Training Boy Sailors at HMS St Vincent

From 1928 to 1968, 700 Boy Sailors aged 15 trained every year, for a year, to become the crème de la crème of the Royal Navy. Most failed!

The HMS St Vincent Association was bequeathed the entire photographic collection of the Admiralty contracted, Gosport-based photographers, J. Lawrence & Sons, and these are used to good effect in this light-hearted presentation by a former Boy who suffered there in 1959/60 yet lives to tell the tale...

Your speaker, affectionately known as 'Darby Allen', will also touch on the history of the site from its early 18th Century beginnings, including its 75-year occupation by the Royal Marine Light Infantry.

He will attempt to retain your attention for 60 minutes with his recollections, singing, dancing, wit, and armed sentries. Whether he succeeds will be up to you but it’ll be fun trying!

Timings & Tours

Thursday 12 September:

1830

Location & directions

First Light Cafe, 68 High Street, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1DR

Directions:

Coming from the Gosport Ferry area, First Light Cafe is nearby on the right-hand side of High St.

Contact on day:

Phil Allen

Telephone number:

+447951847804

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Please self-book, but if you experience difficulties please contact us.

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.gosportheritage.co.uk/booking-2024/

Booking opens:

17 Aug 2024 09:30 AM

Booking closes:

10 Sep 2024 05:30 PM

Accessibility details

The High St is pedestrianised, but there are car parks nearby. Some Blue Badge parking may be possible in Ferry area.

Additional information

Please arrive 10 minutes before the start to get seated in this welcoming and comfy venue.

Max no of people per tour:

25

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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