david@design-redefined.co.uk I recently bought a old vintage trunk, I am researching its history, Does anyone have any advise or information ? Details of the trunk are The Marshall improved air and water tight chest Paten No 114962 1917. Written on top of the trunk D.E Gibbs Coldstream Guards T.S Empire Fowey Trade Lt.

14.02.2010Name: = S.F. Gregory Email address: = SSfgregory@aol.com I was at Gravesend sea school in April/June 1939. I guess not many of us left. Any info ?

02.02.2010 Name: = David Lindsay Email address: = d.m.lindsay@hotmail.co.uk Have you ever heard of Captain Sidney Hurst MN (decd)who moved from UK to live in Durban, SA saw him in the UK in 1950's

27.12.08 Name: = bob green Email address: = bobtherod@yahoo.co.uk Looking for any deckhand crew on ss.Oronsay 1973-74. I was on her as deckie & night gang. Have lots of photos & great memories. Did steering ticket , lifeboat ticket in Auckland and went onto Oriana till freemantle1975. Met up with crew at Southampton 4months later on May 9th 1975 Names I recall are Alex Francome deckie, Alistair (leading hand), Allex Gatting (very old scotsman with us some of the time on nightgang if you could part him from the sauce/lager, Wish all the lads well we had great times on ship & ashore best time of my life.

21.08.08 John Taylor Email address: = taypam@btinternet.com Greetings Found your site by chance No54 I sailed on Athlone Castle May1957 to March 1958 2nd Mate Captain Page.Went ashore in S.A. Back here retired 1988 Now in Suffolk. Many ex M.N. in area. Occasionally visit Union Castle reunions in Southampton Captain Reggie Kelso A lot of old faces John Taylor (Tiny)

21.08.08 Name: = ken phillips a/b M.N. Email address: = artfill@tadaust.org.au Comment: = I would like to know If you could find an old ship mate holds the handle of reginold parkes served on about 7 trips together last ship was The PORT AUCKLAND In 1962 met my mother and father In Coffs harbour jetty Australia as I met his mother and farther In holloway london Regards KEN.

19.08.08 Alan Reid Email address: = reid-a2@sky.com Comment: (1): anyone out there who sailed on ss.oronsay 1961-1963,and may have ports of call aug/1961tojan1962trip. I was butcher on board and in ship's football team and boxing.

 

Name: = jolene hainey Email address: = babyxjx@hotmail.com Dear Gordon -hi my name is Jolene and I'm searching for my father who I have not seen in 24 yrs. I believe he was a seamen and I have been told he went to a seaman's college in Manchester on Chorlton Road. I am just grasping at straws by asking do you have any infomation on this place thanks.

 

18.08.08 Ray Lusty Email address: = raylusty@hotmail.com My name is Ray Lusty. I was on deck (bucko, then AB )on NZ ships in the 1960"s mainly with the Union Steamship Co, with 3 short stints on chartered Norski's, Vingrom,Ancora,and Norse Lion. On deck watch one morning entering Lyttleton in heavy weather. Tied off Jacobs ladder for the Pilot. He jumped on and 1/2 way up the ladder and it dropped 3 inches.(ooops)A VERY angry man. Abused the shit out of me. I shrugged shoulders, threw my arms in the air and said, "No snarka English."(sic)He stormed off muttering to the bridge. 10 min's later, on the hour, I relieved my watchmate at the wheel. Pilot ranted and raved that he wanted "an English speaking helmsman".Captain told him,"Lusty is NZ.. Pilot had sense of humour ,looked at me and said ,"you arsehole and grinned!! Anyway I've been in OZ 40 years and lost touch with all my ol mates. Like to contact them. John(the beard) and Les(Gig) Hartley, Ray miller, Mike Mullholland, Jimmy Wells, Dave Tickner, Lyndsay Hawkins, just to name a few. All Ab's or Bucko's in those days. Maybe u or somebody could help me. Cheers' Ray Lusty. Brisbane.

