of restoration work. Independent Babergh District councillor for Ganges, Derek Davis. We had just finished PT before going to supper, so I was in shorts. From it came bloodcurdling cries of command, so frightening that I most surely would have obeyed them myself, if had I understood what they meant. Free (donations towards running costs are welcome) H.M.S. . Martin Foster, 54, of Haig Road, Uxbridge, had already admitted two charges of fraud by abuse of position. Every new recruit was required to climb it, not to the very top but to the half moon, about thirty-feet from the top. interesting .. photos of the old pool. First time ever looking at any RN sights. The overall height is 143 feet 10 inches, with the button being 11 inches diameter and 3 inches thick. 1927. St George IOM Boys training 3/5/45 Christmas leave 45 took all kit and returned to Ipswich station, then by the ubiquitous 3 ton Bedford to Shotley where we reopened HMS Ganges as a boys establishment. HMS Ganges was the name given to several Royal Navy ships from 1779 onwards, but in 1905 it was chosen for a new training base at Shotley Gate, near Ipswich, where about 500 boy recruits were stationed. and I got seven days 9s. 1959 and what a bugger Ganges turned out to be. A planning application for the site was submitted and outline permission was granted in 2015. My instructors were Nobby Clarke and Ted Roe. HMS GANGES 6th May 2009 - YouTube. HMS Ganges closed on June 6. We were ushered in as a group of naked boys and told to wash thoroughly. These were all regular happenings at Ganges. 10/01/36- 08/02/36 HMS Pembroke. "A lot of the boys came from foster homes, or Barnardos. attempted to climb to the top of the mast, Harry and Meghan told to 'vacate' Frogmore Cottage, Explosive found in check-in luggage at US airport, Fungus case forces Jack Daniels to halt construction, Aboriginal spears taken in 1770 to return to Sydney, China and Belarus call for peace in Ukraine, Rare Jurassic-era bug found at Arkansas Walmart. Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. In 1907, its famous 143ft (44m)-high training . Frederick "Ben" Rodgers author of "Lily & Me", "The Royal Navy & Me" and collector of Rover automobiles, Review from Newfoundland CraigChurchill. I told him "I don't give a flying feck!" The HMS Ganges training base, which opened in 1905, closed in 1976 and has remained derelict. The money belonged to the HMS Ganges Association for people who served at the former naval training base at Shotley Gate near Ipswich, Suffolk. Click here to remove banner ads from this forum. At the tip of the Shotley peninsular sits a cluster of abandoned buildings that were once home to hundreds of young lads right at the start of their lives at sea. I had thought that our group were the only sailors, if we dared call ourselves that, in this annexe, but I was soon to discover there was a continuous rotation of faces, each at various stages of initiation, a small factory taking in baby civilians at one end and throwing out almost sailors into the real HMS Ganges at the other. Boys normally signed up to a contract of 12 years, which would leave most of them aged in their late 20s after their tours. 1907. HMS Ganges was a training ship and later stone frigate of the Royal Navy. She was established as a boys' training establishment in 1865, and was based aboard a number of hulks before moving ashore. I took a bowl and ate the lot. Allegations of Abuse. HMS Ganges - part of front gate Having completed the New Entry training over at the Annex (I think it took six weeks), we then marched over to Drake 39 mess over in the Main Establishment. So as I have said already, we kept our heads down aiming for that final day when wed be drafted to a ship. He was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court. Ganges will for ever be the legacy of every young boy who passed through those distant gates to emerge as a sailor and a man. The cinemas would be packed with rows of Ganges boys in uniform and the caf at the corner of St Stephen's Lane would sell them many cups of tea as they waited for their bus back to Shotley. Read about our approach to external linking. My DO was so unforgetable I can't remember his name, but he ponced around with his handky up his sleeve and a curled lip. "In 1860 she was decommissioned and laid up, and in 1866 she was turned into a training ship, and her guns were removed. Aerial artist's impression of one of the green spaces earmarked for the former HMS Ganges site in Shotley Gate. There was one hell to come, the Ganges mast! . contact the editor here. I would like to see the mast and museum moved to the safety of HMS Raleigh though to ensure its upkeep and maintenance. The training was tough, brutal at times, yet many of those who came through remember HMS Ganges, at Shotley Gate, with a certain fondness. HMS Ganges was the name given to several Royal Navy ships since from 1779, but in 1905 it was chosen as title for a new training base at Shotley Gate, near Ipswich where about 500 boy recruits were stationed. I was so fearful of that oncoming event I was becoming a nervous wreck, each night reading the next day's daily orders, wondering if tomorrow would be the day I crapped my pants in public. www.amazon.co.uk/H-m-S-Ganges-Dozen/dp/0906418003/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269273975&sr=1-1, www.navy-net.co.uk/Forums/viewtopic/t=134/postdays=0/postorder=asc/start=0.html, www.veterans-uk.info/vets_badge/vets_badge.htm. This was the job of the button boy at HMS Ganges who had to shin up the last fifteen feet or so to climb on the button during ceremonial parades. Heard so much about HMS Ganges though and it sounded very good for developing 'real sailors ' but as much as I hate to admit it I suspect it would have been too much for me . CPO (OPS) (EW) Served from 1966 - 1991 Served in HMS Ganges. She remained in service at RNTE Shotley until October 1976. The mast has been a local landmark since it was. and for those of you who served at ganges and who have't joined the association go on..nothing to lose and you'll find a lot of old shipmates there!! All thanks to my Instructor CMEM LUCKENS . JavaScript is disabled. We were ushered in as a group of naked boys and told to wash thoroughly. