The Mast

Click HERE to read an article on the Ganges Mast which is currently lying horizontal instead of vertical.

View this video to learn more about the ‘Button Boy’ by clicking HERE.

The Ganges boys in action Click HERE.

Another video click HERE

WHERE ARE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY BOYS HERE

Jim B remembers recently that a Chief Yeoman Reg Morris, “Belly San”,  was a “Button Boy” at Ganges and still had the shilling coin he was given. It was set in a little square wooden surround and it got me wondering now whatever happened to it when he Crossed the Bar.

I  never went to “Ganges” during my Service, but lived in Ipswich, which is only 8 miles from Shotley. However, I did frequently go there as a Sea Cadet from 1936 until the War started.  So hence I knew a bit about it.

The demolition firm of J Howard Ltd, (owned by my Brother-in-Law) of Ipswich, took down the mast in the late 1970’s. I believe it was after some “argie-bargie” over it being a “National Treasure” or some such thing, that they had to  re-erect it. And, later on he again took it down as by then it was deemed to be in a dangerous condition. The last time I saw it, it was laying on the ground where it had once so proudly stood.

and from Dusty Miller who also had a mate who served in Ganges and is on the Ganges Assn Committee – Hi Dusty. The Mast is in a sorry state! The permission has been granted by the Council now to Develop the site. They, the Developers/Site Owners, have indicated that it will be struck down, refurbished and reinstated. Time will tell. It all looks very positive.