At last the day has come when I enter H.M.S. Collingwood for the Upper Yardsman’s course. The day I have looked forward to for such a long time, for my ambition, from entering the Royal Navy, has been to become an officer. In the past I have felt confident that I could pass any course if it meant me realising my ambition. Now that I am here and hearing the experiences of the member of Frobisher class, my knees shake and I am not so confident that I will get through this course successfully. Anyhow all I can do is my best and if I still fail, well “It is better to have loved and lost than never loved at all.”
On arrival at the mess we were met by a Canadian boy by the name of Taylor. He was very king, giving us all the help possible in arranging our kits, details of our course, “do’s and don’ts” and words of encouragement regarding our course. At once he gave a felling of comradeship. This was also eminent when meeting the members of the Frobisher class for the first time.
What a difference our mess, dining hall and dormitory is to what we have been used to. I was surprised, everything is to our convenience and comfort. Everything here is at my disposal and to help me on my course, if I should fail I have no one to blame except myself.
Each one of us had an interview with our course officer Lieutenant Bordes. When I went into his office, I was very shaky, I had a funny feeling in my stomach and I did not know what way to stand. I don’t know why but I was very nervous. On the question, “What games did I play,” I did not know what to say, for in the past I have played Gaelic games such as hurley and gaelic football. I noticed that Lieutenant Bordes carries two decorations, one the D.S.C., the other I am not sure off, but I think it is to do with the Polish campaign of 1939.
So ends my first day at H.M.S. Collingwood. Now I am one of the “Grenville” class. I wonder if any of us shall become as famous Sir Richard Grenville whom we are called after.
He wouldn’t be pleased – in reference to “Canadian boy”
H.M.S. Collingwood is a stone frigate (shore establishment) of the Royal Navy, in Fareham, England.
D.S.C. is the Distinguished Service Cross a third level military decoration