American Couple Reacts: Royal Navy: Manning The Mast! FIRST TIME REACTION! This is INTENSE & AMAZING

American Couple Reacts: Royal Navy: Manning The Mast! FIRST TIME REACTION! This is INTENSE & AMAZING!!
If you know us, you know we LOVE the Military! American, British and all our allied troops. This ceremony of Manning The Mast was recommended to us a few months back and we were very excited to see what it is. We had no idea that we were about to watch something so incredible, dangerous, suspenseful and intense! This has literally become easily one of our favorite episodes to date and we are sure it will become one of your favorites as well. Such rich traditions in the United Kingdom that are beyond fun and educational to watch! We would love more recommendations on these types of videos.
Drop a Like if you enjoyed this half as much as us and God Bless the Military! Veterans and Active duty of ALL our allies!
Thanks so much for watching everyone!!
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[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

This has literally become easily one of our favorite episodes to date and we are sure it will become one of your favorites as well. We were honestly on the edge of our seat! Hearts were racing and we were pumped! Drop a Like if you enjoyed this half as much as us and God Bless the Military! Veterans and Active duty of ALL our allies!

[@neilgayleard3842]

The Ganges is a river in India.

[@johnmarsh1273]

Check out royal navy window display.many thanks ladies xx

[@brucewilliams4152]

I know you like military things. Here is the Royal Air force sunset ceremony. Enjoy. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJ2xmqt_e79prc0

[@saltedbunny7610]

There was at one point a bugle battle at the end of the Edinburgh tattoo, remember seeing it one year, best thing I'd seen

[@suegermaine5730]

The top of the mast is 142 feet

[@peterfrazer1943]

I am a 79 year old former Royal Marine and I get tears in my eyes every time I watch this. That young Girl makes me so proud of what the Royal Navy and it's Traditions were at that period of time. As you said, they would never let you do that now and it's something that I think makes us poorer as people and a Nation. My training in 1960 and the ethics that it gave me carried me through my Life and helped me overcome all the hardships I encountered. Why do I cry, who knows, is it for my lost youth, is it seeing something so brave or is it because I know we have lost something precious to us as people. No matter, you enjoyed it and you saw us at our best.

[@Kissameassa538]

Thank you for your service Sir 🇬🇧❤️🫡

[@neil364]

That information is the exact perfect response to what we just watched. Nothing could say it better.

[@raybenstead2548]

You and I are the same age but unlike you I joined the RAF as a boy entrant in May 1960 and served eleven years. What you say about overcoming hardships is perfectly true. One thing though, you would never catch me climbing that mast!

[@keithbainbridge4964]

Hi i live 8 miles from Shotley & ive seen this live when it was still a naval traing school & my father-inlaw did part of his traing there so memories are still with me 👍👍😂😂

[@Plymouth888]

The Button Girl was Nicola Howard, the first and only one. Definitely earned that Tot of Rum.

[@paulbarnes5051]

Tot of rum, whole bottle for me, respect !!

[@AV-fo5de]

@@paulbarnes5051 "Hearts of oak are our ships, Jolly Tars are our men. We always are ready. Steady, boys, steady....." My Grandfather trained on sailing ships and they had to man the shrouds during heavy weather. This is training, as is the gun race.

[@claire6795]

My word amazing lady total respect!!! I get dizzy on a mound !!

[@anthonyleeks561]

@@claire6795😊

[@anthonyleeks561]

Ladies, if you want to see “mast manning” done properly check out HMS Ganges. The mast is 147 feet high. I stood on the button as a 15 year old baby sailor.

[@nosnevets5]

Did you know that Nicola had damaged her arm prior to that climb and had missed all but one of her practice runs and was still registered sick when she made that climb, now that brings a tear to my eye !!!

