The Royal Navy took over Bramcote Station on 3 December 1946. It became known as Royal Navy Air Station, Bramcote ’HMS Gamecock’. The ship’s badge was ’a gamecock proper’ on white background with the motto ’spurred for the skies’
HMS Gamecock was also a centre for the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (Air branch) and was used by 1833 (RNVR) Squadron.
HMS Gamecock, as the name implies, suggests an association with the game bird and it is believed that a cock-fighting pit did exist within the station perimeter - not far from the Officers Mess. It is not surprising to find therefore that the Navy had a mascot - yes - a gamecock. The first one was ’Wallis’ - to be followed by many more and he was paraded in his spherical cage at ceremonial parades.
Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving HMS Gamecock
" I entered service in the Fleet Air Arm, October 1955, After kitting up at Lee on Solent, we went up to HMS Gamecock, Nuneaton, for training. Fear of the gunnery Officers came first, especially if you walked across the parade ground instead of double marching, punishment was swift. Stiff brooming ..."
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" Looking to find anyone who served in the Royal Navy between 1953 and 1960. I started my service aboard the daedalus then on to HMS Gamecock and served aboard the Triumph, Eagle, Elustreus. I was shore based at HMS Black Cap, HMS Fulmar and HMS Sanderling.Would love to hear from anyone who served or knows of anyone that served between these dates. "
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" A 17 year old sprog u/t. The cap tally read HMS Gamecock ... no doubt an apt name for the whole ship’s company..... [1.jpg]"
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" Quoting: harry nixon A 17 year old sprog u/t. The cap tally read HMS Gamecock ... no doubt an apt name for the whole ship’s company..... [1.jpg] I hope you didn’t get into mischief with the Brummie girls, Harry. Those were the days, when we were young and carefree. [HMS_Gamecock.jpg]"
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" Quoting: harry nixon A 17 year old sprog u/t. The cap tally read HMS Gamecock ... no doubt an apt name for the whole ship’s company..... [1.jpg] Good photo Harry, you havent changed a bit. "
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