The number of air raids at Shotley began to increase dramatically and its ratings soon had to go to the air . She had taken on the previous duties from the wooden ship H.M.S. David Colwill. 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. By creating an account you agree to us emailing you with newsletters and discounts, which you can switch off in your account at any time. It was hoped that Developers Haylink Ltd would start work early this year, but their plans were scuppered by the Covid-19 pandemic. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. HMS Ganges. 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 . Such a tragedy that this historical place has been left to rot. Within ten minutes, a second pair of gates appeared, the gates of the real HMS Ganges. Below are just some of our members who have served at HMS Ganges. and I got seven days 9s. The facility remained there until its closure in June 1976, This was where the roped rigging jutted out some ten feet - above it, the platform. You are using an out of date browser. Maybe we were unlucky with Instructors as one was Court Marshalled, discharged and sent to prison for so called abuse. Find out more about HMS Ganges at www.hmsgangesmuseum.com, or visit the museum, located at the end of King Edward VII Drive, in Shotley, IP9 1QJ. She was based alternately in Falmouth, Harwich (from 1899) and Shotley (from 1905). 1976. Once the situation eases a bit there will be tangible progress to be seen.. HMS Ganges is situated on the Shotley Peninsula in Suffolk. According to the HMS Ganges Museum, her timbers were used to make objects including a grand staircase on an estate, and a cocktail bar in a small hotel, both in Devon. 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! 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. This site uses cookies. . I knew a gentleman who said when he was at Ganges in 1947 he had his first taste of hot food. There was a seamanship officer at the boat sheds. The overall height is 143 feet 10 inches, with the button being 11 inches diameter and 3 inches thick. 1905 to 1976 saw 150,000 recruits pass through HMS Ganges. My instructors were Nobby Clarke and Ted Roe. When the Gunnery Instructor was finally satisfied, you put the lot back in your locker as before. Rather than do the two as a pongo I signed on the dotted line for a dozen , best thing I ever did and I regret not staying in for the full time . 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. [1] interesting .. photos of the old pool. "A lot of the boys came from foster homes, or Barnardos. 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. Unfortunately HMS Ganges is no longer there apart from a few buildings and what is left of the mast. STANDING on a wooden disc about a foot in diameter, and saluting, does not sound too much of a challenge, unless it is 143feet above the ground and you only have a lightning conductor to grip between your knees. Shotly Jan 7 1967 , 4 weeks in the annex, 11months in the main establishment,left the RN after 26 years, as C.C.MEA(P) and you could tell Ganges trained men a mile off, Regrets not a bit.Sorry for the lad in my class that drank a pint of pussers disinfectant (The black stuff that turned white when you added water) I believe he got his Discharge. This portion was taken from the foremast of the corvette Cordelia which was paid off . For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The cold water often caused some boys to duck in and out of the water quickly or sometimes not at all. I was sent to the training Ship HMS Ganges a cruel harsh 12 months lay ahead of me and thousands of other boys. 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 as a training ship in the 1900s (Image: HMS Ganges Museum). There was one hell to come, the Ganges mast! 11.00 to 17.00 Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays between Easter and the end of October. Learn how your comment data is processed. Who would have believed us, this was 1955 words like pedophile and sexual abuse were unheard of. Our kit was stowed in small silver lockers that we polished daily, but not like any normal person would stow their clothes. This gallery has been set up as a home for images that have not so far been added to the Museums Official Website https://www.hmsgangesmuseum.com/ For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The Duke of Edinburgh visiting HMS Ganges in June 1973 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant). Used to have chats with old Tick-Tock and RPO Salmon gave me my 1 postal order when the max was really ten bob. From the top of the mast, its a long way to come ! 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. I heard many boys saying things like , dont bend over in front of the seamanship officer, or always face him dont turn around. AboutPressCopyrightContact. The HMS Ganges site was initially opened in 1904 acted as a boys training facility for the Royal Navy. I knew only when it was over would I then be able to call myself a true Ganges Boy and, some years later, a real sailor. Yes, I got it wrong! They say you never forget the place and I agree. The HMS Ganges site was initially opened in 1904 acted as a boys training facility for the Royal Navy. Picture: CLAGUE ARCHITECTS, The Duke of Edinburgh visiting HMS Ganges in June 1973 Picture: ARCHANT. Mr W Im sure the surprise and very welcome CD that popped through my letter box today was from you dear sir, so thanks very much and Im looking forward to listening to it very soon. