(Memories written by members of Forces Reunited)
HMS Ganges, Shotley, Suffolk in 1960
Written by Paul Knapp (Andy)
15 March, cold as charity, arrived at the Annexe, hair cut and then supper, drew bedding, allocated mess, made up beds "pussers style", bath and dhobi, turned in, lights out! Crash! Bang! Wallop! Lights on, Tug Wilson in a heap, bed on it's side, tried to have a crafty drag by leaning out the window! Made to stand in the mess dustbin under the Annexe mast, shouting "I'm a ghost" for an hour. Dress, pyjamas and oilskin.HMS Ganges, Earls court,London 1971 in 1971
Written by Alan Renwick
Window ladder display,I would like to say I was one of the guys on the ladder,but no, I was one of the lads who carried out the poles that the ladder was suspended too.I can tell you they were heavy at first until you got used to the wait.At one point during training we carried the pole with our PO standing on top of it.I think we spent 3 weeks in London,living upstairs in Earls court quite an experience.Happy days.HMS Ganges, in 1966
Written by Barry O’Connell
I was a shore in Harwich with my oppos and to get back you had to get the liberty boat at 2330 from the Trinty pier. Well I was last on, but as I went down on the last step I slipped on the green slime and only just grabbed the side when some right wag bellowed cast off, and then the boat took off with me hanging on the side and the lads were either trying to tickle me or bite my hand for me to let go, the air was pretty blue from me and if I was rather rat arsed I was dead sober by then, but then the lads heaved me in laughing like mad and me still swearing I would rip off their most prized item. At the quay on Shotley side we had to crossed over cutters and whalers I slipped in one yet again and the Joss said in his nice warm Cronish tones DQ’s to sober up young man, I said hold on Joss I am as sober as judge he replied things my Mother would never say. God who made cell blankets that rough I ask??? Great daysHMS Ganges in 1962
Written by Christopher Howell
The two photographs attached to my profile are of Exmouth 251 & 356 Classes in 45 Mess, HMS Ganges (1962-63). I am hoping that all/some of those pictured will respond with a view to meeting up at Shotley (or thereabouts) in June 2012 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of our joining the Royal Navy. Do please get in touch!!HMS Ganges, in 1958
Written by Anthony Albert Senior
Remember Alistair (jock) Marshall from Musselborough for your haircut.