General Topics
Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2021 6:13 pm
The HMS Ganges Museum
Today, as we remember HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh on the sad day of his funeral, HMS Ganges Museum is pleased to share a photograph from its 1973 collection.
On that day the iconic 142ft Ganges Mast featured strongly by becoming fully manned by the trainees during the traditional ceremony which the Duke of Edinburgh was present to witness, as shown in our photograph.
Just a few years earlier, a young Ray Lester had the honour to be the Button Boy. In a recent Facebook post he shared these words with us:
“As an ex Button Boy (1968) I, along with other ex Button Boys, were invited back to HMS Ganges in 1973 for the last ever Ceremonial Mast Manning at Shotley. Prince Philip was the VIP taking the salute and presenting the the Crown Piece. On completion we were introduced to Prince Philip and I was honoured to shake his hand and for him to say to me 'Well Done' “
The HMS Ganges lads continue to be proud of their association with Prince Philip and would wish to join with the Museum Trustees to say, "Fair winds, calm seas and a safe harbour. Rest easy old friend, your duty's done. We have the watch."
Click on the link to view an earlier mast manning ceremony (1965) which reflects the skill and bravery needed by these very young men who strived to complete their task to the very highest standards.
See:
https://www.facebook.com/HMSGangesMuseu ... 3967701064
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v6uuyREePs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFmujuu6WM4
Today, as we remember HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh on the sad day of his funeral, HMS Ganges Museum is pleased to share a photograph from its 1973 collection.
On that day the iconic 142ft Ganges Mast featured strongly by becoming fully manned by the trainees during the traditional ceremony which the Duke of Edinburgh was present to witness, as shown in our photograph.
Just a few years earlier, a young Ray Lester had the honour to be the Button Boy. In a recent Facebook post he shared these words with us:
“As an ex Button Boy (1968) I, along with other ex Button Boys, were invited back to HMS Ganges in 1973 for the last ever Ceremonial Mast Manning at Shotley. Prince Philip was the VIP taking the salute and presenting the the Crown Piece. On completion we were introduced to Prince Philip and I was honoured to shake his hand and for him to say to me 'Well Done' “
The HMS Ganges lads continue to be proud of their association with Prince Philip and would wish to join with the Museum Trustees to say, "Fair winds, calm seas and a safe harbour. Rest easy old friend, your duty's done. We have the watch."
Click on the link to view an earlier mast manning ceremony (1965) which reflects the skill and bravery needed by these very young men who strived to complete their task to the very highest standards.
See:
https://www.facebook.com/HMSGangesMuseu ... 3967701064
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v6uuyREePs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFmujuu6WM4