i left school in 1965 to become a mopper at Battersea SDO. Past my test 3 days after my 16th birthday (they needed more moppers) my nick name was Rosie lol. Also worked as a postman at Tooting DO for a while. Moved to Luton in 1973 and still live and work there with my wife Pauline.
Theres not much online as to the history of the telegram boy, until this page popped up. I live in Australia and was trying to find some pictures of lads like myself that i could attatch to my life story, however i seem to be at a dead end.So i just thought that i would put a bit on this page about myself, Migrated to Oz in 1963 and my first job was a telegram boy from 16 to 18 then became a postie and served 40 years with Australia Post, and retired in 2005.
Hi all, I lived in Barking/West Ham during the War years and after many moves round London I left School and started on push bikes at 15 at the Battersea D.O. and as fast as I could got onto Motor Cycles at the Tooting Office, great days. Our area covered Battersea, Balham, Wimbledon, Merton Etc. It was a sad day growing up and going for Postman Training at 18. Sadlly now living on the Isle Of Wight miles from London Iv'e lost touch with the pals I made in the G.P.O. Some I remember are Pat Aymes Bachelor, Joseph, George Surry P.S.M. Mansar, Bill Sweet, Ginger are a few names that have not faded from my memory. Wedding Telegrams were the best as you might get a tanner for a photo with the bride. I hated death telegrams , knocking on doors to get someone to come with you in case they passed out! peter@barkingboy.orangehome.co.uk
I was stationed at Norwood TDO - 1958 to 1961, still maintain fond memories of my mates during this period of my life. I emigrated to Australia in 1966, and live on the Sunshine Coast Queensland - I would return for a reunion
Just been looking for photos of old puch telegram mopeds i was at norwich post office from may 1980 till telegrams finished they where the best days of my life we had lots of fun i left the post office in 1991 as i had married a italian girl i moved to italy and have been here ever since mates such as plug stu church bob didwell lovely days always in my heart
Hi moppers ,Just to say that I was one of you between 1968/71 at Battersea District Office,it was the best job I have have had and remember racing with the boys along Wandsworth Road on our Bantam125/175's also showing off when we saw each other approaching on our bikes by letting go and riding no hands and pretending we had guns and 'shoot' each other!! Oh we also delivered telegrams!! The names of PSM,s I remember such as George Odel,John Flaherty, Harry Sharman"........Happy Days for £9 a week.
great site I was started in 1968 Rathbone place ,w1 moved to wimpole st sam painter guvnor nice bloke he s boss mr fox glum man nice memorys only lad I remember by name was a nutter called cookie from Kilburn great guy made me up for life im still a postman in Skegness joe finch
I was a telegram boy at Slough from 1977 to 1979. Along with Steve Furmage, David Porter, Clive Dawkins, Martin Montgomery, Boris, John Hewitt. willy Watkins with Buck Butler in command.
Hi everyone, Guess I am an 'oldie' now as I was a Boy Messenger at Brighton (Ship St) from Jan 1942 to Dec 45 when I was 'called up'. They were good days in which I made many friends who sadly many (most) of which have passed on. When at the age of 16 I was allocated to motorcycles my day was made when I was given the solitary 350cc BSA bike (a WD model) Although it was 'choked' to keep the speed down this was easily 'overcome' and I enjoyed many happy days speeding around the Brighton area. Of course these were the war days and there were many incidents. One aspect to try and avoid was delivering death messages but not really an option. I remained in the Post Office for over 40 years but those early years were the best. Stan Ford (T33)
Hi everyone, Guess I am now an oldie having joined Brighton PO as a Boy Messenger at the beginning of 1942. All my days as a messenger were in the war years which were full of 'incidents'. They were good days and hold many happy memories. At 16 I progressed onto m/c's and was proudly allocated the solitary ex W.D. BSA 350cc bike - what joy!! Regretfully many of my old comrades have now passed on. In 1945 I was called up and returned to the PO where I completed 44 yrs of service. Those early days remain with me. They were a rude awakening to real life after the sheltered school one. But one I would never regret Regards to all Stan Ford
Hi all, I was a telegram boy in Derby from 1967 to 1968, having the best time of my life before becoming a postman. Ted boole, popsy Parker, and one of the ticker tape girls was Elaine Alderidge. We used to tear around the town getting the most sparks from our leg guards as we could, but nobody ever fell off, which was a minor miracle. HAPPY DAYS.
