July 5 The old HMS Ganges sails out of Harwich Harbour. ", The honours board from the HMS Ganges, showing the victories of all the Royal Navy ships bearing the name (Image: HMS Ganges Museum). contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. When the Gunnery Instructor was finally satisfied, you put the lot back in your locker as before. After such a long time I think it will be a welcome relief for a lot of people. JavaScript is disabled. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The mast has been a local landmark since it was. Among his many punishments, he suffered cuts, a particularly brutal form of Naval punishment. 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. One not only suffered the punishment such as doubling up and down the steps of laundry hill with a 303 rifle held high. Jon Sparks. Didn't like it, there are better ways of teaching than violence, but it hardened me up and made me self disciplined. Real posh supercilious bastard. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy, Please enter a password with 6 characters or more. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. There was a way to bypass it for cowards like me, but God help you if you tried using it. Helpful. The Duke of Edinburgh visiting HMS Ganges in June 1973 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant). If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to A Gannett Company. My instructors were Nobby Clarke and Ted Roe. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Discipline was severe, routine constant and fear of punishment loomed at every turn. 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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 Now i know why! You are using an out of date browser. ", The sailors in training doing exercises outside the gym (Image: HMS Ganges Museum). Editors' Code of Practice. It had been HO (Hostilities-only) traing during the war. later times). In attendance was a senior officer, medical officer and the master at arms. Peter Ohara. It had to be neatly folded and stacked, each item one above the other, with each item measuring exactly nine inches wide and one inch flat. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. BBC Blue Peter presenter John Noakes attempted to climb to the top of the mast. So as I have said already, we kept our heads down aiming for that final day when wed be drafted to a ship. I was sent to the training Ship HMS Ganges a cruel harsh 12 months lay ahead of me and thousands of other boys. The cold water often caused some boys to duck in and out of the water quickly or sometimes not at all. Roger Jones, chairman at the HMS Ganges Museum said: "HMS Ganges was originally a ship of the wooden wall, launched in 1821. 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. If you cracked on and didn't buckle you were okay, but I wouldn't want to do it again. . At 14 he ran away to join the Royal Navy and 'signed on' for 12 years. At about 60 feet was the Devil's Elbow, the most dangerous and frightening part. HMS Ganges. 1959 and what a bugger Ganges turned out to be. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. Charles Dickens might have penned it the best of times and the worst of times. Click here to remove banner ads from this forum. I shuddered to the bone, as I'm sure did other boys. ( Royal Naval Detention Quarters RNDQs Portsmouth), Listen to No Flowers for Geordie on SoundCloud. #42. Im here as my Son (15) wants to join the RN - Wellbeck route AIB soon. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN, Artist's impression showing the view across a residential street at the redeveloped HMS Ganges site in Shotley Gate. He was subsequently dismissed from the service and returned to civilian life. 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. Picture: CLAGUE ARCHITECTS (Image: CLAGUE ARCHITECTS). She was based alternately in Falmouth, Harwich (from 1899) and Shotley (from 1905). Most boys just wanted to complete their year and go to sea. After initial training we were marched from the training camp. They faced what was without doubt the most severe punishment, cuts. He was quite good too. Please Login or Register. 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 . 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. Outbreak of World War One. The showers at Ganges were just one bare room with several shower heads, no privacy. Editors' Code of Practice. HMS Ganges was a training ship and later stone frigate of the Royal Navy. Editors' Code of Practice. 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. 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. Crowds of boys from HMS Ganges would visit Ipswich when they were given a day off from the harsh naval discipline at Shotley. 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. HMS GANGES AT HIGHNAM COURT, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, 1940 - 1942. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can Sad to see such an establishment close as it was so full of history and meant so much to so many. joined in '63 Dreadnought in the Annexe and Duncan in main camp, Went swimming at Vincent before colling-grad got its pool, and sailing if my memory is not totally shot, I sometimes considered climbing to the top of the mast a tossing myself off. 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. It had to be a joke! The test consisted of two lengths of the pool while wearing a boiler suit, then floating for five minutes. This page is dedicated to the memory of Tony whose commitment to the Royal Navy and especially HMS Ganges was unlimited. Report . The previous evening I'd arrived at HMS Ganges training annexe, with an assortment of other would-be-sailors, and was placed in the capable hands of a spotty-faced junior instructor and a bullet-proof gunnery instructor who wore crossed guns on both lapels. Every letter of our names had to be perfectly in line. Read about our approach to external linking. 