page_title: HMS Ganges (shore establishment)
section_title: Allegations of abuse
hierarchical_section_title: HMS Ganges (shore establishment) / Foundation and early history / Allegations of abuse
caption_attribution_description: English: HMS 'Ganges' memorial in Mylor churchyard This memorial commemorates the 53 boys who died whilst training on the HMS 'Ganges' between 1866 and 1899. The ship was a three masted naval training ship moored nearby for a period of 33 years, training young boys for a service career. The majority of the boys died of illness but the deaths of eight of them were the results of accidents. Much more information here: http://www.hmsgangesassoc.org/falmouth.htm
context_page_description: HMS Ganges was a training ship and later stone frigate of the Royal Navy. She was established as a boys' training establishment in 1865, and was based aboard a number of hulks before moving ashore. She was based alternately in Falmouth, Harwich and Shotley. She remained in service at RNTE Shotley until October 1976.
  HMS Ganges was also known as Shotley Training Establishment.
context_section_description: During Ganges's time in Cornwall allegations of harsh and brutal treatment were reported to the Admiralty. One wardroom steward shot himself over the matter, and the reports aroused indignation in the local community. Captain Tremlett, the senior officer of training ships, was ordered to investigate the situation and reported that Commander Stevens 'had given punishments which were not laid down in the Training Regulations and had also prevented his ship's company from taking due leave.' Stevens and his first lieutenant were subsequently removed, and were replaced by Commander F. W. Wilson on 24 July 1866. By the end of 1866 there were 478 boys at the establishment.
  Ganges was occasionally sailed to Devonport to undergo refits. The establishment had become an important part of local life, as in 1870 a rumour began to circulate that Ganges would not return after one such refit. The mayor was pressured to contact the local Member of Parliament, and also to ask questions of a Government minister. The rumour was then disproved. By 1899 the declining number of boys joining Ganges led the Admiralty to decide to move her to a more populated area. Petitions were organised by the local councils, but were unable to sway the Admiralty. Ganges sailed from Mylor on 27 August 1899. She was refitted in Devonport, which involved her keel being scraped. The boys were quartered at HMS Lion and HMS Impregnable whilst this work was carried out. She then sailed to Sheerness in company with HMS Arrogant. She spent two months here before being towed to Harwich by the tug Alligator. She arrived on 11 November 1899. HMS Caroline had arrived shortly before Ganges and served as a temporary hospital ship.
caption: Memorial in Mylor churchyard commemorates the 53 boys who died whilst training on HMS 'Ganges' between 1866 and 1899.
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