I was a messenger in Brighton from 1959-1962 great memories, we had a staff of about 20 and about 12-14 BSA 125 Bantams.The PHG in charge was Ernie Moody an old WW1 veteran who had light duties, he had been badly burnt by acid when his sub was sunk during action.Still a few of us still about thankfully
Hello to all my co workers riding bantams in Harrow 1962-66....my god those were the days.....Scotty, pea wee, steve, nigel ,pete, etc.....and the bikes we flogged mercilessly...T4976, 5710, 5711, 14195 etc...happy days ,no doubt about that.........jim
I left school in September 1965, went for an interview above the BO in Newman street London w1 for a job as a messenger at the WDO in Wimpole street. The phg in charge gave me the postmans test which I passed then said that i was very young to be a postman, he had gave me the wrong test . so I started at the DO, the messengers were in the basement, parades every morning but it was not as bad as the boys which worked out off the city they had to have the hat on all the time and carry a very washed postmans delivery bag with them at all times , cable and wireless C & W , had a large leather pouch.
We did not have bantams and only one bike had to used bus or trains . after 3 months I got transferred to Mount Street Bo Mayfair as WDO did not delivery to the Mayfair area. we worked from the basement of the Bo. Above on the ground floor was the telegraph office (the clerks used to send birthday telegrams for the family for free) food was very bad but we had a great area to work in loads of money some great runs.
Hi My name is Bob Daniel I started as a telegram boy on 21/08/1967 at the SEDO in Southwark London on Push bikes for one year,delivering around Southwark mainly ... then onto Motor bikes 125 and 175 Bantams for 2 years in Lewisham and Woolwich South East London , I remember those days with fondness and had a lot of fun it was like being at school at first but getting paid for it. my first pay was 5 pounds 17 shillings and sixpence and I still have the pay slip. and my appointment letter. I have great memories of those times...
I work as a post office messenger from 1970 the post office was in royal ave and the messenger room was in Garfield street , You delivered at first on a old push bikes then on to a moped and finally a bantam 125 or175 you had made it we had great races around the old Smithfield market and the city hall and bit of work in between great days and great memories my number was 1090
Hi all, i was a telegram boy in Brighton from 1980 until telegrams ceased to be in 1982. This was my first job from school and it was more of an education on life than school ever was. I have to say this was the best job i have ever had with so many funny stories. I remember being sent out at 5 30 pm on a January night to deliver 1 telegram 10 miles away from Brighton because i had anoyed the phg in charge. Most of the lads were sons of postman or postoffice employees. When i started in 1980 there were 12 messengers of mixed ages 16-19 but by Sept 1982 there were only 5 messengers. Our 2 PHG in charge were Reg Shearman and Brian Peacock. Some of the lads were Spud, whippy, Brillo, Dinger Bell and porty. Happy days
Left school at 15 in 1965, started as a telegram boy at Battersea D O, but was sent on loan to Howard's Place SW1 (Victoria) and also South Kensington, as I was too young to ride motor cycles. It was a good office but run very strictly - every morning we'd line up for inspection, trousers pressed, badges polished, pouches blackened and hair cut - just like the army! There were a few perks, for instance we could walk to most addresses but claim bus fares (we were not allowed to use push bikes as it was deemed too dangerous with the traffic!) On my 16th Birthday I returned to Battersea, passed the motor cycle test at Crown Point, returned to the office only to get bogged head down in the toilet and more! George Odel was one of our P.S.M's, I wish I could remember all my friends but only a few come to mind...Geoffrey Hastings, Colin Livet, Frank Richardson, Andy ?, we rode the 125 BSA Bantam but also had our own bikes. Geoff had a Greaves, Colin Livet and myself had Nortons, Frank and Andy had Triumphs. There was another Colin, he had a Lambretta scooter. We'd meet at our club in the basement of Battersea D O, George Odel or the other PSM (I think his name was Alan Minter) would supervise, all in their own time - nice guys. In the last year I transferred to Upper Tootng as I lived in Lessingham Ave just down the road. I loved the summers, froze in the winter, all this for six days a week for not a lot more than £3 a week! I only wish I could remember all my old 'moppers' nicknames. Mine was Jet (after Jet Harris) - a name that stayed with me as a postman at Tooting D O till I left to join the LEB.
