Second Guest Book
| 165 | Date: 2005-06-16 11:57:45
mike webster ( webboatanchor@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote:
great to see someone still interested in the MN. I went to the deck boy factory in 1972 and stayed on the pool until 1986.when I saw the writing on the wall. Took my tickets and finished up master on salvage tugs .I retired last year (sickener)due to multiple sclerosis but it was a great life for 30 odd years.
| | | | | | | 163 | Date: 2005-05-18 07:07:22
David Stevenson ( dstevens@britishsugar.co.uk / no homepage) wrote:
Great site Gordon.Nice to read ex MN stories. I was at Gravesend 24th November- 13th Feb, 1981. Catering M Class. I shipped out on P&O Strathdun. Six weeks Home Trade, six months deep sea. What a life!! See the world and paid as well. Opportunities that sadly don't exist for the average working class kid at 16 today. Finished at sea in 1983 as 2nd Cook. UK shipping as previously stated was in decline. I went shoreside with British Sugar and I'm still there. I do look fondly back on those times. Happy days indeed.
| | | 162 | Date: 2005-05-07 21:58:40
Vernon MacDonald ( joller@pnc.com.au / no homepage) wrote:
Hi to all out there.
Just reading all the entries and some very intersetint too.
My little contribution is as follows:
Started out to Sea in 1957 as 1st Class Asst STWD on the old Dunnottar Castle(this being her last voyage under Union Castle Colours) sailing out of Cape Town.
Got the job in 1st Class as i had experience in Silver Service on the South African Railways.
It was a most memorable trip for me as can be expected,and we stopped off at Medeira,Ascension and also had to pull into Freetown for a sick passenger.
Then on to Londons King George 5th Docks (Tilbury)
My first view of England was one of very thick Fog and we could hardly see the ground from the Deck.
Anyway after a bit of shore leave i then went on the Warwick Castle as Tourist Class Stwd and after that transferred to the Southampton Mailboat run,serving on the following.
Winchester
Sterling
Carnarvon and
Cape Town Castles
I really enjoyed those years at Sea and its such a pity that things have changed so much.
I recall all the cheap Cigs too as mentioned by some,my favourite being Senior Service.
Yes those were the days what fun we had and hard work too of course.
From an old Sea Dog
Cheers
Mac
| | | 161 | Date: 2005-05-07 11:35:01
Billy McGee ( Billy1963@ntlworld.com / http://www.british-merchant-navy.co.uk) wrote:
60 years ago today, the unconditional surrender by Germany to the Western Allies & Russia was signed at Rheims. The same day the costal Convoy EN-91 was making her way Northward past the Firth of Forth 1 mile East of May Island. As the country was celebrating well into the night the final peace in Europe, at 23.00, two massive explosions rolled in from across the sea into the Firth of Forth. The Ladies at the Methil Seaman's Mission knew the sound only to well. U-2336 had found its mark on two Merchant ships, the British "Avondale Park" and the Norwegian "Sneland I" had both been torpedoed and sunk with the loss of 10 crewmen. These sinkings happened three days after Dönitz had given the U-boats the order to stop all enemy action and return to port. The U-boats had finished their was as they had started it nearly six years before with an unprovoked attack on the men of the "Forgotten Fourth Service"
| | | 160 | Date: 2005-05-06 12:14:51
robert danks ( robert.danks@btinterent.com / no homepage) wrote:
good memories
was at the peanut factory in 1977
hated it and loved it as i get older it was a good
time in my life and think some young kids would benefit a few weeks away from home in the peanut factory
| |
| 159 | Date: 2005-04-13 23:19:39
John.bernard ( John.bernard6@btinternet.com / no homepage) wrote:
interesting site gordon-falouth m.n. southwest branch have just recived the freedom of the town for the m.n. Ist town in the country to recieve such an honour fraternal greetings John. Bernard x ch/stwd shell tankers
| | | 158 | Date: 2005-03-31 13:45:16
john bernard ( John.bernard6@btinternet.com / no homepage) wrote:
m.n. granted freedom of town falmouth 27/3/05
| | | 157 | Date: 2005-03-26 19:12:15
George Barrow ( glbarrow@btinternet.com / no homepage) wrote:
Just visiting, was at Gravesend 1964 (N0V) catering class, shipped out on Silver Line, Regent tankships,Lamport and Holt, Haines, P.S.N.C. Port Line, The best years of my Life (hope the wife don't read this) always remember the sticky buns and cocoa in the gym at gravesend and a run up to London one weekend when supposed to be visiting Aunt over the river, went back to look at the old site back in early ninties climbed over the wall and walked around the overgrown yard got very nostalgic and had a big lump in my throat, Cheers to all ex Merchies were ever you are.