25.11.07 Emma Wilkinson Email address: = emma@hammaglamma.com Please excuse this unsolicited email but I am hoping that you may be able to help me. I am contacting you from Hamma and Glamma Productions and I am currently making a documentary series for ITV. Please find below details about the series and how I am hoping you may be able to help me. 'Those Were The Days' is a social history series for ITV. Each of the five, one-hour, episodes will paint a nostalgic picture of Britain on significant days in recent history. In this unique series we will meet people from around the country and view rare archive footage to illustrate the more unusual and interesting events which occurred on these memorable dates. The date that I am currently looking into is July 20th 1969 - the day Man landed on the Moon. The series is very much about people's memories - I'm keen to hear from people who remember that day but for something different other than watching the moon landings on the TV. Just to give you an idea I am speaking to a man who ran a marathon on that day and a lady who gave birth..... I would love to hear from any of your members who may have memories of the day. Is there anyway I can get this message out to your members to ask if they do in fact have any memories? I would really appreciate any help you can offer on this as I would love to hear any memories your members may have. Your members can contact me via email (emma@hammaglamma.com) or phone (020 7199 0021). Is this something you can possibly help me with? I would really appreciate it if you could firstly, tell me if the date at all fits and then if so, put me in touch with people involved that year. I really appreciate any advice and help you can give me with this. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or queries about this. Thanks for your time and I look forward hearing from you soon. Kind Regards, Emma Wilkinson Hamma & Glamma Productions Ltd 31 Vernon Street, London, W14 0RN (T) 0207 199 0021 (F) 0207 084 0377

07.07.08 Name: = David Asher Email address: = greg_asher@hotmail.com My father, David Asher, who joined the merchant navy around 1946 remembers training at a merchant navy school on the Thames. I have been trying to locate it for him but he can't remember where it was. He heard a rumour the police may have taken it over. Can anyone confirm if this is true, where it is (so I can take him to see it again) and where any role of students may be for him to confirm its the right school?

25.11.07 : Arthur I Phillips Email address: = artfill@tadaust.org.au Having been to the NSTS, 1956 this holds many hard but fond memories. Captain McKeller and Tug Wilson. My first ship after leaving the NSTS was the NEWYORK CITY of CHARLES HILL OF BRISTOL across the North Atlantic. I was 16 years and am now 67 years. Served 1956 to 1962 , then got married .Regards, Arthur

15.10.07 JOHN. SIMS Email address: = JOHN.SIMS1@NTLWORLD.COM I was at the Vindicatrix from July until September 1949. SEAMAN, Thanks Gordon, Just found the site,

23.10.07 Terry Baumback Email address: = affra@tpg.com.au I am trying to find the sailing and docking dates of the P&O ship Canton (UK to Hong Kong) in Penang during the period Mar 1961 to Sep 1961. Anyone who can help?

31.10.07 Maria Reddy Email address: = mariareddy@jerseymail.co.uk I am looking for information on Lawrence Starck, a Jerseyman who was in the Merchant Navy during World War 2. I have so far been unable to trace any record of his movements and presume that he died at sea in World War 2.I would appreciate any help you can give us in solving this mystery

2..11.2007 Alan Withycombe Email address: = welshkiwi1@hotmail.com I served on mv Harmattan in 1963/4. does anyone have any photographs of this ship?

6.11.07 Komal Patel Email address: = kpatel@anovabooks.com Dear Mr Tumber I work with a maritime publisher, Conway, and we have just reissued E C Plumb and J J Trayner's book Ship Steward's Handbook - originally published in the 1950s. I wondered at the possibility of you giving it a mention on your website? I would be happy to also offer any of your website readers the opportunity to purchase a book directly from us at a special offer price. I look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes Miss Komal Patel

6.11.07 Johnny wilson Email address: = johnwilson4@hotmail.co.uk I was on the Vindi from June1960 till Oct 1960 R733644. My first ship was ss Caslon a Runchman ship carrying rolls of newsprint from Canada to UK I would like to here from anyone on this ship at this time

Sept 17th 2007 Name: = isabel tonkmor Email address: = isabel.smart@merseymail.com This is a long shot but have been trying for some time now , to find any information on Dominic Tonkmor he worked for palm line ships 1940s on . He is my husband's father and we were wondering if any one knew him Thank you

Sept 17th 2007 Name: = R Wilson Email address: = r.wilson@abdn.ac.uk I am trying to find a Ronald Brown who was a steward in the Merchant Navy in 1953-54, and in Edinburgh in mid 1953. Can anyone advise what ships might have been in Edinburgh at that time? His family may also have lived in Edinburgh, but I'm not sure. He had a sister. Thanks very much for any help you can offer.

24.06.07 Name: = ken harding Email address: = closha@gmail.com Comment: = I stowed away on the P&O Oriana 1962 from Sri Lanka to Freemantle,[I'd hitch hiked from England]. I was caught  seven hours from Freemantle. Spent four weeks in Freemantle prison but allowed to stay in Australia. Is there photo's available of the liner in Colombo port at night and day?

From: David Haines Haines@hinet.net.au Was anyone on the RMS Andes in 1950 03 1953? I travelled as a very young passenger and fell in love with the 'telephone girls who used to let me plug in the cables connecting the various numbers on the ship. I recall one was Rosa Coulson who lived somewhere near Reading. Would love to hear from anyone who was working on the Andes

 

From Kerryn Reid-Thomson Mar@webmail.co.za Would like to know if anyone remembers sailing with a John Collins, I think on the Union-Castle Line. Would love his contact details if anyone knows where he is now.

