chatham dockyard old apprentices

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[35] In 1968, a nuclear submarine refitting complex was built between Nos 6 and 7 dry docks, complete with refuelling cranes and health physics building. RMG48F6T - Second year apprentices of Babcock Royal Dockyard in Rosyth (l/r) Craig Miller, Leona Reid, Eileen Mallan and Eric Axford, hold aloft the new budget box (right) which they made for their local MP Gordon Brown, and the old Gladstonian case favoured by just about every one of his predecessors since the 1860, at the Treasury today (Weds). The project also includes ADM 354 and ADM 359; these records are at the National Maritime Museum. The father-of-three, who lives with wife Jenny in Hoo, went into the building trade and kept in contact with a couple of the group. It was completed in 1903. Brewer: August 1980 August 1982. She said plans to upgrade her garden, part of her retirement after 38 years in the NHS, have now been put on hold, People with these 57 health conditions can get more than 400 a month from DWP, The support is available to millions of people, Plymouth Civic Square improvements are starting to take shape. It was used to house the, No 1 Boiler Shop and No 8 Machine Shop were originally built as slip covers at, Dock Pumping Station 1874: as well as serving to empty dry docks 58 when required, its. This information will help us make improvements to the website. Another top story for the boys is the countless times in 1960s and 70s when their friend would randomly phone a phone box on the site, says Keith Dowrick, 82 from Keyham. But he's having a problem tracking down the class from 1960 when 13 of them embarked on a five-year course, which for many of them moulded their lives in years to come. Most significantly, Chatham's first dry dock was opened in 1581 (for repairing naval galleys). Some dockyards have changed their name so you may need to search using the alternative names or the dockyard locations provided in above and in the appendix (you can also browse seriesADM 42 to get an idea of what dockyards are covered by the records). Additionally required were the blockmakers, caulkers, pitch-heaters, blacksmiths, joiners and carpenters, sail makers, riggers, and ropemakers (274), as well as bricklayers, labourers and others. North Mast Pond, 1702. )[119], A plan of 1704 shows (from north to south) a long Storehouse parallel to the river, the Storekeeper's house (the Storekeeper was the senior officer of the Yard) and a pair of Carriage Stores. The barracks were set to close in 1961 when the majority of naval personnel were withdrawn from Chatham;[142] however, it went on to serve instead as the RN Supply and Secretariat School in succession to HMSCeres, before finally being closed along with the Dockyard in 1984. But he said without helping me out in the garage ripping out engines, he wouldnt have a clue.. The decision established Chatham as the country's premier naval industrial complex; nevertheless, concerns were already being raised over its river being prone to silting. Pembroke Royal Navy who died 18/04/1918 GILLINGHAM (WOODLANDS) CEMETERY, KENT United Kingdom ' If you walk into the Union Rooms on a Friday afternoon you'll meet all manner of people. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. [19], Seeking to alleviate this less-than-satisfactory situation, the Navy Board explored options for developing a shore facility with direct access from the open water of the Thames Estuary. Bob recalls: In the second year we were given the job of building the Dockyard entry for the 1965 Southsea Carnival which was based on the old woman who lived in a shoe.. Documents are usually arranged by yard, so for most searches it is vital to know the name of the yard where the person worked. There was an annual intake of some 300 boys between 15 and 16 years old in two intakes September and January. dailyinfo[3]=' 3747 Flight Serjeant Reginald Tom PARRY Air Force Medal 15th Aircraft Acceptance Park Royal Air Force who died 03/05/1919 WELSH NEWTON (ST. MARY) CHURCHYARD United Kingdom ' The group would welcome any recorder from the Dockyard who would like to join the group. [141], The Naval Barracks (later HMS Pembroke) opened in 1902; prior to this, most Naval (as opposed to Dockyard) personnel were accommodated on board their ships or on hulks moored nearby. These are the first standardised industrial buildings. In the years of peace after 1815 Chatham continued to serve as a major embarkation port for troops serving overseas. At the time the order was given the vessel was entirely unrigged; yet the masts were raised, sails bent, anchors and cables on board, in that time.