I was a telegram boy at Bishop Street, Leicester 1965/1967. Great job, good workmates. I'd love own a 125 bantam but my eyes would probably prevent me from using it.
Hi Great site just found it thanks to an awful day weather wise.I was a telegram boy in the mid 60, I was a part of the 5 strong team that won the south western region motorcycle cup which took place in Bristol We took our gpo bikes in an old post office parcel van. made the local southern evening echo of which we were very proud. Got some old photos of the great day in an album and a large blown up one hanging on the wall in black & white.List of the boys were myself Paul Lewis Geoff ryder phil cadham Derek Fellows David Calder. Great days loads off stories
I was one of the last GPO messenger boys in the early 1970,s in Hartlepool. There was only two of us and we rode the old Raleigh runabouts, until we smashed them up within a week of each other. Then we were given the new Puch mopeds, with panion bags on either side, and White fiberglass leg shields. We were the bees knees. I remember a telegram which was announcing a death had two black lines across the corner so we knew what they were. Then there was the Greeting Telegrams, as we boys were based in the telegraph room we knew what the messages were. One Wedding telegram said, "Please return wedding ring. Stop. Not enough coupons Stop Signed- Embassy."
I remeber when a top GPO Inspector visied our TDO in Harlesden NW London one of my friends pushed his new bike Bantam up the yard after helping our mechanic lift it down from his van.They had been to collect it as it was burnt out!!Nice Red paint mostly black through buning.when the Inspector saw it he went PURPLE as the bike had only been delivered into our safekeeping the day before.(not even run in) it was delivered from Yeading the big GPO Store. The Inspector went beserk.My mate left the engine running leaned the bike at an angle and fuel fell onto the hot engine!!Those were days!!
I was a Telegram Boy at Harlesden BO in Londons NW Region 1964.We covered London Nw6,10 and 2.I trained on Bantams at The Hells Angel site at Brent TDO where they used to chase you down the North Circular and put you in a lift shaft to Bog You!!! Had five crashes in over 2years and we used to take on the NWDO boys who thought we were Country Bumpkins but they came unstuck.Lots of grat times.Also found ex Telegram Boy when i was shooting my Traditional English Wooden Longbow at Lincol Castle.Chris Collins who has a company of Archers their worked in Harlesden BO TDO when i went Postman at NWDO. He used the same bikes as myself.Have a Kawasaki 650naked and drve a car.My name was Bob Mowle when at GPO.Would like to contact old Comrades.
Hi all, I lived in Barking/West Ham during the War years and after many moves round London I left School and started on push bikes at 15 at the Battersea D.O. and as fast as I could got onto Motor Cycles at the Tooting Office, great days. Our area covered Battersea, Balham, Wimbledon, Merton Etc. It was a sad day growing up and going for Postman Training at 18. Sadlly now living on the Isle Of Wight miles from London Iv'e lost touch with the pals I made in the G.P.O. Some I remember are Pat Aymes Bachelor, Joseph, George Surry P.S.M. Mansar, Bill Sweet, Ginger are a few names that have not faded from my memory. Wedding Telegrams were the best as you might get a tanner for a photo with the bride. I hated death telegrams , knocking on doors to get someone to come with you in case they passed out! peter@barkingboy.orangehome.co.uk
Guess I am an 'oldie' now as I was a Boy Messenger at Brighton (Ship St) from Jan 1942 to Dec 45 when I was 'called up'.
They were good days in which I made many friends who sadly many (most) of which have passed on.
When at the age of 16 I was allocated to motorcycles my day was made when I was given the solitary 350cc BSA bike (a WD model) Although it was 'choked' to keep the speed down this was easily 'overcome' and I enjoyed many happy days speeding around the Brighton area.
Of course these were the war days and there were many incidents. One aspect to try and avoid was delivering death messages but not really an option.
I remained in the Post Office for over 40 years but those early years were the best.
Stan Ford (T33)
Guess I am now an oldie having joined Brighton PO as a Boy Messenger at the beginning of 1942. All my days as a messenger were in the war years which were full of 'incidents'. They were good days and hold many happy memories.