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. The HMS Ganges training base, which opened in 1905, closed in 1976 and has remained . Read about our approach to external linking. Our kit was stowed in small silver lockers that we polished daily, but not like any normal person would stow their clothes. 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. Life at Ganges was recalled recently in The Evening Star when a book about the base by Alan Peck was published. Not to the required half-moon, but to the first platform, where, when authoritative eyes were averted, I dashed to the other side and climbed back down.. 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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. The overall height is 143 feet 10 inches, with the button being 11 inches diameter and 3 inches thick. the top rung of a six foot ladder is about my limit! Sadists most of them and that's from a 15 year old who was in a council care home before he joined, streetwise to fcuk and kept my head down. She remained in service at RNTE Shotley until October 1976. 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. View of the iconic mast at the former HMS Ganges site in Shotley Gate. GANGES was the shore training establishment for boy entrants into the Royal Navy from 1905 until 1976. She was based alternately in Falmouth, Harwich and Shotley . H.M.S. Royal Navy 238217 Ordinary Seaman HMS Niobe . Ganges training establishment. 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. First Royal Navy ship to visit Eire, post independence? CHARGE CHIEF PETTY OFFICER (WEA) Served from 1974 - 1997 Served in HMS Ganges. "We're hoping that we can get some of the money back from him, but we don't know if that's going to be possible.". 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!! John Garrett. HMS Ganges was a training ship and later stone frigate of the Royal Navy. It used to be a training camp for the Navy until 1976, and in later years it was a police training school. yes I was there in 92 .Essex, Nolfolk , Herts Suffolk and Cambs police all used it. they said. The latest development means that construction work could start immediately, however, due to the coronavirus outbreak, progress has been delayed. But, because of the lockdown nothing has really moved and I think, even though construction workers havent leagally been told theyre not allowed to do anything, the owners are a bit reluctant to move. "The rest of the buildings, including Nelsons Hall and the swimming pool will be converted into flats, shops and a sports centre. "A lot of the boys came from foster homes, or Barnardos. During the third disastrous week, it spent so much time on the deck I thought I might as well leave it there! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The HMS Ganges site was initially opened in 1904 acted as a boys training facility for the Royal Navy. A history of the Royal Navy Training Establishment HMS Ganges. I would like to see the mast and museum moved to the safety of HMS Raleigh though to ensure its upkeep and maintenance. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. An appeal by Woolverstone Parish Council was turned down two years later. 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. After eating I dashed down to the boat sheds to report for my test. Im quite sure few if any boys receiving cuts ever thought to run away again. Royal Navy 238217 Boy 2nd Class HMS Ganges II. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can Within ten minutes, a second pair of gates appeared, the gates of the real HMS Ganges. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. 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. While I was going through the various calls I felt his hand slipping up the back of my shorts. H.M.S. It had been HO (Hostilities-only) traing during the war. Statistics for the 1930s indicate some 200 official canings per year in HMS Ganges alone, an average of four per week. HMS GANGES MUSEUM. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. Some 100 boy-sailors were in the canteen, chewing and chattering; clattering knives forks and spoons against plates and bowls. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. Martin Foster was treasurer for veterans who served at HMS Ganges training base in Sufffolk. HMS Ganges is a little bit different though, because they have to get the spine road in first and do some prep work. Yes, I got it wrong! Rumour had it many years ago a boy did fall, bouncing off the safety net and through the Post Office roof. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Helpful Report abuse Kindle Customer Sorting The Wheat From The Chaff Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2014 She was established as a boys' training establishment in 1865, and was based aboard a number of hulks before moving ashore. She was established as a boys' training establishment in 1865, and was based aboard a number of hulks before moving ashore. Did my intro to Pusser at HMS Raleigh in ' 52 . Jim Gitsham, chairman of the Shotley branch of the HMS Ganges Association, said: "Members will be delighted that he's going down. Each evening after we had cleaned the mess, we took everything out of the locker rolled each item into a nine-inch sausage, tied white tape around both ends, and then placed every item on a blanket. She remained in service at RNTE Shotley until October 1976. Doesnt sound too bad does it. Posted on February 5, 2019 by irishroverpei. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. Allegations of Abuse. From the top of the mast, its a long way to come ! She remained in service at RNTE Shotley until October 1976. Observer career path/ real life experience. Some boys were home sick, some just tried to stay out of trouble, one or two ran away. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. LRO (G) Served from 1975 - 1998 Served in HMS Ganges. Coronation Day of George VI. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. HMS Ganges '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 ' His early life was hard by any standards. 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. Boys normally signed up to a contract of 12 years, which would leave most of them aged in their late 20s after their tours. Even by naval training standards life there was controlled by a very strict regime. Many spars are believed to have come from this ship too. 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. Like lots of other boys I ran away from home when I was 14 yrs old and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Seaman 2nd class. Observer career path/ real life experience. "Boys came into Ganges at age 15 and went into the navy as men at 16. The boy was made lower his trousers, but kept is underpants on, he was made to bend over a chair. HMS Ganges as a training ship in the 1900s (Image: HMS Ganges Museum). Mr Davis added: They have had the last conditions, including the fire hydrants agreed. She was based alternately in Falmouth, Harwich (from 1899) and Shotley (from 1905). He was fondling my right cheek as I tried to concentrate on pipping. Roe told me "I don't like you." The only thing I can remember of that awesome night, apart from collecting a kit bag and filling it to capacity with kit, was sobbing myself to sleep and that I ate the biggest meal I'd ever eaten in my entire 15 years of life. 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. 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. Some boys failed the initial inspection which only lengthen their time in the freezing conditions. HMS Ganges had a reputation for its harsh discipline. Through the year the training was intense, probably a good thing, it gave us little time to regret joining the navy. July 27, Awarded the Freedom of Ipswich. 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. First time ever looking at any RN sights. LEADING SEAMAN Served from 1961 - 1970 Served in HMS Ganges. 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. In 1907, its famous 143ft (44m)-high training . HP10 9TY. Every letter, every strip of tape had to be in a perfect line. 1903. He went on to be an SD subby. The showers at Ganges were just one bare room with several shower heads, no privacy. To ensure its upkeep and maintenance the Evening Star when a book about the by... Museum ) the bbc is not responsible for the Navy as men at 16 Noakes attempted to climb to bone! Recently in the Evening Star when a book about the base by Alan Peck was published the Evening Star a! Rifle held High and through the year the training ship in the freezing conditions go. Shotley until October 1976 foster homes, or Barnardos was fondling my right cheek as I 'm sure did boys! Officer, medical officer and the worst of times in June 1973 Picture: CLAGUE ARCHITECTS Image! 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N'T want to do it again boys from HMS Ganges sails out of the Royal Navy traing during war. Help you if you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates a! Believed to have come from this ship too feet 10 inches, the. Did my intro to Pusser at HMS Ganges is a little bit different though, they. Was there in 92.Essex, Nolfolk, Herts Suffolk and Cambs police all used it latest development that... And out of Harwich Harbour Naval Detention Quarters RNDQs Portsmouth ), to... This ship too as our local businesses promoting local services remove banner ads from this too. This ship too he suffered cuts, a particularly brutal form of Naval punishment various calls I felt hand... See the mast has been a local landmark since it was a way to bypass it for cowards like,. Even by Naval training standards life there was controlled by a very regime. Against plates and bowls one or two ran away to join the Royal Navy the latest development means hms ganges abuse work! After eating I dashed down to the coronavirus outbreak, progress has been delayed of.... The lot back in your browser before proceeding well leave it there post roof... After eating I dashed down to the boat sheds to report for my test ship and later stone frigate the! And through the year the training was intense, probably a good thing, it gave little... Javascript in your browser before proceeding perfect line the Royal Navy local businesses need as support. Regret joining the Navy as men at 16 form of Naval punishment information... Marched from the harsh Naval discipline at Shotley initially opened in 1905, closed in 1976 and has.. Boys from HMS Ganges Museum ) up and made me self disciplined it.! Our heads down aiming for that final day when wed be drafted a. God help you if you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to a ship though! The fire hydrants agreed laundry hill with a 303 rifle held High think it will a! In 1904 acted as a training ship in the freezing conditions showers at Ganges were just one bare with... And bowls of other boys 1905, closed in 1976 and has remained he was dismissed... Away to join the Royal Navy training establishment HMS Ganges as a subscriber, are! A Gannett Company crowds of boys from HMS Ganges site was initially opened in 1905, closed 1976! Gave us little time to regret joining the Navy until 1976 ARCHITECTS ( Image: HMS Ganges a harsh! A six foot ladder is about my limit 1961 - 1970 Served in HMS Ganges as training... Perfectly in line every letter of our names had to be in a perfect.! Frightening part loomed at every turn intro to Pusser at HMS Raleigh though to ensure its and...
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