HMS Ganges
Photos - 84.
Where - Ipswich, Suffolk.
Visited - February 2006.
Posted - 11 August 2006.
Categories -
urbex, navy.
HMS Ganges is situated on the Shotley Peninsula in Suffolk. It used to be a training camp for the Navy until 1976, and in later years it was a police training school. It closed in 1998 or something.
At the start of 2006 the site was subject to a controversial planning war - some developers want to build a ton of homes etc on the site, but locals don't want that. In July the Secretary of State intervened and rejected all plans!
The Mast
Anyone who visits Shotley can't fail to notice a huge mast that dominates the skyline. I can't find out exactly how high it is - various websites say it's between 130 and 150ft high. That is damn high. And kids had to climb it when they were training in the navy. If that doesn't sound too bad, the wind on the ground was ferocious when I visited. I can't imagine what it would be like at the top of it.
Fort / Battery
An old battery remains on the grounds of HMS Ganges. It was built in 1865 to protect the port of Felixstowe, and to supplement the forts at Felixstowe and Harwich.
Martello Towers
There are two of these towers on site, both of which have been converted to water towers. One has had an additional observation post built onto it which gives splendid views accross the estuary to Harwich and Felixstowe. The same tower also has a mast on it, and a broken one is stored underneath it.
Signal School
This building was a Signal School apparently, which was created to teach flag signalling and telecommunications. I don't know too much about it, but it did have fantastic bricks inside.
Parade ground
Other buildings
There are loads of other cool buildings at HMS Ganges. Most are accomodation and school blocks.
And there's loads of random bits about..
Views
Sea and Harwich and Felixstowe.
Your Comments
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Posted 18 September 2006, 13:20 From Andy Ingate
I was there yesterday and got talking to the security guard. He tells me that it is due to be demolished and they could be starting as soon as November! Such a shame that no use could be found for somewhere like this with so much history.
Posted 29 November 2006, 09:40 From Doug
Ex Ganges 1956 very good pics great site, keep up the good work, why not visit Ganges website.
Posted 29 November 2006, 16:40 From J Beavers
Trained at Ganges 1955-57. Brings back some memories
Posted 30 November 2006, 12:00 From Doug Proctor
Lots of fond memories of this place. Was there 1968 to 1970 and from 1972 to 1974 where I met my wife in the Slops! Lots of free No 8's!!
Posted 30 November 2006, 15:30 From Jim Green
Served in Ganges in 1962/3 as a new entrant. Many memories mostly good.
Many thanks for the photographic record
Posted 6 December 2006, 13:50 From Brian
Served Ganges 1963/64, the mast is 142 ft high, in my day there use to be a big rope safety net around the bottom. Photos brings back good memories, all boys accommodation has gone sadly. Thanks
Posted 11 December 2006, 22:00 From Darwinsmom
I wonder if anyone knows if any coastguard or waterguard families ever occupied the Martello Tower? My gggGrandfather was a coastguard who lived, with his family, in various Martello Towers across the south coast of England. Just curious.
Posted 12 December 2006, 14:50 From Alex Stoddart
Great pics. I joined Ganges in 71. Got some really great memories from there. The mast was manned by us recruits on special occasions. We used to compete for the hounor of being the button boy.I was on the cow's horns (just above the top yardarm), loved it. Check out the Ganges web sit for pics of the mast being manned.
Posted 12 December 2006, 15:00 From Alex Stoddart
The green tower was called the "signal tower", and was used to communicate with ships at anchor in the river,which eventually died away when the Harwich sqn. was moved and ships visited less and less, it was eventually used as an annexe for the signal school
Posted 12 December 2006, 15:10 From Alex Stoddart
The signal school was used to teach basic comms skills like morse code and typing before we went on to HMS Mercury near Peterfield in Hant. for more intense trade training. This lasted about 6 months.
Posted 12 December 2006, 15:10 From Alex Stoddart
This is the entrance the main dining hall.
