500	Date: 2007-09-22 17:21:25 Steve Holden ( srh@holdensuk.karoo.co.uk / no homepage) wrote: Is there anyone outthere interested in the first Oriana, If so try this site the pics tell the story and yes I'm in a few of them. http://web.mac.com/oriana_crew/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html Just highlight and paste to view Steve Holden
499	Date: 2007-09-22 17:19:37 Steve Holden ( srh@holdensuk.karoo.co.uk / no homepage) wrote: Is there anyone outthere interested in the first Oriana, If so try this site the pics tell the story and yes I'm in a few of them. http://web.mac.com/oriana_crew/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html Steve Holden
498	Date: 2007-09-16 17:20:21 Alan Furse ( alanfurse@yahoo.co.uk / no homepage) wrote: Great site such nostalgia, was on Media in July 1960 when that picture was taken of the line up on NY waterfront, however spent rest of time with P&O pursers dept as waiter (winger)happiest time of my life without doubt
497	Date: 2007-09-13 21:31:28 teddy johnson ( tjohnson5@earthlink.net / no homepage) wrote: sailed as r/o 1945-1950 taken ill emding my sea going career, but still sail 'em in my memoties. wish it could have been longer
496	Date: 2007-09-04 21:09:05 Bill Rodwell ( bill-rodwell@fsmail.net / no homepage) wrote: Very interesting and nostalgic site. As an ex-merchant seaman sailing out of Southampton England in the 1960's I have sailed on several of the ships. Queen Mary, Mauritania, Pendennis Casle Regards Bill Rodwell
495	Date: 2007-09-01 21:26:28 Alan Faulkner ( no email / http://www.shipsofthemersey.photos.me.uk) wrote: Ian, What a wonderful site, great memories Thank You Alan
494	Date: 2007-09-01 20:27:29 Alan Shard ( westcoastmarine@shaw.ca / no homepage) wrote: Aug 31st/07 Dear Ian, I congratulate you on the wonderful effort. At 85 I do have a couple of articles published in maritime newsletters, but may be a bit long 9 & 7 pages. They are entitled MY APPRENTICESHIP 1940-1944 and THE LOSS OF M.V. "PUTNEY HILL" June 1942. Perhaps they are not in keeping with your theme which I understand. Best Regards Alan
493	Date: 2007-08-31 06:38:09 Peter Persicaner ( ppersicaner@arrowlabs.com / no homepage) wrote: Greeting's to you from Melbourne , Australia !! Dear Ian , I laud your efforts to keep the memories of the leading British shipping companies of the 1950's and 1960's alive. Sadly most of these companies are no more ... and the magnificent cargo and passenger liners depicted have long ceased to be anything but a wonderful memory. Thank you for re-calling the past. Best wishes to you. Peter Persicaner Melbourne Australia
492	Date: 2007-08-29 23:12:21 mick freeman ( mickfree@bigpond.net.au / no homepage) wrote: great site.went to sea in 1952 on the pretoria catle as deckboy, left the sea as AB on the Lizzie(QE)1962
491	Date: 2007-08-29 07:37:28 David Sims ( simsdw@bigpond.com / no homepage) wrote: A very comprehensive record. I only today managed to access this website. Now aged 82, I served with P.& O. from mid-1950's until 1970..initially as Radio Officer in COROMANDEL, IBERIIA, MALOJA and MANTUA both maiden voyages/fitout, then in CANBERRA as snr. 2nd R/O ( fit-out and maiden voyage) with Don Chapman (2nd R/O) Then in CHUSAN as 1st R/o. Then changed over to Deck Department to gain sea-time, finally obtaining 2nd Mates/ 1st Mates certificates and sailing in PATONGA as 2nd Officer. Left P & O in 1970 and returned to home in Australia. Gained Foreign-Going Master Certificate and command of several vessels on Australia/Pacific run ( a big let-down after P.& O!) Ended up my working life a GeneralManager/Director of an international Australian shipping company. Now retired to a rural 50 acre property onthe Atherton Tableland in Far North Queensland.... can still read Morse at 30wpm!
490	Date: 2007-08-26 08:34:12 harry ( ismailgreyhound@hotmail.com / http://ocearover.blogspot.com) wrote: Good site with all those nostalgial photos.
489	Date: 2007-08-19 14:08:40 Kenneth Cordeiro ( Kncord@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: Sunday 19 August 2007 Dear ian I came across your site when googling P & O after talking to my 10 year old nephew about travel in the 1950s and 1960s. I travelled from Singapore to London in 1960 on The Himalaya. I collected all the lunch and dinner menus as a record of my journey but unfortunately these have all now been lost. Your site brings back lots of memories and I wonder if you could tell me if records exist of a ship's voyage and a list of its passengers. if so, how can I access the record. I look forward to hearing from you. With best wishes, Ken
488	Date: 2007-08-15 08:33:41 Robert A Lay ( robertlay@btinternet.com / no homepage) wrote: Ive enjoyed painting maritime subjects and seascapes for some time but this site has provided greater spur. Great nostalgic trip too. Thanks.