From: Fran Cawdron Francawdron88@hotmail.com My Uncle Walter Palmer c1898, son of Edith, was on the Russian convoys and was sunk. He was one of the few men to survive days afloat in a lifeboat. I believe he spent a lot of years working in the MN and was born in the London area.

From: George McNally Bargeman@blueyonder.co.uk I was in the Merchant Navy from 1959, training at Sharpness. Did a trip on the Athel Knight. The trip was rather eventful with a mutiny in Australai. Anyone with memories of the trip please contact me.

From: Ed Reilly Edreilly@sympatico.ca I sailed as engineer on four British oil tankers between 1950-1956. They were mv Standella, mv Sepia, Caltex Wellington, Caltex Colombo. Anyone out there know about these ships? Ed Reilly, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.

24.02.07 From: Bernard Woodhams b.woodhams@virgin.net I was in the MN in 1949/50 and have lost my copy of @Bosuns Manual. I am trying to find a copy. Can anyone help?

From: Graham Smith24.02.07 Cps1@blueyonder.co.uk My father Charlie Smith served on the SS Bayano 1939-1946 as Fireman/Trimmer. Bit of a long shot but would anyone remember him?

Name: = KERRYN REID-THOMSON Email address: = mar@webmail.co.za Comment: (1): Hi there. Would like to know if anyone remembers sailing with a John Collins ( I think on the Union- Castle lines) Would have been in South Africa 1969. This John Collins came from Caernarvonshire ( now called caernarfon ) Would love his contact details if anyone knows where he is now. Kind regards kerryn reid-thomson

23.03.07 Name: = Vernon Email address: = v.macdonald@optusnet.com.au Hi Like a lot of you I too was in the British Merchant Navy during the 1950's and 60's serving on the Union Castle liners both the Mail Run and also the Round Africa runs. Served on the likes of the old Dunnottor Castle (doing the last voyage on her to London) I then changed to the Braemar Castle for a trip or two Round Africa. After that i went to Southampton to join the mail run to South Africa on vessels such as the Winchester, Sterling, Athlone and a few more. Life then was full of fun, and although we worked like dogs at times (serving 2 sittings of fourteen in Tourist Class Saloons) it was a really good life and I am sure did most of us the World of good. Yes they were the days alright, and sadly never to be repeated. Those poor old Ships just how many miles did they travel I wonder??? Cheers to you all who are still around,hope life is treating you all well. Mac - Junior Winger

 

25.02.07 From: Santino Girolami I was on the training ship Dolphin 13th Sept to 23rd Dec 1955, catering. Would like to hear from other members from that time. The TS Dolphin was berthed at the Albert Dock in Leith. She was used as a training ship for young men to train as deck hands and ships stewards. It was mostly residential. I believe it was later moved to Grantham Dock further along the Port. She was part of Leith Nautical College. In my time the Master was Captain A Tait

Name: = jackie cosgrove Email address: = jjcos@hotmail.co.uk Comment: = Hi. Just found your site. Its great. I found a posting about my Granddad Billy Swinchin his ship the Etrip. It was torpedoed, and he was on a raft for 77 days, just wondering does anyone have any more info on this.

22.10.2006 Name: = Russ Lynch Email address: = Kip58per@Yahoo.co.uk Comment: = Interested to read Stan Mayes recollections of ss Viking Star WWII. .My late father John Lynch (Dems gunner) was on raft and survived. Interested in any other recollections from sinking. Many thanks Unfortunately there is an error in the email address so I am unable to conact the sender. Gordon

Name: = Lesley Goodchild Email address: = lesley@mushroomsrus.co.uk I hope you don't mind me contacting you through this way but I wonder if you could give me any information on The Queen of the Channel? I was born in Clacton on Sea in '51 and I remember she used to call regularly at Clacton Pier in the summer months. I wonder if you could point me in the direction of any photo's? When did she stop sailing? Where is she now? The old girl holds a lot of memories for me and as I am currently writing a book which mentions her, any info would be greatly welcome. Of course I would give a donation to any cause you wish. Regards Lesley

Name: = Ian P Jenkins Email address: = ianjenkins7@hotmail.com Went to Gravesend on my 16th birthday 29/07/1972 stayed a week then went home for 2 weeks summer holiday. Returned in August then left in the November of that year having completed my 12 weeks training. Three boys that I remember most 2 were from Hull a boy called ? Hall ,and a boy called ? Allenby and a boy from Manchester called ? Winterbottom. Of course he was known as frostyarse . I had 6 great years in the MN and 29 years working in my local port of Milford Haven. If there ia anyone out there that remembers me or those boys please get in touch