[@robertshaftoe2566]

So many great British traditions have been lost due to budget cuts. Sooo sad.😢 i am a Falklands war veteran and am proud to have served my country. Always remember our traditions and accomplishments ❤❤

[@joemuir2575]

So true

[@abarratt8869]

I've been up masts like this on a real ship at sea, in cold wet weather, furling sails, etc. It's not for the faint hearted. Those old time mariners were quite something...

[@timglennon6814]

Respect to you.

[@bladeschick1]

Much respect, I'm a cruiser believe me I've seen the sea in bad weather 🙏👏👏👏

[@teecee1567]

@@bladeschick1 LOL no comparison with warships in that weather, but I'm sure you know that.....except maybe Carriers. Cruise ships are anything around 100,000 tonnes whereas the average frigate is around 5000 tonnes... great fun in a "hoolie"!

[@no-oneinparticular7264]

Flipping 'eck. Makes me giddy thinking about that, you are a hero!!. Good old Terra Firma for me, every time. 😂

[@stephensmith4480]

My Father Served in The British Merchant Navy during WW2. He took part in The North Atlantic Convoys going up to Murmansk in Russia. He said that you have to witness Bad Weather at Sea to Appreciate how powerful Nature can be.

[@ronbaird5515]

I was a boy sailor at HMS Ganges in 1964/65 aged 15 years. To pass out every sailor had to climb the mast up to and over the Crows Nest. It was one of the most exhilarating days of my life.

[@bonzodogsbody5882]

I believe that the part one training was also longer back in the day decades ago?

[@peterwhitehead9934]

I was the Button boy ...16yrs of age !

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

Really?! That's incredible!!!! 👏🏻 👏🏻

[@peterwhitehead9934]

@@TheNatashaDebbieShow fifty yrs ago Hms Gangies

[@no-oneinparticular7264]

Impressive, that takes grit!!

[@peterwhitehead9934]

@@no-oneinparticular7264 Didn't have a say in it ..orders ..you think I did it by choice. Ps 20 mph winds too 😳

[@sandraroyce5820]

Just think, that young girl is now a middle aged lady. She'll have some tales to tell her grandchildren

[@daviddouglas6610]

Tears of pride in my eye's 'hearts of oak indeed' 🇬🇧

[@64mickh]

Mine too

[@mikelheron20]

Hi from the UK. My grandfather was a Royal Marine and one thing that used to get him riled up was being referred to as a Marine. He would always say "the Americans have Marines - we have Royal Marines." But you're forgiven. I love your reactions. 😊

[@Creteliz]

Am with you on that one I have and had brothers and nephew in The Royal Marines...Grandfather and Uncles in the Royal Navy we always say Royal Marines or Royal Navy😂

[@bravo060777]

My cousin did this in the early 1990s before he went to his submarine. R.I.P terry parson 😢

[@generaladvance5812]

Rip :(

[@MustaLaatta]

Reguiestat In Pace Terry 💜

[@stuartmcivor2276]

Terry was a friend of mine.

[@andrewphillips3791]

@@stuartmcivor2276 rip terry.

[@bravo060777]

@@stuartmcivor2276 my cousin was a mint bloke he was the 1st person who made me puke in a pub without alcohol 😂

[@brianrodney712]

The button-birl remembered to straighten her cap after she reached terra ferma - just how cool is that !

[@DieyoungDiefast]

My late father got to be 'Button Boy' at HMS Daedalus when he was a 17 year old Boy Seaman. He said it was the proudest moment of his life.

[@cornishmaid9138]

My dad was a WWII navy man too. He was a part of the task force in the South Pacific alongside the Americans against the Japanese. He was on a battleship and was regularly dive-bombed by Japanese kamikaze pilots. He was just 19 years old. Bless him.

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

Your Dad was a HERO!!

[@cornishmaid9138]

@@TheNatashaDebbieShow - Thank you, he was my hero. Your comment lit up my day. 🥰🥰

[@richardhall6034]

My dad was in the navy on escorts on the Russian convoys

[@andrewtongue7084]

My Dad was in the South Pacific too, C M - part of the ship's company on HMS Howe. What ship did your Father serve on - if you know ?

