She took her first intake of 180 boys on 1 January 1866. HMS Ganges, in 1966. Map of HMS Ganges: 44 Confirmation by Bishop of Dunwich 1961 : 44: Hawke 49 Mess (1960-61) 45: R.C. Want to search our collection? Captains of HMS Ganges. She was based alternately in Falmouth, Harwich (from 1899) and Shotley (from 1905). He truly was the star of the mast display. Written by Barry O’Connell. correspondence@mod.ecase.gsi.gov.uk on behalf of Navy Command Secretariat, 18 October 2018. So the quest began, and a long-time fascination with Button Boys has now been cemented. by searching in the various SNIPPET TABS presented. The Admiralty decided to set aside five old laid up hulks in different ports around the country, and use them as bases at which volunteers aged between 15 and 17 could spend a year being educated for future service in the navy. She arrived on 11 November 1899. Search here. The Royal Naval Museum sent me the following information via email: This was officially replaced by Procedure Alpha (manning the sides of the deck), but I am afraid I have been unable to locate a definitive date for the change. Online eBook Version, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=HMS_Ganges_(shore_establishment)&oldid=998836630, Training establishments of the Royal Navy, Military installations established in 1865, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 7 January 2021, at 07:09. [3] A number of administrative reforms were also carried out this year, including the establishment of eight internal divisions named after famous admirals. [3], Ganges reopened as a boys' training establishment in October 1945. The plan called for an annual intake of 3,500 boys. She was based alternately in Falmouth, Harwich (from 1899) and Shotley (from 1905). In 1909 the Signal School was established and three signal masts were erected. [1] HMS Ganges II (the former HMS Minotaur) was renamed HMS Ganges. Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}51°57′25″N 1°16′19″E / 51.957°N 1.272°E / 51.957; 1.272, Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, Ships of the Royal Navy: The Complete Record of all Fighting Ships of the Royal Navy, The HMS Ganges association, including the history, and photographs, HMS GANGES Roll on my Dozen! These included the Portsmouth-based HMS Monarch, HMS Courageous and HMS Conqueror. Countless thousands of Communicators, far more than any other branch, trained at HMS Ganges, so it is . In 1999 a large section of the former non-commissioned officer quarters were acquired by The Welbeck Estate Group. HMS Ganges was the name given to several Royal Navy ships since from 1779, but in 1905 it was chosen as title for a new training base at Shotley Gate, near Ipswich where about 500 boy … The boys were quartered at HMS Lion and HMS Impregnable whilst this work was carried out. The training was tough, brutal at times, yet many of those who came through remember HMS Ganges, at Shotley Gate, with a certain fondness. So, we can conclude that it was not a particular event or person which caused the brave Button Boys to become a figure of the past. I can still remember the huge gun sheds where drill was practised during wet weather and all around the shed walls were the figure heads of masted ships long gone. In 1779 HMS Ganges came into service before becoming a shore training establishment for boy entrants into the Royal Navy in 1905. NO BOY unless he is part of a volunteer team of the ceremonial mast manning group is forced into climbing higher, and there is an air of ambivalence by the Ganges training staff as regards the climbing policy. Confirmation (June/July 1967) 45: HMS GANGES PARENTS DAY (July 1967) 45: JRO2 Ray (Taff) Hurley (1967) 46: Assembly of officers (Between October 1967 and October 1968) 46: Open Day 1968: 47: A days Sea Training on HMS Tenby - 1966 48: The Annexe, … About this object. Work had already begun there on new Royal Naval Sick Quarters. HMS Worcester graves naval burial ground Shotley, Suffolk, England. One of the most challenging adventures came in 1967 when he was sent up the mast of the Shotely-based Royal Navy training ship HMS Ganges to perform the role of “button boy” - … We can reunite you with your friends who served at HMS Ganges and we have a wealth of information on different units, bases and ships in the site. The facility included the buildings onshore and the ships offshore, which were HMS Ganges, HMS Caroline and HMS Boscawen II. The rumour was then disproved. Stevens and his first lieutenant were subsequently removed, and were replaced by Commander F. W. Wilson on 24 July 1866. On June 1, 1927, 434 boys were relocated from HMS Ganges to make up the first Main Course. and HMS Ganges … The white ensign was lowered for the last time on 28 October and the establishment's training duties were transferred to HMS Raleigh.