Navy Days Guest Book

Pete Oldham wrote on September 20th, 2013
Good to see such a site as it could well reunite Ganges boys.
Terry Foster wrote on June 13th, 2013
What a great job you have done. I joined Ganges from RHS Holbrook in December 55 as a Boy 2 and left in April 57 as a Junior Tel. Your Stories brought back some memories and saw some familiar faces in those photo's
noel martin wrote on October 27th, 2012
Great read being an ex Ganges boy myself(1971). Wish I had the photos and recall of my time in the mob, best years of a young life, I spent my imformative years in the far east loved it
Dennis Compton wrote on September 29th, 2011
Sat and read it all in one go, bought back a lot of memories, of Malta, Hong Kong and Australia.Found my cure for sea sickness was a Type 14 (Duncan) bloody things would roll in wet grass.
John Jeffries wrote on November 26th, 2010
A great piece of work a real labour of love. Seeing a photo of the Meon certainly brought back memories.I had a draft to Meon in 1964 but I swaped drafts with an ERA going to Ark Royal ( I know but it's true) That was the beginning of the end for me.My naval career spiralled downwards for the next ten years ending in the worst possible way. I often wonder what my life would have been like had I gone to Meon. Regards John.
keith crawford wrote on October 3rd, 2010
What adraft for 16 17 year olds Hong Kong and the rest of the far east.What a smashing time we had learning to drink and the ways of the eastern ladies Your write up brings back memories of lots of good times had out there Thanks for your memories
Chris Way wrote on August 3rd, 2010
John, thank you for such a wonderful and comical way you have expressed your life through the service, family life, and all that made that time between 1954 and 1966. I have not laughed so much in ages over naval jokes, memrobilia, and anecdotes. I joined in 1966, and left in 1995 as a Communications Yeoman, so I can in the main relate to most you spoke of. I hope life has been good to you, and your family. Hopefully you may consider putting pen to paper again.
Ken Coombs wrote on June 23rd, 2010
Had loan draft to the Murray June 1964 when she visited Lisbon. Bit of "Harry roughers" in the Bay, compensated by splicers on the birth of that waster Edward.
Richard Molloy wrote on April 11th, 2010
I enjoyed your web. I was @ Ganges 56 and on the Carysfort 58-59 home @ med.
When I left I joined Surrey Constabulary @ woking, Byfleet and Chertsey traffic Centre.
Peter 'Dinah' Shore wrote on January 11th, 2010
The paths of true sailors always pass somewhere - and this one certainly has. being ex-St Vincent back in '48 I knew I had a head start - but now I eat humble pie to a Ganges Sparks! Our particular paths crossed in the Suez - and his photos and memories were/are better than mine. His on line story has brought back many memories, his dits are more exciting than mine - and he seems to have pinched all my best jokes - Ah! the Andrew! where are you now. We had more ships & boats in th Med. Fleet then than w have in the whole of the R.N. now. Blue-Liners, up-homers,guard and steerage, suippers & gulpers where are you now. Thank you John fro remeinding me of why I enjoyed my time in. Safe travels,secure anchorage - cheers oppo! Peter Shore ex Clearance Diver.
Brian Davies (Taff) wrote on December 28th, 2009
Served 55-65 and trained at mercury.Great read into the small hours. Is that Curly Gladden ex Rampart? Forgot what mini-skirts looked like.
Bruce Dunne wrote on November 9th, 2009
Great job.

So you're the %^*(@)! who got all the
drafts I wanted!

Joined Ganges 8th Jan 1957, ten years
later, not recommended nor a volunteer
for instructional duties, joined
HMS Ganges as Radio Supervisor.
Instructor for 222 class, Grenville
19 Mess.