[@cornishmaid9138]

@@andrewtongue7084 - Yes, it was HMS Howe. He’d say, over the years, that when people at home were celebrating VE Day, they were still battling for their lives. He distinctly remembered the sound of the 14” guns constantly firing. Also the close-call incident of a Kamikaze plane hitting the deck and bouncing off into the water. He worked as a radio operator in the war room where he received battle status and enemy position updates and would write the information backwards on a glass screen to be seen by the strategists beyond the screen who stood around a large table top map making decisions and counter decisions. Fascinating stuff. It’s crazy that our fathers shared the same sights, sounds, fears, and comradeship. Small world. 👍

[@frankiebye]

Great reaction as always. We really appreciate your love for the UK. I'd love to see your reaction to Fred Dibnah, the famous English steeplejack. Not military based but I think you'd both enjoy his complete disregard for health & safety 🤣. Stay safe, Love from London 🇬🇧

[@myrescuecats3028]

RIP! Fred.❤

[@ibl19108]

The young lady is Nicola Howard, the 1st female button boy. She was still on sick leave and signed out to do this.

[@hum430]

Sadly we are losing these traditions. Growing up the gun race was my favourite. I think it's important both for the entertainment and pride of/in our armed forces that we try to keep these alive. Also, health and safety wasn't all consuming when I was growing up or even in the 90's as it is now. In some ways for the better as it allowed us to do things which wouldn't be possible now.

[@58jennypenny]

too many things are being stopped now to 'health and safety' soon there'll be nothing left to do.

[@jazmo6662]

Such a shame they don't do the Royal Tournament any more. The Royal Navy Field Gun Competition was the highlight of the show.

[@Puckoon2002]

Manning the mast and the Navel Gun race where stopped; 1, because of the injuries, and 2, those skills were no longer needed in the modern Royal Navy.

[@RockinRedRover]

@@Puckoon2002 I was told the Gun Race was stopped because such a large number of men were spending so much time practising that the shrinking Navy couldn't carry-on working properly with them unavailable for their normal jobs. In other words, was stopped due to cuts in defence budgets. There was never a shortage of men wanting to take part.

[@hildajensen6263]

@@58jennypenny Yeah. Which is ironic. Being in the armed forces isn't about being "safe" is it? It should be about being able to handle dangerous situations. From the looks of it, training for the Field Gun competition was perfect for teaching lessons on cooperation, the balance between precision and speed, and a whole lot of other things.

[@karenblackadder1183]

This is why the Royal Navy is respected around the world. At sea, those masts could from roll from 40° left to 40° right. You still had to climb the mast. The survival of the ship and crew can rest on your shoulders. You have to be able to get up there and out on the yards to furl in the sails during a storm. There were still sailing ships going around Cape Horn in WWl

[@nowhere982]

This is how Britania ruled the waves! Thanks ladies I'm also learning about my own country's history through you.

[@anita6761]

She's not scared, she's emotional, she's proud.

[@aycee2724]

Amazing, I actually got goosebumps when the button girl was saluting right at the top

[@pauldavis6390]

A cousin of mine who fought in the Falklands conflict used to do this and during practice slipped and fell. He caught one of the cross bars and stopped his fall but was deemed too injured to carry on in the Navy. After a medical discharge he went into the police and served for another 2 or 3 decades. I think his injuries were mainly in his back and restricted his ability to carry out his work in the Navy (he was a navigator in a helicopter). He was a good police officer and did several jobs including armed response and VIP protection team (including the Royals).

[@daveturner6006]

Watching this when I was younger convinced me NOT to join the Royal Navy! Instead I joined the Army, being shot at by nutters in NI was a lot safer!