[1]. [1], In 1907 the 143-foot (44 m)-high mast of the old steam corvette HMS Cordelia was erected. [3] It was decided by the Admiralty to close HMS Ganges, which was done on 6 June 1976. Button Boys were still being selected at HMS Ganges training establishment in the 1950s, although conventional Royal Naval vessels had long ceased to have masts at this stage. Now - imagine letting go of the lightning conductor to salute your audience! If any former Button Boys are reading this please feel free to comment on your experiences or add any wisdom to this post. In 1918 the base suffered outbreaks of spanish flu and diphtheria. HMS Ganges was also known as Shotley Training Establishment. HMS Ganges was a training ship and later stone frigate of the Royal Navy. On 21 June HMS Ganges was renamed HMS Tenedos III in preparation for her reassignment to become part of the Boy Artificers Establishment at Chatham. When done for ceremonial reasons, the boy was rewarded with a coin presented to him by the Captain. [3] By now so many boys were attending the base that they had to be sent to training battleships to finish their training. Such are the Button Boys - the daredevils of the mast displays carried out by naval training establishments. Petitions were organised by the local councils, but were unable to sway the Admiralty. The boys descend by sliding down … The award for the Button Boy’s daredevil ascent and, indeed, descent!? She left the establishment on 5 July. [3] Rationing measures nearly produced a mutiny in 1917 but dispersed peacefully. I was a shore in Harwich with my oppos and to get back you had to get the liberty boat at 2330 from the Trinty pier. The mayor was pressured to contact the local Member of Parliament, and also to ask questions of a Government minister. The completion of shore works in 1905 led to the establishment of RNTE Shotley on 4 October. So, we can conclude that it was not a particular event or person which caused the brave Button Boys to become a figure of the past. Brilliant post Nicola. [1], 1906 was a period of considerable changes for the establishment. He injured an ankle during rehearsals and could not scale the 142 feet high mast on the parade ground. Another royal visit came on 12 October when Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester inspected the establishment. H.M.S. Despite initial objections that her layout made her unsuitable for the task, the decision went ahead. Any boy (leisure or official ceremony) who assailed the mast and stood on that 'button' became known as a 'button boy'. Show more. She arrived on 20 March 1866 and was anchored in the Carrick Roads. H.M.S. [3] Hospital facilities had been completed by 1902 and Caroline was refitted at Chatham to serve as an overflow training ship for Ganges, providing accommodation for another 60 boys. She spent two months here before being towed to Harwich by the tug Alligator. The person in question wanted to know a little bit more about the term and when it died out. By the end of 1866 there were 478 boys at the establishment. Every morning in the old wooden walls, the boys had had to climb the ratlines bare-footed, cross 450 boys from HMS Ganges sent to open up a new shore establishment at Gosport, Hampshire, to be called HMS St. Vincent under the command of Captain P L H Noble Boys training squadron which had disbanded in 1914 was re-formed from HMS Marlborough, HMS Emperor of India and HMS Iron Duke, three coal burning battleships. She was established as a boys' training establishment in 1865, and was based aboard a number of hulks before moving ashore. One wardroom steward shot himself over the matter, and the reports aroused indignation in the local community. … On top of the mast is Junior Seaman Alan Ferguson who was the last 'Button Boy' to perform the feat at HMS GANGES. Members who served with HMS Ganges. I have just described the journey and the final gesture of the Button Boy. HMS Ganges Museum is dedicated to the 160,000 boys who went through the gates as boys and marched out as men, from its inception as a Royal Navy Training Establishment in 1905 to its closure in 1976. When did the term die out!? fitting that some Ganges Pages will appear on this Museum web site. The increasing professionalism of the Royal Navy and the reform of practices during the mid-nineteenth century led to the need to establish new training centres at which recruits could be inducted into navy life. A floating dock was also moored nearby for the use of destroyers and submarines. [1] Also that year HMS Ganges, the former HMS Minotaur was renamed HMS Ganges II, and so joined RNTE Shotley in sharing the name. In print it does sound adventurous but when you see it on film you realise that words cannot do it justice! We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience and to help us improve our website. HMS Ganges was a training ship and later stone frigate of the Royal Navy. HMS Caroline was renamed HMS Ganges that month as her replacement. Photocopy of a montage of 3 photographs of a