- Contributed byÌý
- sharkey_ward
- People in story:Ìý
- 'Sharkey' Ward
- Location of story:Ìý
- Portsmouth
- Background to story:Ìý
- Royal Navy
- Article ID:Ìý
- A2309861
- Contributed on:Ìý
- 18 February 2004
Being conscripted in April 1940 and having passed a 4-day Trade Test on HMS Excellent, Portsmouth, I was classed as an Ordnance Artificer 5th Class.
Such was the heavy demand on uniforms, I was only able to be issued with a Naval overcoat and a peaked cap. During a 4-day trade-test leave I travelled home to Northwich, Cheshire in sports jacket and flannels, my peaked-cap and my naval overcoat.
Believe me - I felt like an ADMIRAL!
It was four weeks later during my basic training that I was able to wear a full uniform.
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