Posted 12 December 2006, 15:20 From Alex Stoddart
Rear of Nelson hall leading on to the sports fields
Posted 12 December 2006, 15:30 From Alex Stoddart
This is where parades were held when the weather was bad. This is also where trainees were paid
Posted 12 December 2006, 15:30 From Alex Stoddart
If memory serves,this is the bowling alley?
Posted 12 December 2006, 15:30 From Alex Stoddart
CPO/PO's mess at the bottom of the parade ground
Posted 12 December 2006, 15:40 From Alex Stoddart
I think this was the ward room
Posted 12 December 2006, 15:40 From Alex Stoddart
Main admin building on the Quarterdeck just behind the mast
Posted 12 December 2006, 16:40 From DAB @ derelicte
Hi Alex - the bowling alley used to stand between myself and that building - you can see where on satellite photos.
Posted 16 December 2006, 18:10 From Mick
Greet view of the mast with Nelson Hall to the left of it, and the senior rates mess to the right. I served there in 1961, shame to see it all so neglected.
Posted 16 December 2006, 23:10 From Mick
This is a view of the parade ground with the large building being the Nelson Hall, which was used for parades and drills when it was raining. The building to the left is the old NAAFI building, and behind it the CMG (Central mess and galley), the main dining area for junior rates.
Posted 23 January 2007, 01:00 From Garry (Joe) Fraser
Oh My God... What have they done to the hallowed ground .....
Posted 28 January 2007, 21:20 From Eric Sixsmith
I was there 56/57 and the photo's are not as I remember.I needed discipline and got it and am grateful.
Posted 28 February 2007, 19:50 From ex A/B mick sharp
well ive ive seen it from the bottom and from the button in 1971
Posted 28 February 2007, 19:50 From ex A/B mick sharp
i remember it well
Posted 28 February 2007, 19:50 From ex A/B mick sharp
i remember the quick way down from the top using the forward jackstay cable
Posted 28 February 2007, 20:00 From ex A/B mick sharp
didnt these used to be called faith,hope and charity when i was on punishment
Posted 28 February 2007, 20:00 From ex A/B mick sharp
all that lovely scran
Posted 28 February 2007, 20:00 From ex A/B mick sharp
capt's house me thinks
Posted 6 March 2007, 05:00 From steve quincey
No they were at the other end of the building, these were at the rear and led to the Enright training block, now down to the museum.
Posted 6 March 2007, 05:00 From steve quincey
I was there 1966-67 and was the drum major in the bugle band. Very proud of it too.
Posted 6 March 2007, 20:20 From chris carr
Hello, my father "Dave carr" was a Ganges boy circa 1952-53ish grenvile div. He has told me many stories over many tots!!!
We go to the army v navy every year at twickers with another ex Ganges boy Johny mantle. A real shame to see so much history rotting away.
Kindest regards, Chris Carr.
Posted 15 March 2007, 16:20 From john
hi great pics i went there yesterday i wondered what the place was ,when i seen the big mast i didnt go in the place,but i bet you had a great time in there thew.should of gone in and had a look round wheres the best place to enter.it looks massive place
Posted 31 March 2007, 13:40 From frederick rodgers
Joined Ganges March 15th 1955, I have been to the top of the mast which is 147 feet high.
Posted 24 May 2007, 14:10 From Malcolm Owen
ex ganges boy of 1977/67 ex bugle band member, remember steve quincy.good memories but fading fast, what a shame
Posted 11 June 2007, 23:00 From dougie ramsay
remember the plastic cup dipping into the barrel for a cup of orange or lemon squash sorry forgot the naval term for the above
Posted 12 June 2007, 15:00 From Murray Gardiner ( Muzzo)
I joined Ganges Feb 71, 23 recruitment, apart from month in ''Short covered Way'' Revenge Mess Nozzers training time. I spent the rest in Frobisher 11 mess.
I trained as a JEM 9 Junior Electrical Mechanic.
Of the 100'or so that Joined with 23 Recruitment only about 40''ish finished.