487	Date: 2007-08-14 09:38:01 Albert Novelli ( bertmail@tiscali.co.uk / no homepage) wrote: Hi Ian. I have lost your e-mail address. Could you come back to me. Incidentally, you have my name wrong on some of the pictures on the site. They are down as Albert Correli when it shoud be Albert NOVELLI Cheers fopr now
486	Date: 2007-08-14 09:34:55 Malcolm Donaldson New Zealand ( malcolmd@ihug.co.nz / no homepage) wrote: Hey just great found it when looking for Triple Expanshion engines, no I was a 'Deck ' man before Steam Railway Locomotives got the netter of me. First ship was Union Steamship of NZ SS Waitemata x HMS Selsey Bill one of the Canadian Forts & Parks bloody great ships as far as I was concerned. I've book marked it, I'll be back for another look before long. Many Thanks
485	Date: 2007-07-27 12:38:09 Ronald Wilkinson ( rwilkins@pan.uzulu.ac.za / no homepage) wrote: Thanks for reviving memories of 1974 when I sailed on the Edinburgh Castle from Durban to Southhampton via Las Palmas: a twenty-one day voyage if I remember correctly. The ship's Master was Captain Catrell (sp?). The almost all-night dancing at the Flying Fish club to the beat of 'Tall woman dressed in black - dressed in black, dressed in black, dressed in black, black, black...' and 'Sailing'still reverberates in my mind. I also remember solitary night watches off the stern, the throb of the engines, the rush of sea dissipating in the churning phosphorescence of the propellers. One night we watched as the Pendennis Castle approached south-bound - cities of light, ships passing in the night... Thanks again for the memories.
484	Date: 2007-07-22 20:14:56 Brendan Williams ( Brendan2208@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: Fantastic memories. Sailed with my Mom and Dad(Pearl and Roy Williams, sister and brother (Julie and Mark)on the Edingborough Castle December 1971 Southampton to Cape Town
483	Date: 2007-07-19 20:14:13 Leigh Gayman ( lgcars@shaw.ca / no homepage) wrote: what a beautiful site. Have always loved liners. My father served in the RCNVR on the Britiah Destroyer Wager in WWII. Always loved his sea stories
482	Date: 2007-07-19 18:39:27 Alberto ( auranito@speedy.com.ar / http://www.geocities.com/lu1dz) wrote: Great job...!!! Many thanks for rememerings
481	Date: 2007-07-16 20:02:17 denis kinsella ( denis_kinsella@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote: enjoyed reading ur story, IM EX MARC0NI R/O CLATEX CARDIFF GJVS ESSO CARDIFF GXNS NURJEHAN MFUC LLANTRISANT GJVS CLUDEN ZKDS
480	Date: 2007-07-14 08:56:11 Odd Bjørn Søyland ( obs@losmail.no / no homepage) wrote: I sailing on M/S Sunfalcon, 1964 - 1966. In 1964 I was a 16 years old boy, who got a many god friends omboard.
479	Date: 2007-07-11 10:17:24 Gordon Kennedy ( bigengine999@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote: Excellent site. Very nostalgic.
478	Date: 2007-07-09 16:34:33 bernard delaney ( Bernard.delaney@ireland.com / no homepage) wrote: Really enjoy browsing the site. Served as an R/O 1961 to 1970 with a three and half month return to sea in 1975. Worked as an Aviation R/O from Dec 1975 up Dec 1999 at Shannon Aeradio in ireland when got early retirement at age 56. Enjoying life since. Enjoyed seeing photos of ships I served on and the memories that they brought back. Keep up the good work! 73s
477	Date: 2007-07-08 19:44:57 Paul Grant ( Skyetex@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: I attended the Watt memorial college at Greenock around 1964 going to sea with AEI and Royal Mail lines and wonder if you are in contact with any former pupils?