Name: = Christopher Holdoway Email address: = Ukbizzybee@aol.com I am wondering if any of your readers can help me? My friend Clem was at the Gravesend S.T S. he worked on several ships. ESSO MANCHESTER and on the Irish Bay ship NEWFOUNDLAND, and on one or two of the P&O ships. What I really need is a Photo of the MANCHESTER ,and of the NEWFOUNDLAND. From what I have found out, the NEWFOUNDLAND was part of the Irish Bay lines in 1949, and was sold to a few companies and was scrapped in 1970 in Hong Kong. I really would like as much on this ship as possible, pictures etc. Clem was on her about 1947-49 from what I know. Any help is welcome, please e-mail it to me , many thanks. Regards Christopher.

Name: = Jenny Watson Email address: = Jenealogy44@hotmail.com I am trying to find any information on the Danish ships, "Westralia", and "Aarse Measch" that were used during WW2. I believe one was sunk. Bob Verburgt served with the D.E.M.s on these ships. Hope you can help me with any info. Thank you Jenny

Name: = Margaret Forde Email address: = mairead920@aol.com I came over on the GEORGIC in Sept 1953. I'm trying to find a Passenger List for that date Sept 4th to Sept 12th 1953 from Cork to New York. I was wondering if my name was on it..

Name: = Gary Burgess Email address: = g.burgess7@ntlworld.com I am trying to find out some information on behalf of my father, Thomas Burgess regarding his days working on the SS Orcades in the late 50's early 60's. Unfortunately his memory is failing and he is trying to remember the route his ship took on its round the globe travels. He is from Glasgow and any info that I could have would be most appreciated.

Name: = Derek Dixon Email address: = dixon264@hotmail.com Can you help? I have in my possession the union subscription book of my wife,s father...About all we know of his shipping career is "ships cook ,member of Norwegian Seamens Union under 20 . Transferred to National Union of Seamen 30/01/1940" .Do you know of a site where a seaman's career may be traced through union membership numbers

Name: = Hadyn Edwards Email address: = hadyned@gmail.com Can you please give any details about the Strathmore when it was being coverted from a Troop Ship back to a passenger liner approx 1946

Name: = Barry Webster Email address: = bwebst10@yahoo.co.uk Looking to trace a steam or sailing vessel called the 'Lofala', probably merchant. I have not got a clue on how to search for this. Tried various search engines and nil references to any vessels called 'Lofala'. Any help would be appreciated. cheers Barry

Name: = Peter Wilberforce Email address: = My wife and I returned from N.Rhodesia on the Union Castle Line "Rhodesia Castle" from Durban in October 1961. We teamed up with three delightful young ladies from Edinburgh: they were Hymie, Rosemary and Shirley. They were returning from a working trip to South Africa. We'd love to know what happened to them. Peter & Sheila Wilberforce, Oban, Argyll p.wilberforce@btinternet.com

Terry Smith Trsmith@onetel.com Writes: I'm an old Vindi Boy who has commissioned a limited edition of Blue Star Line lapel badges. If any from Gravesend lads are interested in the badge which replicates the Blue Star Line house flag and uses the company's own colour code they can contact me for details on the above email address. Best wishes Terry Smith

Julian Hoseason Jmhoseason1@mac.com Writes: My father arrived in the UK on ss Bayano on convoy HX169. The original manifesto is not listed in the Public Records office but would love to have any pictures or information from this particular trip. Best wishes. Julian 20.08.06

Alan Hutchinson writes (23.06.06); I was on ss Kerma in 1951, ss Oilfield in 1952 and ss Carapito in Aruba in 1952 as Jnr 4th or 7th Engineer. I originate from Teeside but now live in Canada. Henry Ford was my Chief on the Carapito with Stanley Eperon as Captain of same ship. Only other person I can remember is Brandt on a ship in London in 1951. Anyone been on these ships? Best regards to all you old sailing tars. Alhutch@sentex.net

Pauline Chandler ;pauline.chandler@pannone.co.uk (23.06.06) Clifford Edward Leatham was a Merchant Navy cadet on the ship HMS Conway from 1948 to 1950 and subsequently worked on the Blue Star Line until 1957. He served on the Brazil Star, Brisbon Star, English Star, Geelong Star, Hobart Star, Napier Satr/Ionic Star, Tasmania Star and the Wellington Star. If anyone served on these ships, including the training ship HMS Conway in the late 19502 or through the 195os, would they please contact me because they might be able to help Mr Leatham's family. He died from asbestos related mesothelioma recently. Thanks.

