Maritime History > Harbours and Dockyards

Chatham Dockyard Navy Days

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castle261:
I put this out on the old site.

While prepairing for Navy Days - a Frigate moored in No 3 Basin was to demonstrate the power
of its - three barrel Mortar - the day before it opened. BANG, BANG, BANG, all three together -
The mortar bombs were supposed to land in the Basin by the store ship base. They landed
missing the Basin - they came crashing down - where the store ships usually berth.
A hurried council took place aboard the Frigate - a re-alignment of the mortars was now needed.
The next day the mortars fired safely into the Basin - (no one was injured)

Lyn L:
I should have said in my post that both Bob and his brother were at HMS Ganges, Bob in 1958/59  so was just coming up to 16 yrs of age then. Don't think his brother ever went up the top though. We did visit  years later just before it was all change there, the poor old mast was in a state then sadly. Both went into mens service in the RN, as did their older brother , Father and maternal Grandad.
My family were a bit of a mix, Dad was RAMC, older brother Royal Marine band, and my other one Fleet Air Arm.

Dave Smith:
 jimaw. It makes me cringe to see that lad standing-in a wind!- on top of that mast. Nerves of steel. Lyn, you must have been proud when you knew what hubby had been & what that entailed? Johnf.I would have been at that Navy Day in 1935. I think everyone who worked in the Yard, like my Dad, went. I particularly remember the biplane coming over & dropping flour bombs on a ship in the basin that was firing its anti aircraft gun- much noise & smoke. Definitely the Royal Marine's band in white pith helmets & webbing plus gleaming brass instruments, made the day. Ah, "Bob a Job Week" brings back more memories.

Lyn L:
I have to say that is the exact mast at Shotley, that late hubby Bob was button boy. He and his younger brother were both at the Royal Hospital School in the late 50s.
Bob told me that if he was really fed up on a Sunday afternoon, he would climb back to the button on the top of the mast  all 12 " of it !
So glad I never saw him actually doing it though.

jimawilliams:
The term Button Boy was one that I had not heard of before. 
See

An impressive display that i am sure would have marvelled you as a youngster.

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