[3]. From projects focused on Dockyard workers to the tragedies suffered during the First World War, we are building up a picture of the role and impact the Dockyard has had over four hundred years. When Achilles, for example, had been completed and floated out of dry dock, she spent almost a year moored in Gillingham Reach, where not only her engines, boilers, funnels and a 2.5-long-ton (2.54t) propeller, but also masts, sails, rigging, guns, coal, food, ammunition and furnishings were either loaded or installed. [47] St Mary's Island, a 150-acre (0.61km2), largely undeveloped area to the north of the three basins, was transformed into a residential community for some 1,500 homes. Each has an 18th-century, Main gatehouse 1722, designed by the master shipwright in the style of. Archives, Open Government Licence Diamond, one of the Navy's Daring Class Destroyers which was in Dry Dock in one of the Basins. From projects focused on . The boys even achieved ISMs, Imperial Service Medals - but what really stays in their memories, they say, is the 'camaraderie' and the laughter. Remembered Today: But he likes to remember the time he bet a colleague 1 to jump in the water wearing the sacks. [20], At the same time, moves were being made towards the application of steam power to ship propulsion. Published 12th Mar 2018, 19:00 BST - 2 min read. Almost Full. In 1812 the Royal Engineers Establishment was founded within the barracks to provide instruction in military engineering. Historic Dockyard Chatham | Chatham - Facebook Canadian Infantry who died 07/05/1917 VIMY MEMORIAL France ' It remained thus until 1958 when the yards were closed (the Army depot having served latterly as an atomic weapons research laboratory). Do you know of any detailed records of casualties passing through Chatham RNH. [131], During the Napoleonic Wars large numbers of troops were concentrated at Chatham Lines to counter the threat of a French invasion. [127] Built on sloping ground east of the Dockyard, the rectangular site (enclosed within its own perimeter wall) consisted of a 'Lower Barracks' with accommodation for the soldiers and 'Upper Barracks' (later known as 'The Terrace') which housed the officers; between the two was a large parade ground. Subscribe now for regular news, updates and priority booking for events.Sign up, All content is available under the Open Government Licence Chatham Dockyard ledgers: employees, apprentices, etc Chatham Dockyard was a Royal Navy Dockyard located on the River Medway in Kent. Apprenticeship Home Poland, 5 September 1950 May 1951, Rear-Admiral John Y. Thompson: October 1958 February 1961, Rear-Admiral I.William T. Beloe: February 1961 December 1963, Rear-Admiral George M.K. [18], One of the disadvantages of Chatham (and also of the Thames-side yards) was their relative inaccessibility for ships at sea (including those anchored in The Nore). Mr Elgar, 66, who lives in Hoo St Werburgh, was transferred to the naval base at Devenport after the Chatham closure in March 1984. Terry Hoare at home in 1963 during his apprenticeship at Chatham Dockyard. We regret that The Historic Dockyard Chatham is unable to carry out personal research on your behalf. Amusingly, they rigged the draw, Keith says, so their friend would win. Apprenticeships in HM Royal Naval Dockyard, Chatham. Ten new community-led, affordable homes for local people. It was 50 years ago these former Chatham Dockyard apprentices met for the first time. Some Great War periods covered in these newly-transcribed records: https://thedockyard.co.uk/the-collections/ledgers/. var daym=mydate.getDate() dailyinfo[8]=' 1473 Private Arthur EDDINGTON 1st/13th Kensington Bn. My Grandad had already retired by the time the Dockyard was due to close, but I remember me, my mum and dad going down to Devenport to see the Dockyard there as my dad was thinking of relocating us down there. This aerial photograph shows the dry docks at Chatham Dockyard. If either yourself, a friend or relative has a story they would like to share with us, we would love to hear it. He says: When Victory unfortunately lost its licence those of us who were still part of the broadcasting team decamped for a wake to the unofficial Radio Victory registered office known locally as the The Eldon Arms where much-loved mine hosts Terry and Jean Little helped us drown our sorrows.. Early History of the Royal Yards and the original Dockyard of Chatham chap 1 1 The New Dockyard 7 Ship List, 1586- 1660 13 Notes on the Rating and Tonnage of Ships 15 Estimate of Costs for a 3rd-rate 16 . Some or all of the recommended publications below may be available to buy from The National Archives Bookshop. It is, Commissioner's Garden dating from 1640. Chatham (1567-1983) Deptford (1513-1869) Plymouth - from 1824 known as Devonport Dockyard (1690-present) . ), The final boats constructed in Chatham were Oberon-class submarines Ocelot was the last vessel built for the Royal Navy, and the final vessel was Okanagan built for the Royal Canadian Navy and launched on 17 September 1966. Regards Roger Haffenden. At the time of its closure the dockyard covered 400 acres (1.6km2). Those that we have in our collections are ones that have been donated to us, usually by families of former dockyard workers or Chatham Ratings. v3.0, except where otherwise stated, 3. [9] In the years that