Staff

Image Archive

Captain Superintendents

Headmasters

Chairmen & Management Committee

Chief Officers

Padres

Staff

Captain Superintendents

There were nine Captain Superintendents and one acting Captain Superintenden between 1859 and 1968. From 1968 when Cheshire County Council took control the post of Captain Superintendentt lapsed anf the Headmaster took charge.

The post of Chief Officer was renamed First Lieutenant in September 1917. This did not last long and the post soon reverted to Chief Offficer.

The post of Chief Officer lapsed in 1969 when Cheshire County Council took over the running of the Ship. A new post of Deputy Headmaster/Director of Nautical Studies was created.

Padres

Rev J H Barr joined on Sep 13th - left Jul 19th but years not known!

Staff

As with all military personnel it was commonplace for individuals to gain nicknames. The number and range of a person’s nicknames were directly proportional to the regard in which they were held so John Brooke-Smith must have been highest in our affections. It is interesting how perceptions of some longer-serving members of staff changed over the years as their nicknames indicate. Members of staff are listed below by name and nickname.

Rev F J Ackers (Joey). Georgaphy master 1880.

Ag see WO Collins.

Nurse Annie Adams nurse 1883.

Mrs B (Mother) 1960s. “Arguably the most important figure of the whole Ship. She ran the off-duty tuck-shop and canteen situated in an old stable block. She lived in the house by the main gate and had an attractive daughter who also helped in the tuck-shop). She was the mother to all of us and a wonderful person. The food was homely and glorious, the atmosphere the same. She would open the back door and allow us to smoke behind the tuck-shop, giving us ample warning (unfortunately not the day I got caught) should an officer or anti-smoking Rate should appear. God bless her.”

Ernie Ball see Mr Owen

Mr Barker (Boowks) Late 60s and 70s was so named because of the way he said “Get your boowks out lads”.

Barmy see Mr Crocket.

Mr Charles Barton (Bummy) He was a master from 1859 and Headmaster from 1863 to 1892.

Basil see Mr Lord.

Mr Ken Bayliss (Ken, aka Pug) in 1960 was the Physics teacher and coach of the 1st XV and Athletics team). He left in 1964 for conduct unbecomng…

Captain Henry Baynham OBE RN FRAS (also holder of the Egypt Medal, British War Medal and the Khedives Star). (Bullets) Henry Baynham was born 1 June 1847 and was educated at the Naval School, Southsea. Entered the Navy as a Navigating Midshipman in Dec. 1862. Served HMS Victory, Buzzard, Nile, Galatea, Orontes and Phoebe. After a long and illustrious career he retired in December 1884 being medically unfit. In 1888 he was appointed Chief Officer of the Conway. In 1895 he was Superintendent of the Industrial School Ship Wellesley at North Shields. He retired from this post in 1910, aged 63. In 1914 he offered his services to the Admiralty and in Sept. 1915 he was appointed to HMS Victory. In 1917 he was officially notified that he was the oldest officer on the active list! Feb. 1917 promoted to Acting Commander. Jan. 1918 appointed to HMS Cyclops and then HMS Sandringham. He was demobilised June 1919 and reverted to the Retired List. He was 72. OBE awarded 1 Jan. 1919 "Worked at Haslar Training Camp and as supervising officer of the Auxiliary Patrol Depot at Immingham and was Senior Naval Officer of the naval base at Swarbacks Minn in Jan. 1918." He died 11th June 1933, aged 84.

C J Beecheno trigonometry master at least 1889 to 1894.

The Bengal Tiger see Mr Trewin

Bert see Mr Menzies.

Bertie see W H J Chipp.

Big Bill see Lt Cdr W. Hutchison

Bill see Mr. Siville/Sewill.

Bill the Bishop see Rev Williams

Mr FG Bloyne left in 1917 to join the RNVR. He was replaced by Mr E Staveley MA (Oxon)

Bluebelly see W H J Chipp.

Boo Boo see Mr Davidson photo on right

Boowks see Mr Barker.

Brooky see Lt Cdr John Brooke-Smith.

Bog-brush see Mr Carter.

Bomber see Mr Bradley.

Bossie see T Phelps.

Mr Bradely (Bomber) 1971-73 taught the colts, and later the first XV.

Mr Brenchley (Jelly Belly, aka Flabby Guts) Second Officer from 1861 to at least 1890 when he became Purser. A quiet officer not well regarded by cadets iut who had been recommended for the Victoria Cross during the Crimean War.

Brodie see Lt Cdr John Brooke-Smith.

Capt H Broadbent RNR (Lobster Chops) Chief Officer 1898 - 1903 then Captain Superintendent 1903-1927.

Brogue see Lt Cdr John Brooke-Smith.

Lt Cdr John Brooke-Smith (Brooky, aka Spooky – from his innate ability to appear just when you least wanted to see him, aka The Brogue, aka Death Breath, aka Colgate –1951-2, aka Brodie) He joined the Ship in 1940 as a Lt RNR having had to come ashore with poor eyesight. In 1960 he was Mizzentop divisional officer, coached the 3rd XV and “an all round gent.” “Quietly spoken with one of the nicest smiles you could wish for.”

