Comments on: George Wells, Able Seaman

By: Peter J Washington

Peter J Washington — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 12:06:38 +0000

The Prince of Wales Sea Training School, Limehouse, Ingham , Dover.

We had Old boys lost in two world wars, the plaque is now in Ingham church, the youngest was 15 years of age as a Deck Boy, I’m an old boy of Dover and visited the old site in Limehouse which is still standing, George is one of many Old Boys to be proud of, served his country well, and we went the last of us, to the Falklands, which without the Merchant Navy nothing could ever have been achieved, All now gone, no longer do we have a MN under that proud flag, The Red Duster.

By: Jill Wilson

Jill Wilson — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 01:07:30 +0000

Fascinating story and great supporting material – his report card especially shows how well he did at the training school.

I would like to know more about his time during the war when the merchant navy were the unsung heroes keeping this country alive.

By: Pamela Traves

Pamela Traves — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 18:06:07 +0000

George Wells, Able Seaman had a Wonderful life!! God Bless!!???????

By: David

David — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 21:23:53 +0000

My favourite story of all that I have read on Spitalfields Life! “counterpane”!!! Have not heard that word since my days at summer camp as a cadet in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC Magnificent, named for the aircraft carrier). I wonder if his were blue and white check as were ours? Regardless, Mr. Wells’ training would have stood him in good stead for all his endeavours in life, I have no doubt. Hard work, strict self-discipline, and a good, honest work ethic are, I am sure, hallmarks of this gentleman’s life. Well done, sir, I salute you.

By: Paul Loften

Paul Loften — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 14:04:02 +0000

I was twelve years old and had two friends who persuaded me to join the local sea cadets. They gave me a sailors uniform with hat and a bugle. I liked the uniform and the hat but found the rough woollen bell bottomed trousers unbearable and couldn’t find the wind to blow the trumpet whist marching around . I returned the uniform and told them I was going to Texas to join my sister. It was about the only thing that I could think of to get out of it honourably. George had it in his blood it must have been a great life!

By: Lesley Spencer

Lesley Spencer — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 14:03:22 +0000

Great read. My dad was on the Bloemfontein Castle. First Engineer. Lesley Spencer. I believe it caught fire in the Atlantic and it took three days to put the fire out. Scary. He was only 23 I believe.