George Barrow
| | | 156 | Date: 2005-03-19 21:14:17
Dan Flintham ( danflintham@yahoo.co.uk / no homepage) wrote:
I have just found your page.Very interesting.But I note no one mentions H.M.S Gordon. I trained there in 1943 for 3 months as an o/s and spent about 5 years at sea.Is there any one out that went to H.M.S Gordon??
| | | 155 | Date: 2005-03-14 17:51:38
Paul Clarke ( paul66efc@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote:
Was at Gravesend from May - Aug 1982, love to hear from anyone that was there at that time.
| | | 154 | Date: 2005-03-10 15:48:49
Fran ( Frances.Robinson@btinternet.com / no homepage) wrote:
I'm looking for people who sailed on the Windsor Castle from Southampton to Cape Town 1963 for a chap who sailed on her that year.
| | | 153 | Date: 2005-03-07 22:31:34
Richard Tugwell ( r.tugwell2003@ntlworld.com / no homepage) wrote:
Left gravesend 1964,Had 8 glorious years.OH for one final trip,but sadly it is all gone now,although the memories will be with me forever.Sailed with,Union Castle,P&O,Houlders,Bowrings & Clan.Fabulous.RT.
| | | 152 | Date: 2005-02-23 13:43:42
Denis Allen ( denisallen47@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote:
Hi, nice place to visit, got my mind going back 42 years to my first trip 1963. Funny how one doesn't miss good times in life until they are all gone.
| | | 151 | Date: 2005-02-19 12:07:00
mick gallagher ( msuperscouse@aol.com / no homepage) wrote:
Hi. remember the good times on the Ocean Monarch up till the strike in 1973. I will be at a shaw saville reunion at the De Vere Grand Hotel in Southampton on the 18th March till 21st March. Please to see anyone.
| | | 150 | Date: 2005-02-04 22:44:42
kevin hargin ( harginka@aol.com / no homepage) wrote:
fantastic site
| |
| 149 | Date: 2005-01-29 16:27:55
steve harvey ( no email / no homepage) wrote:
i remember mr plumb saying to me you useless harvey but id have you on my ship anyday, this was 1973
| | | 148 | Date: 2005-01-25 20:40:26
Frank Young (Formerly Raggett) ( fsyfsy@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote:
Love the site Gordon but its on my work computer and I can't find it when at home. WHat is the web address?
| | | 147 | Date: 2005-01-24 20:46:41
leo Murphy ( l.murphy23@blueyonder.co.uk / no homepage) wrote:
just found the site great memorys walking through gate and Lads singing "You ain't never gooing Home" Mr Plumb looking at us down his nose,was told we wher the worst class ever in Catering!!!eventuly got through it went bach to St Helens and then down the POOL for work and joined the Queen Mary as a Commy great days.
| | | 146 | Date: 2005-01-20 16:26:52
alan ward ( lot36@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote:
10 years away from Cadet Purser to Purser/Catering Officer,it all seems so long ago now.These pages bring back many memories,not all that good.
| | | 145 | Date: 2005-01-13 12:20:23
Barnett ( t124x@aol.com / no homepage) wrote:
The word boots comes from a long time ago.I was boots on one of the Castle boats can't remember which one-LLanggibby or the Donnater Castle. I started on the Durango in 1945 as pantry boy. I
wound up barman on the Uragua star and Canteen steward on the Dunera.Happy New year to you and the Family, regards JOE
| | | 144 | Date: 2005-01-13 12:15:54
Diann ( essexgirl@telefonica.net / no homepage) wrote:
I just found your web site and it brought back memories of 1956 when I was just 15. I lived across the water in Tilbury and me and my friend Teresa used to cross on the "Edith" to see two Peanut boys from the Sea Training school. I remember , Teresa's boy friend was named Geordie and mine was a lad from Coventry named Peter John (I think John was his surname. We had great fun with these lads and often when they were on CB, we would still go to the school and talk to them from behind the building as all the "CB's" were their.
