De-Rigging Ceremony at HMS Ganges (Barrelmans Point)

[@frankjones9024]

I was there in 1974, a young man from rural North Wales, and it was tough. Our PO instructor told me the mast was 146ft 9inches. I climbed to the top crosstree but the last 10ft to the button was a bare pole, and my courage failed. One of my class, a mad Jock, climbed to the button, and stood there laughing. It all goes in the log book my hearties. Shipmate Frank in Bristol.

[@judynpeterjones3307]

I was there in '63, November, 15 years old! Happy days!

[@MelanieJolie]

I was there from 1964 to 1970 as my father was a member of the RM band…happy memories of a wonderful childhood 😊

[@andywilliams2237]

The HMS Ganges mast has now been completely renovated and replaced - great to see the return of such an iconic landmark and hats off to Wavensmere for prioritising its restoration. It is a fitting monument to the 160,000 Boys who trained at HMS Ganges and served in the Royal Navy. There is a museum at Shotley Gate dedicated the history of the establishment - details can be found online.

[@068694]

I was there 1962 as a sprog, great to see the once mast of HMS Cordelia replaced to past glory .

[@juliewillcox3398]

I remember those days very well.Those days were the best times, felt really proud.

[@paulhill1665]

I was there in 1974, just the 6 week version, a few years later I was on the same ship as the very last button boy, Ian Ferguson, I can remember him appearing on blue peter

[@annetteboyle7518]

My Husband was there ,so sad to see he told me of Ganges may he Rip I was so proud of him

[@richardhewitt1648]

Love to you Annette. You have every right to be proud of your husband. They were men despite their years. I was only in the sea cadets at SCC Swiftsure but still phone call my best mate who was then my best man. Bonds that tie us. Now Ric from Oz. 👦🇦🇺👍😎

[@kelvinjutemills]

Benbow 1957. Horrible to see mine, and others past, disappearing before our very eyes.!!

[@bahoonies]

@kelvinjutemills You'll be glad to know that the famous HMS Ganges mast is currently being restored in Nelson Hall and will be reinstated in its original position on completion. I've just watched a video about it on this channel.

[@patrickboland6102]

I learned a helluva lot there.

[@keithg7254]

the mast shoud NEVER have been allowed to get to that condition in the first place!!!!,my father was popti there late 60s to early 70's and we lived in battery cottages top end of the new entry annex fields

[@8ballphil150]

i was there in 72/73 . probably knew your dad . the pti where buggers lol.

[@philreading3836]

Joined Nov 1962 54 recruitment annexe Leopard mess CPO Routledge then Frobisher division Benbow 33 mess CPO Westworth some awful times but also good ones proud to be Ganges boy

[@jangreen5618]

My brother Gerald Evison went to HMS Ganges.

[@judynpeterjones3307]

What year?

[@bobchamberlain6184]

So you had plenty of time and money to maintain the original mast, as legally you should have as its grade 2 listed, now its a selling point, though its basically a new mast, not good enough really is it

[@Cxwl9]

That mast should have been looked after and left in place as part of our heritage shame on the government for not looking after it

[@bobchamberlain6184]

Well said