hornpipe display, the Button Boy and a Button Boy's view from the button. The ‘button’ platform is not a vast amount of space, so imagine your feet gingerly ensuring that they do not topple off the edge! In 1975 Ganges was opened to the public for the first time, with Admiral of the Fleet Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma the guest of honour. [3], New building works began in February 1904, and the old HMS Minotaur arrived. [3], By October 1919 HMS Blake briefly became the depot ship for the base. For the purposes of HMS Ganges in later (than 1928) times, the truck was renamed and became known as the 'button'. Royal Navy old style, Ganges Mast was and could be manned at any time, in snow and ice, during the night, c/w pyjamas! On 8 October 1913 HMS Ganges II became an independent command and was based at RNTE Shotley. The list of Captains of the first and second sea going and later HMS Ganges boys training ships at Falmouth and Harwich were drawn up by Commander William H Nicholson the last Captain prior to the renaming of the second HMS Ganges to HMS Tenedos in 1906. HMS Caroline had arrived shortly before Ganges and served as a temporary hospital ship. [2] She then sailed to Sheerness in company with HMS Arrogant. I can also recall above one of the walkways a large carved motto - "Fear God, Honour the King", and I … A number of VIP visits took place, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visited in 1956, First Lord of the Admiralty Lord Carrington visited in 1960 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1961. She was established as a boys' training establishment in 1865, and was based aboard a number of hulks before moving ashore. Mary (Information Assistant - Library). Reply. Sailor of HMS Ganges with monkey mascot, WW1. The Admiralty decided to set aside five old laid up hulks in different ports around the country, and use them as bases at which volunteers aged between 15 and 17 could spend a year being educated for future service in the navy. [1] HMS Ganges continued in service, being used as a centre for 'Hostilities Only New Entry Training'. They were to be trained in seama… HMS Tring was paid off into reserve on 20 October 1925 as an economy measure. She was refitted in Devonport, which involved her keel being scraped. (Me, front right, distracted as usual!). Amongst the Captains should be noted the Hon. [3], It was decided by 1927 that RNTE Shotley would be renamed after the original training ship and she was recommissioned as HMS Ganges that year. [1], From 1914 to 1918, HMS Ganges was commanded by Commodore (later Rear-Admiral) G. C. Cayley. Name/Title. Wellesley's commander, Frederick H. Stevens also came with the boys and became Ganges's commanding officer. Ganges left Harwich in 1903 for Shotley. I salute you! (with my feet firmly on the ground) If you do get some spare time I thoroughly recommend reading both HMS Ganges: Tales of the Trogs and HMS Ganges: Roll on my dozen, both by John Douglas. The increasing professionalism of the Royal Navy and the reform of practices during the mid-nineteenth century led to the need to establish new training centres at which recruits could be inducted into navy life. [3] In September 1913 HMS Ganges (the former HMS Caroline) was renamed HMS Powerful III and left the establishment. In 1907, its famous 143ft (44m)-high training mast was erected on the parade ground for recruits to climb. Ganges training establishment. [3] In 1910 the old HMS Agincourt had been removed to become a coal hulk, leaving only the old HMS Minotaur as Ganges II. One thing eludes me though. HMS Ganges Museum. Queen Elizabeth II sympathises with Junior Seaman Peter Helliwell who should have been 'button boy' during her visit to HMS Ganges at Shotley, Suffolk. Look carefully at the top of the mast and you’ll see a boy sailor saluting, while standing on the button, a wooden disc, about 18 inches in diameter. They had been transferred from the training ship HMS Wellesley, then at Chatham. In 1916 the establishment was bombed by a German Zeppelin. My New Entry Class (Annexe-Tyrwhitt 2 Mess) soon after joining on 9th of February 1954. Ganges Museum is located at Shotley Gate near Ipswich, in what was the Enright Block, on the foreshore of the former H.M.S. Since only active ships bore names at this time, the name HMS Ganges temporarily ceased to exist, but the training establishment at RNTE Shotley continued. Despite these developments, it was decided to move Ganges again, this time to Shotley, in Suffolk. Ganges sailed from Mylor on 27 August 1899. [1] The focus of the establishment now moved to shore based activities, and the capstan, bitts and figureheads were moved from the ships onto the shore. A shilling, according to the Royal Naval Museum, who have been most helpful in my research enquiries. [2] The plan called for an annual intake of 3,500 boys. He was with … HMS GANGES This look at HMS GANGES takes a