John Augustus Humble
RCNS 1943 to
1946
At an early age I dreamed of going to sea stowing on board a ship and work my passage, I voiced my thoughts to people, and I was asked if I would like to go to sea being a Nineveh 12 year old boy it was my dream come true I jumped at the chance. But it was not on board a ship.
So in 1943 I found myself at Russell Cotes House, Poole, Dorset standing in front of Captain King at 12 years old it was a shock to the system my dream came to a shuddering halt, I was duly given an education test and introduced to the Boys Nautical training School which I found austere sometimes Harsh Corporal Punishment was metered out if you fell out of line in which I found to my cost this was endured.
Things I enjoyed such as going down to Poole Harbour boarding a large cutter and rowing out with two boys to an oar and seeing flying boats taking off and spraying us lads with water as they took off, other things of seamanship lessons , tying knots, compass reading, flag signaling and Boxing.
I read John Martins account "Tough times" and Derek Cooley "Playing the System", I adopted the later don't fight the system join it.
Sadly I did not go to Sea due to medical problems which was resolved and I joined the Army Royal Core of Signals serving in the Baor.
On leaving the Army in 1950 I started work with SGB (Scaffolding Company) who I stayed with for 16 years I then took a position with Southwark Council to run a scaffolding department, this I did for a further 25 years which earned me a Gold Watch.
I have been Married for 50 years and have three children and three grand daughters.
So looking back at my entering Stepney Causeway in 1938, in all I must thank Dr. Barnardo's for putting me on the right road.
John Augustus Humble Johnston House
RCNS 1943 to 1946
For more photos of RCNS please see photo album via the forum