Nelson & His World

Robbie,

I did actually apply to join the navy when I was about seventeen, but unfortunately was disbarred on medical grounds. I was hearbroken for some while after, I seem to remember! However, I have thought since that I would not have been able to sail in all the square-riggers that I have if I had joined! I have though been on a couple of RN seadays, the first being aboard I think a sister of the Duncan, HMS Hardy (strangely enough!), the other being in 1966 on HMS Lowestoft, where we were part of a squadron out of Portsmouth. Very exciting it was too, as the navy put on a little demonstration of gunnery at towed targets, RAS, being buzzed by aircraft etc. I seem to remember the 'flagship' was the old Lion, and the other ships included Dainty and Defender.