MANY people may not be aware that this association, now in its 26th year and with nearly 4,000 members worldwide, is looking for all former Ganges trainees, staff and instructors to give everyone the chance to meet up with other like-minded individuals.
There has been an HMS Ganges in the Royal Navy for over 225 years. From 1866 as a wooden-walled ship of the line she was based at Mylor, near Falmouth and used as a training ship for Boy Seaman from the age of 14. Its last years were spent in Harwich Harbour. In 1905 a new establishment was built ashore at Shotley, Suffolk and Boys' training was transferred there. Subsequently, the name of the establishment was changed to HMS Ganges which continued to function until 1976 when it closed after the school leaving age was raised to 17.
It is estimated that 160,000 boys passed through the famous gates at Shotley. With the advent of WW2, the boys were transferred to the Isle of Man where their requisitioned holiday camp became known as HMS Bruce.
HMS Ganges, at Shotley, was used for the training of 50,000 hostilities only (HO) ratings for the duration of the war.
The aAssociation also welcomes those who were based at HMS Bruce and HMS St George.
Since its inception, this association has enrolled over 7,000 former Ganges personnel. We hold a reunion every year at different venues around the country. In addition, groups of members have formed local Divisions, not only in the UK but around the world, providing a focal point for meeting up with old shipmates. Mini-reunions are also held in different parts of the country giving the widest possible choice to former Ganges graduates to meet old friends and shipmates.
The association also publishes a first-class Gazette, the envy of all other naval associations, three times each year.
Many will recall the famous mast, still in existence as a listed building, which many had to climb. Some, the Button Boys, will have stood on the truck with the lightning conductor between their knees as their only support.
Please make contact with me and I will arrange for you to receive a welcome pack giving you all the information you need to consider joining us.
LEE FLEMING, 35 St Mary's Road, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 2JP; tel: 0208 589 9662; lee.fleming@sky.com.
Yours truly, Lee Fleming
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