Channel Night

Throughout the British Navy, the term “Channel Night” refers to the evening before docking at the ship's home port in the UK after a trip into the Atlantic Ocean. It was a time of very mixed feelings, particularly if you had been away for several weeks, or as in the case of the Caronia, a few months.

Of course, there was the anticipation of going home and spending time with loved-ones. Often, it meant a long train journey after pay-off and disembarking. With often short turnarounds, this could take two whole days out of your shore leave.

The atmosphere on board ship on Channel Night was quite unlike any other. Combined with the anticipation there was a feeling of inevitability. The place that had been your home for an extended period of time, and had obviously become very familiar, was about to disintegrate. The changes could be quite profound.

First of all, you'd be saying good-bye to your “ bloods ”, people whom you had served for the duration. There's no getting to know people better than when you feed them for an extended period! Also, you'd learn from colleagues that perhaps they would not be on the next trip.

Channel Night would mean beginning your packing, gathering together souvenirs and presents ready for the mad scramble ashore after arrival. The mixed-feelings would have a tangible effect. Several emotional adjustments need to be made and there's this pit of the stomach feeling to deal with.

The next day would usher in an invasion of the ship by strangers; people with scant regard for the clean and tidy surroundings that you'd respected. The secure home, where trust was paramount, would vanish the moment gangways were connected from the shore! Perhaps also, you had decided that this would be your last trip aboard.

For some people these were evenings that were dreaded, for others, they were far too busy to even think about it. With everyone trying to deal with their feelings in their own way, the atmosphere could only be described as slightly subdued. Just like the start of new voyages, the memories of Channel Nights stay with you forever!

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