A number of you will remember the PHILOMEL Steps where the Commodores Barge used to come alongside and deliver its VIP’s. Well time has taken its toll and some of the coxswains as well when they came in with a bump. The old steps have been removed and will soon be replaced by a floating pontoon. Here are some images of its removal.
My early and abrupt introduction into the RNZN was from the coxsain of the ML (PO “Snake” Hessey) who was leaning over the bridge , told me to get my foot off the ****** guardrail . Apparently , there was another way to get aboard. A nice piece of photography with what appears to be the latest addition to the NZ Fleet in the right background !!.
I think that latest addition to the fleet Albie is at least 15 years old.
the twenty years I did in pussers, not once did I step on that hallowed ground not once. it was just a nono to go there..officers only..
Well of some us who did time at Motuihe Island had no choice after the ML liberty boat journey to Queen’s Wharf for the one only day a week leave to Auckland City. It was either a Friday one week, Saturday the next and the Sunday the following, then start all over again!
Bollox, Those steps are at Philomel, not Auckland – BUFFS lad.
You are right Jim just look at the wharf to the right. You are looking out across to Orakei.