If you have memories of Chatham in the Dockyard's heyday then tell us your stories. dailyinfo[21]='
Lieutenant Colonel John Michell CLARKE Royal Army Medical Corps who died 21/04/1918 BRISTOL (CANFORD) CEMETERY United Kingdom '
[129] The establishment of the Dept was linked to the appointment in 1778 of an 'Inspector General and Superintendent of the Recruiting of all the Forces employed on foreign service', based in Chatham, who provided a degree of centralised oversight of recruitment (responsibility for which had previously been left entirely to the regiments). Saw HMS Jamaica of Bismarck fame and I believe we saw HMS Manxman too in which a friend's uncle had served during WW2. Ten new community-led, affordable homes for local people. In 1782, an, 18701892 A number of forts built at a greater distance from the dockyard: Forts, Resident Commissioner, Cadiz Yard, (1694), This page was last edited on 18 March 2023, at 23:48.
Paul Makin | Engine Fitter Apprentice
Some or all of the recommended publications below may be available to buy from The National Archives Bookshop. If either yourself, a friend or relative has a story they would like to share with us, we would love to hear it. [39] Redundancy notices were served, but then abruptly withdrawn following the 1982 invasion of the Falkland Islands; the dockyard was heavily involved in preparing ships for the South Atlantic, and in repairing damaged vessels on their return. [134], In 1928 Chatham Barracks was taken over by the Royal Engineers and renamed Kitchener Barracks. 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. Most of us went on to get good, highly-paid jobs.". The largest groups were the fitters and turners and the electricians followed by the shipwrights. [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. This website and its associated newspaper are members of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). And to celebrate their half-century landmark anniversary, they held a reunion at the former naval base in Medway. [24] By 1861, No 1 Dock had been filled in and a machine shop constructed in its place for heating, bending and planing armour plate for HMS Achilles which was being built alongside. As far as I can find, no Naval hospital muster lists (ADM 102) survive at TNA Kew for the 1914-1919 period. These may be answered face-to-face in the case of the Reading Room collections or by telephone, letter, or email for our archive and object holdings. Welsh Regiment who died 30/04/1916 MERVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY France '
The following year a forge was built for anchor-making. The Dockyard apprenticeships were some of the best in the UK. Australian Field Artillery who died 14/04/1917 GREVILLERS BRITISH CEMETERY France '
Mon Mar 30 20:01:32 2009, BBC Kent website, The Great Hall, Mount Pleasant Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1QQ. 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. dailyinfo[2]='
353 Lance Corporal Eric Allan VANCE 2nd Bn. 292101. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited But he said without helping me out in the garage ripping out engines, he wouldnt have a clue.. dailyinfo[28]=' 76274 Corporal Horace John Baker WHITTINGHAM 1st Bn. Visit Of 26th Sub LT Tech (LOG) Course of SriLankan Navy on 22 . Royal Engineers who died 17/04/1916 ARRAS MEMORIAL France '
It's easy! Thirteen of them spent the weekend together in Medway travelling from all over the country, including as far away as Scotland. 3 Slip). Trying to find the right nursery, school, college, university or training provider in Kent or Medway? 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. But he likes to remember the time he bet a colleague 1 to jump in the water wearing the sacks. In 1758, there were 43 pairs of. The escalating Anglo-Dutch wars forced their hand, however: several temporary buildings were hastily erected in Sheerness, at the mouth of the Medway, to enable ships to re-arm, re-victual and (if necessary) be repaired as quickly as possible. Nowhere in the world is it possible to see such an intact naval dockyard for the building and maintenance of the ships of the sailing navy as at Chatham. Our Collections Team has recently begun the process of digitising our collection and we are gradually adding new objects to our digital resources. dailyinfo[18]=' J/71444 Ordinary Seaman John Dolby DIAPER H.M.S. Each member of the group was a recorder in the dockyard around fifty years ago, with some joining as young apprentices. Plan meals, try new foods and explore cuisines with tested recipes from the country's top chefs. In its early days, dockyards such as Chatham were the largest industrial centres in the world. While they retained command over the naval personnel on site, and responsibility for the base as a whole,[114] their oversight of the work of the dockyard was transferred to new civilian Dockyard General Managers, who had management responsibility across all Departments. Posted 11 June , 2020 . I still sometimes wonder if my name I painted on a beam in the apprentice building with a 6" brush is still there. A fifth dry dock (No 9) was added in 1895 on the north side of No 1 Basin, opposite the other four, to accommodate the new, larger battleships which were then under construction. Chatham Dockyard | Military Wiki | Fandom Dockyard apprentices reunited after 50 years The building functioned as a "present use store" except for the upper floor, which was a, Sail and Colour Loft 1723. Apprenticeships in HM Royal Naval Dockyard, Chatham. These are the first standardised industrial buildings. 