The official forum of the Royal Navy Volunteer Bands

Jim Mason · In Training Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 25 Location: Havant

In 1946, uniform had to be worn at all times, but adults could apply for the privilege of wearing civilian clothes when on leave (a special permit had to be carried, in case of questioning by the military police, who were always on the alert for deserters) At Burford, regulations stated that when leaving and entering the camp a hat must be worn and a collar and tie. (Shirt collars were detached at that time)

There were two strategically placed trees at the camp main gate, one inside and one outside, and there was always a selection of hats hanging in these trees. On leaving the camp, one chose a hat from inside and then hung it in the tree outside, and reversed the process when re-entering the camp, obeying the regulations to the letter!

I remember one notorious character whose habit was to go for a recreational cycle ride, who would leave the camp on his bike wearing shorts and tee shirt topped by a bowler hat and a collar and tie! On retirement from the Band Service he took over a very popular pub in Burford and the bowler hat had a very prominent position behind the bar! The story of the hat kept customers amused for some years!

RAB · Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 6:12 am Post subject:

...Perhaps the origins of the old saying.."If the cap fits, wear it.."..?????....

Being a "generation" behind you Boss, we had to send our civillian clothes home on joining up, and were allowed to wear them ashore (I think) after basic training...
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Roads to a friend's house are never long...

sticky blue · Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 8:03 am Post subject:

I seem to remember all our civvies were put into storage and only came out after passing our 30 bobs, of course they didn't fit anymore and were way out of fashion

so we were allowed ten quid out of our POSB bank book to buy new civvies which had to be inspected by the House SNCO and stamped so as to be allowed ashore in them (no jeans allowed) - those were the days

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Malcolm (Tommo) Thomas ex sticky blue
Fossils fuel the imagination

Hornblower · Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 4:39 pm Post subject:

sticky blue · Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 5:40 pm Post subject:

You've never been normal in your life (so far) -

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Malcolm (Tommo) Thomas ex sticky blue
Fossils fuel the imagination

Hornblower · Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 9:26 pm Post subject:

Hmmmmmmm

Good point I suppose.

(Grudgingly)
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ITMA!

Mr Bass Trombone · Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 4:18 pm Post subject:

As far as I can recall we were the first juniors under training to be allowed ashore in civvies, and then only in the CG Squad which was 1/59. Prior to this I think that maybe the only boy allowed this privelege was the B/Sgt/ Maj, I am not sure about the B/Ncos. As for the wearing of ties to and from gigs, when we travelled from Deal to London and sometimes venues further away we traveled in uniform and we had to keep our caps on until we passed upper Deal Church, and on return replace them at the same said church, could never understand

though why after midnight it was neccessary??????
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Mr bass trombone

sticky blue · Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 5:41 pm Post subject:

I have a recollection of the hats on/off routine at upper Deal Church and that was late sixty's

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Malcolm (Tommo) Thomas ex sticky blue
Fossils fuel the imagination

pearlkit · Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 12:27 pm Post subject: Burford

In answer to the Burford heading.
My old man (Bob Witcher) used to tell me stories about Burford as this is the place he joined with Jim Mason as a boy enterant,sadly Bob is no longer with us,passed away in 1983,but I still have fond memories of his antics.

bootybandy · Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 7:07 pm Post subject:

We were still doing the hats on/off when I was under training in the early 70's.
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One is hardly sensible of fatigue while he marches to music.

Thomas Carlyle

Pablo · Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 5:41 am Post subject:

BoneManJohn · Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2006 7:40 pm Post subject:

I'm far too young to have been anywhere near Burford, but by strange coincidence I've spent the last week hearing all about it!

I'm on a surreal working holiday at the moment - Dressed as a German (Lederhosen), On board a Swedish Ship, playing Bavarian Tunes to Finnish Tourists in an 'English Pub' (The Admiral Hornblower) Alongside an Ex-Pusser on the Drums RMBX 2008 (Dolly Gray to those of that era who may remember him)

He's keeping us all entertained with many stories of his time in the RMB and subsequently in the Mounted Guards Band in London - one springs to mind: one time on parade he was being addressed by Princess Anne (dismounted) and his horse decided it was time to 'ease springs' all over HRH's feet & ankles...
I'm told against enormous odds, all maintained their composure until the inspecting party had moved on...

I'll try to get online and share some more gems with you as time permits. I have to go now, I think its Bratwurst time again!

Co-admin · Site Admin Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 1798

Get Dolly on the forum!

bootybandy · Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2006 11:08 pm Post subject:

Dolly Gray was/is one of the percussionists at HMS Sultan. Is he still there? Good man.....
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One is hardly sensible of fatigue while he marches to music.

Thomas Carlyle

geekygirl · 2nd Clarinet Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Posts: 65

He doesn't come to Sultan anymore, nice to hear he's still doing well.