Braving the rats to be a member of the Pirate Gang

In one there is a group picture amidst the sounds of the black stuff, about 18 very dark figures are huddled together, but one fellow stands right out '“ white face, waistcoat with white shirt underneath '“ must be the foreman or the office wallah!

Returning to our picture, only one crane is visible on the wharf, the second would be to the left.

Both by this time were using remotely controlled grabs, but my first memory of them was using large buckets, which had to be filled by humans with shovels, which must have been very hard and unpleasant work.

As I recollect, the crane (steam) on the small private wharf remained using the large tip bucket.

The 'Company's' office was at the north end of this long wharf built against the tall 'wooden' walls.

At the southern end a flight of wooden steps went down, rather like those which used to be at the side of the lifeboat slipway. On one occasion a group of boys were trying to pull a rowing boat to the steps, so they could just get in and enjoy being afloat.

The boat was so moored to ropes from other vessels, they would get almost to the steps, but had to let go, or by pulled in by the spring and weight.

It appeared there was no evil intent afoot, but finally the need to release caused the boy nearest the water to be knocked in.

He couldn't swim of course and the others cleared off. Muggins here had to go down the steps in the water and was just able to grasp his finger and pull him in.

I had forgotten all about this one. I think I had some problem explaining my state of wetness, but luckily the victim's father came round to express thanks which softened the situation for me.

The same steps remind me of another event at the site '“ qualifying to be a member of the Pirate Gang. From the steps you could get under the wharf and grope your way along the sloping bank of chalk boulders to the other end.

Those torches with flat batteries didn't give much of a light, certainly not to scare the seemingly hordes of water rats which were scampering about.

Anyway, if you didn't quit and came out the other end, I think anyone so doing deserved the accolade of membership of this exclusive but pointless group.

Returning to the photo, which I took in 1936, I'm in the wheelhouse of the Richmere, captain Ted Weller '“ well, his son was in my class, so we got to know each other.

By now I have left school, but the acquaintance remains and the humble privileges with it.

Why is the big tug, the famous Foremost 222, moored at the wharf? Possibly to take on coal, for she was a steamer and not replaced until the coming of the Meeching in 1960.

So the tug is dressed overall as is the channel steamer Brighton IV which is no doubt at the marine shops for overhaul.

The occasion was the birthday of the uncrowned king, Edward VIII, who was soon to abdicate and live in exile in France with his bride, Mrs Wallis Simpson. She, incidentally, left here on the night boat, the French MS Newhaven, where the national press would not find or pressure her, the king leaving by destroyer from Dover.

The Brighton IV, new in 1933, was bombed and sank in an inner dock at Dieppe in May 1940 as a hospital carrier. Her crew got home and her bell is displayed in the museum.

PETER BAILEY

Peter Bailey is curator of the Newhaven Local and Maritime Museum based in its own fascinating premises in the grounds of Paradise Park in Avis Road, Newhaven. Summer opening hours are daily, 2-4pm or by arrangement. Admission 1 (accompanied children free). Contact the curator on 01273 514760. Log on to the website at www.newhavenmuseum.co.uk