“After the war when Drake was appointed Chief Officer Holt said that Conway no longer had a place for Spookie (he was appointed temporarily during the war) but Eric objected and they compromised. One day Drake collapsed and the Dr said he should not serve on board in view of his health. Spookie thus got reinstated and Eric got him to be made up Lieutenant Commander.”

In 1968-71 Brookie had a Ford Anglia (Harry Potter shape for those with children or grandchildren) 105E green with the 'Deluxe' white flash down the side...he used to forget and leave it down at the dock or up at the top playing fields in his enthusiasm to oversee marching back to the blocks and be prompted to ask at after-meal announcements 'Errr (adopt Brookie tone) anybody seen my car?' There was a story going around that he'd left it down at the dock one night and a group swung it out over the water just above high tide level for him to find in the morning...good urban myth I suspect?”

John died on 23rd December 1990 age 79. His grave is in the church yard of St Andrew’s church, Hasketon, Suffolk.

Mr. T.E.W. Browne (called "Spitfire" in the 1940s as he was ex RAF. More generally know as Tube because of his initials). The headmaster he used to teach us Physics. Wore a gown and mortar-board. When perplexed he had the habit of scratching his stern and then vigorously rubbing his nose, saying “Most extraordinary! Most extraordinary!” Liked by everybody.

Mr F Buckby left in 1917 to join the Artists Rifles. He was replaced by Mr HFJ Burgess.

Buller see Mr Greenwood.

Bullets see Captain Henry Baynham.

Bullshit see Mr Owen.

Bummy see Mr Charles Barton.

Mr HFJ Burgess joined in 1917 to replace Mr F Buckby who left to join the Artists Rifles.

Mr. Caldwell (Wrong Way aka Grief around 1961) In 1960 he was coach of the 2nd XV. His nickname is explained thus: “We were playing RAF Valley at home. He was inserted into the 3/4 line to add some beef to the attack. With ball in hand he was hit hard on about their 25 yard line and spun through 180 without hesitating ran hard for the line and "scored" a five yard scrum for the opposition!”

Charles Cater RN (Keen Eye) Chief Officer 1891 - 1898

Cannonball one of the padres.

David Carroway (Spare Bags). Instructor at least 1887-9.

Mr. Carter. (Spogsh aka Bog-Brush because of his crew cut) Senior Master calculus, also taught navigation. Acting Headmaster during the war while Tube was on active service. Perfectly ambidextrous. “Once he set a Maths exam which was so difficult nobody could do it (average was about 2%) and they had to re-scale all the results. I was quite good at Maths but I only got about 15% I think.”

Charlie see Mr Joseph Light.

Charlie see Lt. Skinner.

Chipes see W H J Chipp.

W H J Chipp (Bluebelly aka Chipes aka Bertie). Second Offcier June 1883 to June 1907.

Cdr Peter Clarke RD RNR (Dhobi) 1964 – 1974.

Maintop Divisional Officer who took great care todevelop the leadership skills of his cadet Captains. He joined Conway from the REAN. His nickname was earned at evening divisions when he announced to the assembled cadets that their “dhobi” (laundry) had been delivered and was to be speedily cleared away. The cadets (other than the large East African contingent) were slightly bemused by the term and it naturally became his nickname.

Charlie see Mr. C.T Nicholls.

Charlie Nick see Mr. C.T Nicholls.

Colgate see Lt Cdr John Brooke-Smith.

Warrent Officer Collins (Ag aka Jumper) 1937-40.

Lt-Cdr Couch RNR (Sarky)

Was XO and left in Aug 1939 on Fleet mobilization. “I heard he had command of a minesweeping flotilla on the East Coast and that he suffered a complete mental breakdown.”

Creeping Jesus see Mr Preen.

Jimmy Crockett was Second Officer in the 50s. He suffered from nerves having had a bad time in the war. was "barmy" not "balmy"! He was a very nice man who was Second Officer and who suffered from a slight nervous affliction, possibly a result of wartime experience, which was sometimes evident when he took Divisions. The cadets, of course quickly latched on to this abnormality, hence the words of the alternative Conway song.

Cupid see Rev? Williams.

DJ see Mr Dale Jones.

Mr Dale Jones (DJ). Chemistry teacher in the 60s.

Mr Davidson (25-27) (Boo Boo aka (Mighty) Mouse) Focsle's Divisional Officer in the 60s.