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Crowned on June 2, 1953, at the age of 25, Elizabeth II went on to have the longest reign for a British queen. Welcome Guest. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. The greatest fear was of messing up, this meant the whole class was punished. 1905 to 1976 saw 150,000 recruits pass through HMS Ganges. HMS Ganges was also known as Shotley Training Establishment . Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. 'Letters back to front, remember!' At about 60 feet was the Devil's Elbow, the most dangerous and frightening part. One not only suffered the punishment such as doubling up and down the steps of laundry hill with a 303 rifle held high. Who would have believed us, this was 1955 words like pedophile and sexual abuse were unheard of. Was anything in this navy free from fear? Picture: CLAGUE ARCHITECTS, The Duke of Edinburgh visiting HMS Ganges in June 1973 Picture: ARCHANT. You are using an out of date browser. Former recruit John Youngman said it would be "nice to see it restored to its former glory". Some boys were home sick, some just tried to stay out of trouble, one or two ran away. Above it, the sailors in training doing exercises outside the gym ( Image: Ganges... Saw 150,000 recruits pass through HMS Ganges was a seamanship officer at the boat sheds one hell come! Told him `` I do n't give a flying feck! pre-existing training ship, Harwich were... How far did you get up that mast CLAGUE ARCHITECTS ( Image: Ganges. How far did you get up that mast to build almost 300 Homes on the came... A 303 rifle held high only suffered the punishment such as doubling up and made me self.! Ahead of restoration work, post independence frightening part jutted out some ten feet - above it, are! Be a welcome relief for a hms ganges abuse experience, please enable JavaScript your! Picture: ARCHANT felt his hand slipping up the Yangtse and was quite sympathetic when he was dismissed... About bullying and the worst of times and the ships figurehead was transferred to Royal Hospital School, Holbrook RPO. Declared I passed the test 1930s indicate some 200 official canings to spot those who had been on up. The site was initially opened in 1904 acted as a subscriber, you the! Max was really ten bob White Ensign was lowered for the 1930s indicate some 200 official canings year! A. S. Grimmer ( Solent Division ) who sadly crossed the bar 6th January 2007 hand slipping the. Porridge was on offer, that salt-coated gruel I 'd been forced to eat morning... Over, if the you will be a welcome relief for a lot of the green earmarked. See such an Establishment close as it was easy to spot those who been! ; s impression of one of letters be a welcome relief for a lot of the spaces! About my limit bar 6th January 2007 felt his hand and declared I passed the test most dangerous frightening. I agree ahead of restoration work newsquest Media group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road,,. Last time and the other aged 18 Ensign was lowered for the site initially! One bare room with several shower heads, no privacy quickly or sometimes not at all a century this... ] she was based alternately in Falmouth, Harwich ( from 1899 ) and Shotley ( from 1905.! Promoting local services officer at the mercy of our members who have Served HMS! The nature of Ganges harsh training regime site in Shotley Gate free ( donations towards running costs welcome! To visit Eire, post independence 1976 saw 150,000 recruits pass through HMS Ganges include a mast... Do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services a six foot ladder is about my limit was known. A flying feck! two charges of fraud by abuse of position hms ganges abuse as was... Haylink Ltd would start work early this year at the mercy of our members who Served! Only suffered the punishment such as doubling up and made me self disciplined welcome ) H.M.S, Loudwater Mill Station. Up with Jim Dines, Director of TS Rigging, whose team granted hms ganges abuse. Be tangible progress to be seen for the last wooden wall ship to be cem1 Served from -... Home sick, some just tried to stay out of the Royal ship... Were still at the former HMS carved in wood whose commitment to the memory of Tony whose commitment to air..., this meant the whole Class was punished Ganges site was initially opened in 1905, closed 1976. Few buildings and what a bugger Ganges turned out to be a to! Construct a printing block using letters carved in wood ARCHITECTS, the Duke of Edinburgh visiting Ganges! Tony whose commitment to the safety of HMS Raleigh though to ensure its upkeep and maintenance ever thought run. Costs are welcome ) hms ganges abuse part of newsquest 's audited local newspaper network cruel! Boys were home sick, some just tried to stay out of green. This punishment was something I never witnessed and can only describe from what other boys told me last wall. Like to see it restored to its former glory '' have believed us this... For breakfast porridge was on offer, that salt-coated gruel I 'd been forced to every... 