It really was a Boy To Man life change, I visited Ganges again when I reached 40, The floods of emotion that came on surprised me but I guess that was just a reflection of the significant effect that this place had on me all those years ago.
I was tough, Fair and developed a strong sense of teamwork.
The spirit of Ganges is still with me today...... and always will be....
Posted 30 June 2007, 14:00 From Peter F Smith
Smudge Smith was in Grenville Div April66/67Great bunch of lads.
Posted 18 July 2007, 22:00 From John Wilson
Seeing this site makes the memories flood back. Anson Division 1961/62
Posted 2 August 2007, 18:10 From Lyndon Berry
I served as a rating on HMS Ganges, first in the annexe (Jellicoe 1) now
sadly built over with houses. Then later in the main establishment (10 Mess Blake Division). As for the mast, weel I can tell you that it was mandatory to climb it at least once. We were told that failure to do so would result in a railway warrant to take us home, for good.
So we climbed.
Cannot begin to tell you what it was like to serve on the old stone frigate. It was tough but always fair and served as a lesson for life. I would not have missed it for the world.
Posted 6 August 2007, 00:00 From Roy McManus
HMS Ganges trainee, 10 recruitment 1969. Don't know where you got this photo from but I can assure you that Fintry Place did not exist when I served at HMS Ganges!
Posted 6 August 2007, 00:10 From Roy McManus
Just looked at other comments, Lyndon Berry was in Blake 10 mess, so was I but obviously not his recruitment, when I joined in 1969 it was not compulsory to climb the mast but I did make it to the button (once) pretty hairy stuff. Loved the place, but that might be nostalgia creeping in, it was a bit tough was it not!!
Posted 10 August 2007, 03:00 From Brian Eccles ( 120Y )
Looking at your photo's brought back a lot of memories, some good and some, shall we say bad?
But christ the old girl could really do with some spit and polish now.
Any volounteers boys....
Posted 12 August 2007, 00:40 From Phill Whiteman 1966-7
To think all of our Kit would fit in this
Posted 12 August 2007, 00:50 From Phill Whiteman 1966-7
I stood on the button in 1967 lived in Keppel 4 mess top of the long covered way off the Quarterdeck
Posted 12 August 2007, 01:10 From Phill Whiteman 1966-7
This must be taken from the Quarterdeck!
Posted 12 August 2007, 01:10 From Phill Whiteman 1966-7
To think that better part on 150,000 lads have all touched at least some part of that mast
Posted 18 August 2007, 15:10 From Dennis Linehan
I done my training at Ganges from 65/67 great pictures but also very sad.I suppose its all gone now I would loved to have visited the old girl.
Posted 23 August 2007, 11:30 From The green tiger
Once more I know the place well My Brother was a button boy and as such had to stand on top of the mast on ceremonial days regardless of the weather. I on the other hand was an Army Cadet so was only allowed to go up as far as the second cross tree wearing full BD and hobnail boots. Very few of us went up that far most only got as far as the first platform, and even then went through the Land Lubbers Hole instead of going round the outside.
Posted 23 August 2007, 11:40 From The green tiger
Steve, you are right. As previously posted I was an Army Cadet and to show us what it was like we were marched up at the double with our .303s and in full kit.
I wish I could march a few youngsters up them now.
Posted 23 August 2007, 11:50 From The green tiger
After leaving the Army I joined Trinity House, if that is lightship 19 I might well of been on it when you took the photo, as long as it was before 1999 when I retired.
Posted 23 August 2007, 11:50 From The green tiger
That yacht was originally an MTB and was converted to sail by someone who should have known better, totally the wrong underwater configuration. The Lightship in the background has been converted to solar panel power.
Posted 6 September 2007, 23:00 From Phill Whiteman 1966-7
I trained here in 1966 / 67listening to the Beatles Every time I hear certain tracks the memories come flooding back, even after 41 years, I have promised myself a trip there in the very near future. When the mast falls! The buldozers will move in PDQ All Ganges boys that are still alive should go Maybe to the rememberance day in November. It may be the last.