Not happy days!
mick wyer wrote on November 8th, 2009
I enjoyed the whole content of your life in the Andrew . After leaving Cockade I was at Pitreavie Castle on flag officer Scotland staff within the realm of Command Engineering . It was part of N.A.T.O. Got married had a son born in Dumferline Mat'Hos'.Then finished my time in Malta with my family present . Got demobbed at San Angello. I did 7/5 Cheers Mick
Yvonne wrote on October 29th, 2009
Great stories and brilliant reading John. Proud to have gone to the same school as you, very well written and great pictures. Your Grandchildren should be very proud of you.
Chris Hogden wrote on June 30th, 2009
Brill,absolutely brilliant and well done,bought back so many memories for me ,I joined Ganges in 69 and was a very very shy young lad,i left the mob after 18 years service and came out as a pogi,the andrew made me the man i am today and i loved every minute of it,i would do it all over again,thankyou and take care,regards Chris (p116888s
Peter Brown wrote on April 8th, 2009
Absolutely fantastic read, will probably read it over again. As someone else on here said, Jack's sense of humour is still the same as it always was. I came out in 1974, having served 10 years, good and bad times but mostly good. Thanks again for a brilliant read.
Bill McDonald wrote on March 31st, 2009
What a great read, Your education tests were the same as mine. My history exam was based on the History of Sea Power. I had read the book several times since I was a kid. I aced the exam as well. My five years in the Canadian Navy started in 1950 My Military time got me with the Fire Service in Canada. (shipboard firefighting and damage control)Funny thing the Navy training taught me one thing. No matter how civilians complain about a job or their life, I always think life was a lot harder in the Navy(you just learned to suck it up)The Fire Service was a soft touch in comparison.
Tony Leeks wrote on February 10th, 2009
Thoroughly enjoyed reading of your exploits, my missus had to come and tell me to shut down the computer as it was gone midnight. Oh well, no middle watch to keep!

Many thanks for the ok to crib pictures.
Claire wrote on February 3rd, 2009
What a brilliant idea! Excellent read.
NEVILLE PEARSON wrote on January 5th, 2009
Great read, I joined the annexe Nov 52.
Became a Tel, 263 Collingwood Div.
Rugby, Water Polo(in Goal) Cricket.
Cyprus for the Suez do.
Drafted to Subs, No ear discharge.
Subs in Malta, Dolphin, Canada, Chatham.
That was the only difference.
Now in Contact with Barry Wells in the UK thanks to the photos.
Write a book, everyone needs to know exactly what went on.

Keep up the good work

EX LRO Neville Pearson
Graham Rogers wrote on November 27th, 2008
John

When my wife and I arrived in Malta (May 1963) I was an LRO bucking for RS status. Like you, my wife and I chose not to live in married quarters during our shore based stint to Oct 64. Instead we rented a 'mansion' in Birkakara and hosted dozens of 'bring a bottle' parties. I cannot remember your name, but did you ever come to one of those outrageous events? If so, please use your excellent memory skills to remind me of who did come>

Great stories of yesteryear - thank you.

Graham Rogers

Mohammed Murtza Atta wrote on November 25th, 2008
Dear Sir,

Having come to know through our commercial sources that you are interested in import of the items mentioned as below:

Badges, Crests, Banners, Insignias, Sashes, Peaks embroidery, WWII items, Emblems, Tie pin, Cuff link, Button, Flags, Neck Ties, Polo Shirts, Tee shirts, Sweat Shirts, Jackets, Trousers, Braids, Epaulettes, Plaques, Patches, Coats of arms, Swords Knots, Tassels, Berets Caps, Hats, Metal Badges, Military Uniforms, Pennants for Army Schools Navy Air Force Colleges and Clubs Both in Gold and Silver Wire, pipe band Products,leather belts, and gloves etc.

We are pleased to inform you that we are working in this field for many years ago. And we are manufacturers and exporters of all kinds of badges items as above mentioned. We are enjoying our business relationship with different parties in abroad. Our services are appreciated by our customers who are running their business relations with us from about 11 and 15 years. We wish to do our business with you and for this kindly send us a trial orders for our prompt execution.