Mr Davies (Peanut) 1950s. “Taught us English. I got on well with him though he was generally disliked. Also coached the Bantam Group for a while.” “The most lunatic evening was when 'Peanut' Davies was OOD. During cinema the projector was acting up (when didn't it?). As a result the time overan into supper (cocoa and a lump of seed cake). 'Peanut' stormed in and insisted that the cinema was stopped immediately. Naturally, the assembled Cadets were not amused and no amount of reasoning could dissuade him. Somehow the word spread that there

would be a 'silent protest' at prayers before supper. Sure enough, 'Peanut' found himself singing the hymn alone. The meal (cocoa and a lump of seed cake) was in silence. 'Peanut' just grinned

and chuckled. After All Hands were in bed and Rounds had taken place, 'Peanut' ordered each dormitory in turn to get out of bed, dress in shoes and run up and down the stairs 3 times and then assemble in the Mess Hall. Us POs were expected to accelerate the slow coaches - no way! On arrival at the Mess Hall, with the organist at the 'Wurlitzer', all had to sing the whole of 'Oh God our help in ages passed'. Then run up the stairs again to bed. This went on until all the dorms had done it. 'Peanut' thought the whole thing very amusing. Somehow the night's performance came to the attention of TEWB who interviewed 'Peanut' the next day. He was much more concilliatory after that.”

Death Breath see Lt Cdr John Brooke-Smith.

Dhobi see Lt Cdr Clarke RN.

Dithery Dan see Mr Phillips.

Dodo see Mr. Woolley.

Doggy see Wm J Tozer.

Digby-Jones (Digger) was temporary Chief Officer 1947 Apr (at least) - 1948 Aug. He was ex Blue Funnel. A rather dapper man who was well enough thought of.

Digger see Digby Jones

Cdr Douglas RD RNR (Monty) Originally joined as Second Officer in 1907. Served as Chief Officer 1917 Sep - 1934 Sep when he retired sick. Returned from retirement around 1940 to take over from Douglas-Lane.

Mr Geoff Drake (22-24) (Quack-Quack) – owing to the drawl with which he pronounced some words and his highly individual manner of announcing reveille over the intercom.) He joined in April 1949 as Chief offcier. In 1960 was Divisional officer for Mizzentop and Hold. Sported a splendid goatee beard. “He always seemed to be secretly amused by us cadets but he never let us in on the joke.”

“Mr Drake was the Chief Officer in charge at The House. His sardonic turn of phrase and dryly trenchant tone of voice was eminently mimicable, and most cadets tried their hand at it, with varying degrees of success. He was a kind man, but a measured disciplinarian, not open to manipulation by cadets. The first time I heard him speak was when he addressed all new chums and 3-year cadets on The House mess-deck on the first or second day of term, the only remark I remember running something like “There’s a sea-boot in my office. It’s been there since the middle of last term. Is it too much to expect of the cadet concerned that he notice that he’s got only one sea-boot, and would he mind collecting the other forthwith?” This was greeted with silent delight by his admirers (most cadets) and exaggerated resignation by the disaffected. He projected a very pronounced personality, rather ascetic, dry, humorous and wise, the wisdom indicated by his goatee and moustache. He was diabetic, and cadets were under instructions to administer the sugar he kept about his person if he ever went into a diabetic fit; I never saw it happen.”

E Jarge see George Hunt.

Mr Edwards Taught Geography.

Eric see Captain Eric Hewitt.

Ernie see Lt. Ernie Moore and Mr Owen

Mr Feasey (Yo Ho).

Flabby Guts see Mr Brenchley

Flanagan was one of the two Warrent Officers. Years not known.

Mr Fogarty (Frog aka Fogas) teacher i the early 60s.

Fogas see Mr Fogarty.

Foxey see Mr Lord.

Mr. Fozard (Greasy) April 1956 To 197? Spanish teacher who would speak just a few words of English to cadets in their first lesson viz “The best way to learn a language is to use a language. From now on I shall only address you in Spanish. Sienta te!” That was it; after the next few year it was all Spanish. He was the tennis and hockey coach. "A dapper graceful man, always smart and renowned for his slicked back brylcreamed hair." "A short, plump man with a sleek, black, brylcreemed hairdo and a Latin look, naturally he taught Spanish (later he was also the foclse divisional master). He had a parrot in his cabin."

Lt Frankyn an RNR officer on a year’s secondment in 1955.

Frog see Mr Fogarty.

Gabby see Lt. G. A. B. King.

Gaff see Mr King.

Mr Gepp appointed by Lawrence Holt, the Conway Committee Chairman in Autumn Term 1937 to teach mathematics as the regular teacher was ill. He was an Old Pangbournian and held an Extra Master’s Certificate.

Rev A H Gibbon Vicar from Aug 1949 to ??.

Mr Glasspool Previously Second Officer then Chief Officer until Feb 1885 when he left to return to sea.

Captain Tom Goddard (Waah) see entry under Captain Superintendents.

Mrs Goddard (Ma G) Captain Tom's wife

The Gonk see D.H.Thomas.

Mr Goodey (Lads) 1960s.

Greasy see Mr. Fozard, and Mr Rhys-Evans.

Mr Greenwood (Buller). Taught Geography 1940 – 43. Died in harness.

Grief see Mr. Caldwell.

Gunner see PO Mayne.

Mr JH Hall BSc joined in 1917 to replace Mr CG Smith who left to join the RNVR.

Mr Hampson (Jackie) Was a Scince teacher in 1953 and the term master for the 1954 intake. He was a keen amateur photographer and took many of the photos onboard the ship during her last passage from Plas Newydd. He retired in Sep 55 and lived in Somerset after retirement and died in 2005.

