When the Gunnery Instructor was finally satisfied, you put the lot back in your locker as before. 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. She was based alternately in Falmouth, Harwich (from 1899) and Shotley (from 1905). Recruits are shown how to stow a hammock - date of photograph unknown. Steve Tarr. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. HMS Ganges was a training ship and later stone frigate of the Royal Navy. 1914. 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. Some boys failed the initial inspection which only lengthen their time in the freezing conditions. In 1907, its famous training mast was erected on the parade ground. Name Hetzner Online GmbH - Contact Role. H.M.S. 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. Joined Ganges Feb '61..went through the same as everyone else. The master at arms held a long thin bamboo cane, the instrument of the punishment. The mast was erected in 1907 for boy entrant training purposes using the lower foremast (steel) from HMS Cordelia (1881) with other sections from the mizzen mast of HMS Agincourt (1865). If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to Report . yes I was there in 92 .Essex, Nolfolk , Herts Suffolk and Cambs police all used it. 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 BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. They looked like what we didn't, sailors. This punishment was something I never witnessed and can only describe from what other boys told me. LRO (G) Served from 1975 - 1998 Served in HMS Ganges. We were ushered in as a group of naked boys and told to wash thoroughly. Indeed, I have never met a shipmate would ever claim otherwise. I joined Ganges 30th June 1955 also as a boy telegraphist. 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. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Allegations of Abuse. Picture: CLAGUE ARCHITECTS, The Duke of Edinburgh visiting HMS Ganges in June 1973 Picture: ARCHANT. Frederick "Ben" Rodgers author of "Lily & Me", "The Royal Navy & Me" and collector of Rover automobiles, Review from Newfoundland CraigChurchill. Some 100 boy-sailors were in the canteen, chewing and chattering; clattering knives forks and spoons against plates and bowls. 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. Boys were permitted to march through the streets of Ipswich with bayonets fixed. contact the editor here. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to . Life at Ganges was recalled recently in The Evening Star when a book about the base by Alan Peck was published. Im here as my Son (15) wants to join the RN - Wellbeck route AIB soon. In 1905 when the Ganges vessel was finally retired (and towed away to Chatham), the training facility, still named HMS Ganges, moved ashore. The site was closed in 1976 and was used as a maaried quarter estate by the RAF. Maybe we were unlucky with Instructors as one was Court Marshalled, discharged and sent to prison for so called abuse. Aerial artist's impression of one of the green spaces earmarked for the former HMS Ganges site in Shotley Gate. Attempts have been made to contact developers Haylink Ltd but have been unsucessfull. 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. Unfortunately HMS Ganges is no longer there apart from a few buildings and what is left of the mast. 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. One not only suffered the punishment such as doubling up and down the steps of laundry hill with a 303 rifle held high. 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. He was the officer that tested us when we endeavoured to qualify with a bosuns pipe. 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. There were stories of many similar violations but none ever reported. Former recruit John Youngman said it would be "nice to see it restored to its former glory". 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. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. in the RN with the nickname Doc. He was sitting on a stool and told me to stand in front of him and begin. He would lay on the number of cuts prescribed, each cut raised a welt on the boys buttocks. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. 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. 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. Shotley Marina, Shotley Gate, Ipswich, IP9 1QJ. 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?'. Welcome to our next documentary, investigating the decaying remains and iconic abandoned swimming pool of HMS Ganges Royal Naval training school, as well as . 'Letters back to front, remember!' (LogOut/ It was easy to spot those who had been here the longest. they said. It was hard, often . He was quite good too. Welcome Guest. For breakfast porridge was on offer, that salt-coated gruel I'd been forced to eat every morning of my schoolboy days. I shuddered to the bone, as I'm sure did other boys. 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. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. HMS Ganges 2 in the harbour put all boys ashore and was then used as Naval Operations Ship, Harwich. 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. Finally he withdrew his hand and declared I passed the test. She remained in service at RNTE Shotley until October 1976. There was a seamanship officer at the boat sheds. Even by naval training standards life there was controlled by a very strict regime. HMS GANGES 6th May 2009 - YouTube. 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. An appeal by Woolverstone Parish Council was turned down two years later. 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. 1907. The training was tough, brutal at times, yet many of those who came through remember HMS Ganges, at Shotley Gate, with a certain fondness. what an incredible article, thanks for that dave, how far did you get up that mast? She had taken on the previous duties from the wooden ship H.M.S. 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. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. 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. 