[@mick32156]

I love watching this. I have the deepest respect for those I consider our American cousins. We in the UK do not overtly promote our forces. I am a Falklands veteran and a button boy from 1984. I do not remember how many times I did button boy because for every one public performance were 10 or 20 practice runs. Thankyou for showcasing it X

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

Thank you for your service ❤️ 🙏🏻

[@kimmarievan-ever6599]

Mick can I take this opportunity to thank you for your service. #RESPECT 🇬🇧💞✝️🙏👏👏👏

[@dcallan812]

It is very true and really sad that the Forces here (UK) are just people. You deserve much more respect from us civvies. My dad was drafted into the Green Howards and spent years in the far East. Thank you for your service.

[@rbweston]

I remember watching all these millitary tournaments when I was young and always felt pride in my country and fellow countrymen and women, in what we were able to do. I could never serve myself as the military would never take me, but I can support them in other ways.

[@pompeytid1970]

I love watching American's react to our stuff. Something we take for granted but clearly, it is remiss of us to do so. Thanks ladies for your tribute to all your allies at the front of your video - appreciated.

[@johngardiner6800]

There is an old black and white film of trainee's climbing up the Ganges 240 foot mast. My late father was the button boy on this mast pre war in the late thirties, Henry Huntley John Gardiner.

[@frankparsons1629]

And playing the old Hymn "For Those In Peril On The Sea" - all credit to those sailors!! Fantastic show.

[@Zippy66]

Used to see this at the Royal Tournament. My favourite event after the Field Gun Race

[@traceyjordan9284]

Wow I'm british and I never knew we did this. Amazing

[@geoffpoole483]

Watch John Noakes from Blue Peter climb the mast at HMS Ganges.

[@teecee1567]

This channel is fantastic. The ladies are real Anglophiles and have showcased the BEST of the British military. I really would recommend all their other stuff on here.

[@davidhoward5392]

It was done on a regular basis at HMS Ganges a new entry training establishment at Shotley Gate, nr Ipswich, the mast was much larger than this one.

[@stephensmith4480]

@@teecee1567 I second that 👍

[@Durgesuth]

@@geoffpoole483 I’ve watched that and it’s terrifying…. Also another toe curler is Fred Dibnah climbing and laddering a chimney stack in the 1980s

[@TenCapQuesada]

Perhaps you should watch a video of Fred Dibnah, steeplejack. He was totally fearless and it would make your heart shrivel!

[@toadmeister1964]

I remember being taken to HMS Ganges as a kid to watch the mast manning ceremony. Very impressive indeed. The button was about the size of a dinner plate. The button boy was traditionally the youngest recruit at Ganges, usually about 15 years old at the time I got to see it about 1970.

[@william6682]

This proves that girls can do anything that boys can.Respect.

[@williamnorton7697]

Just watched your video. As a veteran of Her late Majesty's Royal Navy may I say you two patriotic girls crack me up? For all the best reasons. Your politeness, interest, and wonder at our bonkers British armed forces traditions makes me love your channel, you charmers. Also it reminds me of serving with your fellow countrymen and women around the world, and the most especial hospitality I was shewn in The United States every single time I was there. Just because I was a sailor in The Royal Navy I was treated like I was the King. Undeserved, but very welcome to a lad far from home. Always felt safer, in uniform, in the States than anywhere else on earth. And most appreciated. Including Britain. Regards. Your's Aye, William.

[@oopsdidItypethatoutloud]

My dad was in the Royal Navy and loved this. The 1st time I saw it, I must have been 7 or 8 and my 1st thought was, whats the fuss about... sailors do that at sea. Then he pointed out they are kids.. then I watched them going higher, them the crazy person went to the top and I was almost shaking with fear for them... a moment as a child I'll never forget ❤ from Northeast England ❤️

[@carolineb3527]

