Sir,
January 1 this year saw the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Naval Electrical Branch. Since then, the Royal Navy has seen thousands of men train and work in the various aspects under the umbrella of 'Electrics' on board ships and shore establishments of the Royal Navy, be it lighting, fans, motors, radio, radar, battery and mains power and much much more, including the electrical aspects of the Fleet Air Arm and the plans which they maintained.
But where are those men now? A new association has been formed with the idea of these 'Greenies' finding each other again and renewing old friendships.
The Electrical department of all ships was always large and full of 'Live Wires' who would shudder at the pipe 'Duty EM to the Wardroom Pantry' or 'Duty REM to the Bridge Signals Office,' especially if they were Duty!
No doubt many readers of this 'paper will recognise the above and say 'I was a Greenie' and start to think of those 'fun' days and wonder where their old messmates are. Or a son or daughter will say 'Dad was in the Electrical Branch' and that is the start to renewing old friendships.
Send a couple of second class stamps (to help association funds), please to leave them on their backing if self adhesive, with your name and address to Mike Crowe, Royal Naval Electrical Branch Association, 7 Heath Road, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 8PG and get ready to 'swing that lamp' instead of repairing it.
Membership lists, 'Hey look, there's Nobby, he was out best man,' newsletters, 'I remember that, I was on the same Killicks course' reunions, 'Chalky, you've gone bald' are just some of the things waiting all ex-'Greenies'. Turn the clock back now by dropping me a line. Bet you cannot remember your service number!
And 2007? The Royal Naval Electrical Branch Association will be represented at the International Festival of the Sea at Portsmouth and there will be lot of Pussers for all members of this new association visiting the stand!
Mike Crowe, Ex-REM. Isle of Wight.