Peter John sent me a letter and my dad found it and from then on, I was barred from going to Gravesend as my dad had been in the Merchant Navy and he thought they were all bad boys.
| | | 143 | Date: 2005-01-13 12:13:13
ron hazel ( ann.hazel@members.v21.co.uk / no homepage) wrote:
Joined MN 1965, sent gravesend nov/dec 65 catering course.Very old, cold building, but lots of good lads. Still remember one or two. Good to see the school is not forgotten
| | | 142 | Date: 2005-01-13 12:10:44
David Walton (Wally) ( djwalton@austarnet.con.au / no homepage) wrote:
Great site, how the memorys flood back, I remember the day I walk through those gates to be met by instuctor Plumb on a cold Oct morn in 1953, my ships were the Strathboats,More,Aird, Eden,Naver, Orsova.B/B to PRA.
| | | 141 | Date: 2005-01-13 12:02:32
Roy Christian ( r.isaac@cwcom.net / no homepage) wrote:
I wish to get in touch with SIMON (LOCKYER) In 1961 we were in the same school -Aethelmar School in Fivehead Taunton. Please give hime my email adderess and if possible I would like to send him a short note.
| | | 140 | Date: 2005-01-13 11:58:08
Peter Hearn. ( peter.hearn1@ntlworld.com / no homepage) wrote:
Just come across your site,and going through it I must be a really old hand. I was at Gravesend 11.2.46 _5.4.46,Still got my Discharge Book, and Photo of class, wonder where they are all now. not at sea now left in 1955, Would love to meet anyone who sailed on the Corner Brook in 1947__49,great trip
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| 139 | Date: 2005-01-07 20:01:43
Frank Young (Formerly Raggett) ( fsyfsy@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote:
Went to sea on Regent Springbok in about 1952, Went ashore in 1954 in AUstralia and have been here since. Happy to hear from any Ex MN at above Email. In particular I have been looking for a Brian Albert Young
| | | 138 | Date: 2005-01-05 22:47:14
Bill Young ( galleyboy@optusnet.com.au / http://www.allatsea.cx) wrote:
G'day Gordon,
Just a short note to let all your readers know that we have a new web site catering for all seafarers, regardless of training school or lack thereof, sex, department, rank or rating. www.allatsea.cx
Happy New Year to all former seafarers. Regards, Bill.
| | | 137 | Date: 2005-01-05 19:11:25
BNRNETT ( T124X@AOL.COM / no homepage) wrote:
High again Gordon may be you sailed on one of these
Ships Durango Otranto Rimutaka Hrinui Rangitiki Paparoa Matiana Dillwara Dunera URAGAUy Star 1945 to
1959
regads Joe
| | | 136 | Date: 2004-12-17 19:44:10
adrian vare ( adrianvare@btinternet.com / no homepage) wrote:
gravesend training school 1965, still at sea .........when does it end
| | | 135 | Date: 2004-12-15 00:14:23
Peter Lewis ( wobblyweed@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote:
Iwas at the school from april tojuly 1975 j class catering. When I was there doing the fire fighting the BBC were there making a documentry about it. Can anybody remember it or as anyone seen it? If so I'd like to know about it. I was told itwas shown on BBC 2 I'd like to hear about it cos I was on it
| | | 134 | Date: 2004-12-12 14:34:20
Keith Tindell ( keithchris.tindell@tiscali.co.uk / no homepage) wrote:
HI, have just found this site,not yet fully explored, but it is great and brought back old times. I was at Gravesend (deck)1957-1958. I have my old class photo, which i will look up and forward. Happy but hard days. Keep up the good work on the site. Keith Tindell. ps anyone know what happened to my old ship BALTIC TRADER, she was on the Medi to Hamburg run when i served.
| | | 133 | Date: 2004-12-06 00:49:39
Ken Hughes ( kenneth.jhughes@btinternet.com / no homepage) wrote:
originate from Bangor N Wales I trained on the Vindicatrix at Sharpness in Nov 1959 it was hard and quite a few done the runner but it was worth sticking it out. I completed my training in mid Dec and reported to the poole on Liverpool pier head where I joined the MV Memfis one of Moss Hutchinson shipping Co and never looked back.I visited Australia in 2002 and met up with a Gravesend trained ex seaman and unfortunately for me I had just missed by one day the annual sail from Sydney to Brisbane by the ex vindi boys so disappointing. This is my first time on this site but I it won't be my last thats for, I have a photo taken of a group of us taken from deck of the Vindi with the severn bridge in the background is it possible to post it on the site.
Ken
| | | 132 | Date: 2004-12-04 20:36:01
Peter ( pgallagher@clear.net.nz / no homepage) wrote:
Hi, I was wondering if any of your readers remember the Nautical Catering College in Liverpool. It was called Dickie Bonds, and was the same as the Vindie except we went home each night. Some of you might also remember my brother,:Super Scouse', who was a bit of a character in the 70's and 80's, regards Pete
| | | 131 | Date: 2004-11-27 06:23:00
Ray Clarke ( Rclarke222@AOL.com / no homepage) wrote:
I enjoyed your lettter. I was at sea myself, grauduated from Sharpness, my first trip was the on New Australia, taking emigrants to Australia.....and then Cunard, on the Queen Mary.
