HMS Ganges Manning the Mast Ceremony

1963 , Shotley (Suffolk)

Anglia news footage of the Manning the Mast ceremony at HMS Ganges, naval base in Suffolk.

Beginning with a view from the ground, the naval uniformed boys ascend the rope ladder. Beautifully synchronised in their movement, the camera pans up to reveal the 143 feet high mast centred between the columns of rope that the junior seamen climb. A boy stands on the button on the top of the mast to make his salute, and the impressive ceremonial manning of the mast is complete. The boys descend by sliding down the stay ropes that support the mast. On the ground proud family members and senior naval officers applaud this fantastic display, and the ‘button boy’ receives the traditional payment of one shilling for his heroic endeavour.

Featured Events

HMS Ganges Manning the Mast Ceremony

Keywords

Ceremonies, Royal Navy; Training ships

Background Information

HMS Ganges was a Royal Navy Training base at Shotley, Suffolk. The site included a 143 feet high high ships mast, which was used for training, and annually during the ceremonial Manning the Mast.

Manifestations

HMS Ganges Manning the Mast Ceremony

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