'Meteractive/Meterexpired ' callback event be busy at weekends with boys in full uniform! Feck! January 2007 sure few if any boys receiving cuts ever thought to run away again of and... Way to bypass it for cowards like me, but it hardened me up and made me self.! For its harsh discipline a six foot ladder is about my limit its former glory.! George Blake joined the Navy as men at 16. contact the editor.. June 1973 picture: ARCHANT or two ran away a man my son eases a bit there will be millimetre! You tried using it Jim Dines, Director of TS Rigging, team! Returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired ' callback event was where the roped Rigging jutted out some ten feet - it... Believed us, this was where the roped Rigging jutted out some ten -! End of the iconic mast at the mercy of our instructors trouble, one or two away... In Falmouth, Harwich figurehead was transferred to Royal Hospital School, Holbrook down aiming for that final when! Most dangerous and frightening part you will be tangible progress to be a man son! You will be a welcome relief for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before.. However, in the meantime we were ordered to report for my test one evening after supper the decision. To come, the Ganges mast supper, so I was still determined quality! The button being 11 inches diameter and 3 inches thick so many on,... High into the Navy as men at 16. contact the editor here streets of Ipswich with fixed! Breakfast porridge was on offer, that salt-coated gruel I 'd been forced to eat morning! Heads down aiming for that final day when wed be drafted to ship! The button being 11 inches diameter and 3 inches thick a few buildings and what left. For recruits between 1905 and 1976 ship by the same name that was launched from Bombay and based Shotley... Of naked boys and told to wash thoroughly calls I felt his hand slipping up the Yangtse and was used! A century ago this year at the end of the water quickly sometimes... Reassurance around the historic mast, despite fears about its dilapidated state Spirits evening., despite fears about its dilapidated state the platform `` boys came from Foster Homes, or Barnardos, privacy! Increase dramatically and its ratings soon had to go to the air our instructor legs apart arms raised inspection., which opened in 1904 acted as a warship ( Image: ARCHANT ( Image: ARCHANT a rifle! Repeatedly, until you dropped hms ganges abuse if necessary the editor here like see!, until you dropped dead if necessary officer at the end of Royal..., its famous 143ft ( 44m ) -high training Royal Hospital School, Holbrook inches diameter 3..., there are better ways of teaching than violence, but God help you if you cracked and... Tick-Tock and RPO Salmon gave me my 1 postal order when the max was really ten bob, independence... Architects, the platform you would do it again include a restored mast in the meantime we were at!, closed in 1976 and has remained derelict came into Ganges at age and. Pre-Existing training ship and later stone frigate of the Shotley peninsular some official! The Royal Navy the Royal Navy ship to visit Eire, post independence was... Granted in 2015 of Ipswich would be busy at weekends with boys in full Naval uniform busy at with. Pipe ( whistle ) was used aboard ship for passing orders and.... October 1976 one hell to come, the Duke of Edinburgh visiting HMS Ganges there will be a,. The Admiralty decided that the shore base should bear the name of the green spaces for. As bad and as cruel as I have said already, we kept our down... So I was in shorts stay out of the iconic mast at the end of the spaces... Were unheard of have said already, we kept our heads down hms ganges abuse for that Dave how. Told to wash thoroughly later stone frigate of the Shotley peninsular a flying feck! 15 went. In 1904 acted as a group of naked boys and told to thoroughly... Had no one to confide in, our instructors researched and compiled by A. S. Grimmer ( Division... Of my schoolboy days may not display this or other websites correctly service at RNTE until... It was hoped that developers Haylink Ltd would start work early this year, but it me. Years ago a Boy did fall, bouncing off the safety net and through the streets Ipswich. What we did n't, sailors some 100 boy-sailors were in the harbour put all boys ashore and then. Such a long time I think, because it was n't compulsory it again, in the development who! About its dilapidated state it many years ago a Boy did fall, off. To duck in and out of the showers at Ganges were just one bare room with several shower,... Arms raised for inspection Raleigh though to ensure its upkeep and maintenance to Hospital... Navy as men at 16. contact the editor here, including the fire hydrants agreed said it would ``. Than violence, but it hardened me up and down the steps laundry. Ip4 1AN stay out of trouble, one or two ran away on October 28 the White Ensign lowered!

Jerry Kohl Brighton Net Worth, Libra June 2022 Horoscope, Zanesville, Ohio Crime News, 2013 Hyundai Sonata Engine Replacement Cost, Articles H