Neil Parrott writes (17.06.06); I was at Gravesend Jan to March 1979. My first ship was Saxonia. I would be interested to hear from anyone with photos or information on her. neil.parrott@btinternet.com

Name: = Jenny Watson Email address: = Jenealogy44@hotmail.com I am trying to find any information on the Danish ships, "Westralia", and Aarse Measch" that were used during WW2. I believe one was sunk. Bob Verburgt served with the D.E.M.s on these ships. Hope you can help me with any info. Thank you Jenny

Name: = Joseph.T.Ricketts Email address: = twin_splitgears@hotmail.co.uk Enjoyed the site but need help finding info on British Merchant Navy War Dead from WWII especially about an Uncle named Francis Joseph Ricketts from Scunthorpe and not having much luck. Hope you and your friends and collegues can help me with any info or suggestions on where to go or what to do. Many thanks & best regards in advance Joseph.T.Ricketts 20.10.05

Name: = Tim Glover Email address: = sydport@iprimus.com.au  Greetings. I'm trying to find out what I can of the EMPIRE JOY. My late father sailed on her as a navigation officer and brought her to Australia in 1946 when she became the NELLORE. Can anyone help? With thanks, Tim Glover April 2006

Name: = Ross Bannister Email address: = rossbannister@hotmail.com Hi Gordon, Great site! My father served in the MN during WW2 on the Otranto which I saw mentioned in Stan Mayes memoirs. My father, Alan Bannister wrote a book about his experiences which I have a file. I don't know whether Stan or anyone might be interested but I'd be happy to upload to you if you want. Cheers, Ross Bannister

Name: = peter Livesey Email address: = petermlivesey@ntlworld.com Re Stan's Life and the Lucellum It's an old, old story now and possibly not worth revisiting but I have been researching my father's life, one episode of which concerned the Lucellum. My father was a senior Chief Engineer in H E Moss & Co, and he was sent to Odense to supervise the installation of the B & W engines in the Lucellum then being built, in 1938, in the Odense shipyard: my mother, brother and I accompanied him on this trip and lived there for some months while the work was going forward. The Lucellum was completed in December 1938 and began her maiden voyage in Copenhagen on 2nd February 1939. (Those familiar with the history of the Second World War will be aware that the Germans did not invade Denmark until April 1940). So far from the Lucellum being manned by a "scratch crew" officers were sent out from the UK to join the ship in Copenhagen when she was ready to sail: my father, being on the spot, sailed in her as Chief Engineer. To be sure, the bosun, deck hands and suchlike were recruited in Denmark, as would be the normal practice in crewing a ship in a foreign port. No owner would go to the expense of shipping such hands out from the UK when they could be signed-on locally: on discharge the foreign crew members would look for another ship either to take them back to their country of origin or off somewhere else. It's what sailors do. The Lucellum sailed from Copenhagen then, in early 1939, before the second World War started never mind the invasion of Denmark. Her captain was John Wray Swenson, a British national born in Stockton on Tees, whose previous ship had been the Lucullus, another of the H E Moss fleet. The Lucellum arrived back in the UK, at North Shields, on 22 March 1939. Alas for romance! Peter Livesey

Margaret Forde writes: I came over on the GEORGIC on September 1953. I am trying to find a Passenger List for the date September 4th to September 11th 1953 from Cork to New York. I was wondering if my name was on it. Mairead920@aol.com

Derek Burroughes Email: cymruderek@yahoo.com Would like to hear from anyone who sailed with his father (3rd Electrician) on BP Tankers 1966-1972

16.2.06 - Mary Organ asks: When I was a small girl my Mum used to take me to meet my Dad as he left work on Brisbane Docks. I recall waiting under a big tree in the shade where the ground was covered with straw and hay to feed the horses. That would probably be in about 1924. Would it be possible to get some old photos of that area. Thank you. Mary O mary@organ.fsnet.co.uk

Name: = John Bernard johnbernard@btinternet.com Sailed mainly out of Falmouth in the 50’s and 60’s. Tankers mostly. Sailed also in Union-Castle Line, Elders & Ffyfes & Corrales. Looking for any old friends in the catering department of British or Shell Tankers.

October 5th 2005 The daughter of Alan Ray Woodman would like to know if he may have transferred to the Gravesend Sea School when the Vinidicatrix closed down in 1966 and if anyone remembers him. She describes Alan as the“Sick Berth Petty Officer on the Vindi” but cannot trace his movements after leaving there. If the name rings a bell with anyone, please contact Robin Hurst TSVA HQ who will forward details to the lady.