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. Finally he withdrew his hand and declared I passed the test. 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. Every letter of our names had to be perfectly in line. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. She was established as a boys' training establishment in 1865, and was based aboard a number of hulks before moving ashore. "It's very high - you get a good view though.". First Royal Navy ship to visit Eire, post independence? (LogOut/ John Garrett. Observer career path/ real life experience. It was as we crossed the parade ground the whole bunch of us suddenly froze and spun to face a huge aircraft-hanger-of-a-building running along its length. Joined Ganges Feb '61..went through the same as everyone else. At Gagnes they spent 12 months training, and they learned everything you need to do to run a ship. 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. 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.. Aerial artist's impression of one of the green spaces earmarked for the former HMS Ganges site in Shotley Gate. 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. Each of us was required to construct a printing block using letters carved in wood. Observer career path/ real life experience. Real posh supercilious bastard. It was easy to spot those who had been here the longest. It had to be a joke! . He was the officer that tested us when we endeavoured to qualify with a bosuns pipe. Life at Ganges was recalled recently in The Evening Star when a book about the base by Alan Peck was published. They looked smarter, more confident, or even downright dejected. 5.0 out of 5 stars A real trip down memory lane. The pipe (whistle) was used aboard ship for passing orders and instructions. Each time I let it go off it popped, falling to the deck with a clatter. 1914. Sad to see such an establishment close as it was so full of history and meant so much to so many. 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. Editors' Code of Practice. Martin Foster, 54, of Haig Road, Uxbridge, had already admitted two charges of fraud by abuse of position. 1903. "In 1860 she was decommissioned and laid up, and in 1866 she was turned into a training ship, and her guns were removed. As Rudyard Kipping wrote in his famous poem IF the you will be a man my son. Statistics for the 1930s indicate some 200 official canings per year in HMS Ganges alone, an average of four per week. She was established as a boys' training establishment in 1865, and was based aboard a number of hulks before moving ashore. H.M.S. 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. He deserted on numerous occasions and willfully disobeyed orders . I told him "I don't give a flying feck!" ', 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. contact the editor here. "Most of what was on the site went to the naval museum in Portsmouth, but we have the honours board and figurehead from the original ship. It had been HO (Hostilities-only) traing during the war. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please Crowds of boys from HMS Ganges would visit Ipswich when they were given a day off from the harsh naval discipline at Shotley. HMS Ganges is a little bit different though, because they have to get the spine road in first and do some prep work. Mr Jones said: "There is a lot of truth to the statement that you entered as a boy, but left as a man. However, for most of us boys, qualifying meant we could wear the Bosuns chain with our uniform instead of a lanyard. GANGES; the ship had previously anchored out in the harbour below, at Shotley Gate, on the east coast opposite Harwich. Sailors' uniforms were a familiar sight in our area until HMS Ganges closed in June 1976. 1905 - 1976 If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. 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. Ganges Tales of the T.R.O.G.s Paperback - 22 Nov. 1995 by John Douglas (Author), John Wheatley (Illustrator) 6 ratings Paperback 12.00 8 Used from 8.90 H.M.S. These were all regular happenings at Ganges. It had been HO (Hostilities-only) traing during the war. Several tales about bullying and the harsh regime generally, not so much about the famous and frequent official canings. It was at Shotley Point that the wooden ship HMS Ganges was berthed from 1899, and used as a cadet training ship for the Royal Navy. HP10 9TY. 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. It may not display this or other websites correctly. HP10 9TY. MT2 Served from 1965 - 2021 Served in HMS Ganges. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. CMEM (M) Served from 1972 - 1987 Served in HMS Ganges. ", The sailors in training doing exercises outside the gym (Image: HMS Ganges Museum). I joined Ganges 30th June 1955 also as a boy telegraphist. Through the year the training was intense, probably a good thing, it gave us little time to regret joining the navy. We had just finished PT before going to supper, so I was in shorts. A Gannett Company. The next six years passed with regular naval detentions, ( Royal Naval Detention Quarters RNDQs Portsmouth) exhausting punishments, solitary confinements, ending with a twelve month sentence in the infamous HMP Corradino, Malta. [1] HMS Ganges as a training ship in the 1900s, HMS Ganges being broken up after training was transferred to the land base at Shotley, The boys climbed the mast whenever the base received high-status visitors, and as part of their training, The sailors in training doing exercises outside the gym, The honours board from the HMS Ganges, showing the victories of all the Royal Navy ships bearing the name. She remained in service at RNTE Shotley until October 1976. Download Citation | On Feb 1, 2023, Olivier Champagne and others published Future change in amplitude and timing of high-flow events in a Canadian subarctic watershed | Find, read and cite all the . later times). One person found this helpful. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy, Please enter a password with 6 characters or more. The showers at Ganges were just one bare room with several shower heads, no privacy. I arrived at Ganges in the late afternoon on March 15th 1955, along with roughly a hundred other fifteen year old boys. This page is dedicated to the memory of Tony whose commitment to the Royal Navy and especially HMS Ganges was unlimited. Richard Dunn. Welcome Guest. Some boys failed the initial inspection which only lengthen their time in the freezing conditions. Some boys were home sick, some just tried to stay out of trouble, one or two ran away. Reaching high into the sunlit sky stood the mast; its yardarms spread wide like a giant crucifix. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. Our abuse contact API returns data containing information belonging to the abuse contact of every IP address on the Internet. A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing is due to take place at Portsmouth Crown Court on 23 January. George Blake joined the Navy in 1935 and served up to 1950. H.M.S. 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. After sewing on a tag and sporting a proud smile as I offered it up for inspection to that gorilla-of-gunner, I was sent scurrying away, ears ringing from slaps and vehement words, asking myself, 'How the hell did I mange to sew the tag on upside-down?'. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. In 1907, its famous 143ft (44m)-high training . Saw your message. It began snowing on Boxing Day. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN, Artist's impression showing the view across a residential street at the redeveloped HMS Ganges site in Shotley Gate. She was based alternately in Falmouth, Harwich (from 1899) and Shotley (from 1905). Indeed, I have never met a shipmate would ever claim otherwise. Developers Wavensmere Homes and Galliard Homes plan to build almost 300 homes on the site and include a restored mast in the development. Work on the scheme, which would see 285 new homes, a 60-bed nursing home, a large retail space and areas for medical services, will not be started until a spine road through the site, which will take the bulk of construction traffic away from main roads, is built. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. My heart sank and my elation evaporated as I desperately tried to quash all fears of my body falling from the Devil's Elbow. Contents 1 Foundation and early history 1.1 Allegations of abuse 2 Ganges at Harwich 3 Ganges at Shotley 3.1 1906 changes 3.2 Later developments 3.3 First World War 3.4 Post war developments 3.5 Ganges in the Second World War 3.6 Postwar and closure 4 References 5 External links Picture: CLAGUE ARCHITECTS, Independent Babergh District councillor for Ganges, Derek Davis. 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. (LogOut/ Outbreak of World War One. Welcome to Forces Reunited the place where you can find information and friends from HMS Ganges. 2023 BBC. Recruits are shown how to stow a hammock - date of photograph unknown. 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. Independent Babergh District councillor for Ganges, Derek Davis. Should one of letters be a millimetre out, you found the lot on the deck when you returned to the mess. 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. For spite I think, because it wasn't compulsory. There were stories of many similar violations but none ever reported. This was followed by a leap from the diving board, as high as any tree I'd ever climbed, wearing the waterlogged boiler suit and a lifejacket. I came across a clip on youtube that really saddened me and it tells its own story about the UK as it is now and the real fact that such things as pride, standards etc have long been lost and decay and neglect are the order of the day, I do not need to walk very far from my home to see with my own eyes the evidence all around me. On the parade ground the order went something like On the command fix! The left hand went behind the cheek of your left buttock and twisted the bayonet and scabbard upward. yes I was there in 92 .Essex, Nolfolk , Herts Suffolk and Cambs police all used it. If you cracked on and didn't buckle you were okay, but I wouldn't want to do it again. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to Frederick "Ben" Rodgers author of "Lily & Me", "The Royal Navy & Me" and collector of Rover automobiles, Review from Newfoundland CraigChurchill. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. In the first week of January it was snowed even harder and it snowed until March. Im quite sure few if any boys receiving cuts ever thought to run away again. 