Phill
Posted 7 September 2007, 21:40 From Paddy Power
I feel saddened by these photos, i trained in Ganges 10th September 1968, hawkw 12 mess long covered way, you would think someone would have preserved the place for all those children who did not make the passing out parade.
Tony
Posted 7 September 2007, 21:40 From Paddy Power
I stood on the button, we all had to in the end, it was certainly a struggle for some
Posted 7 September 2007, 21:50 From T.Power
I think the thing that sticks in my mind the most is lying in bed listening to half the lads crying themselves to sleep
Posted 14 September 2007, 21:50 From Jock Campbell
36 rec/Benbow Div. 31mess 1972/73 not much left but reconized most of the buildings, went there in ' 94 took some photo's then, must hunt them out, got some of the last remaining nissan hut, can't see any on your web site, also got some of the gym and swimming pool they look to be demolished as well. I also noticed the running track was turned into a marina. Going back when i'm a 100 to climb the mast one more time.
Posted 20 September 2007, 14:00 From peter
This was a list of the first aiders when Ganges was a police training school as we used some of the old buildings for public order trianing and gaining entrance to while being pelted with rocks !!!
Posted 2 October 2007, 22:50 From dougie ramsay
i can just remember walking along theser corridors on my way to typing in 1971 26 recruitement
Posted 9 October 2007, 10:00 From Richard Gowen
1963-64 - comms
been back a few times - wish I could do it again - would like to see some orignals photos of HMS Mercury?
Posted 10 October 2007, 10:40 From Ray Fraser
I remember there used to be lots of photos and a miniature sub in this hall back in 64 what a sham to see it in this state
Posted 24 October 2007, 20:40 From Norman Lewis
At HMS Ganges 1960-61, trained as a Radio Operator (Sparker). The board on classroom door showed Class: Division. WOC: Weeks on Course, Instr: Your Class Instructor. Many happy memories
Posted 12 November 2007, 16:10 From Patrick Hill
Sitting here looking over old pictures of Ganges, It only seems like yesterday I got off the train with the other 200ish 15 year olds, It was the 12th of July 1971, 26 recruitment and we were put in the short covered way (Benbow Div) Ashanti mess. I'm still in the Navy and only 13 more months to do. What a wonderful life I have had.
Many thanks for the memories.
P.S. I think I can remember Alex Stoddart. Not Sure, Must be having a senior moment.
Posted 13 November 2007, 13:20 From gerry murray
I was a front rank drummer in the bugle band with steve quincey in 66/67
Posted 16 November 2007, 22:30 From rod somerville
SUCH A CRYING SHAME TO SEE THE STATE THE PLACE IS IN ,COMPARED TO WHAT IT WAS WHEN I WAS THERE IN 1961/62.
Posted 16 November 2007, 22:50 From rod somerville
TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOUR LAST COMMENT GREEN TIGER.A FEW TIMES UP AND DOWN FAITH HOPE AND CHARITY AND THEN PERHAPS A SMALL DOSE OF LAUNDRY HILL WOULD SOON SORT OUT A FEW PEOPLE I COULD THINK OF!!
Posted 16 November 2007, 22:50 From rod somerville
THIS CLOCK WAS ABOVE THE DOOR TO THE PETTY OFFICERS MESS.WE USED TO WATCH THE HANDS MOVE ROUND VERY VERY SLOWLY AS WE DOUBLED ROUND AND ROUND THE PARADE GROUND UNDER PUNISHMENT,WHICH I DID ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS!!
Posted 16 November 2007, 23:00 From rod somerville
THIS IS THE C.M.G (CENTRAL MESS GALLEY)ONE OF MY WORKSHIP JOBS WAS TO COLLECT THE KYE AND STICKY BUNS FROM THERE,FOR THE LADS IN THE MESS(ANSON 20).THE DRINK WAS CALLED LIMERS DOUGIE.
