Obviously as I get older I get rose coloured specs, I miss my youth more than I miss this. I worked on 820 NAS on the Ark. Stayed in 2 Kilo Aft. I absolutely remember the 10 on, 10 off. I had it worked out that I was getting paid way less than National minimum wage, given those hours, but it was pointed out that I got free food and board. I don’t have a lot of good things to say and I hope admin allow this post for an open mind. I utterly hated it and made up my mind that I’d never be treated this way ever again. I remember Commander York cancelled all leave as we waited on the gangplank in Pompey, why ? .... because he could. I couldn’t think of a worse way to spend my formative years really. Absolutely not a fan. I also had to pay a wee Chinese guy money to wash my work clothes. Kinda beggars believe.
Thanks

That me it the TV program Public Eye: Strife On The Ocean Wave - 1994 at 25 minutes 35 seconds. so strange to see myself at nearly 30 years ago.

849 B Flight POAEM Jim Abbey in 7R mess 1991 -1994 such happy memories reading through this *** website. I have retired now in sunny Spain with my wife Nicky (also a PO Wren) and one of my three sons has joined up currently on HMS Dragon.

I 'served' on her. Very briefly tho. Was part of a recruitment/taster course for school leavers back in the eighties. We formed a chaingang and handballed supplies to the food stores. Powdered eggs, and more powdered eggs. I didn't take the Queen's shilling in the end... cos the bunks in HMS Kent were like sleeping on cheesewire... Still, an awesome memory to have, pity she gone...

A great site, I was on the Ark for just 1/2 an hour! Drafted on, went to the drafting office saw a L/Reg whom I knew. He stamped me in and then stamped me out, gave me a warrent to Pompy as I was going out D by P in a month and they were sailing to the Med for exercises.