Mr Hargraves (Strike) Chief Offfcer 1865 approx - 1878/9

Mr Harris (Jet).

Mr. Harrison (Scouse) Chief Engineer 1960 to ??

Padre Alex Harrison 1970s. “He is in the 71 photo sitting next to Brookie. If memory serves he was an ex RAF sky pilot - I seem to recall the RAF wings on his vestments.” Seconded from the Missions to Seamen.

Mr Heywood taught engineering and woodwork (68-71)late and had a white Mini Traveller that I can vouch for the fact that it was lifted by a group of QBs between the two porches in the lower car park - side on so that it required about a twenty point shuffle to get it out.

Captain Eric Hewitt (Eric, aka The Old Man) see entry under Captain Superintendents.

Hilliard (Old Thunder Guts) 1954-9ish

Mr. Hillier (Thunder Guts). Was marching instructor amongst other things 1961-3.

Hoppy see Mr Lee.

Lt Cdr Howard-Davies (33-35) (Slob) In 1960 he was divisional officer of Hold and Head of Sailing. He was rumoured to have been responsible for the sail design of the GP Dingy and owned sail number '1'.

Humph see Mr Kingsford.

Mr Hunt An instructor in 1859. Father of George Hunt.

George Hunt (The Tartar aka E Jarge) Instructor 1880 to 1916. His father had been an instructor in 1859.

Hutch see Lt Cdr W. Hutchison

Lt Cdr W. Hutchison (Hutch aka Big Bill) had been on the Artic Convoys to Murmansk. He joined the staff around 1955 and was Maintop divisional officer at the Camp from 1960 to 62. Very much respected in my time “Held himself very erect and probably used a little alcohol, totally understandable. Have never forgotten him, but he was an enigma.” “His cap always looked way to big for him, great guy, but with demons.” “He was hugely respected and I do not remember anyone ever saying a bad word about him. I had several long discussions with him in my final term, and although he was, as when you were there, sometimes challenged by Johnny Walker, I have nothing but good recollections of his concern and helpfulness.” “He was a totally fair and honest man and personally I respected him hugely. He was someone you could talk to or ask questions of and as far as I was concerned he genuinely tried to help.” “He rode a large motor cycle and was addicted to a little whisky but I have problems trying to think of any of the Conway masters of officers of the time who one could class as "normal". They all appeared to have a few problems or at least idiosyncrasies.” “I always had a high regard for Hutch, he seemed a decent sort of chap. Never seemed to get hugely worked up about things but when he said jump, you certainly jumped.” “He led the return trip on the yacht Flame in the summer of 1959 which I was fortunate to be involved in. We joined her in Holy Loch and after a day of familiarisation on the Clyde, we sailed back to the Menai Strait via Arran, Stranraer, Laxey I.O.M. and Moelfre Bay. We experienced strong winds and foggy calms, anchoring most evenings until the next day. It was a terrific experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. I think Hutch's brother came on the trip as well and possibly the English teacher, but memory fades on who else was there – I wouldn't have missed it for the world.” “He had a strange walk, as if his arms were a bit loose and too long for his liking, good for his motorbike though.”

Jack Isbester (Uh Huh) He joined in 1971 and effectively replaced Brookie in 1972 but in a new post of Deputy Headmaster/Director of Nautical Studies.

Charles Ivey (Skipper), boathand (?) 1887.

Jackie see Mr Hampson.

Jacky see Lt Mayne.

Rev Hugh Archibald James was the Chaplain for approximamtely ten years to 11 April 1925 when he left to be instituted and inducted as Vicar of St Annes, Sale, Cheshire on 11 April, 1925. He had formerly served as Chaplain to HMS Conway. “A great sportsman, active and quick in movement, much wider in his views on churchmanship and more tolerant.” Mr James resigned the living in 1931 to go to Hartfield in Sussex, where later he died."

Jelly Belly see Mr Brenchley

Jet see Mr Harris.

Joey see Rev F J Ackers.

Johnstone (Baby) 1960s.

Captain Jones OBE (Logger) 1964 - ?? A small, frail, unassuming officer, with red hair, gammy legs and a limp. San Demetrio,London tells the story of his wartime explouts and how he managed to survive in the north Atalantic after being sunk.

"He smoked like a chimney and turned a blind eye to us doing the same (and loved for it). He was an officer who was well liked and immensely respected. I believe he served, gallantly, in the Ohio during the Malta Convoy as an apprentice. Initially he used to appear at Sunday Divisions in an unadorned uniform, such was the man. Eric, on finding out about his service record, ordered him to wear his decorations for Sunday Divisions in the future. The following divisions, a very embarrassed Logger duly appeared decorated with medal ribbons. They stretched from lapel to armpit and shoulder to pocket top with a civilian medal on the opposite side. The number of decorations far eclipsed the rest of the officers (probably all together). If he had actually worn his 'gongs', I am sure the poor man would have collapsed under the weight.”

