Lewin of Greenwich Naval History & Forum

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

BOOKS ABOUT GANGES:

Ganges, albeit for training HOs, is vividly described in Godfrey Winn's "Home from Sea" and John Davies' "Stone Frigate".
Both long out of print but worth looking for on line.

Godfrey Winn easily found https://www.abebooks.co.uk/book-search/ ... -from-sea/ , John Davies more difficult.

Size matters as Shotley Marina's extra 10 inches will benefit Ganges Museum in new look Victory House

See: https://shotleypeninsula.nub.news/n/sho ... RjorzRPrLI

Gin Pennant is hoisted this day ..... Tis 69 years this day that this lad walked thru the hallowed gates at Shotely to begin the next twentyfive years

DaveH wrote: ↑Thu Mar 17, 2022 12:07 pm Gin Pennant is hoisted this day ..... Tis 69 years this day that this lad walked thru the hallowed gates at Shotely to begin the next twentyfive years

Happy Anniversary Dave. Up spirits and splice the mainbrace. Free gangway is now open.


Jim

DaveH wrote: ↑Thu Mar 17, 2022 12:07 pm Gin Pennant is hoisted this day ..... Tis 69 years this day that this lad walked thru the hallowed gates at Shotely to begin the next twentyfive years

'Nozzer'

Thanks Jim & Dave . Seems like yesterday and would I do it all over again ........ You bet yer butt I would but not in todays Navy .

Nice comment from the Old Man of the Sea [Pelican]

DaveH wrote: ↑Thu Mar 17, 2022 12:07 pm Gin Pennant is hoisted this day ..... Tis 69 years this day that this lad walked thru the hallowed gates at Shotely to begin the next twentyfive years

Dave you would soon find your feet in today's Mob as a R.R.C.D.O. [Radio Remote Controlled Drone Operator]

Ganges - try this link for 11 photos from Thomas Martin R. Hyde of your date:
https://pbase.com/hms_ganges_museum/image/171056719
Or go to - https://pbase.com/hms_ganges_museum - Search instructions, Ctrl F, at top of pages.

We have not got any of your photos ~ yet?

The HMS Ganges Museum

EASTER OPENING - 2024 SEASON
Hello everyone, please note the Museum will open for our 2024 Season on *** SATURDAY 30th and SUNDAY 31st MARCH*** over the Easter Weekend.
We will be closed for Good Friday and Bank Holiday Monday.
Also please note slightly different open times.
11AM to 4PM with Last Entry at 3:30PM
Going forward we very much hope to be opening regularly on Saturdays and Sundays but will no longer be able to open on Bank Holidays.
Thank You For Your Support