HMS Ganges Association
Drake 39 Mess 1967
Photograph kindly donated by Tony Russell
D096726F (ex L096726) <ACRZZZ@aol.com>
My name is Tony Russell ( ex CPOAEM(WL)).
I left the mob in 1991 having
"done my time" (24.5 years man and boy).
I joined the RN on 14 November 1996 at HMS Ganges. I was in Drake 391
class and messed in Drake 39 mess (short covered way). We left Ganges in
November 1967 after 12 "memorable months" - funny how you only ever
remember the good times!!!!!
The above photograph is of Drake 39 mess in the spring of 1967 when we won the Best
Mess in Ganges. At the time we were led to believe that it was a record as
we were still 2nd class juniors (only 8 weeks in the main establishment)
and were told it was a first.
The PO was one of our Instructors, PO
Willey. Wonder if he is still alive and kicking????
391 Class
Divisional Officer Lt. Cdr Thorpe, the Chief was a CAF(AE) (I think).
Rear Rank L to R: Vernon B Williams, A Nother,
Charlie Hope, Dave Lowe, Terry Poole, ? Foubister, Pete Cross.
Centre Rank: Tony Russell(me), ? Parkes, Mick Reily, Dave Goodman, Terry Jones(?)
Front Rank: ? Maddock(?), Mick Thorpe, R. Goodall, Dave Starkey, Mel Brookes, Chris Paginton.
D390 Class
I noticed on the web site D391 class was there so I thought to complete 39 mess you should have the other half of the electrical mess D390 class.
I will give you an idea of the names as much as I can remember from top left
Theobald, Andy Peck, Goodenough ?, Vine, Mac? Tony Coyle
Bibby, Shanks, Drewitt,Wright ??, Ford
Tilley, ?? Brown, Lt.Cdr Thorpe, P.O.El. Wiley, Sinclair, Wagstaff, Smith (Crossed the bar)
Through your web page you will probably be able to identify the rest.
Best Regards
Colin Drewitt <colin.drewitt@amec.com>