Dockyard memories
A superb 40-page booklet came into my possession recently and it is a non-stop read, especially for all you retired ex-dockyard men.
Called Keeping The Royal Navy Afloat, it is based on the experiences and stories of the late William ‘Bill’ Coe who was a plumber in the dockyard.
The booklet tells of Bill’s time in the yard from when he was a boy and through the war when 25,000 men and women were employed, up to its running down and the change of name from dockyard to naval base. The book, by Rob Clark, is available in Elson Library, Gosport, Nauticalia in the Historic Dockyard and also in the Tourist Information Office in Gosport as well as the Discovery Centre. It costs £2.95. Rob will be happy to supply directly and can be contacted on e-mail at [email protected] or by phone on (023) 9252 1751. Add £1 for postage and packing .