HMS Ganges First Mast

HMS GANGES

AND HER FIRST GENERAL PURPOSE MAST

circa 1902

Written by Godfrey Dykes

© RN Communications Branch Museum/Library

'Jerry-built' vs. 'Jury-rigged' vs. 'Jerry-rigged'

These are expressions used for boats from as far back as the 16th century ergo naval expressions, sullied in WW1 and especially in WW2 by calling Germans Jerry's, probably likening them to the pot under the bed for night use fit only for human waste. Their helmets were in the mold of such a conveniece!

Erected on land where the area was eventually hard-cored for a parade ground and on which was built Nelson Hall, the PO's Mess and the naval canteen which eventually was taken over by the NAAFI: an enormous expanse of a grassed area hitherto either totally unused or gradually used as sports pitches.

All boys (and youths 16½ - 18) wore white duck working rig and all petty officers (first and second class) wore blue serge square-rig.