As Time Goes By: RNVR in Chatham

From: Chief Petty Officer Stan Wood RNVR

“As Time Goes By”

The living conditions in Chatham Naval Barracks in 1943 at the time I was waiting to get my first ship were deplorable. Because of the number of ships that had been lost in action there were 4000 occupying space intended for 1000. Under normal circumstances there would have been space to sling your hammock to get a nights sleep but this was not the case. In consequence we took every opportunity to take shore leave when at liberty to go into Chatham Town to seek a bed in either the Sailors’ Home or the Salvation Army Hostel or a bed in a private house. The basic rate for the luxury was one shilling and six pence a night that included bed and a cup of tea in the morning. Those of us who were lucky enough to enjoy these facilities will be ever grateful to those who provided them.

There was another problem attached to getting one of those beds. After being inspected before leaving barracks, there was a mad rush to get onto the buses to make the short journey into Chatham. This was a trial of strength and we took no prisoners, needless to say the buses were so overcrowded you could hardly breathe. On arrival it was essential that you could do a hundred yards in around ten seconds for the last part of the journey to this small heaven.

On one of the occasions my friend Shorty Smith and I had found our way to Chatham where we were to experience a night to remember.

We were proceeding along a back street on our way to our regular lodgings. The street resembled what we now know as ‘Coronation Street’. It was narrow with houses on both sides. The pavement was about two feet wide and the front doors located so that you stepped directly into the front room on entering.

It was from one of these doors we were suddenly faced by a little old lady who seemed to appear from nowhere. She stood about five feet and was dressed in a black dress which about covered her little black buckle shoes. Around her neck was a lace collar and a large brooch holding it in place. Her hair was brushed back off her face with a bun at the back. At seeing her, I was immediately reminded of one of my old grandmas who had lived to the wonderful age of 90.

The lady then spoke. “Could you gentlemen do with a good bed for the night, clean sheets and a comfortable mattress and a cup of teas in the morning?” We asked if we could see the accommodation and we stepped into the little front room. There was no bedstead, but there was a bed made up on the floor. “There we are gents, here’s the bed”.

We looked at each other with apprehension. It’s safe to say that if we had been older we might have turned down the proposition. “How much is it mother?” to which she replied “one shilling and sixpence”. This was what we were used to paying and feeling sorry for the poor old soul we agreed to accept. This was our big mistake as we unfortunately found out later.

Having told our landlady that we would return at about 11 o’clock we proceeded to the Sailors’ Home for a meal. The menu was never exciting, but the food was well cooked and certainly better than in the barracks. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and then decided to visit the cinema called The Empire. The film being shown was ‘Casablanca’, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. This was the first showing of this wonderful film, which over 50 years later is considered to be one of the most popular films ever made.

We managed to get a seat with 400 other sailors, none of whom could have imagined the treat we were in for.

When the lovely Ingrid appeared on the screen, you could have heard a pin drop. I don’t think any of us had seen a film star as beautiful as the young Swedish lady. She didn’t need make up, she had that virgin look with eyes that would have melted the heart of the toughest Naval Gunnery Officer and that says it all.

Most of the audience had either a wife or a girlfriend at home and for an hour or so Ingrid filled that empty space.

When it came to the final scene, when instead of staying with Bogart her lover, she flew off with Paul Hendrick her husband, there was not a dry eye in the house. I’m not ashamed to admit that I was one who was guilty.

The film ‘Casablanca’ with thousands of other people is my favorite film and I watch a tape of it religiously every year. It brings back memories I shall take with me to my grave. Needless to say, the theme song on the film called ‘As time goes by’ is one of my favorites. After this memorable experience, Shorty and I made our way to the nearest pub for a couple of pints.

When time was called, we found our way back to our lodging. On arrival we were greeted by the little lady who let us in and wished us a goodnight.

There was no mention of toilet facilities so I can only assume these were out of bounds. I think our bladders must have been in better condition than they are today. In the event we could have opened the front door and used the street, as if we would!

We undressed with considerable difficulty in the dark and slotted ourselves into bed. The time then was about 11 o’clock.

From this time until about half past midnight there was a succession of sailors knocking on the door. This was succeeded by the landlady making her way to the door treading all over our feet to let them in. Once in, they all trampled over us on the way to the back room, or we know not where. I estimate that after we went to bed up to ten sailors in various stages of intoxication took up residence. You can imagine the language, as Shorty and me showed our disapproval. Came and dawn and we got to drink the welcome cup of tea that was part of the deal we had concluded. Our knees and legs were black and blue with bruises. Not a night I would care to repeat.

Obviously the little old lady eventually retired after the war on the proceeds, she certainly was a super sales person and deserved her reward.

Needless to say, we reverted to the more salubrious accommodation we found at the Salvation Army where I’m pleased to say drunkenness was frowned upon.

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