Themes

Article Highlights

• Introduction - The story of RNB Portsmouth

• Ship to Shore, 1903 - 1914

• HMS Victory during World War One

• Between the Wars

• The Barracks during World War Two

• Post War Reductions

Ship to Shore, 1903 - 1914

‘It is remarkable that so many hundreds should have been compelled to live in such undesirable quarters for so long.’
The Portsmouth Evening News, 30 September 1903.

The Royal Navy constructed the first naval barracks in Devonport, near Plymouth, in 1890. It was 13 years until Portsmouth opened its own barracks. The new buildings were constructed on the site of old Army barracks and other former military buildings.

The hulk of HMS Duke of Wellington c.1900. (RNM)

Previously, five hulks - old ships no longer in service - provided accommodation for sailors in the dockyard. These were -

• HMS Victory – Signal School and Receiving ship for Boys First Class.

• HMS Duke of Wellington – Receiving ship for Stokers, Seamen, Artisan Ratings (ship’s company) and domestics.

• HMS Marlborough – Wardroom and gun room officers and Stokers Second Class.

• HMS Hannibal – Marines, New Entries and all other Artisan Entries.

• HMS Asia – Warrant Officers, Engine Room Artificers, Chief Stokers and Chief Carpenters’ Mates.

Builders began construction work for the new barracks in October 1899 keeping only elements of the old buildings. The Admiralty opened the establishment on 30 September 1903, naming it HMS Victory.

The barracks housed 4000 officers and ratings from the old hulks. On the day of moving the Hampshire Telegraph reported that ‘The Hulks were vacated with no ceremony or regret as they were unpleasant and miserable quarters.’

The Mess Royal Naval Barracks, Portsmouth c.1918. The layout of the quarters replicated that of a ship. The long rooms held 125 men each sleeping in hammocks. (RNM)

Each block was divided into two sections under a Warrant Officer with the entire block under the command of a Lieutenant. Chief Petty Officers and Warrant Officers had accommodation block of their own. Compared to the old hulks, the new barracks were described as a ‘palace’ (Hampshire Telegraph), with electric lights and toilets on each floor and taps in every room.

In February 1904 the King visited the new barracks, the Prince of Wales also visited in March. Following this Royal seal of approval sailors made the final transfer from Hulks by April 1905.

Exterior of Officer's Quarters, RNB Portsmouth, 1904. Although the barracks in each of the home ports were similar, each had differences due to their specific locations. At Portsmouth the barracks were divided by a main road. The Officers’ Quarters were situated on the opposite side of Queen Street. (RNM)

Despite improved conditions the barracks was the scene for serious rioting on 11 November 1906. During the "On the Knee" Mutiny Stokers from the Royal Naval Barracks in Portsmouth rioted in protest of an insulting order delivered to them during drill.

Follow the link to learn more about the On the Knee Mutiny.

Find out how the barracks coped during World War One, select Next