We are currently exploring alternative, hidden histories within our collection and looking at broadening the range of voices we represent. The Marines were withdrawn from Chatham in 1950, and the buildings were later demolished. However, as some men worked in both the dockyards and aboard ships across the course of their naval career, it is sometimes also worth looking for records of individuals, especially skilled workers (artificers or tradesmen), in Royal Navy records (as administered by the Admiralty Board). The dockyard, always pulled together and pulled out all the stops to get things done, especially for the navy. Pembroke Royal Navy who died 18/04/1918 GILLINGHAM (WOODLANDS) CEMETERY, KENT United Kingdom ' I still sometimes wonder if my name I painted on a beam in the apprentice building with a 6" brush is still there. Lower Boat House circa 1820 built as a storehouse for squared timber, and later to store ship's boats. It came into existence at the time when, following the Reformation, relations with the Catholic countries of Europe had worsened, leading to a requirement for additional defences. [20], Among the vessels built in this Dockyard which still exist are HMSVictory (launched in 1765 and now preserved at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard)[22] and HMSUnicorn (a Leda-class frigate), launched in 1824 and now preserved afloat at Dundee). At around the same time a large house was leased (the Hill House) for administrative purposes including meetings of the Council of Marine Causes. [1] The painting, now in the National Maritime Museum, provides a detailed illustration of the yard as it was in the Age of Sail; many of the buildings and structures illustrated survive: William Camden (15511623) described Chatham dockyard as, stored for the finest fleet the sun ever beheld, and ready at a minutes warning, built lately by our most gracious sovereign Elizabeth at great expense for the security of her subjects and the terror of her enemies, with a fort on the shore for its defence.[2]. Another member of the group, John Gibson, 79 from Southway, joined the dockyard as an apprentice in September 1955. Chatham Dockyard ledgers: employees, apprentices, etc that I have asked my family to see that my ashes are scattered on the Medway besides the Dockyard,using a trip on the Paddlesteamer-"Kingswear Castle" to carry out this task. Hawkins' chain was later replaced with a boom of masts, iron, cordage, and the hulls of two old ships, besides a couple of ruined pinnacles. I spent a couple of nights in the dormitory blocks, before joining Diamond and had a lot of laughs. Saw HMS Jamaica of Bismarck fame and I believe we saw HMS Manxman too in which a friend's uncle had served during WW2. dailyinfo[1]=' 61365 Private James LAVIN 1st Garrison Bn. seaJane. Poland, 5 September 1950 May 1951, Rear-Admiral John Y. Thompson: October 1958 February 1961, Rear-Admiral I.William T. Beloe: February 1961 December 1963, Rear-Admiral George M.K. The indenture was a contract signed by the apprentice, the parent / guardian and the Admirality on satisfactory completion of a 3 month probation period.