We hope that you will consider our request and would also give us an opportunity to judge our products from every angle. Assuring you for best and reliable prices and the goods will be constructed according to your standard and choice and will.

Thanking your esteemed house in advance and in the meantime, we remain sirs,

With best wishes and warmest regards,

Mohammed Murtza Atta (Proprietor)
International House of Badges
P.O. BOX # 602
Sialkot 51310
Pakistan,
Web Site: www.ihbadges.com
E-mails: [email protected]
[email protected]
Ian Inglis wrote on November 12th, 2008
Excellent read, almost makes me wish I'd been born 20yrs earlier, I don't recall having so much fun.

Ex CY
Tim Porter wrote on October 17th, 2008
They say never let the truth get in the way of a good dit, but when the truth's so funny as well it's even better! A great read - I guess I really WAS in liquid form when you were in uniform, but having served a mere 16 years so far and still earning my Queen's shilling as a Pusser, I can honestly say that many things may have changed in recent years but Jack's humour has not! I look forward to exchanging a a few dits over a wet sometime soon - perhaps at the next Ash family reunion if not before!
Mick Gladden(curly) wrote on October 17th, 2008
A great read John, saw myself in the picture. Only thing, I was always under the belief that we joined on the 4th Sept. unless you came a few days later.
Dave Thompson (Tommo) wrote on September 28th, 2008
Some great stories and a great read! Thanks for sharing.
Keith Burrage wrote on September 3rd, 2008
Fascinating read John, how do you remember it all. I came out in '75 and spend most of my time trying to remember. Are you going to tell us what you've been up to since?
George Fraser (Jock) wrote on August 25th, 2008
I was a stoker on HMS Cavalier 1959-60 You brought back fond memories of Costain's Bar on Gan and the trip with Trickey on the MFV
David Grantham wrote on July 14th, 2008
memories are made of this alright. I served 1951-1974. You followed me onto Cavalier. Great days.
John F Rawson wrote on June 9th, 2008
I was one of the first down that hole 565 steps if the lift was u/s, 1962. and it was half the size of the trafalgar exchange and called STRAD, also time as snags bosun in 66 Bravo Zulu
Katweezil wrote on May 16th, 2008
Quiet friday Afternoon and a good read! How things have changed!

U CAME ACROSS ZBZ55555555555555s PAL!
Zip Nolan wrote on May 12th, 2008
Great read my grandpa was serving in the early fifties and i am currently 18 years in so it was good to see how different things were back then. any plans for a follow up?
Peter Studd (Jan) wrote on April 25th, 2008
Great Site
Brought back many memories
Strange to see my image on many of the photos from Ganges era
Bob Cossey wrote on February 15th, 2008
A first class site, full of interest. Thanks for the opportunity to use some of the pics in a forthcoming biography of Air Vice Marshal John Howe who landed at Port Said at the beginning of the Suez crisis with 40 Commando as a Forward Air Controller. Entitled Upward and Onward it will be published during the summer by Pen and Sword.
Thanks again. Bob Cossey
Smudge wrote on February 6th, 2008
Joined as JRO in 76, left as CRS in 2000. Great read of long gone men and ships.

Last 8 years of my career saw a lot of change - especially women at sea (and the less said about that, the better).

Thanks for the read shipmate.
Mac McKee wrote on December 23rd, 2007
Enjoyed the read John. A thoroughly interesting and informative snapshot of the navy and how it was. In retrospect we were lucky to have probably enjoyed the best of times in the RN. BZ
Buster Brown wrote on December 12th, 2007
Great read. I only spent time in Cavalier during the run down to Gan and back. It was a pierhead jump from Kranji W/T. Recognise Trevor Poynton the RO(W).
David F Coles wrote on November 8th, 2007
Oh what a life we had - read it in one go; excellent reading that stirred a lot of old memories of life in the mob.
Geoff Meacham wrote on October 11th, 2007
Fascinating reading. Thank you for sharing the experience with us readers.
Bruce Ian Pavier wrote on September 10th, 2007
Excellent !!! A Very Funny and enjoyable read. During my own undistinguished naval career (1963-87), been there, done that, seen that, got the T Shirt and thank you Penicillin

