New Boy Rating

[Bob Sendall]

62 years ago today, I completed my course at the National Sea Training School, Gravesend, Kent. Those residing in London and the Home Counties were sent to the Shipping Federation in Aldgate East, they in turn sent us to the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company in London.
After a short interview, I was accepted as a Boy Rating in the Catering Department, told to go home and await my joining instructions.
So a train and a bus to sleepy Toddington.

[Rodney Mills]

68 years since I graduated from Gravesend...Where the heck has the time gone? Rodney

[happy daze john in oz]

Rodders, think most of us can say that.
At the Vindi in 1960, what happened it is now 2022, lot of water under the bridge since then.
But in truth I do not feel that much older, my mind still thinks I am a 16 year old, though my body has other ideas on that score.

[Rodney Mills]

Johnno. I don't think I would want 16 again, I think perhaps I'd go for 20 though, however the happiest time of my life started at age 43 when I packed work in, and started backpacking around the world and did my first of thirteen six-month trips to Oz.

Cheers kiddo, Rodney