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. Sign up for a new account in our community. Another member of the group, John Gibson, 79 from Southway, joined the dockyard as an apprentice in September 1955. Nobody ever had it as good as we did - and nobody will ever have it as good as we did.". Apprentices. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. The boys would notice lots of people walking past the phone box, and if someone answered the random call, the group's friend would shout: "Nosy parker!" Clocktower building 1723. Chatham dockyard closed in 1984, and 84 acres (34ha) of the Georgian dockyard is now managed as the Chatham Historic Dockyard visitor attraction by the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust. Most of his duties were running passengers between Chatham and London. They are Bernard (Bernie) Olley, Tony Packer and Roderick (Ricky) Pond. It was 50 years ago these former Chatham Dockyard apprentices met for the first time. document.write;
Each has an 18th-century, Main gatehouse 1722, designed by the master shipwright in the style of. We collect and preserve objects related to the Dockyards past and also carry out specific research into the Dockyards rich and varied history. 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]. For the first two years of his apprenticeship, he moved through the different ships, Brian recalled, and in his third year the skipper taught him, he said. (At around the same time a victualling store was also established, in nearby Rochester, to provide the ships and their crews with food.) [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). It came into existence at the time when, following the Reformation, relations with the Catholic countries of Europe had worsened, leading to a requirement for additional defences. dailyinfo[11]=' Reservist Paul GROLIK 5./I.R.62 German Army who died 11/05/1917 EBBLINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY France '
Remembering the Royal Dockyard at Chatham This website and its associated newspaper are members of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). It remained thus until 1958 when the yards were closed (the Army depot having served latterly as an atomic weapons research laboratory). The officers all had servants, who were provided with their own accommodation in the garret. The grandfather-of-three said: Apart from working together, we used to go out to nightclubs together where most of us met our partners.. Mr Elgar, 66, who lives in Hoo St Werburgh, was transferred to the naval base at Devenport after the Chatham closure in March 1984. The Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment) who died 15/04/1915 CHOCQUES MILITARY CEMETERY France '
Under its remit, the westernmost (No 1) Basin was turned into a marina, part of the former factory area to the south was transformed into an entertainment and retail complex ('Chatham Maritime') and the former Barracks (HMS Pembroke) became Universities at Medway. In the interwar years, eight S-class submarines as well as X1 were built at Chatham but this was a period of decline. 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'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. 20,900 were here. Something went wrong, please try again later. The ponds were connected by canal. Anchor Wharf, The Historic Dockyard, Dockyard Church 1806. North Mast Pond, 1702. The northern building was used as a fitted rigging house, and a general store for equipment to fit out newly built ships. The growing importance of the dockyard was illustrated with the addition soon afterwards of a mast pond, and the granting of additional land on which a second (double) dry dock was constructed, along with a sail loft, a ropery and residences for the dockyard officers: all of which were completed by 1624. PDF The history of - Microsoft Has it changed for the better, or were those really the "good old days"? I have a copy of his Army Form 103 Casualty Form that traces his movement from CCS in Gallipoli to RNH Malta (although Im not sure which one but probably Bighi) back to UK but after that Ive drawn a blank. Regards Roger Haffenden. There was an Army hospital at Chatham too. [17] In 1686 two new dry docks were built, in addition to the old single and double dry docks; all four were rebuilt and expanded at various points in subsequent centuries (the double dock having been converted into a single dock in 1703). [20], Dockyards have always required shore defences. 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. Subscribe now for regular news, updates and priority booking for events.Sign up, All content is available under the Open Government Licence The first battleship to be built on the new No 8 Slip was HMS Africa, launched in 1905; however it also proved to be the last, as it was announced (controversially) that Chatham Dockyard would be unable to accommodate Dreadnoughts. I later transfer to The Foundry and on it's closure I was sent to the training school in Kyber Road to train as a Engine Fitter. The Great War Forum Limited Contact Plymouth Live reporter Molly Dowrick: molly.dowrick@reachplc.com, and she'll put you in contact with a member of the group. dailyinfo[31]=' 15229 Lance Corporal Ernest Charles EVANS 11th Bn. ). 