Paying-off one of my first ships, as deck-boy, in 1948/9 (7 pounds monthly) I received a very small number of those white fivers. Went to buy a civvy raincoat for 15 pounds (heaven knows why when thinking now). Shop staffer refused to accept the fivers as I was, in his view, too young to have so much money - particularly the white ones, when I was just 17 years. Can't recall what eventuated but I did get the coat so must have related a believable story. I did have the clothing coupons covering the purchase as they were given out, at that time, at pay-off with the wages.
Ken T
R412277