As a member of the HMS Ganges Association I’m wondering whether any Royal Navy or H.O’s trained at this establishment up to the time of its closure? I’d like you to give your experiences simply because I enjoyed my training there and I believe the rigorous life has stood me in good stead over the years.

More than that, I think forumers in general would be amazed about how rigorous it really was! Climbing the mast on a daily basis, ‘doubling’ across the quarter deck, ‘dobying’ and of course the punishment! Running up and down the 3 in 1 Laundry Hill with full pack and rifle above the head — those were the days!

I was in Drake Division, 48 Mess (I think), opposite the post office and at the side of the absolutely massive parade ground and too close to the bugler who sounded the Last Post every flaming night.

Nevertheless, of all the experiences in life, that was IT. I trained as a telegraphist, by the way. And I’m still regarded as P/JX660551, SBN (at Ganges) 242.

My training wasn't as rigorous as yours Pete, I was in the W.R.A.C in the late 50s, I was trained in Signals, ended up working a switchboard for the next three years in different camps around England......can't remember just which camp I did basic training but talk about women being tough! those 6 weeks were hell:cry:

My training wasn't as rigorous as yours Pete, I was in the W.R.A.C in the late 50s, I was trained in Signals, ended up working a switchboard for the next three years in different camps around England......can't remember just which camp I did basic training but talk about women being tough! those 6 weeks were hell:cry:

I expect they were, but you have to admit they were among the best years of your life, and they gave you a discipline that would stand you in good stead for the rest of your life — yes? My signals basic training was in the good old days of Morse Code, Flag-Wagging and the Aldis Lamp. Had also to learn touch-typing, which proved to be very useful in my years of journalism; although when I started I had to buy my own typewriter.

I expect they were, but you have to admit they were among the best years of your life, and they gave you a discipline that would stand you in good stead for the rest of your life — yes? My signals basic training was in the good old days of Morse Code, Flag-Wagging and the Aldis Lamp. Had also to learn touch-typing, which proved to be very useful in my years of journalism; although when I started I had to buy my own typewriter.

Aah, a 'bunting' then. I left last year after 27 years of being a 'sparker', although after all the changes in the communications branch in recent years my identify kind of disappeared! Started as a Radio Operator (General), got as far as Chief Radio Supervisor and then the Warfare Branch happened and I became a CPO(Communications) - no mention of my sub-branch skills :(

Many many happy memories of Mercury though :thumbsup:

PeterW.
I joined HMS Ganges in early 1960. Keppel 3 Mess Long Covered Way. Baby Buntings. Aged 15yrs and 2 weeks. I too got used to the harsh training and discipline, soon realizing that I was not as hard as I thought I was. Three squares a day and good clothing was a plus for me. The Mast at 142ft was pretty scary, but you soon got used to it and climbed it for leisure on most Sundays. The preparation for joining the Fleet was excellent even though as a Boy, you were the lowest of the low. After part II training at HMS Mercury, I was drafted to HMS Centaur, a light fleet aircraft carrier, straight out to the Far East and only 16 1/2 yrs old. The sad thing was that my shore leave finished at 2100. After reaching the dizzy heights of Killick Bunting, I changed branches in 1968 to the Regulating Branch and retired as the Master at Arms of HMS Amazon. Hence my avatar "Jossman".

I never regreted joining the Navy as a boy and my training at HMS Ganges prepared me for my life at sea and proved very useful in my civillian career as Security Management in the NHS.

To all ex matelots, please check out the website of the Royal Navy Regulating Branch Assoc; www.rba93.com for which I am the webmaster.

SimonJ......I too have many happy memories of Mercs and the Pink E.

PeterW.
I joined HMS Ganges in early 1960. Keppel 3 Mess Long Covered Way. Baby Buntings. Aged 15yrs and 2 weeks. I too got used to the harsh training and discipline, soon realizing that I was not as hard as I thought I was. Three squares a day and good clothing was a plus for me. The Mast at 142ft was pretty scary, but you soon got used to it and climbed it for leisure on most Sundays. The preparation for joining the Fleet was excellent even though as a Boy, you were the lowest of the low. After part II training at HMS Mercury, I was drafted to HMS Centaur, a light fleet aircraft carrier, straight out to the Far East and only 16 1/2 yrs old. The sad thing was that my shore leave finished at 2100. After reaching the dizzy heights of Killick Bunting, I changed branches in 1968 to the Regulating Branch and retired as the Master at Arms of HMS Amazon. Hence my avatar "Jossman".

I never regreted joining the Navy as a boy and my training at HMS Ganges prepared me for my life at sea and proved very useful in my civillian career as Security Management in the NHS.

I sort of gathered that your avatar reflected a part of your life. Hope you don’t mind, but for those forumers who don’t know what a ‘killick’ is I should perhaps explain that the Royal Navy has its own ‘language’ — totally different in submarines and aircraft carriers — but a ‘killick’ is a leading seaman everywhere. Next step up is Petty Officer, then Chief Petty Officer.

Jossman — are you an Association member? I think the last count was over 4,000!

I sort of gathered that your avatar reflected a part of your life. Hope you don’t mind, but for those forumers who don’t know what a ‘killick’ is I should perhaps explain that the Royal Navy has its own ‘language’ — totally different in submarines and aircraft carriers — but a ‘killick’ is a leading seaman everywhere. Next step up is Petty Officer, then Chief Petty Officer.

Jossman — are you an Association member? I think the last count was over 4,000!

In a word "No". I know many members and visit and contribute to the Ganges website, there is a picture of me under 232 class 1960 before and after rebadging. I find the bickering in the membership a tad off putting. I am heavily involved with my own Assoc: visiting Pompey for the annual reunion weekend every Sept. I did visit Ganges with a party from Sheffield just before the demolition and was saddened at the state of the place. I have a clump of clover from the Signal Tower growing in my garden. I returned to Ganges in 1973 as an instructor RPO !! passing out 2 classes. This was never heard of but was an indication as to the way the navy was progressing. Many, many fond memories.

Still not got a proper job though ;)
Best wishes to Pam

Retired now Dave and lapping up the sunshine in Kent. You still money grabbing then?? Pam sends her regards.

In a word "No". I know many members and visit and contribute to the Ganges website, there is a picture of me under 232 class 1960 before and after rebadging. I find the bickering in the membership a tad off putting. I am heavily involved with my own Assoc: visiting Pompey for the annual reunion weekend every Sept. I did visit Ganges with a party from Sheffield just before the demolition and was saddened at the state of the place. I have a clump of clover from the Signal Tower growing in my garden. I returned to Ganges in 1973 as an instructor RPO !! passing out 2 classes. This was never heard of but was an indication as to the way the navy was progressing. Many, many fond memories.

I visited Shotley when it was in Police hands, for training purposes. Had to make an appointment but they were quite reasonable. Took a picture of the mast and one of the CPO’s Mess. The police were using what used to be the NAAFI Club (in my day, ,anyway) as offices. Also visited the Museum.