Name: = Peter Nielsen Email address: = pnielsen@austarnet.com.au I have recently published a book which chronicles all shipping movements in North Queensland (Australia) ports from the outbreak of war on 3rd September 1939 until the end of 1942. NORTH QUEENSLAND AT WAR - Volume.1 is the first of three Volumes collating all shipping movements through north Queensland waters during WW2 en route to or from South East Asia or the Southwest Pacific. Volumes. 2 & 3 will trace all ship movements throughout 1943 and 1944-46 respectively. As a 'reference document', Volume.One will be of value, not only to those interested in a slice of Australian maritime history, but also to those people who served on, or may have been one of the hundreds of thousands of Allied Servicemen and women that were embarked on, vessels, (large and small, Merchant and Naval), that frequented North Queensland waters during WW2. Apart from the daily movements of Merchant Ships on the coastal trade, and those vessels direct from Britain or the United States, of course there were those which carried supplies or troops, bound for (or returning from), Darwin and Southeast Asia, New Guinea, or other theatres of war in the South West Pacific Area. The book also includes the movements of allied warships that took part in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the comings and goings of Australian Naval Task Force, which between “Coral Sea patrols”, took refuge within the Great Barrier Reef at Cid Harbour, Dunk Island, Challenger Bay and Stanley Island. The book further details the laying of mines within the Great Barrier Reef and the names of ships and their naval escorts that moved in Convoy north and south from Townsville. I have created a web-site address, (www.northqueenslandatwar.com), which I hope you can please pass on to all those that you think might be interested. For my site to be effective for searching, I urgently need it to be linked to suitable related sites. Are you able to please point me in the right direction, or perhaps add my site to Merchant Navy Memories- External Links. Peter Nielsen PO Box 459 Gordonvale Queensland Australia 4865 Ph. +61 7 4056 5400 Fax. +61 7 4056 5499 E-mail pnielsen@austarnet.com.au URL: www.northqueenslandatwar.com NORTH QUEENSLAND AT WAR (Day by Day) VOLUME.1 Naval and Merchant Shipping Movements (1939-1942) Researched and compiled by Peter Nielsen

From: bobbojohnston@hotmail.com

Name: = Maggie Bousfield
Email address: = m.bousfields@ntlworld.com

Dear Gordon,
I hope you are able to help. My late father 'Colin Prince' was in the MN from around 1959 to 1963. All I know is that he served on Durban Castle in 1962 as I have a photgraph of him with pals holding a plaque which states ' MV DURBAN CASTLE KNICKER SICK CLUB 1962'. He was born and lived in around Willesden, Middlesex and my mother believes that he sailed from King George V dock in London, but I do not know what if any training establishment he attended!
I would love to find out more about his life in the MN and hope you can help.
Kind regards
Kevin Prince. kevin.prince@ntlworld.com

Sound Familiar?
Name: = Patricia Barker
Email address: = barkerpat@hotmail.com
Dear Gordon.
I hope this story looks familiar to someone out there, and that you may have information about an employee on board the Manchester Shipper. My father was a stow-away on board one of these ships that sailed from England to Montreal in 1947 or 1948. Apparently he was en-route to Australia, via Canada to marry one "Patricia Barker" (same name as myself) who lived in, I believe, New South Wales. A man he calls "Canada Larry" assisted him once he stowed away in the ship's toilet where he stayed for nearly 10 days. (He coerced a "doxie", a prostitute if you will, to get onto the ship. If this story sounds familiar to anyone, please, please email me. It would be appreciated.
Sincerely, and in anticipation,
Pat Barker

 Name: = Corinna Whiting
Email address: = cwhiti@hotmail.com
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 Catering 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.

Name: = Shirlen Hay
  Email address: = shirlene2709@btinternet.com
  Comment: = 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.

Name: = Suzanne Ahearne
  Email address: = suzanne_ahearne@uniserve.com
  Comment: = Hello Gordon. I wrote to you a few years ago and sent you a class photo of my father's Gravesend Sea School class of 1945. He was glad to see his photo on the site. Desmond Ahearne died in Dec of 2003 of cancer. I am a photographer and I am wondering if you may be able to help set a percolating but relatively formless idea in motion. The idea came from this anecdote: about a week before my dad died at home, he looked at a light on top of the piano, the only light on in the room, and said "I'm sailing home on the cold dark Atlantic." I asked him if it couldn't be the warm Pacific. He laughed and said that would be nice but no, it was the cold dark Atlantic. I'd read that it is common for such personal symbols to colour a person's experience of dying. I'm thinking that I'd like to make the sea voyage from an eastern Canadian or US port into Liverpool (where my father was born), or an Irish port,  on a merchant ship. Have you any idea where I might make enquiries about finding a Merchant Navy vessel that would allow me to do this and base a photographic work on the experience? Would be great to do it on one of the ships he was on but I'm sure they'd be scrapped by now--he last sailed in '58/9. Definately would want to be on one where some of the crew are still British/Irish--especially the cook (as was my dad). Any help would be most appreciated. With kind regards, Suzanne

  Name: = Anne Lahey
  Email address: = alahey@hotmail.com
  Comment: (1): I'm interested in finding out more about a ship owned by Finland called the SS Karin.  My father, Charles E. Peck, sailed on that ship when Finland was at war with Russia.  I think the year was 1939.  Anything you can tell me about this ship or if I can obtain records as to when my father served aboard that ship.
Comment: (2): Thanks.