“He drove a mini cooper with a wide bore >exhaust and after lining us up outside the Kelvin Block with our semaphore flags he would roar off to Llanfair PG for a swift one. This gave us smokers a chance to have a quick fag while he was away and the noise of the exhaust could be heard long before he returned allowing us to get back into line and carry on waving our flags about. After leaving Conway he returned to sea with Shell on their coastal tankers but his arthritis got the better of him.” He passed away in the early eighties.

Mr. Jones English teacher in 1960. “A very Welsh accent and a small moustache (no connection), taught English and seemed to me a very placid sort of guy. He had to be to put up with disruptive types like me. He lived away from the school, but no doubt took his turn as duty teacher on occasions when others were away.”

Jumper see WO Collins.

Mr Kearsey master at least 1891-4.

Keen Eye see Charles Cater RN.

Ken see Mr. Bayliss.

Lt. G. A. B. King (Gabby – because of his intials.) 1952-3. He was on loan from British Tankers and a young man not a lot older than the older cadets which meant they took to him in a special way. He used to draw the most beautiful cut-away drawings of ships. Coached the Bantam Group rugger 15. Onboard and IC Stern Party during the final transit of the ship in 1953.

Mr King (Gaff).

Mr Paul Kingsford (Humph – in the 50s, aka Newie – around 1961 and through the 60s aka Ning Ning, aka Sping) 194? To 1974. History teacher and coach of the “Fire in your bellies” Colts rugby team. Coached the cricket 1st XI.

Mr Kirby (Rip) a North Countryman who was on the academic staff.

Mr David Kirkham Head of English and Housemaster 1971-74 Born at Wembley in 1943, he went to the Skinners' Company's School in Tunbridge Wells and thereafter to Pembroke College, Cambridge. At Pembroke he read for the English Tripos. Cambridge was followed by two years lecturing at university, firstly at the University of Alexandria in Egypt, and secondly at the University of Cologne. After a year studying for his PGCE at the Institute of Education in London, he set off for Alberta in Canada teaching at Eastglen Senior High School. In 1970 he returned to this country spending a year at the Vintners Secondary School in Maidstone before taking up a post as Head of English and boarding Housemaster at the HMS Conway Navy Cadet School, Anglesey. Again, He said that the experience "taught me how marvellously self-reliant, inventive and miserable children could be at a boarding school." "Meeting David was like being hit by a hurricane, or perhaps a Tempest to use a more literary expression.” David ran the rugby XV in which there was a rather elegant fly-half called Iain Duncan Smith and an even more elegant centre called Clive Woodward. After Conway he moved to the Newport Free Grammar School.

"Under all his professionalism, there lies a quiet, courteous family man whose interests lie in gardening and astronomy.

Lads see Mr Goodey

Lt Cdr Lane (Loopy)

Laurie see Lawrence.

Lawrence (Laurie) 1943 - Dec 1955. “He used to enter the mess deck (at the House), say nothing but start flashing away reciting his mantra of "E-I-S-H-T-M-O" to get us into the swing of things. He was a great character, a very amusing man and always very decent to us young cadets.”

Lebesque one time second officer of Comway in the early 50s. “As we left the ship for the last time in July 1951 in No 1, we all sang, 'He's my brother, Lebesque, got a row of forty medals on his chest, etc'. I think he was a temporary officer on detachment, and believe he left soon afterwards.” He was appointed salvage officer of the wreck.

Warrent Officer Lee (Tooley) 1941 -?? who was well liked. Tooley was an army Warrant Officer, seconded to the Conway to teach the new-fangled unarmed combat.

Mr Joseph Light (Charlie) Master at least 1870 to at least 1887.

Mr Basil Lord (Basil aka Foxey aka Lordy). Headmaster 1964-74 Nicknames derived from a TV hand puppet of the time called Basil Brush.

Lordy see Mr Lord.

Le Mesurier Chief Officer 1934 Sep - 1939.

Mr Lee (Hoppy). Taught Seamanship 1940-43. Famous for pronouncing ‘rhubarb’.

The Little Man see Rev E.A Turner.

Lobster Chops see Captain Broadbent

Logger see Captain Jones.

Loopy see Lt Cdr Lane

Ma G see Mrs Goddard

Mr McLeod (Ocka Jock) Master at Arms in the early 1960s. He had been in fast parol boats during the war and delighted in describing his antics. “A very blustery little character (vaguely reminiscent of the Scottish warder in Porridge). Best known for the speed that he drove his Mini Cooper around the estate. I had the dubious honour of being the last person he put on Captain's Report (for smoking) before he collapsed and died (1964?). Well, at least he got the satisfaction of seeing me dis-Rated before he went.”

Bert Mandeville officer in the initial years at Plas Newydd.

John Maxwell RN instructor from October 1881. Fencing master and cutlass drill instructor.

Lt Mayne (Gunner, aka Jacky) 1950s. Ex RN Gunner. “Gunner Mayne was probably the most energetic of all the POs. From him we learned that Whale Island was the axle on which the British Royal Navy revolved. Without it the RN would probably have foundered long before. Everything he did was ‘on the double’. Consequently he expected that everything we did should also be ‘on the double’ As our drill master he taught us not only to march, salute, stand correctly, but also to have pride in our accomplishments. I think that many of us learned from him that, although tasks might sometimes be difficult, they are never impossible. The Whale Island spirit lives on.”

