My, How things have Changed!!

If you think about it there have been many changes which have occurred to you during your lifetime and this has also happened from when you joined the Navy to present day.  The following is a list of changes from the Navy of your day to the modern Navy of today.

1950′s – Leave for Junior Ratings – Ratings under 17 1/2 years old were named Junior Ratings and all leave for such ratings expired at 1945hrs.  This was later changed in the 1960′s to expire at 2300hrs.

1952-  Punishments – No 10A Punishment was the worst. You mustered at 0600 worked till 0700, then daily routine from 0800, mustered again at 1230 and did 30 minutes doubling with rifle and back pack, then daily routine, mustered again at 1630 did hours doubling with rifle and back pack. mustered again at1900 worked till 2100 then fell in on the quarterdeck for Night Rounds and were dismissed when rounds completed 2130. Pay was NOT stopped, Leave was of course.
No 11 – Punishment was the same as 10A but without the doubling with Rifle and back pack, but work instead.

1954 – No 10A Punishment was discontinued in Auckland because a “lower deck lawyer” saw in the Punishment regulations that “Men under No 10A Punishment were not to be seen by the “Public” being punished by doubling with a Rifle and back pack…and as Men Under Punishment (MUP) in Philomel were doubled around “the block” and on the Parade Ground/Quarterdeck and watched by lots of Dockyard Mateys. Much to the chagrin of the Command, especially Gunnery.
However it is noteworthy that on Royalist when we berthed in Hong Kong on the 30th July 1957, HMAS Sydney also came alongside on the opposite side of the jetty and at lunch time she landed about a 100 men on to the jetty with rifle and pack and they doubled around for 30 minutes….and lo and behold at 1730 that day about 80 from the Royalist were also landed and joined them with rifle and pack, a terrible shock to the system to our MUPs and leave breaking offences went from the daily dozens down to virtually nil overnight.

No 16 Punishment was 2 hours extra work from 1900 for minor misdemeanour’s but with stoppage of leave of course.
Being just a few minutes adrift returning “On Board” meant seeing the Captain as a “Leave Breaking Offence” and usually being a “Days Scale” which meant that your leave was stopped for that Day and your pay forfeited. This was incremental for every 4 hours or part thereof that you were adrift.

1953 – Wearing of Civilian Clothes Ratings were permitted to wear civilian clothes while on Part Annual Leave (that was Long leave). Not on overnight or weekend leave

1954 – Proceeding on Shore – Ratings permitted to proceed ashore in civilian clothes after inspection at “Libertymen Fall In” by Officer of the Watch. Hat & Tie must be worn at all times Headgear to be “raised” as Salute when passing an Officer.

1954 – Morning Dress and Tails Ratings forbidden (by Navy Order) to wear “Morning Dress” and “Tails” or to carry a “rolled umbrella” when proceeding ashore or returning aboard. This “Dress” is deemed and accepted to be “mufti” for Officers of the Royal Regiments of the Guards only.

!955 – Ratings Headgear – Ratings headgear when in civilian clothes made optional. Officers are to be Saluted by smartly turning the head to Left or Right when passing an Officer.

1960 Collar Studs – Chiefs and  Petty Officers were allowed to wear Collar attached shirts, Before this we had the Victorian  detached Starched Collar with Studs to hold it on back and front.and at Friday Divisions  the Regulating staff would go around and feel inside your collar to make sure you were not wearing the “latest fashion” collar attached shirt…and if you were you were then charged with being “improperly dressed” Every Monday, literally dozens and dozens of collars were put in to the “laundry office” in a Green Hut next to the Post Office and were sent over to a Chinese laundry at the bottom Queen Street. which had to be paid for by the C or P O……..I still had one until a few months ago……Souvenir.

1960 – Underpants – Ratings were not permitted to wear KDV or Jockey underpants…we had to wear the old time “Pussers Dung Hampers” which were made of thick flannel, came halfway down the thigh and had a “Cholera Belt” built in to the waist and back these were still being issued right up until mid 60′s. I believe……and were exactly the same as were issued to my Father when he joined the Navy in 1895. Again, the Regulating Staff would “select” a rating fallen in at Divisions and take him to the Reg Office and he had to drop his trousers and show he was wearing “Dung Hampers”. This was 1960 not 1860.