Haha, I could hear my father laughing as I watched that. He joined the Royal Navy in 1912 as a "boy sailor" - he was fifteen. They put the group of boy recruits on to a fully-rigged sailing ship used for training and took them a mile offshore. Then they sent them up the rigging. They didn't let them come all the way down - at some point they had to jump. Which meant diving off the rigging, clear off the ship and into the sea. And then, drum roll, they had to swim to shore. Couldn't dive? You learned. Couldn't swim? Start moving your legs. My dad was a boy from inner London; he had barely seen the Thames let alone the sea. He became a champion diver. And, to add to that, he became a signaller - in other words, he often had to climb round, through, and up the rigging to post message flags when the fleet was at sea. He did that at the Battle of Jutland, in the freezing North Sea, some of the roughest seas in the world. He became a Chief Yeoman of Signals and served 25 years - and he made darn sure that all of his children could swim.

[@lorraineyoung102]

I've listened to many dits (tales of naval experiences) over the years from 3 generations of family who served in the RN but this is something I have not heard of before and I found your father's story fascinating. Thank you for sharing it!😁 I think they used to call this character building in the RN 🇬🇧 and it's sounds as though your dad had that in spades!

[@stephanstreet2160]

My brother in law was button boy over 55 years ago. It’s a very impressive honour and thing to do. I couldn’t do it that’s for sure. Thanks for a great reaction both of you

[@angefitzpatrick]

My uncle did this when he was at HMS Ganges, it was the traditional passing out activity. My grandparents travelled all the way from Scotland and my Gran saw none of it- she watched the whole thing with her hands over her eyes!

[@bernadinejones1278]

I did this in 1977 for the late queen’s jubilee my place was mission 6, (the back mast of 3 on a ship) at sea coming into Brest (France). Just a side note this was also done from church steeples in England as late as 1913 on national holidays. The navy greeting is “harts of oak”. (Which is also the name of the navy’s anthem)

[@colinhawes1907]

Putting in an 'anchor' for the rope the 'button boy (gal)' slides down. They recieved a 'tot of rum' at the end.

[@roystonvasey5471]

First time I have seen a Button Gal. Utmost respect.

[@Chris-vr1eb]

The "Blue Peter mast manning" by the BBC is a great example of of this event. It's performed by 16 & 17 yearold naval recruits with a legendary British childrens presenter John Noakes. It has commentary with it. Prepare to be scared.

[@peterjackson4763]

The bit where they climb upside down is amazing

[@suerobinson2381]

I really miss seeing this on the TV and the field gun race. It brought back happy memories. It made us so proud of our armed services. I loved the history that went with these events.

[@ernieeade]

Her name is Nicola Howard , Look at any video of the Mast At HMS Ganges which is considerably taller than this one .

[@eh-i1841]

Imagine this,on a stormy sea.

[@stuartburns7926]

Your foot tapping tune is “Heart of Oak” which is the Navy’s marching tune. They also use that tune to March on to the gun race 😀

[@viviennerose6858]

That last-ish song they are playing was one of my favourite hymns we used to sing in assembly, held everyday at the beginning of school. Its very appropriate as its name is 'For Those In Peril On The Sea'

[@linmorell1813]

It’s one of my favourite hymns too.

[@64mickh]

I’m ex RAF, and I have nothing but admiration for all branches of our military.

[@terencecarroll1812]

It's pegged in to be realistic because at sea it would be rocking all over the place

[@joannetyndall3625]

I'm chuckling coz I was stood on a chair cleaning the tops of the kitchen units yesterday and bricking it(aka panicking)every time it wobbled x

[@anneaylmer1655]

I live 1/2 mile from both Daedalus, and what was Ganges. My brother in law was once button boy at Ganges, a great honour. This was usually done at sea, so you would have a lot of wind. Imagine a boat swaying in wind, and the 'sails had to be unfurled. This still has to be done on 'tall ships'. Imagine this being done at the Battle of Trafalgar. This is traditional and goes back to 1500s. Bravo young lady!!!