Once Navy, Always Navy

Communications Yeoman Royal Navy(Retired)
Pete Kimmitt wrote on September 8th, 2007
Brilliant, kept me awake half the night brought back some memories to. I was a couple of years behind you joined in 57
Katherine wrote on September 8th, 2007
this kept me entertained during a slightly dull day at work when I should have been doing something more useful - but much less fun.

sincere thanks

Katherine
Perry Mason wrote on August 30th, 2007
Great Read - Happy Days

Perry Mason ROSM 85 -
George Foster wrote on August 27th, 2007
BZ John. A great read.
Danny Streather wrote on August 22nd, 2007
What a wonderful piece of literature, I was just behind you (joined Ganges in 65 left as WO in 98) but you bought back so many memories of "The way it was" Reading it has given me a great deal of pleasure, I served in Dundas (69 - scrap. Thank you for a wonderful read and very professionally executed. Dare I say it - Bravo Zulu!
Ben Benfield wrote on August 14th, 2007
Excellent! Your recall is fantastic and brought back memories of Ganges, Married Accompanied drafts to the FEZ and Malta and all the bits inbetween.
Bravo Zulu!
Ian Martin wrote on August 12th, 2007
Very many thanks for a good few hours of history. Thank you for all your efforts, I am so jelious of your talant and super memory.
Jim D wrote on August 12th, 2007
Very fine read,excellent window into how it used to be...great pictures.
Earnie Harris wrote on August 11th, 2007
A first rate work regarding life at sea and ashore in the RN , a masterpiece . Definitely should be published in book form and I reckon there would be a few quite prepared to support this . Priceless
Des wrote on August 11th, 2007
Great stories!! in the mob from 1966 to 1979, "Submarines do it deaper"
Andy Ashworth wrote on August 10th, 2007
Read from start to finish in one go. As someone who has used the services of COMMCEN Whitehall, it was interesting to see the story from the other side. Will pass on the web-site to my ex-RN father who served around the same time as you.
Backpacker wrote on August 10th, 2007
Read it from start to finish in one go brilliant thanks for sharing your navy life with us.
Brian Hodder (Janner) wrote on August 9th, 2007
Enjoyed my visit, thanks for the memories and and the Boat pics which I will add to my site.
Well done John
Des Young wrote on August 6th, 2007
A very detailed and comprehensive account of your time in the Navy.Very interesting indeed and particularly enjoyed the part about Ganges as I was there when you where and it brought back many memories. Will read it again and again.
Sara Wilson wrote on June 16th, 2007
I read the whole thing from start to finish in one go, I found it interesting,amusing and poingnient
And special thanks to Lilly!!
Paul Button (Bert) wrote on May 31st, 2007
Great read John have gone through the lot for passed 3 hours and thouroughly enjoyed all of it.
Hopefully you will Join the Cavalier Association and help in some way to continue its Motto, "Of One Company" as all of us believe we are, from members of the First Commission to those of the Last.
Sues wrote on February 17th, 2007
Fantastic - Ben has enjoyed telling me all about it so I thought I ought to take a look myself. I'm going to attach it to the family tree so it will be there for the great grandchildren as well!
Joycey wrote on February 13th, 2007
Well dun m'boy! Didn't read it all, but I think I have seen most of it locally? A good historic document. That will have kept you out of mischief for a bit! xx
Angels wrote on February 12th, 2007
Fantastic John, I hung on your every word and enjopyed it immensely - when is the follow up??
The Grandson wrote on February 11th, 2007
love the stories! look forward to reading the rest i didnt finish!
Jerry Hatrick wrote on February 1st, 2007
Testing, testing, testing.
Testing the Guest Book facility
1st February 2007 @ 2200 hours