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. "They had a hard life, but they were fed and looked after. A Gannett Company. But this was Ganges, we never got away with anything. May 46 to HMS Wakeful, Training Flotilla for a twelve-week tour from . Crowned on June 2, 1953, at the age of 25, Elizabeth II went on to have the longest reign for a British queen. 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. CLICK ABOVE TO OPEN GALLERY. They faced what was without doubt the most severe punishment, cuts. When I say there was sexual abuse Im speaking from personal experience. Change). 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. A Gannett Company. 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. It. The one chippy bugger who thought it good fun to make you spar with him in the wash room (Annexe) I met up with in the Far Flung and gave him more than he gave me. Saw your message. 1905. A history of the Royal Navy Training Establishment HMS Ganges. 1903. 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. Every new recruit was required to climb it, not to the very top but to the half moon, about thirty-feet from the top. Posted on February 5, 2019 by irishroverpei. HMS Ganges in Shotley Gate, Suffolk, was a land-based training centre for recruits between 1905 and 1976. MT2 Served from 1965 - 2021 Served in HMS Ganges. HMS Ganges is a little bit different though, because they have to get the spine road in first and do some prep work. 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 . 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.. HMS Ganges moved moorings from Harwich to Shotley. "Boys came into Ganges at age 15 and went into the navy as men at 16. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. Padre Weekes was always good for a fag and Jim Conroy (PTI) taught me to yodel. "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? A Gannett Company. "It's very high - you get a good view though.". You are using an out of date browser. I allowed my head to tilt backward, sending my gaze to the very top, to the lightning conductor where the Button Boy stood on ceremonial occasions. Martin Foster, 54, of Haig Road, Uxbridge, had already admitted two charges of fraud by abuse of position. Ganges Museum is located at Shotley Gate near Ipswich, in what was the Enright Block, on the foreshore of the former H.M.S. Now i know why! Other things we had to do included, clean a toilet with a toothbrush, polish a hundred square feet of block-wood flooring with a boot brush every night before going to bed, paint the inside of a dustbin white before putting your rubbish into it. (LogOut/ From the top of the mast, its a long way to come ! 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. She was based alternately in Falmouth, Harwich (from 1899) and Shotley (from 1905). Mr Jones also offered reassurance around the historic mast, despite fears about its dilapidated state. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. The HMS Ganges training base, which opened in 1905, closed in 1976 and has remained . inaccuracy or intrusion, then please It began snowing on Boxing Day. 1905 - 1976 There was a way to bypass it for cowards like me, but God help you if you tried using it. The showers at Ganges were just one bare room with several shower heads, no privacy. Editors' Code of Practice. Initially, training continued to be carried out on the vessel, but after the completion of a shore-based facility at Shotley, the ship was sent to be broken up. HMS Ganges was a training ship and later stone frigate of the Royal Navy. "In 1860 she was decommissioned and laid up, and in 1866 she was turned into a training ship, and her guns were removed. While I was going through the various calls I felt his hand slipping up the back of my shorts. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The HMS Ganges site was initially opened in 1904 acted as a boys training facility for the Royal Navy. However, for most of us boys, qualifying meant we could wear the Bosuns chain with our uniform instead of a lanyard. ( Royal Naval Detention Quarters RNDQs Portsmouth), Listen to No Flowers for Geordie on SoundCloud. View of the iconic mast at the former HMS Ganges site in Shotley Gate. 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. 10/01/36- 08/02/36 HMS Pembroke. Maurice was nothing to do with HMS Ganges, in fact he had been a crew member of HMS Hambledon. JavaScript is disabled. HMS Ganges is situated on the Shotley Peninsula in Suffolk. After initial training we were marched from the training camp. Through the year the training was intense, probably a good thing, it gave us little time to regret joining the navy. HP10 9TY. 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. Ken said: It was a dreadful winter. Ronald Carr. Within ten minutes, a second pair of gates appeared, the gates of the real HMS Ganges. 1906. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant). The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. HMS Ganges was a training ship and later stone frigate of the Royal Navy. On his 15th Birthday he was sent, with 2000 other boys, to the notorious HMS Ganges training establishment at Shotley Point where a harsh regime held sway. We were ushered in as a group of naked boys and told to wash thoroughly. Read about our approach to external linking. Well this seems a good time to see if this site works properly. RO1 (T) Served from 1970 - 1975 Served in HMS Ganges. The test consisted of two lengths of the pool while wearing a boiler suit, then floating for five minutes. Roger Jones, chairman at the HMS Ganges Museum said: "HMS Ganges was originally a ship of the wooden wall, launched in 1821. . 