A SNIPPET

JOINING HMS GANGES [AND OTHER TRAINING ESTABLISHMENTS] FROM 1956 ONWARDS.

Much is talked about naval Juniors in terms of branches {Junior RO - Junior ME - Junior SA etc} but were you aware that the navy recruited two types of juniors? What were you: [U] or [O] ?

In this House of Commons debate, we can assume that the 'magic' age is 16¼, and therefore the 'U' and 'O' categories represent 'Under' and 'Over' that age.

HC Deb 17 May 1961 vol 640 c1350
11. Captain Litchfield

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether he will expand the intake of recruits straight from school in order to take advantage of the increased number of school leavers.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

The bulk of the recruits already enter the Royal Navy straight from school. Juniors (U), all of whom come straight from school, are recruited between the ages of 15 and 16¼.   Juniors (O), some of whom come straight from school, between 16¼ and 17½. We aim in particular to accept an additional 500 Juniors (U) this year which will raise the entry to 2,600.

Captain Litchfield

Does my hon. Friend agree that this indicates an encouraging future for naval recruiting? Does he agree also that any increase in recruiting into the Services at the moment is to be welcomed?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

Yes. It is extremely encouraging, particularly in regard to juniors, who turn out to be first-rate boys and of great value to the Navy during their service.