“A splendid man and a true product of all that was best in the Royal Navy”

“He was always on about ‘his Admiral’. “Guns, said the Admiral, Sink me that ship” We were all amazed when, one day some Admiral came to inspect us and, upon seeing Jacky, fell on him like a long lost brother!! Perhaps all Jacky’s tales were true after all! He was a real nut for spit and polish and quite made you feel that it might be worthwhile. ‘Make an evolution of it!’ was another of his expressions.”

Mr Menzies (Bert) Head cook on board. Looked like Robert Newton as a pirate cook. Pockmarked face and all. He lived in terror of the Kelly Gang in Liverpool and we reckoned he was ‘hiding out’ in Conway.

Mr Milroy (Stoolie) Taught Science (possibly English) 1951-5. He rode a 125 motor bike with a huge crash helmet.

Captain Archibald Miller see Captain Superintendents

Mother see Mrs B.

Monty see Cdr Douglas.

Lt. Ernie Moore (Ernie aka Pony) 1950s to 1963ish. In 1960 was divisional officer for Focsle in the House. Taught Signals and Shooting. Petty officer. “Great on knots and rope work. ‘A bit of rope or a bit of wire wivout a whipping is like a woman wivout a whatname’ he used to tell us. During the war he apparently escaped from the Japs in Singapore and led a party of civilians all the way round into India. “He lived in the Plas Newydd block and had his wife and a DAUGHTER! I even remember her name Thelma who he kept very much on a tight leash”. Both he and Jacky had more medal ribbons on their chests than would fit while poor old Brookie only had one.” “Ernie was perhaps the most colourful, certainly in his use of language. My first memory of Ernie was when he told us that we were not allowed to have sheath knives with points on. It was apparently against the ship’s regulations. This was immediately followed by a warning that, if any of us were so unsailor-like as to spoil one of a sailor’s most important tools by breaking the tip off a knife, we would have him to answer to. In seamanship class one day he was teaching us how to rig sheer-legs. We had lashed the two spars together at the head and his words were, ‘Now then, pretend it’s your girl, grab the legs and pull them apart.’ Another day, as the pinnace was coming alongside the gangway in fairly heavy weather, the bow man was having a great deal of trouble in picking up the mooring wire with the boathook. Ernie, who was O.O.W. leaned over the top of the gangway and in his nice London accent said, ‘Come on my son, your mother might have waited nine bleeding months for you but I’m not going to’. To many cadets though, Ernie and his wife were father and mother figures. I spent a week in Bangor hospital at one time and Ernie and Mrs. Moore made a point of visiting on at least a couple of occasions.”

Mouse see Mr Davidson.

Mr. Murphy (The Sheriff – because he was for a while the Mayor of Beaumaris, aka Spud) Taught Navigation “Oh he of perfect circles”. “Great sense of humour. Sheriff of Beaumaris pronounced ‘B.E.A.U. (pause) Maris’ He had an ancient car which he called Snowball.” He was one of the very few who held an extra masters ticket in both steam and sail.

Mr Nelson Chief Officer until Dec 1883.

Newie see Mr Kingsford

Mr. C.T Nicholls (Charlie Nick, aka Charlie) An engineer who joined from “Blue Funnel” He was I/C fuel for the boats and taught ship construction. Member of staff between, at least, 1951 and 1960. “In 1951-2 I remember that the band at 'divisions' would play Charley Nick as we marched away. The words of the song formed the opening lines of his dictated notes for his first lecture. The words were something like:

Up to thirty years ago

Ships' machinery consisted mainly

Of triple expansion engines

Which rarely used to go.

Chase me Charlie, Chase me Charlie

Tighten up the bolts

Chase me Charlie, Chase me Charlie

Join the Alfred Holts.”

Ning Ning see Mr Paul Kingsford.

Rev. Henry O'Brien; L.L.D., Cork was the Chaplain ifrom 1859 to the 1870s

Ocka Jock see Mr McLeod.

The Old Man see Captain Eric Hewitt.

Old Thunder Guts see Hilliard

Lt. J. Oliver (Taffy) A much liked Petty Officer during the 1950s. In 1960 was divisional officer for Foretop and Maintop in the House. Taught Signals and Seamanship. “Taught me all I knew about sailing. Sometimes was called “Way Ho – Jay Ho” with all the sing song of the Welsh accent. When he wanted to locate some cadet on board he used to hail down the main hatch, “ Way Ho – Smith or whatever” whereupon the whole ship would shout back, “Way Ho – Jay Ho!” John Oliver was the quietest of the three POs. His lilting Welsh accent was always controlled and he never seemed to have to raise his voice much at all. For a couple of terms he was my divisional officer and I found him to be very considerate and thoughtful. The other thing that I remember about him was that his initials JO, and the way he wrote them, were extremely easy to forge. This was a great benefit when one needed a note or a textbook label initialised by your divisional officer. Something I took advantage of on a couple of occasions.”