Ray Clarke
| | | 130 | Date: 2004-11-01 16:32:06
Derek Bates ( derekjbates@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote:
Hi Gordon, Just ready your guestbook with interest. I was an Gravesend lad from Nov 1970 to Feb 1971. I can remember very well being called a 'peanut' but It was only given to first & second week lads. Until the next new entries arrived!
Good website,
Derek
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| 129 | Date: 2004-10-27 10:40:28
Kim-Marie Schubert ( KMN@xtra.co.nz / no homepage) wrote:
I would love to hear from anybody who knew Jimmy Jamieson(originaly from the U.K.) The only details I can provide are that he was a steward in the Merchant Navy sometime in the 1960's and jumped ship in Auckland where he worked as a steward at the Great Northern Hotel.
Kind regards
Kim-Marie Schubert
| | | 128 | Date: 2004-10-20 03:49:45
L. S. "Rocky" Greenwald ( MACOIL@prodigy.net / no homepage) wrote:
Ran into a fellow Vindi lad at work Ian Cooling. I was out in 56 Ian around 61/62. In my time the first batch of the Aisian Flu hit the UK and I was one of the first to hit the deck only to be roped in to take care of the rest of the lads who came down with it later. It was a helluva training experience
| | | 127 | Date: 2004-10-16 09:13:35
Malcolm Taylor ( mal@esc.net.au / no homepage) wrote:
Hello to all old friends. First time at this web stuff.Went through gravesend in 68,hello to old friends, nick named peanuts by an old boatswain in blue star 'spider spinks' ex Hobart Star
Good memories, regards to all. Mal Taylor {Nutt}
| | | 126 | Date: 2004-09-28 15:40:41
John Thompson ( jvthompson@keyworld.net / no homepage) wrote:
Gordon, I'm the stepson of George Bainbridge. Did you ever write that book?. Note my new email address.
| | | 125 | Date: 2004-09-25 14:04:40
Brian Davies ( brianjxw@btinternet.com / no homepage) wrote:
Hi, I was at the Gravesend Sea School in August 1950. Was sent to the Straithaird by the pool at Tower Bridge. Did three trips and then joined the New Zealand Shipping company, what luxery after the liners. Remember Mr.Reid in their office on the Albert Dock,Served on many ship, Suffolk, Haparangi, Middlesex,Tekoa, and many more. Would love to get in touch with my old mate Tony Ritson, who lived at Harrow. All contacts welcome. Brian
| | | 124 | Date: 2004-09-21 03:21:15
David J Bell Lennan ( dl@hunterlink.net.au / no homepage) wrote:
Gordon a great site I'm another Vindi Boy down under year 1953.I have to say reading Stans Mayes story takes me back to my time as a lad in Grays I lived only a few streets from Stan and as a boy I had a wheel barrow and would go to Grays Beach to collect drift wood also a paper round but then I recieved 7/6 a week.I look forward to more of Stans story.Keep up the good work. PS can you still buy American comics at Gravesend Markets up from the ferry wharf. Regards David.
| | | 123 | Date: 2004-09-12 13:58:10
Ian Warren ( ian@mayfield55.fsnet.co.uk / no homepage) wrote:
I am trying to find a class photo from my time at Gravesend. I was in the catering class, from 13th September - 19th November 1971. If anyone has a photo and would be prepared to sell me a copy, I would be extremely grateful.
It would also be great to hear from anyone who was there at the same time.
Regards
Ian Warren
| | | 122 | Date: 2004-08-18 07:22:56
Alex Dilworth ( alexdilworth@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote:
Gordon,Came on your site by accident.Great site, I am an ex,Vindi boy 63,Catering. In the Vindi Assoc, Sydney,my brother went to Gavesend Sea School sailed on Bowaters and RFA. Me sailed on anything that floated, my joke. Anyway all the best to you all out there whichever sea school, we all ended up at sea,same ships and are of the same fraternity.Long Live the Red Duster and all who sailed under her!
| | | 121 | Date: 2004-07-12 08:09:14
John Appleton ( johnappleton@onetel.com / no homepage) wrote:
Hi Gordon,
You have my name in your guest book, but I have read you story once again, looking out of the window here with the grey sky, and remembering sunny days at sea, Oh for the return of our youth. have you heard Roy Derham is giving up the chair, he is hoping someone will fill it. we will have to see. if you get a hold of the Vindi Newsletter, there is a photo of our little group, I am the only one wearing a jacket. keep up the good work Gordon.