followed the ground was prepared, accommodation was secured and in 1570 a mast pond was installed. I am 82 years of age and was a Naval Shipwright Apprentice (Dockyard number 21413) in Chatham Dockyard from 1941 until 1945. General Staff who died 12/05/1916 LE TREPORT MILITARY CEMETERY France ' (Gunpowder, on the other hand, was received, stored and issued across the river at Upnor Castle. [134], In 1928 Chatham Barracks was taken over by the Royal Engineers and renamed Kitchener Barracks. Productions that have chosen to film at Chatham Dockyard include: Les Misrables,[49] Call the Midwife,[50] Mr Selfridge,[51] Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,[52] Oliver Twist,[53] The World Is Not Enough [54] and Grantchester. From 1844 St Mary's was used as an 'Invalid Barracks', accommodating soldiers having to return from service in different parts of the British Empire because of illness, injury or age. Chatham Dockyard | Military Wiki | Fandom You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. "It was all about companionship and camaraderie really," added Keith. that I have asked my family to see that my ashes are scattered on the Medway besides the Dockyard,using a trip on the Paddlesteamer-"Kingswear Castle" to carry out this task. There were two routes to entry. A lot of the group chose early retirement when the opportunity arose in the 90s and were looked-after with a salary, allowance and pension, they say. [119], Chatham Infantry Barracks was opened in 1757 to house troops manning the fortifications which had recently been built to defend the Dockyard. Chatham Naval Dockyard, Kent. My Grandad had already retired by the time the Dockyard was due to close." What's for dinner? Following the success of such early trials with screw propulsion, several older sailing ships were taken into dry dock and retro-fitted with propellers, beginning with HMS Horatio. At around the same time a large house was leased (the Hill House) for administrative purposes including meetings of the Council of Marine Causes. "Killingholme" Royal Naval Air Service who died 27/04/1916 CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL United Kingdom ' Prices may vary with room occupancy and attributes. The Trust is preparing an application for the Dockyard and its Defences to become a World Heritage Site. The fire-fighting displays were actually good education for us, as were all the displays of engineering, diving and damage control.Later I went in a group of school cadets to see the launch of the submarine HMS Onslaught, built at Chatham.Whilst a member of the Kent Police Force, I acted as an interpreter for a party of visiting French police officers and their wives and we were shown through the rope-making loft where HMS Victory's ropes had been made. The National Archives has some records of Ordnance employees, mainly within WO 54. [38], The closure of Chatham Dockyard (along with the adjacent Naval Barracks) was announced in Parliament in June 1981 and scheduled to take place in 1984. Chatham's yard was split in two, the area south of the Storekeeper's House becoming an Army Ordnance Store, and the rest a Navy Ordnance Store. These were built to a standard design with bays 45 by 20 feet (13.7 by 6.1m). These were designed by Captain, No 7 Slip is one of the earliest examples of a modern metal, No 2 Dry Dock 1856 was built on the site of "The Old Single Dock" where HMS, No 3 Dry Dock 1820, the first to be constructed of stone, was designed by, No 4 Dry Dock 1840 was built on the site of one of a parallel pair of docks built in 1686 (the second of which was converted into the adjacent slipway, No. If you have memories of Chatham in the Dockyard's heyday then tell us your stories. Below the terrace lay the parade ground and its adjacent drill hall and other amenities. [14], The decision required the dockyard to move from its original location, which was too constricted, to a new (adjacent) site to the north. I became so attached to the place,(My Home Port!) Recommended Posts. Royal Field Artillery who died 10/05/1918 VIEILLE-CHAPELLE NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, LACOUTURE France ' ), electric & acetylene welding and the Blacksmiths shop.In travelling along Dock Road my memories go back to the check-in booths where we were checked against our photo and a recent trip along Luton Road recalled the many hours spent at the Dockyard Apprentices Club.At one stage in my Naval career, I served as a Shipwright Training Instructor at H.M.S Caledonia at Rosyth in Scotland where the Naval Shipwright training was subsequently transferred I have many more memories, too many to relate here but I hope these will be sufficient to remind others reading this of happy times spent in the Dockyard.Wed Apr 1 19:45:59 2009, Chris Townsend - Now from ChathamI clearly remember visiting Chatham Navy Dockyard during the 1970s as a boy. The old boys of the dockyard who still meet up for a pint Chatham, The indenture was a contract signed by the apprentice, the