The Channels

[Ken Trehearne]

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

[john middleton]

And today

[john middleton]

Loads of cash paid off just before the coronation 1953
with £38.00 quite a nice sum for those days soon gone
skint before joining the next one, wouldn't have swapped it
at all,2 to 3 weeks in wonderful places, and I include South
Shields and Aberdeen amongst them. Different to now
in before breakfast out in the evening.

[john middleton]

God that's strange paid off 1951 and the first
thing I bought was a raincoat, bit extravagent
but I thought I was the cat's whiskers also very
useful in the pictures when courting.

[happy daze john in oz]

Money on clothing, very often went to John Temple to have a suit made, all the go then.
With drain pipe trousers and winklepicker shoes we looked like a diamond, a rusty one now though.

The later the bell bottom trousers with platform shoes, looking back now we were very odd people then

But not all the tailors were that good.

heard a story about some guys at a parade.
The inspecting officer saw the first one with only one leg,
where did you get that he asked.
In the war sir he replied.

The he saw a guy who looked as if he had no hands the cuffs well beyond any hands
Where did you get that he asked

Burtons sir and it is going back in the morning

[Doc Vernon]

Yes indeed John I recall the Zuit Suits we used to have specially made. Cannot remember the Tailors name though! I once got one made just like you mention, with Red Silk Lining in the Jacket, the Outside was a Light Cream though really snassy! And it was like Three quater Length! LOL
With the Drain Pipes on the Ladies really took to us! Wohaaaa!
Cheers

Days of old
When we were Bold
And nothing ever worried us!

[Terry Sullivan]

The Company rep would count out the cash, nice white Fivers, and pass it to the BoT man who counted it again and then you finally got your hands on it , then have a go at the Union rep to make sure he stamped your book correctly.
Terry Sullivan R340406

[Des Taff Jenkins]

Hi Vernon.
Can you in your minds eye imaging yourself walking down the main street of Blackheath today wearing that suit?
Cheers Des

[happy daze john in oz]

Hi Vernon.
Can you in your minds eye imaging yourself walking down the main street of Blackheath today wearing that suit?
Cheers Des

Des not sure about Blackheath but here in Melbourne I doubt any one would take any notice

[Doc Vernon]

Here they would think someone from the lost Era! LOL