Posted 16 November 2007, 23:30 From rod somerville
I was in Anson 20 mess with you Tug.My name was Binns then.I last saw you at Sultan in 73.I was doing the Stoker P.Os course,and you had finished the Mechs course.Tim Rayner our old P.O Junior was there as well.Happy Days!!Great photos.Brought back loads of memories.Keep up the good work.
Posted 12 December 2007, 03:30 From steve quincey
This was infact the ships company bar, the bowling alley was directly in front of it.
Posted 31 December 2007, 18:10 From Philip Askew
I did the final mast maning in June 73.
As you look at phot from this angle I was top right on rigging under half moon.
Shortly afterwards and before leaving Ganges I made the button.
On previous attempts I could not shin up the pole because it was too wide for me (5ft 1/4in 6st 9lb)
I only managed it because a mate pushed me up with his head up my bum whilst walking up Jacobs ladder.
When I was third of the way up it was narrow enough for me to continue.
It was windy and we weren't allowed above the half moon on that day.
This was my last chance before leaving so went for it.
Would you beleive it I got caught by the Bosuns mate when I got down and only received a bolocking !!
(no punishment unbeleivable !!)
Really glad I did, although bending down to reach the lightening conductor was the worst atack of vertigo I have ever experienced !!!
Posted 10 January 2008, 15:30 From jem allaway
I remember my arrival in Feb 1975 snow on the ground it looked liked a prison. Sent to the guard room first night for not wearing my beret and walking across the parade ground without it on!
Posted 19 January 2008, 21:50 From bob hodges
Hi to all ex nozzers circa 63 64 its sad to see Ganges in such a sad state I am sure all old Ganges boys will agree I hope every one I joined with is still going strong Regards to all Bob hodges L073089
Posted 25 January 2008, 01:30 From Sheila Hessing
My Dad joined Ganges as a boy in 1937 and went back several times as an instructor C.P.O./G.I Barber [ALI] we lived in the married qtrs when I was young late 50s- early 60s I have some great memories of Ganges and it is heartbreaking to see the place in such a state when I think of the pride that was instilled behind those glorious gates I am almost grateful that my Dad isnt around to see it.
Posted 26 January 2008, 03:30 From paul hartill (FUB)
Wow the memories are flooding back,i was there in 1964,Hawke 47mess classes 292/293,73rec,then Drake 40mess classes212/213,it was hard but made men of some lads,pity they dont make some sort of memorial on site to remember all the lads who passed through the gates
Posted 7 February 2008, 05:00 From John Mair
I was introduced to this site by another ex Ganges classmate. We were in Hawke 47 Mess from 58/59 242 class. Shame to see the place as is in pictures. We got Shotley Routine once, hell of a week. Climbed the mast at least twice in those days, but not to the button. All the comments listed are so true. 15 year olds, such discipline, parade ground tocuts to cells. No one would believe what we had to go through.
However, it gave me a great basis for life.
Posted 8 February 2008, 05:50 From David Parry
I am the classmate of John Mair who visited this great website yesterday. We have just met up again recently, it being 50 years since we walked thru the gate together in June 1958. Wonderful memories,but sad to see the place so neglected.
To all you ex Ganges boys out there, God Speed, Happy Sailing
Posted 9 February 2008, 13:30 From Cheryl Tank nee Mitchell
I am compiling a Naval Career album of my brother the late Philip Paul Mitchell who sadly died suddenly Oct 07 aged 56 yrs. Phil was at HMS Ganges Aug 66 - Jul 67. If any of you knew Philip and could send me tales of your exploits and copies of any photos you may have I would be such a happy sister. I would like to present this album to Christine, Philip's widow. I hope someone on this site can help me achieve my goal. Many thanks for reading this. Kind regards Cheryl
Posted 22 February 2008, 22:20 From John Goldby
Interesting and good views. I joined the RN at Ganges Feb 1963. A tough year!
Posted 22 February 2008, 22:30 From John Goldby
Interesting and good views. I joined the RN at Ganges Feb 1963. A tough year! We all went over the mast 140ft the ratlines were frozen and so were we.