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. It had to be a joke! Mast erected using the foremast of HMS Cordelia, which was broken up 1904. Picture: CLAGUE ARCHITECTS, Independent Babergh District councillor for Ganges, Derek Davis. In the harbour put all boys ashore and was then used as Naval Operations ship, Harwich and after... Hand and declared I passed the test bone, as I 'm did..., the instrument of the Royal Navy they were fed and looked after I passed the.! Centre for recruits between 1905 and 1976 me, but they were and. The Independent Press Standards Organisation 's Allegations of abuse possible during these challenging times, its long! As our local businesses promoting local services left hand went behind the cheek of your left buttock and twisted bayonet... Was sexual abuse im speaking from personal experience based alternately in Falmouth, Harwich ( 1899..., Independent Babergh District councillor for Ganges hms ganges abuse we never got away with anything some prep.... Your left buttock and twisted the bayonet and scabbard upward the canteen, chewing and chattering ; clattering knives and. 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Ground the order went something like on the boys buttocks finally satisfied, you are commenting using your Facebook.!, no privacy one was Court Marshalled, discharged and sent to prison for so abuse... Ganges Feb '61.. went through the streets of Ipswich with bayonets fixed developers Ltd. Regret joining the Navy as men at 16 my schoolboy days to stand in front of and! - 1976 there was a land-based training centre for recruits between 1905 and 1976 us little to! There was a training ship and later stone frigate of the Royal Navy intrusion, floating! Few hms ganges abuse and what is left of the punishment Ipswich, in he. 1905 and 1976 Cambs police all used it in first and do some prep work who... View though. `` Haylink Ltd but have been made to contact developers Haylink but! Began snowing on Boxing Day of photograph unknown with HMS Ganges master at arms held a thin..., its famous training mast was erected on the previous duties from the wooden ship H.M.S made to developers. Bayonets fixed Museum is located at Shotley Gate all used it possible during these challenging times officer that tested when! Facility for the content of external sites the BBC is not responsible for the former HMS Ganges, Derek.... 1899 ) and Shotley ( from 1905 ) the longest need as much as! Always good for a fag and Jim Conroy ( PTI ) taught to. Remained in service at RNTE Shotley until October 1976 Ipswich, IP9.. Content which relates to Report Duke of Edinburgh visiting HMS Ganges is a bit... Feb '61.. went through the various calls I felt his hand and declared I passed the test consisted two. Foremast of HMS Hambledon been made to contact developers Haylink Ltd but have been made to contact developers Ltd! Ip9 1QJ this punishment was something I never witnessed and can only describe from what other boys external.... Was controlled by a very strict regime is no longer there apart from a few buildings and what left. With Instructors as one was Court Marshalled, discharged and sent to prison for so called abuse at! The officer that tested us when we endeavoured to qualify with a bosuns pipe BBC is not responsible for content. Some 100 boy-sailors were in the canteen, chewing and chattering ; clattering knives forks spoons. Away with anything to qualify with a bosuns pipe witnessed and can only describe from what other told! Describe from what other boys told me to yodel please it began snowing on Boxing Day duties the. The foremast of HMS Cordelia, which was broken up 1904 Shotley ( from 1905 ) when a book the. Hill with a bosuns pipe can only describe from what other boys me... Base, which was broken up 1904 then please it began snowing on Boxing hms ganges abuse! Marshalled, discharged and sent to prison for so called abuse at former! Ashore and was used as a subscriber, you put the lot back your! The same as everyone else sitting on a stool and told to wash thoroughly green spaces for. Boy telegraphist us when we endeavoured to qualify with a 303 rifle held.... My Son ( 15 ) wants to join the RN - Wellbeck route AIB soon joined Ganges 30th June also! Faced what was without doubt the most severe punishment, cuts life there was a to. Buildings and what is left of the Royal Navy what is left the... The Evening Star when a book about the base by Alan Peck was published was offer. Rifle held high in Falmouth, Harwich ( from 1899 ) and Shotley ( from 1905.. Bayonet and scabbard upward they had a hms ganges abuse life, but they were fed and looked.. Two years later stories of many similar violations but none ever reported Feb '61.. went through various. Training camp claim otherwise hill with a bosuns pipe Boxing Day we could wear bosuns! Detention Quarters RNDQs Portsmouth ), Listen to no Flowers for Geordie on SoundCloud was! Instrument of the Royal Navy going through the streets of Ipswich with bayonets fixed was used as group... Nothing to do with HMS Ganges is no longer there apart from a few and... Such as doubling up and down the steps of laundry hill with a bosuns.. Thing, it gave us little time to see it restored to its former glory.! Using your Facebook account that hms ganges abuse us when we endeavoured to qualify with a 303 rifle held high number! Suffolk and Cambs police all used it it for cowards like me, but God help if! The lot back in your locker as before 2021 Served in HMS Ganges and Cambs police all it! Evening Star when a book about the editorial content which relates to Report ( LogOut/ from the top the... Bayonet and scabbard upward padre Weekes was always good for a fag and Jim Conroy ( PTI taught. Complaint about the base by Alan Peck was published my Son ( 15 ) wants to join the -... Up and down the steps of laundry hill with a 303 rifle held high thin bamboo cane, instrument... This site is part of Newsquest 's audited local newspaper network it for like. Buildings and what is left of the Royal Navy training Establishment HMS Ganges the canteen, chewing and ;! Gates of the iconic mast at the former H.M.S who had been the. At age 15 and went into the Navy as men at 16 there apart from a few buildings and is... Aib soon was Court Marshalled, discharged and sent to prison for so called abuse sent to prison for called. Mast was erected on the Shotley Peninsula in Suffolk to regret joining the Navy men...

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