stroll around what is left at Shotley now, in 2000, but begins with my entering the Royal Navy there in February 1954. I used to sail as bosun’s mate with a bosun who was still proud of having been a button boy on HMS Ganges (the one that climbed to the very top of the mast and stood on the “button” gripping the lightening conductor between his knees to stay upright. One of the hulks chosen to be converted into a school was the old 84-gun second-rate ship of the line HMS Ganges. They were to be trained in seamanship and gunnery, as well as traditional aspects of sea life. Yours faithfully, Keith Davie. A boy stands on the button on the top of the mast to make his salute, and the impressive ceremonial manning of the mast is complete. Object details Category Photographs Related period 1945-1989 (production), 1945-1989 (content) Creator Royal Navy official photographer Catalogue number HU 87137 Part of BRITISH POST-1945 OFFICIAL CLASSIFIED PRINT COLLECTION. It was more a case of the changing face of the Royal Navy and vessels which caused the ‘lightning conductor’ salute to come to an end. HMS Ganges shut many years ago but the mast … [2], During Ganges's time in Cornwall allegations of harsh and brutal treatment were reported to the Admiralty. Now - imagine only having a lightning conductor to hold onto for balance! A new overspill centre was commissioned at Highnam Court, near Gloucester on 28 April 1941, and it was defined as a tender to HMS Ganges. She remained in service at RNTE Shotley until October 1976.[1]. in HMS Collingwood, and when transferred it can be found on this web site https://www.commsmuseum.co.uk. Object associations. Object Type. Patricia van Hartesveldt. [1] She had already spent time as a depot ship for various establishments. HMS Ganges II (the old HMS Minotaur) was towed away in 1922 by the Dutch tug Swartezee and was broken up. Photocopy of a montage of 3 photographs of a hornpipe display, the Button Boy, Junior Wailes, being congratulated by Captain Ash and a Button Boy's view from the button.Taken in 1972. The old HMS Minotaur had been HMS Ganges since 1906, but was renamed HMS Ganges II on 25 April 1908. She remained in service at RNTE Shotley until October 1976. Eventually by the end of the war 60,968 ratings had passed through Ganges. [2], Ganges was occasionally sailed to Devonport to undergo refits. The establishment had become an important part of local life, as in 1870 a rumour began to circulate that Ganges would not return after one such refit. £20,000 had been set aside to build shore based accommodation, and a further £80,000 had been earmarked to cover the future expansion of the facility. Both the Communications Branch. [1] She became the base ship of the establishment during the First World War. [3] It would become a major landmark. [1] On 3 August 1921 the Hunt-class minesweeper HMS Tring became the establishment's tender. Captain Tremlett, the senior officer of training ships, was ordered to investigate the situation and reported that Commander Stevens 'had given punishments which were not laid down in the Training Regulations and had also prevented his ship's company from taking due leave.' One of the wonderful things about working here is being bombarded with questions that wrack the brain and start an ongoing research relationship with the chosen topic. This footage of the Button Boys at HMS Ganges really is both a beautiful and terrifying experience for the senses to behold. Link to this Report. This enquiry came to me via email. I have even borrowed the ear of Royal Navy gentlemen when I have had the opportunity! The button boy is the one at the very top of a mast when ‘manning the mast’ this has not been done since the school leaving age was raised from 15 to 16 in 1973, and the last 15 year olds joined HMS Ganges as boy seamen for a year. [3], The outbreak of the Second World War led to the decision to close HMS Ganges as a boys' training centre. Other wartime activities included the establishment of a trawler base at Ganges II, and the completion of 600 miles (966 km) of anti-submarine nets by boys and staff. Following closure of HMS Ganges the married quarter estate was used by Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel from nearby RAF facilities. [1], Ganges commenced her usual role at Harwich, with Caroline providing medical facilities whilst shore facilities were constructed in the town. This is the mast at HMS Ganges, a Royal Navy boy sailor training establishment, now long closed. As Boy and then a PO Gunnery Instructor At HMS GANGES I often wondered of any fatalities occurred relating to whilst Mast Climbing. The establishment soon regained its former size and importance, continuing to expand its facilities. HMS Ganges was the name given to several Royal Navy ships since from 1779, but in 1905 it was chosen as title for a new training base at Shotley Gate, near Ipswich where about 500 boy recruits were stationed. She had taken on the previous duties from the wooden ship H.M.S. I sat stunned as I watched each lad climb the ropes with precision to get into their designated position, mastering the devil’s elbow and other areas with discipline. My research has taken me from the Caird Library, where I have read extracts from books such as HMS Ganges: Tales of the Trogs (fantastic read), to our electronic resources (we have a Royal Navy links section), and to the Royal Naval Museum itself. Ipswich boy Gwyn Charlton was the button boy for the ceremony in 1965 - he was the first Ipswich lad to be button boy at HMS Ganges. 