The Parkstone Sea Training School

I went to PSTS in 1959 and was in LRCH No. 189. I left there on March 19th 1962, and went straight from PSTS to HMS St Vincent, Gosport, where I trained as an JEM for my first year in the Royal Navy. I was aged 15 years and three months.

Prior to joining PSTS I was at the Barnardo's St Christopher's children home, Pembury until age 5 years when I was fostered by a family. Although I was no longer in Barnardo's care, as a young boy I always had a strong desire to join the Navy and see the world. So it was arranged that I could go to PSTS. Early in 1962 my named was changed to Wheeler when I was legally adopted by my foster parents.

My memories of Parkstone are mostly good ones, I enjoyed the outdoor life there, especially the swimming pool in the Summer. The one staff member that stands out for me was Mr. Busby, the seamanship officer. Only a small man but tough as old boots with us young boys. I also remember how cold it was in the Winter and we used to wear serge shorts which would rub and chafe against our legs leaving big sores - very painful !

Being allowed out on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and walking up the big hill to the cinema, or going to the Wimpy Bar.

My time there certainly gave me a head start when I arrived at St Vincent, and a big increase in pay ! I did my boys service and then 9 years mans service in the Royal Navy. During that time I travelled all over the World and realised my dream as a young boy.

I finished my time and left the Navy, a little reluctantly, but the thought of another 13 years to qualify for a pension was too much and besides that I could see that the older long term PO's and CPO's became what I called "Navified" and would have trouble fitting back into civilian life.

On leaving the Navy I remember being discharged from Victory barracks and the strange feeling that I was completely free, I could do whatever I liked. After 6 months of trying various jobs without much success, I ended up at Chatham Dockyard as an electrical fitter although was soon promoted to a PTO IV and working in the nuclear submarine complex there. My last 5 years in the Navy were spent serving on HMS Warspite, so I was familiar with the submarines and did well and enjoyed working at the Yard.

I emigrated to New Zealand at the end of 1981 very soon after the announcement that Chatham Dockyard was to be closed. I really love the life here in New Zealand, lots of ex poms living here and a great sporting Country.

Unfortunately in June last year I started having problems with a shortness of breath, and after being examined at Auckland hospital and having a biopsy I was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, similar to lung cancer but caused by exposure to asbestos. Apparently the asbestos fibres sit there on the lining of he lung and then 20 to 40 years later they corrupt the cells of the lining around the lung and become malignant.

So anyway I feel its ironic that my love for the Navy and travelling has brought me to this point, its most likely my time at Chatham Dockyard was where I was exposed to the asbestos fibres.

Now I am unable to work anymore and so have time to spend on my computer where I have just discovered your web site. It brings back a flood of so many memories and how different the World today is. I will say that my time in the Navy made me what I am today, and I am very thankful for that. Having travelled so much and been to so many different Countries I appreciate the important things in Life which are family and friends.

Thank you for your time in reading this, unfortunately I don't have any photo's of my time at Parkstone, but I do have 3 school reports of mine from 1959/1960.

Best wishes
Len Wheeler 189 LRCH 1959 to 1962

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