[@paulking7765]

I actually went through HMS Ganges late in 1975 (it closed down in 1976) the mast there was bigger than the one shown I managed to get to the first spar but that was as far as my legs would let me go they just said no, no NO! Its also probably why I decided to go to submarines as I figured out I dont like heights. The mast as HMS Ganges is currently being restored (as an item of British heritage) and should be restored to its former glory but without any access to its heights as its the centre piece of a housing project (you can search for videos on its restoration if you wish) there was also a children's tv show called Blue Peter (the flag that is flown just before a ship sets sail) and one of the presenters actually went up the mast at Ganges (he didnt make it to the button though) so I suggest you search for John Noakes, Blue Peter, HMS Ganges mast and you may get to see that one. Loving the work your doing keep it up .

[@janemuir3269]

I used to see them practicing this when I worked in a naval establishment in the 90's. It was amazing!

[@pault2461]

Give Fred Dibnah a look, a northern England steeplejack. You will definitely hold your breathe!

[@martingibbs1179]

The mast at Shotley was taken down earlier this year for refurbishment as the housing estate that is being built on this site has agreed to keep the mast as a historic landmark to represent the history of the site.

[@fredwalsh4095]

I joined HMS Ganges in 1961 at age 15, which had a mast of 147'high, and every new entry had to climb the mast in the first 6 weeks up to the Half Moon level, which was 95' refusal meant dismissal from the service. I never saw anyone refuse. There are videos on KZbin, just type in HMS Ganges it is far more spectacular than this modern-day one.. plus, it is accompanied by a RM band. Check it out.

[@titchs9098]

I miss these traditions and should bring these all back. Though you wouldn’t catch me doing that for £1m! Massive respect!

[@lisay.1042]

"Ya. Um. YIKES!", that says everything. Great video.

[@trevormappley]

I forgot all about that thanks for reminding me Natasha & Debbie I wished they had kept that tradition

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

We loved it!! Thanks so much for watching ❤️

[@rogerdavis5914]

You should check out Fred Dibner if you haven't already British steeplejack climbing a chimney. We'll worth a look

[@myelvischannel1992]

Love the expressions on your faces while watching it 👍

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

We were FREAKING OUT!!

[@tanyatonner5158]

So so proud of our military capabilities outstanding im so teary eyed with emotion! They are just Awesome 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@truckerfromreno]

That was totally amazing. What a brilliant piece of history, tradition and bravery.

[@katydaniels508]

Wow! I’ve never seen this before. From a distance, you don’t know it’s people! 🤯

[@davidbugler4597]

Admiral Cunningham said, I think, 'It takes three years to build a ship. It takes three hundred years to build a tradition.' Things like manning the mast have been what it takes to make the Royal Navy, as you say, 'badass.' The British Army is like this too, but the Royal Navy is more showy about it. My late father was RN in the Korean War and after, and I am immensely proud of that.

[@chrisbranchett4586]

My husband did h.m.s ganges in the 60s , and he climbed this mast many times ! The royal navy were truly tough then !

[@Healthhazard43]

My father joined the Royal navy in 1956, he told me that during his training if anyone messed up they had to run up the mast and down the other side with their mattress strapped to their back. If they took too long they had to run it again! He was 14 yrs old when he joined up!!

[@lorraineyoung102]

My goodness they were harsh back in the day weren't they!

[@Healthhazard43]

@@lorraineyoung102 lol. I was made to to crawl around the parade square three times as an army recruit because I walked across it as a short cut. I was then put on a charge because I scuffed my boots and had to run around it one hundred times! Good times lol. I made sure I never got caught doing it again :)

[@lorraineyoung102]

@@Healthhazard43 Love how you sum it up as good times. My hubby recites similar stories with the same fondness! 😁

[@Healthhazard43]

@@lorraineyoung102 Yes. I was brought up with the phrases "every action has a consequence" and "if you do the crime, be prepared to do the time". I loved every minute of my time in the army, even the bad bits.

