OLD STRAWBERRY
13th December 2008, 09:53
As Youngster on Joining the RFA, I was 15 but shortly to become 16. "Tidereach being My first ship. I was able to cope with any job the Bosun dished out (Ernie Lassiter). As it was He would try to give You the most challenging task but I would do it, if it wasn't up to His standard I would have to do it again to the best of my ability.
I would suggest that going Aloft, Tank Diving, Riding Stays are the most dangerous tasks for a seaman, perhaps that's debatable but I would be happy to do them, even quite enjoying going Aloft, painting rigs and white lead and Tallowing the Stays etc.
My first stint in the RFA was to last for 5 years, leaving to get married and work ashore in various jobs including 22 years in the PAS/RMAS at Portland but of course that all came to an end in 1995 when the Dockyard closed, what was I to do?.
All I knew was Ships, so at the age of 54 I re-joined the RFA. I chose the RFA as most of My employments were with the MOD and it would help to add to My Pension. I was very grateful to the RFA for taking Me on at that age but what a shock to the system. I couldn't believe how much it had changed from the Old Days and to perfectly honest I found it very difficult to handle for which I am still paying for now. Still, I persevered and did a final 6 years until I reached 60 ( With a bit of Sick time thrown in). Anyhow finally getting to My point. I could not do the jobs that I was so eager to do in My earlier years which became a bit embarrassing. The highest I was able to manage was the foremast of "Orangeleaf" rigs were right out, I didn't mind tank Diving, getting dirty wasn't the problem, it was the bit in between I didn't like going up and down the ladders, none of which had safety hoops and some of the welding was a bit suss'. I didn't shirk My duties but I was only to happy to be tender at the tank top. Bassically I had lost My bottle but the Bosun's and Lads were brilliant and very understanding and were a joy to work with. Still it did not make me feel any better as some of the Old Hand's of around My age would fly up the rigs, Stan the Man, Shaun etc with no fear and excellent Seamen to boot.
So there it is My confession, So as You may imagine I was only to happy to be selected for watchkeeping Duties at sea or alongside. Which was OK as most of the Lad's prefered Day-Work anyway. I would sooner do a couple of hours in HQ1 than Climbing or Diving any day. My Dear Son Andy who did 14 years in the RFA did warn Me that it wouldn't be the same as it was in the Old days and I replied No Problem, A piece Of P**S. It does pay sometimes to listen to Your Son's advice!!.
I would suggest that going Aloft, Tank Diving, Riding Stays are the most dangerous tasks for a seaman, perhaps that's debatable but I would be happy to do them, even quite enjoying going Aloft, painting rigs and white lead and Tallowing the Stays etc.
My first stint in the RFA was to last for 5 years, leaving to get married and work ashore in various jobs including 22 years in the PAS/RMAS at Portland but of course that all came to an end in 1995 when the Dockyard closed, what was I to do?.
All I knew was Ships, so at the age of 54 I re-joined the RFA. I chose the RFA as most of My employments were with the MOD and it would help to add to My Pension. I was very grateful to the RFA for taking Me on at that age but what a shock to the system. I couldn't believe how much it had changed from the Old Days and to perfectly honest I found it very difficult to handle for which I am still paying for now. Still, I persevered and did a final 6 years until I reached 60 ( With a bit of Sick time thrown in). Anyhow finally getting to My point. I could not do the jobs that I was so eager to do in My earlier years which became a bit embarrassing. The highest I was able to manage was the foremast of "Orangeleaf" rigs were right out, I didn't mind tank Diving, getting dirty wasn't the problem, it was the bit in between I didn't like going up and down the ladders, none of which had safety hoops and some of the welding was a bit suss'. I didn't shirk My duties but I was only to happy to be tender at the tank top. Bassically I had lost My bottle but the Bosun's and Lads were brilliant and very understanding and were a joy to work with. Still it did not make me feel any better as some of the Old Hand's of around My age would fly up the rigs, Stan the Man, Shaun etc with no fear and excellent Seamen to boot.
So there it is My confession, So as You may imagine I was only to happy to be selected for watchkeeping Duties at sea or alongside. Which was OK as most of the Lad's prefered Day-Work anyway. I would sooner do a couple of hours in HQ1 than Climbing or Diving any day. My Dear Son Andy who did 14 years in the RFA did warn Me that it wouldn't be the same as it was in the Old days and I replied No Problem, A piece Of P**S. It does pay sometimes to listen to Your Son's advice!!.