North Barracks
As you go through the gates of North Barracks you will note the former Depot Post Office to the right and former Guardroom and Gaol to your left.
On the wall of the large house inside the gate on your right, a Blue Plaque marks the former home of Lieutenant Colonel Sir Vivian Dunn KCVO, OBE, RM, first Principal Director of Music Royal Marines.
Above: Centenary Gates Presentation, 1961
Sir Vivian Dunn
Zeebrugge Gong
In March 1919 Vice Admiral Sir Roger Keyes, K.C.B., K.C.V.O., C.M.G., D.S.O., presented the Depot a 12 inch cartridge case, which came from the Kaiser William II Battery, Knocke, Belgium, and was in action on the 23rd April 1918. The beam from which the cartridge case was suspended was part of the deck of H.M.S. Vindictive. The cartridge case, stood for many years at the base of the flag pole on the main parade in North Barracks and hours were struck within the barracks on this gong, as on board ship, to accustom recruits to ships’ bells when they eventually went afloat. The cartridge case was moved into Zeebrugge House, The Royal Buildings and was in use daily as a dinner gong in the Commandants House until the Barracks closed.
Trail Directions:Respecting the privacy of residents, continue down the path on your left passing the large private houses on the right (the former homes of the Depot Adjutant and nursing sisters) and continue, passing the former officers’ stables on your right, to the outer perimeter wall.
