- Author
- Foster, P.O.
- Subjects
- Humour, Poetry
- Tags
- RAN Ships
- None noted.
- Publication
- December 1996 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
Or “Who me, Joss?” (Courtesy – HMAS Albatross)
Jossman Wencelas looked out On the Feast of Stephen, When the R.P.O.s stood round about, Blancoed, crisp and even.
Loudly swore the Joss that night Like a London coster, When he found an N.A. bright, Missing from his roster.
“Hither Crusher, stand by me, If thou know’st it, spill it. This here N.A. – who is he? Where the hell’s his billet?”
“Joss, he lives a good league hence, And his name is Taffy. ‘Spect he’s having plonk and pies In Happy’s Heavenly Cafe”.
“Izzat so? Fall in, two men! Let us go and nick him. Thou and I will find him then And on defaulters stick him!
Joss and Crusher forth they went Though the night was lousy; Found the N.A. sweating hard In a game of Housey.
In the Jossmen’s steps he trod, With two men as flankers, Trembled at the Commander’s nod And got ten days Jankers.
Therefore N.A.s all, be sure, When you’re warned for duty, If you’re not there on the dot, You’ve had it – like this beauty. -P.O. Foster.
Glossary – for non-naval members.
- “Jossman” – Master-at-arms
- “R.P.O.” – Regulating Petty Officer – Ship’s police.
- “N.A.” – Naval Airman “Crusher” (See R.P.O.)
- “Housey” – Housey Housey – Bingo
- “Jankers” – Punishment such as leave stopped, extra work etc..