Posted 22 February 2008, 23:20 From Ian Bailey (Bill)
As part of 10 recruitment 1969 Benbow 28 mess.
I have been back several ties to see the place. what a mess. the shame is it was not til I went back as Ships company I got to appieciate the Place. The Mast. The long covered way and Faith Hope and Charity would bring back instant memories to thousands of trogs. it would been better to shut Raleigh then this place and the location near the sea was perfect for all activities.
Posted 1 March 2008, 15:10 From Peter David
One of the better Ganges memory web sites. Joined November 2nd 1971, 30 Recruitment. Left the RN as an RPO in '87. Recently retiured as a Police Superintendent.The picture of the ding hall reminds me of the perk of going to the front of the queue beacuse of my Leading Junior white gaitors.
Posted 5 March 2008, 21:10 From Carla Askew
Random dad is that you bragging again?
Posted 6 March 2008, 18:40 From jeff heard
Was at ganges from february 1961 Frobisher division,good and bad times mostly good. Pay was rubbish half a crown a week. If this is the state the police leave a place then i am very unimpressed.Jeff Heard.
Posted 23 March 2008, 16:40 From Paul Mackness
My late Dad was a Ganges boy in 1947-48 and then after being commisioned, 2DO of Keppel Division in 1962 - I still have some Ganges magazines from that year. Great place to be as a kid, even got to go on the occasional MFV trip up the Orwell.
Posted 13 April 2008, 19:00 From Phill Whiteman
These steps lead down to the Enright Block |The block is completely intact and half of it is being used as Ganges Museum. Run by a vey helpful and passionate ex-Ganges boy. I visited there in September 07. He and his wife showed me around aditional parts of the Enright block, (the other half) unused and completely untouched since the sixties.
Even the smell of the place is nostalgic. memories came flooding back. Passageways with coat hooks all along the walls. I could almost see the junior ratings caps and oilskins hanging there, bringing a lump to the throat.
The museum may soon be moved along the road to another location. It is well worth a visit. You may like to make copies of all your Ganges photos to donate to their data log and fill in their guest book and the dated information log. It is really amazing. You are bound to find pictures of old freinds and others you remember. This small part of history would be so sad to loose.
Phill Whiteman
Posted 14 April 2008, 20:50 From doug pash (146 class \'58 hawke 49
noz in annexe march '58 onto hawke 49 mess instuctors = wiggy bennett (the pipe) & ted. fond memories of cmg bread n jam & cold tea.Up the steps from the lower fied wiv 303 over head. great days really made men of us.
Posted 24 April 2008, 17:20 From Malc Smith
Joined Ganges 2 Sept 1958. (Benbow 251 - until I was backclassed!) Some really good (and some not so bad!) memories. Faith Hope and Charity steps ran alongside the entrance to the Signal School - I know because our instructor sometimes did not have a sense of humour and sent us up and down a few times beofre going into the school! Shame to see the old place becoming so overgrown. Knowing how "we" used to keep it. Seen the mast from the top and bottom too!
Posted 24 April 2008, 22:00 From Barry Green
Brings back some really nice (and not so nice!)memories
Posted 27 April 2008, 19:30 From robert sprudd
joined ganges in 65 never been out of wales in my life left as a po junior had a brill time only rember the good times as they say
Posted 27 April 2008, 19:40 From robert sprudd
it really is sad to see a well loved or hated estb go to the dogs like it has good memories thou
Posted 6 May 2008, 16:40 From Chris Way
At Ganges 1967/68 Keppel 1 Mess, 241 Class for Communications Training under RS Julian and PO Cape. I am forever perusing photos of the place and it is so sad to see its demise when so much could have been done with it if the money was there. I am looking for photos of the cinema (gymnasium), I am into the movie hoppy and write stories on cinemas. Anyone has any pics please do let me know at my email address. Many thanks.