Subj:	Hands Off Our Flag
Date:	02/12/2003 15:47:52 GMT Standard Time
From:	jfoster@europarl.eu.int
To:	TSVAHQ@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)

Dear Robin,
 
Thank you so much for your email. As the Conservative Transport Spokesman in the European Parliament I was astonished when I saw the two amendments which had been tabled by one of the Spanish MEPs.
 
The report itself was not particularly contentious and when we came to the vote on these particular amendments I could not believe it when they were passed.
 
Notwithstanding that your organisiation is non party political I regret to inform you that both the British labour MEPs and the Liberal group voted for the introduction of the Euro emblem on the National flag. I am, therefore, along with my colleagues and some MEPs from other countries endeavouring to delete these amendments when the report is brought before the whole Parliament in January. 
 
I have also been in touch with a legal expert and even if we lose the vote in January it is my understanding that this proposal would contravene the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea - Article 92, which clearly states .."the only exemptions apply to the UN or the Red Cross flag".
 
I would like to thank you for your support and hope that you would lobby our Government to oppose these amendements in the European Council should we not be successful in deleting them in January. 
 
With best wishes and kind regards,
 
Jacqueline 
 
If you wish to forward this email to your other branches in the UK please feel free to do so.
 
 
Office of Jacqueline Foster MEP
Conservative MEP for the North West Region
Conservative Spokesman on Transport and Tourism.

From: Sylvia Lambert (nee King)

Billy McGee posted 9/2/02 7:29 PM

On the 3rd September 1939, the day WWII was declared by Britain against Germany, the first British casualty of the war occurred with the sinking of the British Donaldson Line passenger liner Athenia sunk by U-30 with the loss of 112 passengers and crew. On the 7th May 1945, the day Germany surrendered the last casualty of the War in Europe occurred with the sinking of the British Merchant ship Avondale Park with the loss of two crew members.

In the near six years of war in between , some 2,500 British ship flying the Red Ensign were lost to U-boats, mines, E-boats, aircraft, commerce raiders, pocket battleships, those who died in captivity as well as those lost from the forces of nature in supplying the world with food and raw materials. 32,000 British Merchant Seamen gave their lives to this cause.

These men although civilians volunteered repeatedly to run the gauntlet in the never ending need to supply a nation in its darkest days. Men who once their ship was sunk from beneath them, if lucky enough to survive had their pay stopped before the ship reached the ocean floor. People at home looked upon these same men at times with distaste, simply because they wore no official uniform, which would identify them with any of the armed services.

The men of the Merchant Navy suffered more than most in war, even if lucky enough to survive a sinking. The freezing winter waters of the North Atlantic & Arctic Ocean on the North Russian Convoy’s could kill a man in under a minute, men dying of thirst in the searing heat and shark infested waters of the Pacific & Indian Ocean.

Remember the screams of men dying in the infernos from the burning oil tankers. September 3rd is to remember the men machine gunned to death from the SS Anglo Saxon, and to the two survivors Wilbert Widdicombe & Robert Tapscott who spent seventy days in an open boat before reaching land, which would see Tapscott dead within three months as his next ship SS Siamese Prince was lost with all hands.

September 3rd remember the Merchant Seamen captured and brought aboard a Japanese submarine only to be beheaded as others were thrown into the sea still alive tied together with the headless corpses of shipmates.

September 3rd remember the two hundred and eighty British Merchant Seamen machine gunned to death by the Japanese from the ships SS Daisy Moller, British Chivalry, Sutlej, Ascol, Nancey Moller, & Nellore. September 3rd is to remember the likes of the 2nd Steward, Poom Lim the only survivor from the Benlomond who survived one hundred and thirty three days on a life raft.

September 3rd remember the two survivors from the Fort Longueuil who spent four and a half months adrift in an open boat, only to be captured and imprisoned by the Japanese. Remember fourteen-year-old Welsh boy Kenneth James Lewis, the youngest Merchant Seaman to be killed from the SS Fiscus, a double tragedy as his fifteen year old brother Raymond Leslie Lewis perished with him. September 3rd remember the Liverpool seamen Billy Swinchin, the only survivor from the SS Etrib who survived seventy-seven days on a raft only to picked up by a U-boat and imprisoned in Germany. Even when captured Merchant Seamen were not treated under the rules of war laid down by the Geneva Convention.

