RN Concert Party, Chatham 1943:
Joining the RN as a teenager in 1943, I must be the only person in history to receive an Admirals uniform on his second day in the service. Let me explain. On my arrival at Collingwood Block, I was interviewed by various people including the entertainments officer, who noted that I had done some acting, singing and played the drums around Manchester where I lived. Following the interview the officer explained that he was producing a stage version of the film "Alfs Button Afloat" (wherein Aladdin's Lamp was melted down for wartime scrap and emerged as a brass button on a naval uniform, which produced the Genie when rubbed). I was told that the rating who had rehearsed the role of Admiral had been suddenly drafted and would I be prepared to tackle the role for presentation the following day to all the personnel in RN Barracks (HMS Pembroke) Chatham. I nervously accepted and after an all-day-night-day session of sweat, tears and Naafi Tea (?) learned the part and we duly performed as scheduled. The show was a roaring success and we carried on to present it at all the naval establishments on the Medway. Following the tour of just a few weeks, we had a group photograph taken of all the cast in costume, on the barracks square in Collingwood Block. Unfortunately I lost a lot of my belongings eventually, including the small Navy issue attache case which contained, among other things, my copy of the photograph.
I have now become interested in photography and am compiling something of a photographic record of the various moments in my now 84 years. This picture of the cast would please me no end if it could be found again, and possibly other members of the cast. Incidentally, I didn't get promoted to Admiral! My buttons didn't work. If you can help contact John Garland. 20/1/2010
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