1964 – The Mad Minute Thought to be used as a tool for character building trainees were matched up and issued boxing gloves. They would then spend one minute in the ring and thrash each other.  It is believed that this practise continued through to the 1970’s.

1960’s Posting – Personnel proceeding on posting carried their kit in a canvas kitbag and also slung over their shoulder was there personal Anti Gas Respirator (AGR).

1960’s – Privileged Leave List – Officers and Warrant Officers were permitted leave in some ports when others were not.

1960’s – Second Class for Conduct –

1960-70’s – REHAB Loans – Personnel serving overseas for periods of time were entitled on their return to a Government Rehabilitation Loan to purchase a house.  These loans were at very low interest 3% and were paid back over 25 years or so.

1960’s – Trickle Entry The intake of boys was not limited to a particular day but more a period of 2 – 3 weeks and it was common for intakes to grow over the period.  Boys joining later in the intake had to catch up to ensure they were up to scratch by the end.

1960′s – Native Leave – If your next of kin lived in the same city that you were posted you were able to request ‘native leave’ which meant as an ordinary rating you were able to have overnight leave when domiciled in that city.

1966 – Efficiency Certificates – Some junior ratings (O/Tels) had to have a “Efficiency Certificate” prior to proceeding on overnight leave. Ask young Chris Farrow who (with 3 others) came to OTAGO early in 1966 from Irirangi as O/Tel and thought they were going to get overnight leave….But that Old Bastard Chief Tel brought them down to earth and they didn’t get overnight leave until we had been to sea and he was satisfied that they could do their job.

1966 – Going Ashore – Junior Ratings (those under 17 years of age) had to be back on board by 2330,  Ordinary Ratings (those 17 years of age but under 18) had to be back by 0100.  Able ratings had overnight leave.

1966 – Station Cards- These were cards which allowed you ashore.  Large pigeon holed cabinets were located in the Regulating Flat in PHILOMEL (the flat was located outside the current NAVPAC and Naval Police areas.  Personnel wishing to go ashore would muster at the prescribed time and uplift their Liberty Card from the Duty Petty Officer before you could proceed ashore.  If you were going to be late you always tried to get someone to drop your card in the box with theirs to save you.  Sometimes worked sometimes didn’t.

1966 – Inspection prior to Leave– All personnel going ashore were inspected by the Officer of the Day.  If you were not up to scratch you would be sent back to rectify the problem.

1966 – Free Gangway- There was no free gangway.  If you missed the muster for Leave then you would have to wait for the next muster to get ashore.

1966 – Liberty Boats – A Liberty Boat ran from the Naval Base to Admiralty Steps (Auckland City) and return at fairly regular intervals. If you missed the boat when your leave was up then you were in the rattle.

1960′s – Captain’s Rounds and Cake During training rounds would be conducted on a weekly basis by the Captain of the Training Division. A cake would be competed for and would be awarded to the best division with the smartest dormitory.  A similar practice occurred on Major Fleet Units but at increased intervals (monthly) into the early 80’s

1966 – Pay whilst under Training – Pay was restricted to 1 pound per fortnight with the balance of your pay being held and paid out in one lump sum at the end of training.

1966 – Mustering for Pay – There was no direct credit to banks.  All pay was paid out in cash in little brown envelopes (the writers earned their money in those days)  Pay would be piped and the whole of the ships company except for those on watch would muster in a long line and when it was your turn to receive your pay you would step forward, salute and say your name and service number after which you would be given your envelope.  The Regulating Staff were normally also present to detail you off for a haircut at the same time.
Introduction of Computer based Pay and Net pay to Bank facilities

1966 – Punishments No 9′s – This punishment was not very nice and it required you to forfeit your liberty and pay.  It required you to muster at 2 hourly intervals throughout the day and to do extra work at lunch and 1600.  Musters for rounds and last muster was at 2200 before going through the whole process at 0600 the next morning.

Identity Card – These cards now have magnetic strips to allow access to certain areas within the Naval Base.  Navy issued ID Cards carried a magnetic strip for electronic door/gate access purposes from introduction of PVC card in 1997 through to mid 2010 when this functionality was withdrawn.