regards John.
| | | 120 | Date: 2004-07-09 08:52:14
Glenn Baker ( sailorglenn@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote:
Having a Browse fellas, Im a member of Vindi NSW Oz and you can always see something new on the other sites, We belong to the biggest family in the World congratulations on you having a good site
| |
| 119 | Date: 2004-07-05 23:36:17
Ben ( bensjazzuk@btopenworld.com / no homepage) wrote:
Loved your site Gordon, but alas, you forgot that with the tea and tabnabs at smoko, was the religious 20 minutes of a game of crib!!!!! Keep up the good work. Incidentally, I wonder if any of your lookers have any info of the Admiralty Tug, Perseverance? I shipped out on her as a first tripper deck boy, joining her at Chatham Dockyard. Also looking for crew member photos of the Medway Queen during the 50's, I did 2 seasons on her including the Spithead Review. So you sailed with Len Horsham huh? A true gentleman. I never sailed with him "out of season" although I did a few trips on GSNC's MV. Swallow.
| | | 118 | Date: 2004-07-05 15:52:59
Fran ( Frances.Robinson@btinternet.com / no homepage) wrote:
I am making enquiries connected to "British Grenadier" when there was a fire
on board the ship on a voyage that took place between October 1971 and March
1972. I do not have the names of the ports between which the ship was
sailing.
I wonder if you know anything about the ship or the fire or know anyone that
might help me?
Best wishes
Fran Robinson
| | | 117 | Date: 2004-06-24 13:27:38
Bernie robinson ( brnw26134@blueyonder.co.uk / no homepage) wrote:
i went to gravesend in 1957 catering.did my first trip to New York from liverpool on the m.v britannic.sailed on most of the cunard ships from Liverpool including cargo boats.great ships and great crews.sadly had to sail from southhampton in the last 2 years because of the decline in ships sailing from Liverpool.same ships but not the same happy crews.came ashore in 1965 after missing the Mauretania in Barcelona..............happy days
| | | 116 | Date: 2004-06-18 17:41:37
Mark Stevely ( ronga_maritime@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote:
Looking for a photo of the ATHELDUCHESS and if any one has any imfo on this Vessel.
Good site keep up the good work.
Regards Mark.
| | | 115 | Date: 2004-06-17 18:49:30
Name: = John Roberts ( JOHNROBERTS@porthewyn.fsnet.co.uk / no homepage) wrote:
My father, John Griffith Roberts (from North Wales)was a captain with the Atheline during the late 50's and 60's. On leaving Atheline he became a pilot on the Medway. Please let me know of any contacts, he would be pleased to hear from them.
| | | 114 | Date: 2004-06-14 23:25:34
Alan Lake ( ajme@bigpond.net.au / no homepage) wrote:
Hello.I was trying to find out about a ship called the Strathnaver,that docked at Port Adelaide in 1956 or 57
Can you tell me where I might find out about this ship
Thanking you
Alan
| | | 113 | Date: 2004-05-23 00:15:16
Name: = michael patterson ( snoweyp@tiscali.co.uk / no homepage) wrote:
Enjoyed your site. I was at Gravesend FEB to JUN 1973 U Class deck. Now ashore after service with Cawoods Panocean P&O Belfast Steamship Co and HM Govt vessels. I have 2 class photos Can I email them to you for the site
Regards Michael
| | | 112 | Date: 2004-05-06 22:59:25
Name: = Corinna Whiting ( cwhiti@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote:
Name: = Corinna Whiting
My husband has recently been sent his fathers' Seamen's Record Book. It has stamped inside "National Sea Training School Gravesend" and has entry stamps dated from 11 May 1954 until 22 Sept 1956. His name was Thomas Frederick Whiting born 16.01.38 and was posted as a Canteen Trainee. The book has an "R" number of 608905. We are hoping to find some information about his class and or photos, maybe there are other Merchant Marines who knew him. Unfortunately this book was the only thing my husband could get hold of when his father died and it would mean so much if something more could be found out about him. We have tried to find out things on the net but the only thing we have found is pics of ships that he served on.
