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ROYAL NAVY ESTABLISHMENTS

ROYAL NAVAL BARRACKS, SAINT BUDEAUX

Updated:  04 February 2011 

In addition to the main Royal Naval Barracks at Devonport, there was also a small one at Bull Point.  It was officially known as Saint Budeaux Barracks and was situated roughly where Furze Park and Roope Close are today, overlooking Weston Mill Creek and the North Yard Extension.

It was apparently on the site of a prison camp from the days of the Boer War.  [1]

During the Second World War the buildings were used as the Royal Naval Signal Training School.  Amongst its pupils were the pianist Russ Conway and the actor Sir Michael Redgrave  [1].  The School closed on December 31st 1958.  

Between 1949 and 1969 it was occupied by the members of the Women's Royal Naval Service.  While the huts they lived in had an excellent view over the river Tamar, they had no central heating or comforts and the Wrens were pleased to move into Raleigh Block at the main Barracks on Monday February 11th 1969, where they enjoyed not only central heating but also the services of a hairdresser.  [1]

In addition, the Hydrographic School was moved from Chatham into another part of the Barracks, although that was moved into the main RN Barracks in September 1964.


Sources:

[1]  "Wrens shift into all-mod-con Drake quarters", Western Evening Herald, Plymouth, February 11th 1969.

©  Brian Moseley, Plymouth, UK

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