They were civilians and were supposed to be repatriated; instead, they were imprisoned in the Sandbostel Concentration Camp in Germany until they were forced to build their own camp, which they christened Milag Nord. September 3rd remember the men from the steamers, tramps, CAM ships, MAC ships, DEMS, reefers, rescue tugs, cargo ships, coasters, rescue ships, whalers, & oilers.

Without the Merchant Navy Britain would have starved, there would have been no “Operation Torch”, the invasion of North Africa. There would have been no D-Day landings at Normandy without the one thousand two hundred and sixty Merchant ships that took part. This country is indebted to all these men. September 3rd remember those few veterans still living like Stockton born Robert Casey who survived the sinking of the SS Wentworth in Convoy ONS-5, five of his shipmates did not. Even today, the Merchant Navy goes largely unrecognized. Where war goes, the British Merchant Navy follows. Two World Wars, Palestine 1945-1948, Korea 1950-1953, Suez 1956, Cyprus 1955-1959, Borneo 1962-1966, Falklands 1982, Gulf 1990-1991. September 3rd remember them! Remember them all, the men of the forgotten fourth service.

Billy McGee Merchant Navy & Royal Fleet Auxiliary 1980-1992 "On all the oceans white caps flow, you do not see crosses row on row, but those who sleep beneath the sea, rest in peace for your country is free."

http://www.british-merchant-navy.co.uk British Merchant navy at War 1939-1945

Name: = DEREK ELLISON
Email address: = d.ellison@rpc-blackburn.co.uk
I am interested in tracing my fathers history in the merchant navy.
My father died 8 yrs ago and I have so far traced his childhood history up until aged 15. he was admitted into Blackburn Orphanage Lancashire at the age of 8, he remained there until aged 15.
Records at the orphanage show that he was released from the orphanage to join the Gravesend Sea School on 18th December 1939 aged 15.

His name was James Frederick Ellison, born 23 March 1924. I would be very grateful for any information or records that may exist detailing his time at the Sea School and which ships he trained and served on whilst in the Merchant Navy.
Looking forward to a reply : Derek Ellison.
If there is anything that could be photo copied or posted. My address is:
5 Higherfield
Langho
Blackburn
Lancs
BB6 8HQ

FOR ATTENTION OF FRANCIS ODGEAR
Name: = peter (jonno) johnston
Email address: = bayparkwaymusic@hotmail.com
Comment: = hi gordon,great site,I did read of a letter to you from francis odgear,from Liverpool,I am sure it is the same person that i sailed with on RMS Queen Mary at exactly in the same period of that which he states! i would be gratefull if you could forward on my e-mail,because a contact would be great.all the best wishes for this site,kind regards from a keen reader and ex nsts-gravesend.peter johnston

Ron Collins (R343070) is looking for a Class photo for April/June 1946 Catering intake at the GSS (Vindicatrix) if anyone can help. Ron also has a delightful site at http://sa.apana.org.au/~rfwc/ .Well worth a visit.

The following message was recently received which I am sure will be of great interest:
williamgrant@jerseymail.co.uk :
I have recently come across a list of British merchant seamen, who served for the U.S.M.M, I have built a roll of honour website, with the all the names listed. I thought you may be interested in viewing it, if you do please put your thoughts to me about it and any ideas, that you may have on making it better.
http://mnrollofhonour.com/: Many thanks
Willian Grant

An Appeal from;Name: = Elizabeth Kenworthy
Email: = lizzykenworthy@hotmail.com
Comments: = I am trying to find out about my father who joined National Sea Training School 26th September 1956. His name was Peter Mullarkey. I have his joining papers. He died in 1977 and I would like to find out about my fathers life. Most of my relatives have passed on and I would like to leave my children a legacy. Can you help?

An Appeal from Billy McGee;I wonder if through the NSTS/C newsletter for July, you could inform the members, that I and Ron Carter from the National MNA are trying to put pressure on the Government to re-introduce the General Service Medal for serving and former members of the M.N. with more than five years service. The medal had stopped being issued back in 1966 and nobody has been able to explain why. At the moment the powers that be say the Royal Warrant will not allow the medal to be issued to us. Unsatisfied with this we are appealing to the Government and the Queen to change this. Both Elizabeth II Grandfather & Father held the title "Master of the Merchant Navy & Fishing Fleet" and we feel the M.N. has been pushed aside yet again. If every member we have in this association wrote to their MP, sometime or another someone will sit up and take notice. If people are prepared to sit back and do nothing, we will always be known as the forgotten fourth service. Our veterans now have September 3rd, now let us have something to show for our service.
Rgds Billy McGee M.N. 1980-1992

http://www.british-merchant-navy.co.uk