Ollie see Mr. A.R. Ollerton

Mr. A.R. Ollerton (Ollie) in 1960 was Focsle divisional officer. He always wore a real flat as a plate white cap which looked too big for his thin face and head.

Mr Owen (Bullshit aka (Spike) 1960 Bosun. “The Dock was the domain of the bosun and his mate, “Bullshit” Owen and Ernie Ball respectively, who lived in a snug room above the bosun’s store in a stone building that also housed the seamanship room. Mr Owen, a small wiry North Walian, regarded us with shrewd circumspection, given to the utterance of homilies on anything from the handling of rope to the hazards of cold stonework: “You’ll get piles sitting on them cold stones, boy. Oh, yes – and then you’ll remember me – “ turning to Ernie, always a pace or two in the offing “ – won’t he, Ernie?” But Ernie – stolid West Country, apple-cheeked and slow-spoken – never answered beyond a slow smile and a nod, and we wondered just how far he saw through Mr Owen’s pose, as we liked to think it. The pose was, of course, old sea-dog. But he was a kindly man, very patient with a cadet’s apparent imbecility, though the patience was leavened with mild sarcasm. “A splice, is it, boy? Well, you could keep a small parrot in it with room to flap its wings. Give me that spike. Now look – “

T Harry Owen RN Instructor at least April 1893.

Mr Roland Palm A Swedish Gymnast taught PE for a short period May-June 1960. He wanted to join the staff but there was no funds even thought the previous PE Teacher (Mr Skinner) had died in 1959. He was a Silver medalist in the 56 Olympics. He came from Helsinbourg, Sweden and was invited to Conway by the then headmaster after several visits to Sweden by Conway cadets. “It was incredible watching him doing crucifixes and handstands on the rings up by the cricket pitch.”

Lt. Parry (Reg aka Wah Wah) in 1960 was Foretop divisional officer.

Peanut see Mr Davies.

Penfold Instructor late 1880s/90s.

A McL Pilcher (1919-20) Chief Officer Sep 1945 Sep - Sep 1946.

Warrent Officer Jack L Phelps (Bossie) 1943-5. A cockney whose family were Thames watermen for generations. He was a holder of Do0ggetts Coat & Badge.

Mr Phillips (Dithery Dan(.

Pony see Lt. Ernie Moore

William Potter (Quack aka Quacko) Master at Arms 1859/60ish to at least 1894.

Mr Preen (Creeping Jesus aka Treen) replaced Peanut Davies in the early 50s.A master in 1954-5. His nickname was after the creatures who inhabited Venus in Dan Dare's strip in the Eagle comic. He orgainsed the dramatic society.

Tom Priestley Instructor late 1880s/90s.

Pug see Mr. Ken Bayliss.

Quack see William Potter.

Quack-Quack see Cdr Jeff Drake.

Quacko see William Potter.

The Red Maggot name not known. Taught Science 1940-43; “No idea what his surname was but I still know how a moving galvanomter works (I think)”.

Reg see Mr Parry.

Mr Rhys-Evans (Greasy) English teacher in 60 and was picked up by the duty boat in P.D. He lived somewhere in Caernarfon.

Rip see Mr Kirby

Mr T R Sanderson taught Spanish at least 1952-3. "...a master, whom I remember partly because of his talent in teaching, but also because of his quiet and gentlemanly manner."

Sarky see Lt-Cdr Couch RNR

Scouse see Mr. Harrison.

The Sheriff (of Beaumaris) see Mr. Murphy.

Mr. Siville/Sewill (Bill) 1950s. Very quiet chap. Much liked and respected. I think that he was minus one lung due to being torpedoed on a tanker in the North Atlantic.

Lt. Skinner RN (Winkle aka Charlie) 1950s. Known originally as Charlie but renamed “Winkle” after the loss of the ship. “When we salvaged the sea chests from on board we had to empty them and hose them out. ‘Get ‘em good and clean. We don’t want to find no winkles in there.’ ” He was the PTI and would also cut hair on Saturday morning for a bob! “He had a cheerful sadistic streak using the tannoy, ‘Wakey, wakey, rise and shine, middle of the day and the sun's burning your bleeding eyes out!’ This at Zero Crack Sparrow Fart on a January morning with the horizontal sleet coming down the Straits and we had to do the morning run from the House up to the Figurehead before having a shower!” Was serving in Ark Royal when she was sunk in November 1941 while accompanying a Malta convoy.

Mr Skinner Took us for gymnastics but died quite suddenly in 1959.

Skipper see Charles Ivey.

Slippery Vic see Rev Vickery .

Slob see Lt Cdr Howard-Davies.

Mr CG Smith left in 1917 to join the RNVR and was replaced by Mr JH Hall BSc

Spare Bags see David Carroway.

Spike see Mr Owen.

Sping see Mr Paul Kingsford.

Spitfire see Mr. T.E.W. Browne.

Spooky see Lt Cdr John Brooke-Smith.