parent / guardian and the Admirality on satisfactory completion of a 3 month probation period. It really did feel like one big family with a happy atmosphere. The oldest surviving barracks in the Chatham area is in Upnor; dating from 1718, it housed the detachment of 64 men responsible for guarding the gunpowder store in Upnor Castle. It was somewhat unfortunate that, on the one occasion when it was required for actionthe Raid on the Medway, 1667the Dutch fleet were able to sail right past it to attack the English fleet and carry off the pride of the fleet, HMS Royal Charles, back to the Netherlands. if (year < 1000) year+=1900 Set sail on a voyage of discovery through the Age of Sail at one of Britain's leading maritime herit . Posted 11 June , 2020 . 17781783 Further improvements were carried out, to the designs of Captain Hugh Debbeig at the bequest of General Amherst. At around the same time the officers' blocks on the terrace were given over to provide accommodation for sergeants and married NCOs, the officers being provided with new quarters 'near the fortifications at Prince Henry's Bastion'. The first was by exam and accounted for about 125 apprentices and what was called the . [15] (The old site was in due course transferred to the Ordnance Board, who established the gun wharf there.) Greetings to all the Chatham Dockyard Apprentices that began their long journeys 65 years ago on the 10th September 1956 and are still standing,as well as those before and after. Initial enquires are responded to within 28 days. We worked together from 7am to 4.30pm and earned 2, 13 shillings and two pence a week.". The senior officers of a victualling yard were: The victualling yards reported to a Victualling Board, which in turn reported to the Navy Board. Among the earliest for Chatham was Upnor Castle, built in 1567, on the opposite side of the River Medway. Has it changed for the better, or were those really the "good old days"? Additional flight to evacuate Britons from Sudan today, Tributes paid to singer Gordon Lightfoot following death, Marks &Spencer to close stores in May - full list of closures, HMV to reopen original flagship store after four year closure, Mller recall Cadbury desserts because of Listeria contamination, Nurses strike continues: Major disruption for NHS services in England. My son got good qualifications and worked in Formula 1 racing. [10], The renowned Tudor shipwright Mathew Baker was appointed to Chatham in 1572 (though he was primarily based at Deptford). research. In the event, those defences were built in distinct phases, as the government saw the increasing threat of invasion:[126]. dailyinfo[14]=' 29919 Gunner Eric William BENJAFIELD 5th Bde. if (dailyinfo[daym] != "") { document.write(fontstart+dailyinfo[daym]+fontend) } [35], In February 1958 it was announced in Parliament that Sheerness Dockyard would close in 1960, with Nore Command (and its Chatham-based Commander-in-Chief) to be abolished the following year. Nicholas, South Africa, last updated: 26/03/2009 at 15:36created: 26/03/2009. Camaraderie and companionship was important to all Dockyard employees, the boys say. Plymouth Gladiators open their Championship campaign this evening when they welcome Scunthorpe Scorpions to the Coliseum. This role ceased in 1801, however, when the entire Dept establishment moved to Parkhurst Barracks on the Isle of Wight (where the recruits were less prone to find ways of deserting). If you have a specific enquiry relating to an object in our collections and cannot find the information you need online, please contact collections@chdt.org.uk. This guide will help you find records of the staff of Royal Navy dockyards, victualling yards and other naval establishments from around the 1920s or before. down the phone. Production ramped up during World War II with HMS's Umpire, Una, Splendid, Sportsman, Shalimar, Tradewind, Trenchant, Turpin, Thermopylae and Acheron being constructed. Another member of the group, Brian Booker, 76, moved to Plymouth from Chatham in the South East and joined the dockyard in 1984, working there for six years before taking early retirement to care for his wife. Our Collections Team has recently begun the process of digitising our collection and we are gradually adding new objects to our digital resources. Great days out, can still smell the hot dog stand with its fried onions. He spent two years learning basic skills before going on "float" learning his trade of welding, machine fitting and repairs on board ships based in the basins and dry docks. CSC 10 for marks and results of examinations of dockyard and artificer apprentices from 1876; Board of Trade papers (1846-1895) Find references to apprenticeships in the indexes to papers . Brian said: "Chatham was more strict, you'd have to do your tie up and you couldn't roll up your sleeves.". [127] The Infantry Barracks went on to serve as a home depot for numerous regiments. Therefore, rather than risk being constrained by wind, tide and draught on a journey