BASIC TRAINING HMCS CORNWALLIS JAN. 1960

BASIC TRAINING HMCS CORNWALLIS JAN. 1960

Time In: Volunteering and Skiving

My first week in the Navy, I found myself "up on charge." I can't even remember the offense, but the result was a week of "eights"—extra work.

The procedure was formal: you’re marched into a room by your Petty Officer to face the Lieutenant, who stands behind a bare dais. I am quick marched in, my boots were skidding on the polished floor as the commands barked out: "Halt! Hats off!" The charge was read, the punishment given. Then, "Hats on!" On the upswing, my hat clipped the dais and sent it twirling into the air. I managed to catch it with both hands and clamp it onto my head in one fluid motion. The officers’ faces contorted as they fought back laughter. "About turn! Quick march!"

Eight days in, and I was already on a cleaning party. The PO called out, "Senior man, step forward!" I looked around and realized—to my surprise—that was me. I was put in charge while the PO was out of touch. Being a boss is good. Not a bad start.

I quickly learned the value of volunteering. Cleaning the PO mess after a dance usually earned you a quart of beer. Sweeping the canteen in the drill shed often turned into an hour playing bridge or whist as a fourth. I even volunteered as the mailman, so I didn't have to double anymore.

The PNRT Outlaws

When our division was chosen for the 50th Anniversary PNRT (Physical Navy Recreational Training) display, I knew gymnastics wasn't for me. I joined the "Outlaws." About half a dozen of us would sneak back to the barracks and hide in the laundry room. We’d post a lookout and play a game of cat-and-mouse, moving behind the inspectors through the H-block to stay out of sight.

Eventually, we got caught and sent to the PNRT Petty Officer. He was so overworked that he just bawled us out and told us we were too far behind to join the display. As "punishment," he ordered us to go wait in the barracks until practice was over. We couldn't believe our luck. On our final day at Cornwallis, my Chief Petty Officer gave me a punch on the shoulder. "You’ll make out alright," he said