Can you please help us - it would mean so much to my husband. Many thanks for your assistance
I await your reply at your earliest convenience.
| | | 111 | Date: 2004-05-05 22:53:38
Peter Gallagher ( pgallagher@clear.net.nz / no homepage) wrote:
Graham Tomlinson, I was on the Cumberland for about 5 trips between 1961 and 1967. My brother Super Scouse was also on her in the early 70's. Super is going to Melbourne in October for the Shaw Saville reunion. I'll be popping over from NZ, staying at my son's place in East Doncaster. Would like to catch up with you if you want. Pete
| | | 110 | Date: 2004-05-02 07:02:49
Name: = fred snowden-leak ( no email / no homepage) wrote:
I was at gravesend in 1962,made lots of friends,have not seen in ages
| |
| 119 | Date: 2004-07-05 23:36:17
Ben ( bensjazzuk@btopenworld.com / no homepage) wrote:
Loved your site Gordon, but alas, you forgot that with the tea and tabnabs at smoko, was the religious 20 minutes of a game of crib!!!!! Keep up the good work. Incidentally, I wonder if any of your lookers have any info of the Admiralty Tug, Perseverance? I shipped out on her as a first tripper deck boy, joining her at Chatham Dockyard. Also looking for crew member photos of the Medway Queen during the 50's, I did 2 seasons on her including the Spithead Review. So you sailed with Len Horsham huh? A true gentleman. I never sailed with him "out of season" although I did a few trips on GSNC's MV. Swallow.
| | | 118 | Date: 2004-07-05 15:52:59
Fran ( Frances.Robinson@btinternet.com / no homepage) wrote:
I am making enquiries connected to "British Grenadier" when there was a fire
on board the ship on a voyage that took place between October 1971 and March
1972. I do not have the names of the ports between which the ship was
sailing.
I wonder if you know anything about the ship or the fire or know anyone that
might help me?
Best wishes
Fran Robinson
| | | 117 | Date: 2004-06-24 13:27:38
Bernie robinson ( brnw26134@blueyonder.co.uk / no homepage) wrote:
i went to gravesend in 1957 catering.did my first trip to New York from liverpool on the m.v britannic.sailed on most of the cunard ships from Liverpool including cargo boats.great ships and great crews.sadly had to sail from southhampton in the last 2 years because of the decline in ships sailing from Liverpool.same ships but not the same happy crews.came ashore in 1965 after missing the Mauretania in Barcelona..............happy days
| | | 116 | Date: 2004-06-18 17:41:37
Mark Stevely ( ronga_maritime@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote:
Looking for a photo of the ATHELDUCHESS and if any one has any imfo on this Vessel.
Good site keep up the good work.
Regards Mark.
| | | 115 | Date: 2004-06-17 18:49:30
Name: = John Roberts ( JOHNROBERTS@porthewyn.fsnet.co.uk / no homepage) wrote:
My father, John Griffith Roberts (from North Wales)was a captain with the Atheline during the late 50's and 60's. On leaving Atheline he became a pilot on the Medway. Please let me know of any contacts, he would be pleased to hear from them.
| | | 114 | Date: 2004-06-14 23:25:34
Alan Lake ( ajme@bigpond.net.au / no homepage) wrote:
Hello.I was trying to find out about a ship called the Strathnaver,that docked at Port Adelaide in 1956 or 57
Can you tell me where I might find out about this ship
Thanking you
Alan
| | | 113 | Date: 2004-05-23 00:15:16
Name: = michael patterson ( snoweyp@tiscali.co.uk / no homepage) wrote:
Enjoyed your site. I was at Gravesend FEB to JUN 1973 U Class deck. Now ashore after service with Cawoods Panocean P&O Belfast Steamship Co and HM Govt vessels. I have 2 class photos Can I email them to you for the site
Regards Michael
| | | 112 | Date: 2004-05-06 22:59:25
Name: = Corinna Whiting ( cwhiti@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote:
Name: = Corinna Whiting
My husband has recently been sent his fathers' Seamen's Record Book. It has stamped inside "National Sea Training School Gravesend" and has entry stamps dated from 11 May 1954 until 22 Sept 1956. His name was Thomas Frederick Whiting born 16.01.38 and was posted as a Canteen Trainee. The book has an "R" number of 608905. We are hoping to find some information about his class and or photos, maybe there are other Merchant Marines who knew him. Unfortunately this book was the only thing my husband could get hold of when his father died and it would mean so much if something more could be found out about him. We have tried to find out things on the net but the only thing we have found is pics of ships that he served on.