upriver, ships would seek as often as possible to do running repairs and maintenance while at anchor, and would only travel to the dockyard when necessary. When Royal Dockyard Chatham closed in 1984 the Ministry of Defence removed all records still held on site. And the men remember they had quite a strict deadline on a Friday afternoon. "Ted was living in the Maidstone area at . We'd like to use additional cookies to remember your settings and understand how you use our services. And to celebrate their half-century landmark anniversary, they held a reunion at the former naval base in Medway. As a result, it was acknowledged by 1771 that Chatham had no future as a front-line fleet base;[20] nevertheless, following a visit by the Admiralty Board in 1773, the decision was taken to invest further in Chatham, and to develop it as a building yard rather than a refitting base. The Marines were withdrawn from Chatham in 1950, and the buildings were later demolished. [27], To meet the new demands of building in iron, metal mills were built alongside the smithery in 1845, containing rolling machinery and furnaces for reprocessing iron. dailyinfo[19]=' Second Lieutenant Robert Charles Middleton HARPER General List who died 19/04/1917 JERUSALEM MEMORIAL Israel and Palestine (including Gaza) ' In the interwar years, eight S-class submarines as well as X1 were built at Chatham but this was a period of decline. Twelve hundred hammerers, measurers, caulkers, armourers, forgers, smiths, shipwrights; twelve hundred dingers, clashers, dongers, rattlers, clinkers, bangers, bangers, bangers![4]. Chatham Dockyard and its Defences - UNESCO World Heritage Centre dailyinfo[20]=' 3/1423 Private John QUINN 2nd Bn. Along the southern edge of No 1 Basin four new dry docks were built (Nos 58), each 420ft (130m) long. Some post-1920s service records for dockyards personnel are held by the Ministry of Defence. How the military presence developed after 1820, showing how the need for housing gave birth to New Brompton, and showing roads and railways. (The covering of Chatham's slipways and dry docks, to protect the woodwork of ships as they were built or repaired, had begun with No 2 Slip and No 1 Dock in 1817). Last used in 1981. Fred Cordier has worked in the ropery at Chatham Dockyards for over 40 years. This page has been archived and is no longer updated. Of his cartoon he adds: I hope it brings a little humour to what was the sad demise of a truly much-loved local radio station.. He very often told us grandchildren about the work and circumstances during the WW2. Use our catalogue to search within the records series listed below. dailyinfo[18]=' J/71444 Ordinary Seaman John Dolby DIAPER H.M.S. He has two sons Samuel, 35, and Lloyd, 39, who went into engineering. dailyinfo[10]=' 837119 Gunner Alexander BROOKS Military Medal "A" Bty. Mr Gray, who lives in Portsmouth, remarked on the differences which have taken place at the dockyard over the decades. The Historic Dockyard Chatham: Views of a former apprentice 45 years on ! Over 414 years Chatham Royal Dockyard provided more than 500 ships for the Royal Navy, and was at the forefront of shipbuilding, industrial and architectural technology. dailyinfo[21]=' Lieutenant Colonel John Michell CLARKE Royal Army Medical Corps who died 21/04/1918 BRISTOL (CANFORD) CEMETERY United Kingdom ' A good many were engaged in manning the defences, but some had other duties; others were accommodated there for convenience prior to embarking on ships for duties overseas, or following their disembarkation. - David, Germany, "From 1980-1984 I sold newspapers on board all the ships that docked in the yard, I was a young lad of 11 when I started, and only stopped after my father was transferred to Plymouth Dockyard in 1985. dailyinfo[11]=' Reservist Paul GROLIK 5./I.R.62 German Army who died 11/05/1917 EBBLINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY France ' Keith also remembers a Christmas meal he and his dockyard colleagues had when the focus was on pranking and not their dinner Alongside their meal, the group held a draw with prizes. Regards Roger Haffenden. 09:00 to 17:00. The attached document lists all Apprentices connected to the towns of Chatham and Rochester, the majority worked in the Chatham Dockyard between 1710 and 1811. He was a shipwright apprentice at Flathouse Apprentice Training Centre with about 30 others. [25] For the time being, however, marine steam engines were not manufactured on site but were ordered from Thames-based private contractors (along with other associated equipment). He says the dockyard here was a lot more relaxed than in Chatham. There were 75 bays erected at Chatham Dockyard, to hold three years worth of timber. We collect and preserve objects related to the Dockyard's past and also carry out specific research into the Dockyard's rich and varied history. else { document.write(fontstart+"No major events today"+fontend); } Wed Aug 25 00:38:58 2004. 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