Posted 6 May 2008, 21:20 From Chris Way
At Ganges 1967/68 Keppel 1 Mess, 241 Class for Communications Training under RS Julian and PO Cape. I am forever perusing photos of the place and it is so sad to see its demise when so much could have been done with it if the money was there. I am looking for photos of the cinema (gymnasium), I am into the movie hoppy and write stories on cinemas. Anyone has any pics please do let me know at my email address. Many thanks.
Posted 9 May 2008, 23:30 From Desmond Connelly
I joined the Navy in 1972.and was in the Benbow Division.I Joined as Steward but tried to get a tranfer to the Electrical side but was refused.I was 15.5 yrs old when I joined and was bullied a lot because of my small size and timidity.I always rememeber going over to Harwich and Felistowe on the boat and having fights with the MODS on their Scooters.My mates at the time use to buy me drinks and bring them outside of the pub for me to drink as iI looked so young and nobody would serve me.We use to evade the MPs buy jumping over the fence late at nite.
Posted 6 June 2008, 21:30 From marie
HI
I AM LOOKING FOR DON SMITH WHO WAS AT HMS GANGES SHOTLEY AROUND 1955/1956 .
PLEASE GET TOUCH.
Posted 21 June 2008, 10:20 From Kelly
I spent 15 Glorious weeks here in 1990, whilst training for Essex Police. Brings back a whole heap of memories, but also so sad that the place has been left in such a state.
Posted 22 July 2008, 19:50 From Charlie Attwood
What a site!.Just wandered onto it.I joined
the Annexe Sept.6th 1949.moved over to Collingwood 43 mess.Mast Class was
compulsory in those days,it was Nov. very
cold,ice covered rigging,had to go over the
lubbers hole regardless,up and then back
down.Fingers under cold water taps to try
and get some life into them.Then straight to
school for English,couldn't hold a pen for a
while!.Certainly made men of many of us,
and were ready for sea on leaving.Shame
on what they have done to the place.Have
not been able to go back to see it for real.
Appreciate all the work done on the web
for old ex Ganges Boys.Bravo!!!!.
Posted 9 August 2008, 19:30 From Dennis Linehan
Is there anyone out there who was in Rodney 15 Mess.It was the winter of 1965 if so leave your thoughts.
Posted 18 August 2008, 00:00 From John Bradbury
I joined Ganges in Feb 1976 and went into Resolution division in a mess near the bottom of the long covered way. Did six weeks there before going to Mercury. As we left the last course joined. Done my 22 and eventually went to Raleigh as a civvy instructor Submarine school. What a difference from Ganges! There was a photo album in Raleigh Heritage centre with lots of pics and articles about Ganges but it was very tatty and stuff missing. I was very sad to see the state it was in. It needs looking after. Anyway, i have some pics of my own which i intend to get to the museum. Best wishes to all my classmates
reso 081 class. Never saw any of them again!
Posted 27 August 2008, 13:50 From Bob (Chico) Kerr
Joined Ganges 1963, Grenville 22 mess, a mix of JEM's and us JNAM's. Sad to see the place now, how could they let it happen, all that history left to rot, a sign of the times perhaps!
Posted 2 September 2008, 20:20 From thomas doherty keppel mess 1969
this is thomas doherty i was at h m s ganges in keppel mess june 1969 want to contact ron dooler and ian shepard and ian corey and arthur farmolow they served with me in keppel mess july 1969 please contact my step son daviddoylewindows2008@yahoo.com
Posted 9 September 2008, 12:50 From Brian Ives
unfortunately the bottom spars of the mast have broken with age. Due to access denial for repairs by the site owner the deterioration will continue unless the mast,fort and buried roman forts receive grade 1 listing. Please forward concerns to Babergh District Council as these Structures are part of the areas heritage and must not be lost to time or apathy.
Posted 3 October 2008, 10:00 From Mr G H Poole
Iwould also like to mention that ROBERT ROLFE was in DIVISION TYREET (1) ithink i spelt it right
MR G H POOLE
Posted 4 October 2008, 18:40 From mark wallis
I was there when it was the police training scool in 92.
Some great memories. That parade ground was the scene of a few sore feet. Shame it has been allowed to get into such a state.
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