Can you please help us - it would mean so much to my husband. Many thanks for your assistance
I await your reply at your earliest convenience.
| | | 111 | Date: 2004-05-05 22:53:38
Peter Gallagher ( pgallagher@clear.net.nz / no homepage) wrote:
Graham Tomlinson, I was on the Cumberland for about 5 trips between 1961 and 1967. My brother Super Scouse was also on her in the early 70's. Super is going to Melbourne in October for the Shaw Saville reunion. I'll be popping over from NZ, staying at my son's place in East Doncaster. Would like to catch up with you if you want. Pete
| | | 110 | Date: 2004-05-02 07:02:49
Name: = fred snowden-leak ( no email / no homepage) wrote:
I was at gravesend in 1962,made lots of friends,have not seen in ages
| |
| 109 | Date: 2004-04-25 03:03:46
Name: = Shirlen Hay ( shirlene2709@btinternet.com / no homepage) wrote:
Im looking to find anybody that was a "Vindi Boy" June '56 - Aug '56, or who sailed with my father Reg Abbott between '56 & '67, especially on m.v. British Fern between Jan '66 - Aug '66.
| | | 108 | Date: 2004-04-22 07:50:10
John Appleton ( johnappleton@onetel.com / no homepage) wrote:
Hi Gordon,
Just been on your site for the first time, ex Vindi Boy 1949 I see you sailed on the Strathnaver, I did 4 trip on the Strathaird Pursers Office Boy, Lift Boy, 2 trips Saloon Steward, then various companies. now retired and living in Suffolk. it was a great life at sea. drop me a line. I used to live in Bromley Kent. not far from Gravesend.
Cheers. John and Janet Appleton.
| | | 107 | Date: 2004-04-18 08:39:32
fred craig ( fredjanet53@oal.com / no homepage) wrote:
first class site, that brings back memories
| | | 106 | Date: 2004-04-17 02:01:51
Dave Wells ( d.wells@ntlworld.com / no homepage) wrote:
What a wonderful site- brings back many many memories. I was at Gravesend in March 1957. Made a lot of good mates - played for the soccer team against the Vindi and beat them. Also had the boxing bouts in the evening.
Would be really interested to know if any of the team are stil around. Keep up the good work you are doing a fine job. Incidently my first trip was on the HIMALAYA down to Oz. April 1957.
| | | 105 | Date: 2004-04-12 23:34:18
John Francis (Ned) Kelly ( johnf_kelly@yahoo.co.uk / no homepage) wrote:
Trainee Deck Boys did 12 weeks (a bit longer if there over christmas), and I emerged 16th February 1962. Failing to get the first ship I went for, I eventually found myself aboard the MV Athelfoam, signing on 03/03/62 and doing two trips as Deck Boy, before being elevated to J.O.S. for my third trip. My excitement knew no bounds, visiting Jamaica, Mexico, Egypt, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Houston and yes even Cuba - during the missile crisis. The potential end of the world, cannot stand between a ship and a full cargo to carry !
| | | 104 | Date: 2004-04-11 08:17:00
mick thistlethwaite ( micktttt@aol.com / no homepage) wrote:
seeking "old ship mates" GNSTS 1974 CT Bowrings+ Manchester Liners. (anyone seen Stefan Jackiw)last known berth Stockport !!!
| | | 103 | Date: 2004-04-07 20:44:15
fred snowden-leak ( freddo61@msn.com / http://ntlworld.com) wrote:
i was at gravesend 1962.on a stewars course,made plenty of friends.
| | | 102 | Date: 2004-04-06 14:01:34
Andy Jillings ( andrewjillings@msn.com / no homepage) wrote:
I was at n.s.t.c june-Aug 80,catering rating,loads of us from Grimsby. Where are they now?
| | | 101 | Date: 2004-04-03 09:40:33
Name: = Cheree Dahm ( cheree.d@xtra.co.nz / no homepage) wrote:
I am trying to search for Robert Downie from England. He was 26yrs of age and was in Auckland New Zealand between sept-Dec 1969. I don't have the name of the ship he was on. Any information will be appreciated. Thank you
| | | 100 | Date: 2004-03-20 07:32:36
Adrian Vare ( adrianvare@btinternet.com / no homepage) wrote:
Left GTS 1965. First ship ..Transval Castle.Went to New Zealand s co.Shaw Saville,P&O Blue Star. Also sailed with Cunard & Rotal Mail. ...best ship ..Oriana ..on it from 1976-1980.Still at sea ....When does it all end ..heheheheh
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| 99 | Date: 2004-03-19 19:03:11
graham tomlinson ( cherrymidson@optusnet.com.au / no homepage) wrote:
Went to Gravesend in january 1965,cold as a motherin laws kiss in that place!my final week was to look after the captain,which involved lighting that darned kerosene heater in his bathroom(head).Came back from that famous breakfast which was so well rationed,and discovered the heater had been pouring out black,and i mean black smoke.Captain not happy though his daughter saw the funny side. Bloody bathroom was caked in black soot. Banned from shore leave,banned from everything for rest of course! To follow were the best days of my life.Federal Steam Navigation. Cumberland & Piako. Anybody know where Paul Mason ended up? Jumped ship in Melborne in 1969 and I am still here. Best country. digger!
