H.M.S.

These photographs were taken of all that remained of HMS GANGES during September 1991. The Suffolk police were using the top end, of what used to be Ganges, as a riot control training area.

To view a larger version - just click on the photograph

Ganges Main Gate

One of a pair of gates at the entrance to HMS Ganges

Mast

The 142 foot Mast has been a landmark since it was erected in 1907

NAAFI & CMG

NAAFI Juniors' Canteen on the right with the CMG (Central Main Galley) behind. The Badge Boys Canteen was on the first floor just behind the NAAFI but part of the CMG building

NAAFI & Nelson Hall

Another view of the Juniors' Canteen with Nelson Hall on the right and the Parade Ground in the foreground

Nelson Hall

Nelson Hall - Inside were ship's figure-heads etc. Used for drill and "Divisions" in wet weather. Parade Ground in the foreground

CPO's/PO's Mess & Swimming Bath

Chief Petty Officers & Petty Officers Mess on left behind trees. Swimming Bath to the right, behind which the Bowling Alley gave much relief from the daily grind. Parade Ground in the foreground

Gymnasium

The Gymnasium. Immediately to the right, end-on to the Parade Ground, is where the 'Green Mansions' once stood. These were green painted corrugated iron messdecks of Exmouth (though I am led to believe that they may of been known by another Division name at various times - Hawk, Collingwood?). Immediately to the right of those, side on to the parade ground, were two sets of brick built messdecks - During 1964 these were known as Exmouth 41,42,43 and 44 and behind those, Fisk the Photographers and the Barber's Shop

Mast

The Mast was origially the foremast of HMS Cordelia

Mast

It was a regular occurence to see junior seamen 'Manning-the-Mast'. This event consisted of junior seamen climbing the Mast, usually to the accompaniment of music; some walking out onto the yardarms, some on the rigging and at the very top the 'Button Boy' would grip the lightning conductor between his knees whilst standing to attention and saluting.

Quarterdeck

Looking through the base of the Mast at the Quarterdeck. This 'sacred ground' was never walked on by junior seamen, we always had to double-march.

Faith, Hope & Charity

"Faith, Hope & Charity" - these infamous steps caused much pain by sadistic Intructors making junior seaman double up and down, over and over and over and over.....

Pier

The Pier - where once davits stood erect with whalers and cutters secured

Pier

The Pier - Saturday morning chore of scrubbing the boats for rounds; made more unpleasant on cold, wet mornings

Marina

Marina - which long ago used to be the athletics track

Marina

Marina - which also once had the obstacle course and the odd aircraft in the corner of the field

Marina

The Marina's building which now has a display of HMS Ganges mementoes

Lower Entrance

The lower Ganges entrance from the athletics track

RNSQ

RNSQ (Royal Naval Sick Quarters) was in use as a hospital for the old wooden ship Ganges that used to be moored off the Naval Pier, long before the main establishment was built

RNSQ

Another view of the RNSQ

View towards Quarterdeck

In the foreground once stood messdecks and the Gunnery School. At the top of the picture to the left can be seen the Wardroom. Behind the tree in the middle is the Mast and to the right is the Library/Information Room and the Theatre

View towards Gymnasium

Once again, messdecks used to occupy the foreground. The building which has half of its roof caved in is the Gymnasium

IF

At the far end of the Gymnasium, either side of the stage, were these two huge 'paintings' of Rudyard Kipling's poem "If". Once seen, never forgotton

School Front Entrance

The front entrance of the school where a third of our instructional time was spent learning all about English, Mathematics, Naval History etc.

School Side Entrance

The side entrance of the school. We had to wear our 'blue suits' when marching to school as it was situated outside of the Main Gate of Ganges

Visit the HMS GANGES ASSOCIATION


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