1960’s – Scran Cards and Tobacco – These cards were issued and valid for a fortnight. They were colour coded to and clipped every time you went through for a meal by the Leading Chef. They were also used for the issue of tobacco. The entitlement was 8 x 2oz packets of tobacco per month. Tailor-mades were too expensive to buy so roll your own were commonplace. The Scran Card had the words tobacco on and this would be clipped to indicate that you had received your issue.

1960’s – Leave Commencement – Leave for Officers and Senior Ratings commenced 10 minutes before that for Junior Ratings.

1960’s – Beer Issue – Two cans of beer were issued from the Canteen when ships were at sea. The two cans were opened on payment and had to be drunk that evening. The opening of the cans was to prevent personnel from saving them up and having parties.

1960’s – Night Clothing at Sea – Personnel wore shorts and sandals for night clothing at sea however Officers on some ships were required to dress for dinner and wore No 3s (jacket & tie) and Mess Undress in the evening on some occasions.

1968 – Introduction of Khaki Uniforms Officers and Senior Ratings.

1960′s Punishments – Warrants Part of the punishment of receiving a ‘Warrant’ was that the entire ships company was mustered and the person receiving the warrant would be marched out in front of the gathered. His hat removed from his head by the Master at Arms (lucky if his head remained on his shoulders) The warrant and a relevant section from the Articles of War would be read by the Commanding Officer or Officer delegated together with the resultant punishment. The unfortunate would then have his hat replaced again by the Master at Arms and marched off. You can be sure the entire ships company were fully aware of the punishment meted out for the misdemeanour.

1st February 1969 Merging of PHILOMEL CPO and PO’s Messes – The CPO’s and PO’s used to mess separately in what is now the Junior Ratings Mess. The Upper Mess was allocated to the CPO’s and the lower Mess to the Petty Officers.

1969 – Removal of the “Ticking Off Board” CPO’S and PO’s were required to ‘tick off” when they went ashore at night and tick on when the returned on board in the morning. This requirement remains in force for seagoing ships only.

1969 – Mess Jackets and medals – Petty Officers were not permitted to wear a Mess Jacket or to have miniature Medals this was for CPO’s only.

1969 Kit Upkeep Allowance – Kit Upkeep Allowance (KUA) was worth 10 cents a day and steps were taken to have this removed and clothing issued on a one for one basis, This was obviously a “step too far” and was never approved until much later. Just getting a pair of shoes or boots soled and heeled cost about 4 months of KUA
1969 – Promotion A rating promoted to PO would remain in square rig for 1 year as acting PO to be confirmed. Only after this time had been served would a PO change his rig to fore and aft. A PO received the magnificent sum of $40.00 to do this however a No1 suit cost about $60.00 to say nothing of the new No 3′s and Cap and White Shirts etc etc. All paid for by the new promoted PO.

1970’s Seeking permission to proceed on leave – Officers and Warrant Officers had to seek the Officer of the Day’s permission to proceed ashore.

1970’s – Wearing of Shorts Ashore – If you chose to wear shorts ashore you had to wear long walk socks up to the knees. The need for a blazer was optional

1970′s – Return to NZ for Births/Deaths There was no options to return to New Zealand for the birth of children or the death of relatives. In fact it was just never entertained.  By the mid 70’s this stance changed for deaths of Next of Kin.

1970’s ID Cards – An issue of ID Cards was made which provide a card in two parts one of which if you were captured by the enemy you were to rip it in half and give it to your capturer, However the card was laminated so you would most probably have spent your whole time in captivity trying to rip the thing in half. The card was in use for around 10 years.

1970′s Hammocks to Bunks (Ships) Even after the arrival of our new ships HMNZ Ships OTAGO, TARANAKI, WAIKATO in the 60′s many of our ships still had hammocks. This was a shock to most young sailors who had to learn very quickly about nettles and spreaders.

1976 – Abolition of short term Service and Introduction of the “20 Years Service for Pension”.

1977 – WRENS Disestablished – and with this the female privileges also disappeared – ladies don’t run, smoke or eat outside in uniform, first on the bus (even Commanders stood back), always ushered to the front of the scran line.