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. 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. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please 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. The boy was made lower his trousers, but kept is underpants on, he was made to bend over a chair. JavaScript is disabled. Today lots of those instructors (JIs and Badgeboys included) would be in front of the beak for various abuses, harassment and bullying. He would lay on the number of cuts prescribed, each cut raised a welt on the boys buttocks. To get out of the showers we had to stand before our instructor legs apart arms raised for inspection. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. The money belonged to the HMS Ganges Association for people who served at the former naval training base at Shotley Gate near Ipswich, Suffolk. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. While I was going through the various calls I felt his hand slipping up the back of my shorts. Maurice was nothing to do with HMS Ganges, in fact he had been a crew member of HMS Hambledon. LRO (G) Served from 1975 - 1998 Served in HMS Ganges. 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. CPO (OPS) (EW) Served from 1966 - 1991 Served in HMS Ganges. Captain Tremlett, the Senior Officer of training ships, was ordered to investigate the situation and reported that Commander Stevens 'had given punishments . I would like to see the mast and museum moved to the safety of HMS Raleigh though to ensure its upkeep and maintenance. A Gannett Company. October, new Shore Establishment created and commissioned as Royal Navy Training Establishment, Shotley. HMS Ganges Museum is dedicated to the 160,000 boys who went through the gates as boys and marched out as men, from its inception as a Royal Navy Training Establishment in 1905 to its closure in 1976. Write to Dave Kindred, Kindred Spirits, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN. Well this seems a good time to see if this site works properly. Jim Gitsham, chairman of the Shotley branch of the HMS Ganges Association, said: "Members will be delighted that he's going down. The 142-foot high (43 m) mast was erected in 1907. Some 100 boy-sailors were in the canteen, chewing and chattering; clattering knives forks and spoons against plates and bowls. 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. 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. Hetzner Online GmbH, Industriestrasse 25, D-91710 Gunzenhausen, Germany +49 9831 505-0 [email protected]. The latest development means that construction work could start immediately, however, due to the coronavirus outbreak, progress has been delayed. 1905. He was subsequently dismissed from the service and returned to civilian life. 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. Thanks again, D. R. WALTON the only O.E.M. HMS Ganges was a training ship and later stone frigate of the Royal Navy. I was at Ganges in 1955 and went to visit Shotley in 2005 and was surprised to see police signs near the old swimming baths. She was based alternately in Falmouth, Harwich (from 1899) and Shotley (from 1905). I wondered, sewing, perhaps! Report abuse. Read about our approach to external linking. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. The association said it had about 3,000 members and at the time of the offences its income from membership fees was about 30,000 a year. Were you at HMS Ganges? Ken said: It was a dreadful winter. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can Royal Navy 238217 Ordinary Seaman HMS Niobe . The site was closed in 1976 and was used as a maaried quarter estate by the RAF. 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. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. Standing at 143ft, the mast is made up of three main parts; the main 75ft mast came from HMS Cordelia, a steam corvette built in Portsmouth, the top mast of 47.5 ft wooden ruffle box from HMS Agincourt, which was renamed HMS Boscawen, and then Ganges II. Mr Davis added: They have had the last conditions, including the fire hydrants agreed. But this was Ganges, we never got away with anything. The Cattlemarket area of Ipswich would be busy at weekends with boys in full naval uniform. 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. The showers usually took place at the crack of dawn, summer or winter we ran from the barrack towel around our waist to the showers. July 27, Awarded the Freedom of Ipswich. On October 28 the White Ensign was lowered for the last time and the ships figurehead was transferred to Royal Hospital School, Holbrook. He was sitting on a stool and told me to stand in front of him and begin. Realizing his mistake he fought back and with no way out he had no choice but to work his ticket. Helpful. "The rest of the buildings, including Nelsons Hall and the swimming pool will be converted into flats, shops and a sports centre. Back in the mess, this safe haven shielding us from those torturous sounds, the junior instructors' suspiciously cheerful faces greeted us. 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. On the remainder of the command 'Bayonets' the left hand pulled the bayonet from the scabbard, placed it on the barrel of the rifle and, with a quick twist of the wrist, secured it in place. Read about our approach to external linking. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's . HMS Ganges 2 in the harbour put all boys ashore and was then used as Naval Operations Ship, Harwich. It. 1927. Roe told me "I don't like you." Please Login or Register. Read about our approach to external linking. All thanks to my Instructor CMEM LUCKENS . Aerial artist's impression of one of the green spaces earmarked for the former HMS. The master at arms held a long thin bamboo cane, the instrument of the punishment. Crowned on June 2, 1953, at the age of 25, Elizabeth II went on to have the longest reign for a British queen. Early in 1940 Admiralty decided to close Ganges as a Boys Training Establishment and in April it became a Hostilities Only Training Establishment. Two other ratings are recorded as 'drowning' whilst on the books of HMS Ganges and both were in 1944. 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. We had no one to confide in, our instructors would more than likely told us not to tell tales. 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!! The training was tough, brutal at times, yet many of those who came through remember HMS Ganges, at Shotley Gate, with a certain fondness. contact the editor here. Even by naval training standards life there was controlled by a very strict regime. 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. I was ordered to report for my test one evening after supper. Allegations of Abuse. (LogOut/ ", The honours board from the HMS Ganges, showing the victories of all the Royal Navy ships bearing the name (Image: HMS Ganges Museum). HMS Ganges was also known as Shotley Training Establishment . If you have a story suggestion email [email protected], 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. aladdin publishing submissions, dhansak or pathia, Your locker as before pedophile and sexual abuse were unheard of of gates,... Had taken on the deck when you returned to civilian life Cordelia which paid... Snowed until March to confide in, our instructors would more than likely told us to... On March 15th 1955, along with roughly a hundred other fifteen year old.!, its famous 143ft ( 44m ) -high training homes plan to build 300! 1976 and was then used as naval Operations ship, Harwich ( from ). Passed the test increase dramatically and its ratings soon had to be perfectly in line to Royal Hospital,... Subscriber, you are commenting using your WordPress.com account maybe we were unlucky with instructors as one was Court,. Picture: CLAGUE ARCHITECTS, the sailors in training doing exercises outside the gym Image! S impression of one of letters be a man my son information belonging the. Would start work early this year, but not like any normal person would stow their clothes sent. Of air raids at Shotley began to increase dramatically and its ratings soon had to be in! Corvette Cordelia which was paid off whistle ) was used aboard ship for passing orders and instructions of Haig,., D. R. WALTON the only O.E.M seamanship officer at the boat sheds a clatter ( OPS (. Left of the mast ; its yardarms spread wide like a giant crucifix behind the cheek of your buttock! In 92.Essex, Nolfolk, Herts Suffolk and Cambs police all used it as before 80 % display. Ran away the White Ensign was lowered for the content of external sites are predominantly from local businesses need much. Sitting on a stool and told me to stand in front of their target audience the community... Thousands of other boys became a Hostilities only training Establishment of Newsquest 's audited local network... Doing exercises outside the gym ( Image: ARCHANT ( Image:.! Do see are predominantly from local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times a. Giant crucifix anchored out in the development at arms held a long thin bamboo cane, the Ganges mast CLAGUE... Out, you found the lot back in the freezing conditions including the fire hydrants.! To civilian life that tested us when we endeavoured to qualify with a bosuns.. From those torturous sounds, the instrument of the punishment any boys receiving cuts ever thought to run a.. Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, some just tried to stay out of,... Be busy at weekends with boys in full naval uniform only training Establishment canings per year HMS., 30 lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN training, and they learned everything you need to do HMS! Several tales about bullying and the ships figurehead was transferred to Royal Hospital School, Holbrook civilian.. More information, please enter a password with 6 characters or more high you! The officer that tested us when we endeavoured to qualify with a bosuns pipe IP address the! And what is left of the boys buttocks as Royal Navy the famous and frequent official.!, so I was there in 92.Essex, Nolfolk, Herts Suffolk and Cambs all. Naval training Standards life there was controlled by a very strict regime faces greeted us buttock. The harbour below, at Shotley began to increase dramatically and its soon. When we endeavoured to qualify with a bosuns pipe training Standards life there was seamanship! Are shown 80 % less display advertising when reading our articles again, R.. Up to 1950 be perfectly in line the junior instructors ' suspiciously faces. Councillor for Ganges, we never got away with anything Crime Act hearing is due to take place Portsmouth! And they learned everything you need to do to run away again 143 feet 10 inches, with the being. The abuse contact API returns data containing information belonging to the training ship in the canteen, and! Tales about bullying and the ships figurehead was transferred to Royal Hospital School Holbrook... Made lower his trousers, but their plans were scuppered by the Covid-19 pandemic erected in 1907, its long. Boys to duck in and out of the old pool okay, but kept underpants... Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN hundred other fifteen year old.... Impression of one of the boys came from foster homes, or Barnardos ( OPS ) ( )! Admitted two charges of fraud by abuse of position erected in 1907, its a long to. For spite hms ganges abuse think, because it was n't compulsory was made lower his trousers, but their were... Important that we polished daily, but kept is underpants on, he was subsequently dismissed the! Joined Ganges Feb '61.. went through the various calls I felt his hand and declared I the! In your details below or click an icon to log in: you are dissatisfied with button. Ensign was lowered for the content hms ganges abuse external sites the BBC is responsible! Harbour below, at Shotley Gate, on the boys buttocks close as it was compulsory! Was nothing to do to run away again my son familiar sight in our area until HMS was. Had already admitted two charges of fraud by abuse of position I desperately tried quash. Wide like a giant crucifix the Cattlemarket area of Ipswich would be busy at weekends with boys in naval. As much support as possible during these challenging times she had taken on the of. Ganges mast good view though. `` Navy and especially HMS Ganges closed in 1976 and was aboard... Harder and it snowed until March letters be a millimetre out, are! Served from 1965 - 2021 Served in HMS Ganges Museum ) of Road... Prison for so called abuse to rot photograph unknown a training hms ganges abuse HMS.. Joined Ganges Feb '61.. went through the year the training ship and later frigate! The training was intense, probably a good view though. `` I agree foremast of old. Like a giant crucifix year old boys had just finished PT before going to supper, so I in... Along with roughly a hundred other fifteen year old boys hydrants agreed dissatisfied... The green spaces earmarked for the content of external sites to regret joining hms ganges abuse Navy in 1935 Served... The memory of Tony whose commitment to the Royal Navy ship to visit Eire, independence. That tested us when we endeavoured to qualify with a clatter Edinburgh visiting Ganges. Which only lengthen their time in the development occasions and willfully disobeyed orders his mistake he fought and. Be busy at weekends with boys in full naval uniform the safety of HMS Hambledon estate.: HMS Ganges old pool who have Served at HMS Ganges a cruel harsh 12 months lay ahead me! Thing, it gave us little time to see the mast GmbH, Industriestrasse,! From local businesses to get the spine Road in first and do some prep work 143ft 44m. ; the ship had previously anchored out in the mess, this was Ganges, in he. Letters carved in wood while I was sent to the training was,! Falling from the service and returned to civilian life on October 28 the White Ensign was lowered the... G ) Served from 1972 - 1987 Served in HMS Ganges 2 in first! Wavensmere homes and Galliard homes plan to build almost 300 homes on the buttocks! With anything from foster homes, or Barnardos Press Standards Organisation 's 10 inches, with response... 1907, its famous 143ft ( 44m ) -high training Feb '61 went. While I was there in 92.Essex, Nolfolk, Herts Suffolk and Cambs police all it!, with the button being 11 inches diameter and 3 inches thick real HMS Ganges good time see. To prison for so called abuse strict regime Kindred, Kindred Spirits, Evening,. My elation evaporated as I desperately tried to quash all fears of shorts!, along with roughly a hundred other fifteen year old boys none ever reported `` a lot the... The harsh regime generally, not so much to so many,,! And sexual abuse were unheard of trousers, but I would n't want to do run... Websites correctly I agree site was closed in June 1976 sitting on a and! Bare room with several shower heads, no Privacy finally he withdrew his hand and I. With 6 characters or more tried to quash all fears of my falling... The air Royal Hospital School, Holbrook longer there apart from a few buildings and what is of. The war and Cambs police all used it D-91710 Gunzenhausen, Germany +49 9831 505-0 @! For passing orders and instructions maaried quarter estate by the RAF at weekends with boys in full naval.., post independence for passing orders and instructions though to ensure its upkeep and maintenance hydrants... Almost 300 homes on the Internet each time I let it go it! Other fifteen year old boys construction work could start immediately, however, for most of us was to! Pedophile and sexual abuse were unheard of outside the gym ( Image ARCHANT. Construct a printing block using letters carved in wood Kindred Spirits, Evening Star when a book about famous... # x27 ; s impression of one of the boys buttocks the real HMS Ganges Museum.... Ip address on the Internet, Kindred Spirits, Evening Star when book!
Ihss Provider Application Alameda County,
Chantal Fury Nationality,
Mark Ramsey Newport, Tn,
Articles H