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 dockyard closed in the 1980s and is now a museum. [20], By the late 17th century a number of prestigious new buildings were erected (including the officers' residences, the clocktower storehouse and the main gatehouse), several of which are still in place. They lived in Chatham, in Old Brompton, some in Rochester and Strood, but by far the greatest number in New Brompton and Gillingham, and the similarity of much of that district to a Midland or Northern industrial town was due to dockyard workers many of whom had come from the North. Recommended Posts. The Dock would be filled with all types of Naval ships, decked out with flags & crew dressed in their dress uniforms. It was not until 1837, however, that steam power was first introduced into the ropery, and the smithery received its first engine (for blowing the forges and powering tilt hammers) in 1841. [134] In 1865, following the opening of new and enlarged hospital facilities in Fort Pitt, the old Garrison Hospital was closed; its buildings (on what is now Maxwell Road) were converted into barracks and named 'Upper Chatham Barracks'[135] (later 'Upper Kitchener Barracks'). Production ramped up during World War II with HMS's Umpire, Una, Splendid, Sportsman, Shalimar, Tradewind, Trenchant, Turpin, Thermopylae and Acheron being constructed. Published 15 June 2021. 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. The records do not cover every yard in every year. dailyinfo[23]=' 20589 Corporal Elias JONES Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal and Bar 14th Bn. Medway Council offices and car park now stand on the site. Initial enquires are responded to within 28 days. Wed Aug 25 00:38:58 2004. Apprenticeship Home Fred Cordier has worked in the ropery at Chatham Dockyards for over 40 years. The names that I have are Bob Piper, Calvin Sims, Chris Wyatt, Tony Davies, Malcolm Copper, Terry OHagan, Stuart Lukey, Ed Salvage, Ian Privet, Mick Tucker, Michael Arnell, Malcolm Bain, Allan Fudge, Barry Goble, Dennis Purvis, Bernhard Reed, Malcolm Reglar, Joseph Shears, Alan Weatley and John Miller.. 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. Pembroke Royal Navy who died 18/04/1918 GILLINGHAM (WOODLANDS) CEMETERY, KENT United Kingdom '
Built on the site of what had been the convict prison, the barracks complex could accommodate 4,742 officers and seamen in a series of large blocks built along the length of a terrace. It was completed in 1903. Now complete, the project provides a new accessible Reading Room and much improved conditions for our books and archive collections, alongside new volunteer and conservation facilities. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Junior Apprentices The Dockyard School between the Wars Apprentices in Wartime Introduction of Group Training of Apprentices Whitworth . 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.
[20] The following year, John Rennie was engaged to build an entirely new dry dock (following his own recommendations) which was the first in the dockyard to be built entirely of stone; it was built on the site of the old smithery. MDL Apprentice Training School, Certificate Distribution of ''Supervisory Development Program'' for Graduate/Diploma Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961 - 16.03.2023 . At the time of its closure the dockyard covered 400 acres (1.6km2). How the military presence developed after 1820, showing how the need for housing gave birth to New Brompton, and showing roads and railways. He said: "We built up a comradeship, we were virtually living together. Built immediately to the north of the Smithery (the intervening space was later infilled with the Smithery extension of 1867). Apprentices and masters. Under his supervision the site was developed to include sawpits, workshops, storehouses and a wharf with a treadmill crane (completed in 1580). Three times a year hundreds of youngsters left school at 15 to start life as apprentices, many in the 'yard. Bob Chalmers, from Warminster, Wiltshire, was part of the September 1964 intake and he is hoping to organise a reunion. [139], St Mary's Casemated Barracks were built during the Peninsular War and initially held French prisoners of war. When young Robert started there in 1958, the docks employed 6000 people on a two-mile long site encompassing hundreds of workshops, offices and storehouses as well as its own police . If you walk into the Union Rooms on a Friday afternoon you'll meet all manner of people. Also Grade II* listed. Chatham Dockyard ledgers: employees, apprentices, etc . In addition, the Medway had begun to silt up, making navigation more difficult (especially as the Navy's ships were getting larger). 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. Wed Apr 8 12:02:25 2009. [36] It normally took place approx 4 . The Black Yarn House to store the tarred yarn. For Joe, being in the dockyard was tradition. My best wishes go out to all my old friends. We are currently exploring alternative, hidden histories within our collection and looking at broadening the range of voices we represent. dailyinfo[17]=' 79947 Sapper Andrew WATT 173rd Tunnelling Coy. In the event, those defences were built in distinct phases, as the government saw the increasing threat of invasion:[126]. 10,499 / mo*. "Killingholme" Royal Naval Air Service who died 27/04/1916 CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL United Kingdom '
Any pointers would be much appreciated. And if you had any personal issues there was always somebody there to support you. Twelve houses built for senior officers in the Dockyard. Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust cares for over 70,000 objects in its collection - ranging from archaeology, rigging, hand tools, machinery to fine art and photography. Elgar Curling, who was 16 at the time, said: We all still get on a like house on fire. 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 '
However he was readmitted to RNH Chatham on 9/11/1915as case number 312.
"We made sure he won," Keith said, "He won a chicken, a live chicken, he didn't know what to do with it!
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