Celebrating 60 Years Since Enroling At HMS Ganges

Members of the HMS Ganges 18/19 Recruitments Reunion Association met on board one of the Navy’s most iconic ships, to mark 60 years since each of them joined the service.
The group meets annually to reminisce about their time at the training camp, where they started their careers, many of whom would go on to sail with the royal navy for many years.
And so we spoke to the group secretary aboard HMS Victory, who told us that the experience bonded each of them like family.

[@jangreen5618]

My Brother went to HMS Ganges in 1963 at the age of 15. Went on to serve aboard on HMS Grafton, HMS Brighton, HMS Diamond, HMS Forth.

[@terenchion1]

Just to correct this guy, Ganges at shotley closed officially in October 1976 not 1996....!! I joined that place in November 1963... horrible uncomfortable place, lots of bullies, lots of bullshit.. but it was an experience... (wouldn't get away with what they did...... today)

[@vicscott7872]

Shouldn't have joined If you can't take a laugh,. St Vincent Boy..

[@jantas5126]

Joined Ganges July 65 77 recruitment the monster, Rodney 14mess long covered way 15 years old working life in the R N best time ever.

[@frankalexander6629]

I joined in July ‘63, 60 recruitment, Hawke 49 mess, part of the Green Mansions. Wasn’t an enjoyable year but I went through Ganges and did my 12 years. My first ship was the Tartar, West Indies and they had a Juniors Mess which I think was worse than Ganges routine. The Navy wouldn’t be allowed to treat juniors today the way the treated us! Three ships later I was in the Leopard and it was just as bad. It all depended on who the Jimmy or Master-at-Arms was, they ruined lives onboard!

[@judynpeterjones3307]

I joined Ganges in November 1963, Annexe, then Exmouth 43 mess. 'Jos' Jones

[@derekkear7235]

I joined H M S Gaanges 01 recruitment 1968

[@johngill1802]

It closed in 1976

[@tamar5261]

72, 37 recruitment