Telegram Messenger

[the undertaker]

In 1970, my first job at the GPO was as a telegram messenger, there were 9 or 10 telegram boys in the office, which was housed on the first floor or a 2 storey, 1860 built sorting office. The ground floor was used for motorcycle storage, it was originally used for storing the mail stage coach with stabling for horses. Telegrams arrived via brass suction tubes, connected to the main crown post office, built in 1893.

The first duty of the day consisted of threading 100 lead seals with string, these were used for tying mailbags.

For the delivery of telegrams, BSA, Bantam, 125 + 175 motorcycles were used and some Raleigh 49cc mopeds.

Telegrams were carried in black leather pouches attached to a belt which was worn around the waist, for larger greetings telegrams, dark blue, leather trimmed pouches were used, worn on the shoulder.

The uniform consisted of a grey jacket, waistcoat and trousers, a large black crombie style coat, a white waterproof coat, waterproof leggings and gauntlets with a white crash helmet.

2 GPO brass and black enameled badges were issued, my badge number was 141.

[Badwolf]

Did the same thing in 1971. Good times. Although i don't miss the cold and wet guntlets we wore. Best job i've dome in RM

[SeriousSam]

Jesus u guys must be old!

[Badwolf]

Jesus u guys must be old!

Hey.. a little respect for your elders and senior. After all we are the ones that made RM what it is today.....sorry

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Jesus u guys must be old!

Hey.. a little respect for your elders and senior. After all we are the ones that made RM what it is today.....sorry

Any look familiar