HMS GANGES - RN/POLICE
Two go to GANGES - a sailor and a policeman. The first, in 1922, set out on a career in the Navy and the second, in 1987, started his in the Police. The two, inextricably linked by birth and a personal letter, now permit us a look back on that naval career that lasted from 1922 to 1946.
Kevin Parry, probably unknowingly, saved an important piece of personal and RN history when, in 1979 and still at school, he asked his Uncle Jerry about his time in the navy. At that time he little realised that he would tread in that Uncle's footprints but he did exactly that when, eight years later, he entered GANGES, by then a Police Training Centre.
Uncle Jerry aka Ernest Lake P/J105205, had made his mark at Shotley 65 years earlier in 1922 and you can read his letter to Kevin and follow his ship-by-ship travels right through to 1946 if you read on.
Uncle Jerry aka Ernest Lake P/J105205, had made his mark at Shotley 65 years earlier in 1922 and you can read his letter to Kevin and follow his ship-by-ship travels right through to 1946 if you read on.
1987 and a Class picture (Kevin middle row 4th from right) on the 'Quarterdeck'
Of GANGES Kevin wrote 'We used to do physical training and self-defence in the old gym. I remember the old parquet flooring and Rudyard Kipling's 'IF' was stencilled on one wall. There are some steep steps down to the Orwell estuary at the back of the site we called them 'Faith', 'Hope' and 'Charity'. We were beasted up and down those bloomin' steps until we were fit to drop'
'The area in front of the mast was used as the Parade Square and for all drill practice. Our passing-out parade was held there. We were all warned not to go near (and certainly not UP!) the mast. The punishment was instant dismissal. I remember Uncle Jerry saying he was a 'button boy' on one occasion and that the privilege of standing right on the highest point earned the lucky fellow an extra shilling!' Below are Uncle Jerry's Service Documents and his letter to Kevin in July 1979 in which he describes his 'Drafts' that took him around the world; into the cockpit of a Fairey IIID aircraft as a Telegraphist Air Gunner (TAG) and through the Second World War.
'The area in front of the mast was used as the Parade Square and for all drill practice. Our passing-out parade was held there. We were all warned not to go near (and certainly not UP!) the mast. The punishment was instant dismissal. I remember Uncle Jerry saying he was a 'button boy' on one occasion and that the privilege of standing right on the highest point earned the lucky fellow an extra shilling!' Below are Uncle Jerry's Service Documents and his letter to Kevin in July 1979 in which he describes his 'Drafts' that took him around the world; into the cockpit of a Fairey IIID aircraft as a Telegraphist Air Gunner (TAG) and through the Second World War.
Ernest Lake's picture of just two of almost 1,000 trawlers that were requisitioned in World War Two for mine and anti-submarine war duties, some for the second time in their lives.
The medals, both awarded after completion of 22 years service, serve as a reminder of the receipients
dedication and commitment to not only their own extended family but to the wellbeing of us all.
dedication and commitment to not only their own extended family but to the wellbeing of us all.
Kevin also set a challenge when he sent me this picture of a building at GANGES which bears the date 1906 to
confirm its history. Andrew Harris said the chalet provided overnight accommodation for next-of-kin visiting any seriously ill GANGES trainee.
And a final picture, at the other end of the existence of this Royal Naval Training Establishment and latterly Police Training Centre, Taken by Kevin 31 March 2014.
confirm its history. Andrew Harris said the chalet provided overnight accommodation for next-of-kin visiting any seriously ill GANGES trainee.
And a final picture, at the other end of the existence of this Royal Naval Training Establishment and latterly Police Training Centre, Taken by Kevin 31 March 2014.
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This HMS GANGES - RN/POLICE section first published online 2003 and since revised.