Spogsh see Mr. Carter.

Spud see Mr. Murphy.

Mr E Staveley MA (Oxon) joined in 1917 to replace Mr FG Bloyne who left to join the RNVR.

Stoolie see Mr Milroy.

Strike see Mr Hargraves

Taffy see Lt. J. Oliver and Mr Walters

The Tartar see George Hunt.

D H Thomas (The Gonk – he was a short, round man with a dark beard so he quickly gained the name of the 60’s children’s TV characters) joined around 1964-5. He had the unnerving habit of bursting into Senior Cadet Captain's cabins, without knocking, on his duty day. This was until the senior rate of Foretop devised the "Anti-Gonk Device". This was simply reversing the door hands to 'Lift to Open'. The device did not stop his unannounced invasions but by frequently reversing the door handles at least it gave us a 50/50 chance of defeating the incursions.” “I remember he suffered from chronic dandruff and his uniforms always seemed ill-fitting. He was a terror for ensuring we were always smartly turned out!” A small knitted and well stuffed gonk became the 1st XVs mascot.

Thunder Guts See Mr. Hillier.

Mr Thwaites September 1960. A very tall thin teacher with glasses?

Tooley see Warrent Officer Lee

Treen see Mr Preen

Mr Trewin (The Bengal Tiger) Chieef Officer 1859 to 1865.

Wm J Tozer (Doggy) Instructor from at least May 1st 1888 then Master at Arms from 1893 until he retired.

Tube see Mr. T.E.W. Browne.

Oswald Tuck was born in 1876. He was educated at Greenwich Hospital School. In 1896 he joined Conway to teach astronomy and navigation. He left in 1899. His Conway diary for January 1898-August 1898 is held in the Churchill Archive Centre.

Rev Turner 1952 To 1970(?). Joined Conway from TS Mercury. Small and wiry, he was an Olympic long distance runner representing Great Britain in the Marathon at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. He was an exponent of the Finnish Style of running which meant keeping your heel down and literally sloping over the ground to save energy. To make it more effective you had to lean forward slightly at a specific angle to provide the necessary thrust to maximize forward motion. In his day he could sure cover the ground and a truly remarkable speed and was the very devil to keep up with. Fought in the Western Desert during the War. As Padre he was allotted the task of holding and distributing pocket money to Cadets hence the phrase “Yes Yes - here's your five shillings”.

Uh Huh see Jack Isbester

Rev Trevor Vickery (Slippery Vic) chaplain 1939-45. He was Rector of Staplehurst from 21st December 1951 to his retirement on 29th September 1991, the longest serving Rector since the establishment of the Rectorship in 1245. A memorial window was installed in the Parish Church of All Saints dedicated to his memory. The window, with its Welsh theme, has in the centre light, St David, Patron Saint of Wales, with other Welsh symbols, including the dragon, daffodil and leek. The arms of the Vickery family and Conway are in other areas of the window.

Waah see Captain Goddard.

Wah Wah see Lt. Parry.

Wally an instructor from at least 1877 he died onboard on May 11th 1897.

Mr. Walters (Taffy) 1950s. Head of the Canteen. “One baked beans on toast and a cup of Caaaawwfee”.

Capt JD Weir taught navigation and seamanship. He returned to sea in 1947.

Mrs Williams matron 1877.

Rev Williams (Cupid, aka Bill the Bishop) Member of staff between (at least) 1951 and 1960 “Always hidden behind a newspaper, hardly ever saw his face!”. Believed to have been a Padre in the RN. “taught maths and loved his ale.”

“Cupid Williams – the Rev. W.L. Williams, defrocked (so we chose to believe) – taught maths. He also drank, quite heavily, and his blue-veined claws of hands shook like aspens in a breeze during the day’s first lesson. He was soft-hearted, and discipline was kept by consent: we liked him, which was enough. His way of teaching (which got me, a confirmed mathematical moron, a GCE “O” Level on the second attempt) was to say at the start of the lesson, “Right, then, gentlemen – if you want to learn, sit at the front. If you don’t, sit at the back and write a book or read a letter, but keep quiet.” He would frequently drop the chalk if the hangover was particularly shocking, and we’d offer helpful suggestions, like “Take the day off, sir!” or “Have a lie-down, sir – we won’t tell!” or “Hair of the dog, sir?” But we didn’t press our advantage. We regarded him with a kind of pitying affection, and it was rumoured (groundlessly as far as I knew) that he had a stunningly beautiful daughter. Why he was called Cupid was a mystery to me, unless the rumour had something to do with it.”

Winkle see Lt. Skinner.

Lt C E Wise RN Chief Officer from jan 1884. Died in service

Mr. Woolley (Dodo) 1970s. Science teacher.

Wrong Way see Mr. Caldwell.

Mr Taffy Walters (193? - 60) He and his wife first ran the sanatorium at Rock Ferry, then at Bryn Mel, Anglesey and finally operated the tuck-shop cum café at Plas Newydd.

Tommy Wetham Instructor years not known.

Yo Ho see Mr Feasey.