This book is dedicated to the memory of all the "Dockies" or Dockyard "Mateys" as known locally, who worked in the Portsmouth Royal Dockyard, always referred to as "the 'Yard" over very many years since it was first built. But especially to my father-in-law William "Bill" Coe. Before he died in 1992 aged 80, Bill gave me a booklet in which he had written lots of stories and experiences of his time working in the Dockyard, from 1934.

On reading through his notes, I was fascinated by all that he had written, the serious times, the amusing times and of course war time. To me, such social "history" covering the experiences of individuals, who have taken the time to record what they went through during their lives, is vitally important and must not be lost.

Future generations, seeing the Dockyard now, will find it hard to imagine the many thousands who have worked there and have contributed to the defence of our country in such a "hands on" way. Maybe those workers were not at the front line but their contribution is still very important and to many, it is still hard to understand why we no longer have so many trades and skilled people working within the Dockyard. But times have changed and "progress" or perhaps "cutbacks" would be a better description, have changed the world that we once knew. After first reading Bill's notes, I felt then that these should be written down and carefully recorded for posterity. So I wrote a booklet which was simply produced at that time and a copy was sent to the Portsmouth Dockyard Museum, to be kept with other personal records.

But, now, seeing the importance of ensuring future generations have information and records that they can turn to, especially when asking the question "what did my great grand-father do during the War (WWII)" I felt the time was right to produce a more detailed record.

What I have tried to do with this "update" is include more information about the Dockyard and the work that Bill carried out as well as what was happening around him.

I am very grateful to the Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historical Trust, the Royal Naval Museum, Gosport Society and all those who have contributed in any way and for kindly allowing me to include photographs and information which I hope will make this book even more interesting. Contact information is available at the back of this book, for more information on the groups mentioned.

Apologies to any I have omitted to mention. Any errors will be down to me and will be corrected in future printings, should we get that far!

If you have not yet had an opportunity to visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard then you must make the effort as it is very worthwhile and a great experience for all ages.

I did not work in the Dockyard but often visited the Yard, as I was an apprentice at RNAY Fleetlands from 1957 to 1962 and went to the Portsmouth Dockyard Technical College. As a young child, with my mother, I often experienced or should I say, tried to avoid the experience of meeting up with the Dockies when they left off work! You either stood well out of the way or "went with the flow" trying to avoid being run down by the hordes of bicycles! Navy Days were also a traditionally popular event for all ages.

So I hope you enjoy this book and get at least a little feel of the life of a Dockyard Matey! Rob Clark 2014

Post-script: The book has been updated in January 2016, with some additional information, including a copy of the original entry document plus a copy of the cartoon drawn by an Apprentice Plumber in 1942. Interesting also to know that the last complete warship built in Portsmouth Royal Dockyard was the Leander-class frigate HMS Andromeda in 1967. Over the years, more than 300 warships have been built in the Dockyard.

Click on author robnjoyclark@icloud.com to obtain a copy at £2.95 plus £1 postage