| | 98 | Date: 2004-03-16 22:27:45
Richard G.Bayfield (Dick ) ( gordonbayfield@aol.com / no homepage) wrote:
I was at GSS oct 60 to Dec 60 first ship Stratheden, then Himalaya, Orcades (signed off sick
Albert Dock seamans Hospital ingrowing toe nail ) then to the Arcadia asked to leave for crumpeteering
then on to the Orsova sacked for serious crumpeteering then demoted and on to the Iberia as A/s promoted before sailing by the Chief Steward Taffy Davis promoted again to Assistant Barman on the Chusan met my first wife on the Iberia ( tele op)then on to the Orcades as assistant barman with
Gordon Andrews ( mother) as PR barman ( they reckoned they could hear me and mother laughing five
decks down in the restaurant, I finally left the sea
in oct 1969, I can still be found in the Three Daws
( a name everybody will remember ) besides drinking I also do the stocktaking there.
| | 97 | Date: 2004-03-16 12:38:31
David Cole ( pompeyfan@fratton45.fsnet.co.uk / no homepage) wrote:
Just found your site. I was Hospital Attendant on Canberra 1971 to 1973, Arcadia from 1973 to 1975, and a couple of other P&O ships in between. Have loads of stories to tell, pictures taken and would like to hear from any crew who may remember me or indeed those who dont especially if they served on the same ships. Passenger liners are sadly long gone, but memories of line voyages will never die as long as crew of our era are alive. Quenn Mary 2 may be the first passenger liner built since QE2, but I wonder if life aboard cruise ships is the same as our days?. I very much doubt it because even when I was crusing it was totally different to the line voyages both passengers AND crew.
| | 96 | Date: 2004-03-09 15:32:23
fred skidmore ( no email / no homepage) wrote:
gravesend sea school 1952 1953
| | 95 | Date: 2004-02-28 23:06:54
Joy George ( joygeorge6@yahoo.com.au / no homepage) wrote:
I live in Australia and am trying to find information about a ship alled the ss Anglo Saxon which visited Port Pirie, South Australia in 1935, with my Dad on board. His name was Ronald Larry Lane.
I was wondering if maybe you could give me a 'link' to help find this ship's records.
Thanking you.
Joy
| | 94 | Date: 2004-02-28 22:58:31
Roy Thompsett ( rayt2002@gvtc.com / no homepage) wrote:
I attended NSTS July-Sept 1952. I spent 8 years in catering. Probably we have some trips in common. Empire Fowey, Strathmore, Stratheden, Andes, Rangitata, Ivernia, Queen Mary,Queen of Bermuda. I jumpe ship in Nedw York in 1960 and hae lived in the US for 44 years. Have just found this website and can't seem to leave it. Going to go through my scrapbook for old photos. NSTS was not one of my fondest memories, but it started me on my way to being pretty independant. Great work. Thanks for the memories.
Ray T.
| | 93 | Date: 2004-02-28 22:51:48
John Baister ( j.baister@btinternet.com / no homepage) wrote:
I was at Gravesend Sea School in Octobeer/December 1938. I served in the Merchant Navy from 1939 to 1946 on Bayano, Karabagh, Aracataca, Jamaica Producer, Miamoa, Inverilen, Port Dunedin, Empire Ray, Ocean Vision, Esperance Bay, Empire Balfour, Duke of York, Empire Salisbury and Highland Brigade
Can anyone recall?
John Baister
| | 92 | Date: 2004-02-28 22:47:10
Ivan Judd ( ivan@judd1212.fslife.co.uk / no homepage) wrote:
Clearing my mother's house recently after she died I have found a 78rpm record which states "Crowning of the Merchant Navy Queen 28th April 1945".
Any ideaas what it is?And has it any historical value?
| | 91 | Date: 2004-02-28 22:42:23
Andy Ransom ( no email / no homepage) wrote:
I'm attempting to trace anyone who knew my father (on his behalf. His name is John Ransom and he was at the Gravesend Sea`School to train as a deck boy,circa 1950. He served on Castle boats and also RFAs including the original Wave Knight. If anyone knew him, please email me. Many thanks
| | 90 | Date: 2004-02-28 22:34:07
Andy Ransom ( ransomandrew@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote:
I'm attempting to trace anyone who knew my father (on his behalf). His name is John Ransom and he was at Gravesend Sea`School to train as a deck boy circa 1950. He served on Castle boats and also RFAs including the original WQave Knight.
If anyone knew him, please email me. Many Thanks
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