1979 – Khaki Uniforms withdrawn from Service

1980′s – Sea going allowance established

1980 – 5th Floor of the Cruiser Block added – Finance was established.

1984 – Introduction of the seven year rule for Navy Housing

1989 – Women at Sea – A pilot scheme for the introduction of Women at Sea was initiated and subsequently accepted as women now fulfil a good proportion of the crew in our ships today.

1990 – The Auckland Liberty Boat Service was terminated.

1990 – General List Officers – This was the first year which included females.

1990 – Rum was ceased to be issued on a daily basis.

1990′s – Training Divisions-Monday, Wednesday and Friday Daily Divisions on Gambia Square ceased.

1991 – Annual Leave – The leave entitlements were reduced from 30 days to 21 days. Other changes in leave were introduced which were based on time served.

1991 – Urinalysis Introduced – This method was introduced as a measure to deter drug use and detect personnel who were abusing drugs. It has become an effective deterrent but like all there are those who still try to beat the system.

1994 – Removal of the Personal Appraisal System – The PA system was removed and replaced by the Personal Career Reporting (PCR) system for all ratings upto and including Chief Petty Officer. The new system of reporting was and still is much more intensive with reports required to be completed every 3 months.

1995 – PHILOMEL Ships log discontinued

1996 – Equality for All instituted throughout the navy.

1996 – Incentive Payments introduced for Marine Engineers and Returns of Service discontinued for promotion and professional courses.

1996 – Introduction of TOIL – Time off in Lieu.

1996 – The Minor Warfare Training School was opened. You may have remembered the many projects called the Combined Operations School.

1993 – New Leave entitlements Long Leave eligible at 15 years and every five years thereafter 21 day Annual Leave per year.

Nov 1996 –Pay as you Dine – Service personnel living in shore establishments and off base had the option of either paying for their meals via quarters and meal charges of by paying for the meals they actually consumed. In 2005 kiosk’s were implemented and ID Cards used to swipe of meals.

1997 Warrant Officer of the Navy – A new position of Warrant Officer of the Navy (WON) was introduced. The first WON was WOCEA Colin White and he was appointed 1 July 1997.

1999 Sailor of the Year – A programme was introduced for Leading Ratings and below to recognise outstanding contribution. The lucky winner would be awarded a CN Commendation and granted an overseas trip accompanied by their spouse or partner.

1 Feb 2000 – Employment of Women in the Diving Branch – CDF abolished this restriction and women were eligible for recruitment, selection, training and employment in the Diving Branch.

11 Feb 2000 – Use of NZWE as Pall – The Governor General approved the use of the New Zealand White Ensign as a pall.

27 Mar 2001 – Multi Stage Fitness Test – The new physical MSFT replaced the 2-mile peg run with a shuttle run, press ups. Different levels of fitness are required dependent on trade. The minimum standard is Level 7 Shuttle run and 10 Press Ups.

3 April 2002 – Sexual Orientation Awareness Education – The Human Rights Act 1993 makes it illegal to discriminate on the grounds of sexual orientation. The Navy moved into a programme of educating all its members on this subject.

20 Jun 2002 – ‘New Zealand’ embellishments for Shoulder Boards – Personnel were issued with two sets of silver ‘New Zealand’ embellishments to be inserted on should boards. This clearly indicated that officers belonged to the New Zealand Navy vice the Royal Navy who wear no such embellishment.

2004 – Change of EW Trade – the OEW, AEW, LEW, POEW, POEWI, CPOEW, CPOEWI, WOEW and WOEWI titles were made obsolete and replaced by Ordinary Electronic Warfare Specialist (OEWS), Able Electronic Warfare Specialist (AEWS). Leading Electronic Warfare Specialist (LEWS). Petty Officer Electronic Warfare Specialist (POEWS). Chief Petty Officer Electronic Warfare Specialist (CPOEWS) and Warrant Officer Electronic Warfare Specialist (WOEWS).

2001 – Removal of Action Working Dress – The AWD (old number 8’s) were replaced with the General Purpose Seagoing Coverall (GPSC).

2005 – Removal of AWD – the AWD (old GPSC) were replaced with a two piece uniform comprising of a blue shirt and trousers.