At 16 I progressed onto m/c's and was proudly allocated the solitary ex W.D. BSA 350cc bike - what joy!! Regretfully many of my old comrades have now passed on. In 1945 I was called up and returned to the PO where I completed 44 yrs of service.
Those early days remain with me. They were a rude awakening to real life after the sheltered school one. But one I would never regret
Regards to all
Stan Ford
We did not have bantams and only one bike had to used bus or trains . after 3 months I got transferred to Mount Street Bo Mayfair as WDO did not delivery to the Mayfair area. we worked from the basement of the Bo. Above on the ground floor was the telegraph office (the clerks used to send birthday telegrams for the family for free) food was very bad but we had a great area to work in loads of money some great runs.
all the best
mick wildey.
I started as a telegram boy on 21/08/1967 at the SEDO in Southwark London on Push bikes for one year,delivering around Southwark mainly ... then onto Motor bikes 125 and 175 Bantams for 2 years in Lewisham and Woolwich South East London , I remember those days with fondness and had a lot of fun it was like being at school at first but getting paid for it. my first pay was 5 pounds 17 shillings and sixpence and I still have the pay slip. and my appointment letter. I have great memories of those times...
You delivered at first on a old push bikes then on to a moped and finally a bantam 125 or175 you had made it we had great races around the old Smithfield market and the city hall and bit of work in between great days and great memories my number was 1090
i was a telegram boy in Brighton from 1980 until telegrams ceased to be in 1982. This was my first job from school and it was more of an education on life than school ever was. I have to say this was the best job i have ever had with so many funny stories. I remember being sent out at 5 30 pm on a January night to deliver 1 telegram 10 miles away from Brighton because i had anoyed the phg in charge. Most of the lads were sons of postman or postoffice employees. When i started in 1980 there were 12 messengers of mixed ages 16-19 but by Sept 1982 there were only 5 messengers. Our 2 PHG in charge were Reg Shearman and Brian Peacock. Some of the lads were Spud, whippy, Brillo, Dinger Bell and porty. Happy days
Kind regards
Kev Golding 604
Hi
Great site just found it thanks to an awful day weather wise.I was a telegram boy in the mid 60, I was a part of the 5 strong team that won the south western region motorcycle cup which took place in Bristol We took our gpo bikes in an old post office parcel van. made the local southern evening echo of which we were very proud. Got some old photos of the great day in an album and a large blown up one hanging on the wall in black & white.List of the boys were
myself Paul Lewis
Geoff ryder
phil cadham
Derek Fellows
David Calder.
Great days loads off stories
I was one of the last GPO messenger boys in the early 1970,s in Hartlepool. There was only two of us and we rode the old Raleigh runabouts, until we smashed them up within a week of each other. Then we were given the new Puch mopeds, with panion bags on either side, and White fiberglass leg shields. We were the bees knees. I remember a telegram which was announcing a death had two black lines across the corner so we knew what they were. Then there was the Greeting Telegrams, as we boys were based in the telegraph room we knew what the messages were. One Wedding telegram said, "Please return wedding ring. Stop. Not enough coupons Stop Signed- Embassy."
Have some incredible memories.
I remeber when a top GPO Inspector visied our TDO in Harlesden NW London one of my friends pushed his new bike Bantam up the yard after helping our mechanic lift it down from his van.They had been to collect it as it was burnt out!!Nice Red paint mostly black through buning.when the Inspector saw it he went PURPLE as the bike had only been delivered into our safekeeping the day before.(not even run in) it was delivered from Yeading the big GPO Store. The Inspector went beserk.My mate left the engine running leaned the bike at an angle and fuel fell onto the hot engine!!Those were days!!
I was a Telegram Boy at Harlesden BO in Londons NW Region 1964.We covered London Nw6,10 and 2.I trained on Bantams at The Hells Angel site at Brent TDO where they used to chase you down the North Circular and put you in a lift shaft to Bog You!!! Had five crashes in over 2years and we used to take on the NWDO boys who thought we were Country Bumpkins but they came unstuck.Lots of grat times.Also found ex Telegram Boy when i was shooting my Traditional English Wooden Longbow at Lincol Castle.Chris Collins who has a company of Archers their worked in Harlesden BO TDO when i went Postman at NWDO. He used the same bikes as myself.Have a Kawasaki 650naked and drve a car.My name was Bob Mowle when at GPO.Would like to contact old Comrades.