From humble naval parade ground to the very heart of a community

In this scene, we see sailors parading for the Sunset Ceremony at HMS Daedalus III, Bedhampton.

- with Bob Hind

Yesterday's Royal Navy. Long gaiters, black caps, .303 Lee Enfield rifles, 1944

(Bob Hind collection)

The dress of the time may look like any modern sailor, but it is quite different, as naval veterans will notice. They are all wearing long gunnery gaiters, black-topped caps, and sea jerseys, so it must be a winter scene. They are all at the general salute with .303 rifles for the lowering of the White Ensign.

The sailor to the left, front row, has a bugle to his mouth playing the Last Post. To the right of him, as we look, can be seen the gunnery petty officer in charge of the parade. To the left in the doorway, a sailor can be seen “skulling” about—a naval term for doing nothing. The flagpole is set within a small, white-kerbed garden.