[@lorraineyoung102]

@@Healthhazard43 Absolutely agree! 😁

[@philipplace9990]

I love this! Even though five rungs up a ladder is a white-knuckle ride for me!!! Another one for your list is "The Tall Ships Race" I'm pretty sure some nations still do this when entering harbour. I saw this done on a Swedish 4-master when it arrived in Liverpool years ago, very very impressive! Great video...

[@colrhodes377]

The music is Hearts of oak. Even now after many years it still stirs my soul!

[@elinstar6034]

Aww, they're playing 'For those in peril on the sea'. Old old seafarers hymn.

[@paulnightingale7938]

The content just keeps getting better and better another awesome episode thanks girls keep up the good work

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

Thank you Paul!! ❤️

[@catherinewilkins2760]

As an island nation, many went to sea, various training schools, Royal and Merchant Navy. Many no longer exist. Best to "learn the ropes" as soon as possible. The Royal Navy hand salute is different to the other military, they don't show the palm of their hand.

[@iankinver1170]

A bloke I know was in the gun race years ago. He saw his mate lose a finger between two heavy bits of kit. So he picked it up, tucked it into his boot and took it home to frighten his wife. His mate didn't want it any more. Navy humour eh! True story by the way.

[@philipcable7518]

Apparently he lost one of the pins that held the carriage wheel on. So rather than force his team to have to retire he sacrificed his little finger (an urban legend I doubt it's true).

[@lindahiggins7618]

Just found your channel. You girls are amazing. Get a real warmth from you both. Lin. From Kintyre Scotland.xx

[@timranachan3224]

If you are so fond of heights, check Fred Dibnah, Yorkshire steeplejack. His video, climbing out around a protrusion up a massive tower is incredibly impressive. Until you realise that someone had to affix the ladders first. Guess who did that? Watch it girls. You'll be amazed.

[@KevanJones1971]

Lancashire, Bolton (Now Greater Manchester) not Yorkshire mate

[@timranachan3224]

@@KevanJones1971 Of course he's a Lancastrian. What was I thinking? Sorry buddy all I can say in my defence is I'm Scottish🙄

[@fionaduval6764]

I watched The Royal Tournament on TV every year and saw this a couple of times. Thank you so much for reviewing this old footage, it has brought back many happy memories. More of this would be most welcome :-) x

[@jackchisnall9316]

At least if you're up the mast at sea and the ship is rocking from side to side then you fell you have a chance of landing in the sea!!!

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

Good point!

[@stevenmontgomery8117]

I did this at H.M.S Ganges in 72 when I was 15😊

[@janetdear6429]

Morning ladies, so glad you got on this one. Check out the white helmets motorcycle display team, they will blow your mind. Another great video thanks 💖😁

[@hughgordon6435]

Ladies , please remember in the origional "Ganges" mast the button boy did a headstand!😅

[@raytalbot5890]

My brother went to HMS Ganges when he joined the navy in 1971 (back then boys joined the navy age 15, boy sailors until they were 18 when they then started the navy as a adult) as his last posting he went back to Ganges as the shore base was shutting down, he was in the last ships company. 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@sandramann1387]

I live near Shotley Gate and although the site shut down many years ago the mast and rigging is still there. Sadly a bit shabby and rust spots showing through the white paint but still standing tall.

[@vedelcarby773]

Watching you all the way from London ( England) 🇬🇧

[@michael_177]

You know what, this is actually new to me and I didn't know about it lol. Could have sworn that maybe I'd heard about it? But certainly never seen it like this, so thank you ladies 😁

[@johnmeadows9943]

I was born in Lowestoft Suffolk not many miles from HMS Ganges. My cousin joined the Royal Navy aged 15 in 1961. We have a proud maritime history in Lowestoft, my grandpa served in the Navy WW1&2. My other grandpa died on a fishing boat sunk by a German Uboat, 1916 WW1! Love from the UK and love your videos. Xx

[@robn71]

Remember watching these displays when I was younger and seeing your faces was priceless 🙈😀

[@davebox588]

Most of these songs were of military origin, but the one that moved me was "for those in peril on the sea" a hymn to all sailors.

