Getting in to or out of the Dockyard / Naval establishment or indeed almost any official site has always been a problem. During WWII it was normal at In Muster, for entry to the Dockyard to be by personal recognition only. Duty men, usually Recorders, would be at designated turnstiles that had to be used when picking up your tally. Special holes were cut through the Dockyard wall, now bricked up although they can still be seen near the Unicorn and Marlborough Gates. Unless you were known by sight you were not allowed in, which was awkward for apprentices, always moving around between gangs / shops. If you forgot your Instructors name you had to wait till he arrived - although mostly you were let in being youngsters.
At one time during my apprenticeship I worked in Admiralty House, the residence of the Commander in Chief,
Street into the Barracks saluted by everyone in sight. In the surgery one quick look established that no plug change was necessary.
So with my tool bag I sauntered back up
feeling free and happy outside the Dockyard. Coming into the Dockyard the policeman stopped me: “Where do you think you’re going matey?” “Back
to work, Sir.” “What are you doing out of the ‘Yard?” “I went out just now Sir.” “Where’s your D4?” (That was a special form to allow you to go out through the gate.) “Haven’t got one Sir, ‘cos I went out with the Admiral.” “Don’t be bl—dy saucy or I’ll have you arrested!” “I’m not! Sir.” I went out with him in his Rolls Royce.” “That’s it, inside matey, I’ll get the Sergeant.” The Sergeant appeared annoyed
to be disturbed and I was berated as a liar. Some phone calls later I was released and then admonished by my Inspector for going without authority. Thus I learnt early in life that truth is not always the way to
salvation. I should have skived off for the rest of the morning, come back in again after the dinner break as normal and I would not have been missed or caused any trouble!
Bob Russell
01/01/1984