1st June. [3] In 1968 the Ham-class minesweepers HMS Flintham and HMS Dittisham were attached to Ganges. [1] In 1930 Edward, Prince of Wales visited the establishment. Surprisingly, of the thousands of boys who trained at HMS GANGES in the last 50 years, say from 1950 {58 years ago} making the eldest boys today at younger than 75, less than 4000 are Members of the HMS Ganges Association. Welcome to Forces Reunited the place where you can find information and friends from HMS Ganges. Pros and Cons of Being a Badge Boy (John Nixon) After our initial training in the Annex we were marched over to the main establishment to the sound of the Royal Marines band playing 'congratulations' (the Eurovision song contest entry for the UK in 1967 or '68 - which some of felt was a bit 'corny'). [2] By 1899 the declining number of boys joining Ganges led the Admiralty to decide to move her to a more populated area. Having been refitted to provide accommodation for 500 boys, Ganges was towed to Mylor by the paddle tug Gladiator. Training finished on 16 May 1940 and operations were moved to HMS St George. [1] Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent paid a visit to HMS Ganges on 1 October 1941, and on 31 January 1942 operations at Highnam Court were transferred to HMS Cabbala. Button Boys were still being selected at HMS Ganges training establishment in the 1950s, although conventional Royal Naval vessels had long ceased to have masts at this stage. John was to be the button boy who stood on the top of the mast. BUTTON BOYS AND MAST MANNING H.M.S. She had been named HMS Boscawen in March 1904 whilst at Portland and now arrived to provide further facilities for Ganges. GANGES was the shore training establishment for boy entrants into the Royal Navy from 1905 until 1976. Boys discharged to HMS 'Ganges' as 2nd class boys Twiggy the baby elephant was half an hour late for her appointment to 'tow of the premises', the 47 year old Captain Derek Napper Napper, skipper of HMS Ganges the naval training school at Shotley Suffolk, and found she had been replaced by … He reached the half-moon stage and then climbed the Jacob’s Ladder to the trestletrees, or … In November the establishment received the ex HMS Agincourt, which had been renamed HMS Boscawen III. You can also compare 1922 training with Police use in the 1980's, some 1945 memories and more. HMS GANGES, 1968. Ganges, that in all Boys Training Establishments ‘a mast should be provided to accustom boys to go aloft’. [1] By 1912 Ganges II was being used as an overflow ship as the number of boys in the establishment increased, and she was duly moved closer inshore. I now understand a lot more about the Button Boy’s role and what could motivate him. [2], She put into Devonport on 5 May 1865 and underwent a refit. Confirmation (June/July 1967) 45: R.C. Imagine climbing a mast of approximately 140ft and then climbing a further 15ft up a pole to the top of the mast where a ‘button’ shaped platform awaits you. I understand that in its time 160,000 boys were trained there. HMS Ganges was the name given to several Royal Navy ships since from 1779, but in 1905 it was chosen as title for a new training base at Shotley … We are the largest and fastest growing community of UK forces veterans on the web with over 500,000 members! Associated … HMS Ganges, brings back a few memories as I was in one of the final recruit classes through there in November 1975. Armistice Day was celebrated by a display of mast manning. I would be delighted to hear from you. GANGES; the ship had previously anchored out in the harbour below, at Shotley Gate, on the east coast opposite Harwich. Also on 21 June HMS Boscawen (the old HMS Minotaur) was renamed HMS Ganges as her replacement. [1] HMS Boscawen II (the former HMS Agincourt) was renamed HMS Ganges II. I really liked the story about Shaw and the instructor. The establishment was further swelled by the merging of the pupils of the establishments of HMS Boscawen, HMS St Vincent and HMS Caledonia. View March 13, 2017. This gallery has been set up as a home for images that have not so far been added to the Museums Official Website https://www.hmsgangesmuseum.com/ During Ganges 's commanding officer ] on 3 August 1921 the Hunt-class minesweeper HMS Tring the... 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