[@niftygnouf]

Awesome video as always. I live near Portsmouth, famous for its naval history. I pass a navy training base on my way to work, and see them out training in all weathers. And I believe they have a mast like this, although maybe not as high, and they still climb. I guess it builds stamina. 😱🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@omukambisi]

The final mast manning by RN students at Portsmouth was to celebrate VJ day anniversary in 1995. The most famous such display used to be at the cadet school HMS Ganges, but this was ended in the 70s. Over a dozen cadets had died presenting the display over the years. Still continuing, however, is the dramatic Naval window display, presented at Portsmouth.

[@skullcompco]

Just love these two ladies....your love of our traditions etc is really heartwarming...long may your videos continue...thank you.

[@philipemery5503]

I joined the Royal Navy in 1965 and one of our training requirements was to climb a mast up to the crows nest level but go up over what was called the devils elbow. If you. Thought you might not make it over the elbow there was an easier climb through it. These mast climbs made you mentally and physically stronger when you consider we were mostly 15 year olds

[@mancitypj]

I love your content. It's so different to anything out there.

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

Thank you! We really try hard to have a variety and quality over quantity

[@cheekymonkey666]

the US like the UK still man the ships, It's called "Manning the rail" Not only carriers but all ships do this. It is usually done when leaving and returning from a major deployment. you see them stand on the edge of a aircraft carrier, there are no masts to climb, as with most modern ships.

[@wendyfield7708]

It is still done for special shows.

[@orangev81]

I used to put up all of the rigging for the Royal Tournament in London. At 05:00hrs sharp, the gun crews would march out to practice the run...the biggest bloke would have the cannon over his shoulder and the two behind would each have a wheel. Every single one of them were missing fingers as instead of wasting time banging a spigot in the axle hole they would just stick a finger in and lean against the wheel while racing. My father was present in the 70's when the figure of 8 was performed and two of the teams collided...four horses tried to jump over and failed, the limber with two persons followed and went over with the cannon landing on them in front of an audience of 14,000. Four people and eight horses killed and they treated the horses first, my father asked why are the not treating the soldiers first and the answer was "they are obviously dead, and it costs more money to train a horse"

[@hildajensen6263]

When I see this I'm always reminded of the stories my grandfather told about his. He spent his whole working life on merchant ships, and his "old grumpy man tales" where how these new things with their dirty engines weren't real ship and how no one who couldn't man a mast should be allowed to call themselves a sailor. So a hundred years ago, my great great grandfather was complaining how the young where going soft and didn't know anything. It's kinda nice that some thing don't seem to change.

[@vaudevillian7]

We were at sea in one knot off a hurricane 3 years ago today, we were supposed to be sailing to France in a square-rigged (traditional) tall ship to commemorate the D-Day Landings but we couldn’t make it as the weather was too bad. We still managed to raise a good amount of money for the veteran’s charity SSAFA. One of our volunteer crew was a former button boy and another had been part of the field gun competition for Portsmouth. Good memories of a week at sea with them all. Thanks for the great reaction as always Kieran

[@DeannaNichols-b3v]

RESPECT, absolutely brilliant,

[@mirandahotspring4019]

There was an encounter at sea back in the 1990s I think where a British warship came within sight of an American warship. The captain of the American ship called up the British ship on the radio and jokingly asked, "What's it like to be the second biggest navy in the world?" The British captain replied, "Fine thank you. What's it like to be the second best navy in the world?"

[@rossmansell5877]

.....and thats as old as I am and I am 90....🤣

[@leemackie8434]

You should look at footage from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺 in 1988 the Tall ship’s coming in that day were amazing 💗👏🇦🇺👍

[@andrewphillips3791]

Thank you both.