476	Date: 2007-07-05 20:29:34 Charles Henry ( hambanjo2@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: Brought back many memories educated Bellahouston Academy, Glasgow '42-47 Messroom boy to 2nd Steward, 47/8 1st class Ticket and C @ G's various ships. '53 James watt radar diploma, QSY to Canada, Canadian ship, DEW Line station chief, Page Engring, Farinon Radio (mfcr microwave multichannel radio 900mhz to 50ghz)Director EFI., Retired "81 Living in Kingston, Ontario, sailed sailboats from 14' to 32' great life now enjoying longevity. Incidentally got my ticket at "Duke" Ellerington's wireless college Ibrox, Glasgow, failed a Second so them sat a First, helluva kuffle getting permission at that time, but managed to get permission but could only sail as with a second class ticket for six months before I could use it on the dizzy heights of CHief Opr on things like GBSS OR GBTT...... what a hope but did get on the CIty of Paris GFQM for a while, Regards and thanks for the Memories Chas
475	Date: 2007-07-04 11:48:38 John Astad ( messinabout@earthlink.net / http://vesseltrax.com/) wrote: Great web site and very informative with the historical pictures of tanker ships. My dad sailed from in the era of the 50's and onward to 1991 and retiring as a chief engineer on tanker ships. I have a website I'd like to share with your viewers...VesselTrax. It covers vessel positions of tankers ships arriving and departing from the Gulf of Mexico into the ports of Texas City, Houston, and Galveston. At times when the atmospheric conditions are ideal, VesselTrax can even pick up the supertankers lightering 50 NM offshore from Galveston, Texas. Regards, John Regards, john
474	Date: 2007-07-04 00:53:07 Forest ( Forest.Saunders@gmail.com / no homepage) wrote: I have always loved the old super liners, Particularly the Lusitania, Mauretania (1) and the Olympic class.
473	Date: 2007-07-01 01:11:26 harry bowie ( queen_fiona@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote: enjoyed reading site served in cirassia and cameroniawar time would like contact seafarers of this time if possible. sent via daughters email
472	Date: 2007-06-29 19:34:22 Tom Laybourn ( tom@laybourn.plus.com / no homepage) wrote: A great site. I was an electrician (lecy) on RMS Orcades during the early 60's on the Australia and Pacific runs. Any one else around from that period. We had great times at sea and ashore. One highlight was our arrival in Sydney, from the Pacific, in time for New Year 1960. We entered Sydney harbour astern of our sister ship Oriana on her maiden voyage from the UK. What a New Years eve party.
471	Date: 2007-06-29 09:11:48 ian fears ( ie.fears@o2.co.uk / no homepage) wrote: hi great site , brought back many memories good and bad , ex ro for a short time 1969 to 72 marconi and kelvin hughes, sailed with southern ferries , shell, bi, corys and steve clarkes , keep up the good work
470	Date: 2007-06-21 22:07:33 Abdul Hamlan N7JBH ( Belidorm@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote: After reading all the accounts of Sea life, I feel I was born too late. Love to work CW on the HF ham bands. Regards Abdul Hamlan N7JBH
469	Date: 2007-06-18 22:06:34 Charlie Wood ( charlie@foweypilots.com / http://www.foweypilots.com) wrote: Just revisiting and laughed to see the pictures of Pete Ashcroft, did that boy never take his sun glasses off. I can't remember which ship he was 3rd Mate on when I was cadet, but the shades were always on!! Arthur Slack was a proper gent too, greatly concerned for my welfare when he was mate on the Ross.
468	Date: 2007-06-18 06:37:46 Iain Mathieson ( iain.mathieson@conocophillips.com / http://maxson.com.hk) wrote: An excellent site especially for us expatriate sea-dogs. Enjoyed Tony Thompson's story but was surprised to hear that he quit seagoing in '65. I sailed with him on m.v. King Charles and remember the fact that he avid ship-spotter who carried around huge volumes of Talbot-Booths Ship Identifier. The King Charles with full Scouse crew must have been a shock to his system after the Clan Maclean with its Serangs,Burra/Chota Tindals and Bhandaries........! I left 'real seagoing' in 1973 and went 'piloting' in the Middle East and then Far East. Still in the same business having made my home in China for the last 19 years. Amazingly one of the other Mooring Masters here is another ex B&C Mate, Gavan King, who sailed on the U-C Mailboats and the Reina del Mar in the '60s. We shall discuss you site in the local pub tonight ! Keep up the good work Best regards Iain Mathieson
467	Date: 2007-06-16 15:46:26 Ron Lennox ( ronlennox@gmail.com / no homepage) wrote: Trying to buy sleeve and shoulder insignia for 1st 2nd and 3rd, for auld lang syne.Any ideas/offers. Recently bought brand new RFA cap badge fm kellybadge.co.uk forgot mine once looked like that. Now 81 and still enjoying life and work from Baron Douglas, "Hungry Hogarth, hungry by name, hungry by nature" to City of Dieppe to RFA tankers.Started the SONY Centre concept, then Fibreglass roofing - still going strong, then bought farm for children's ponies, then horses then grandchildren, etc etc etc! Must go, lots to do!
466	Date: 2007-06-09 19:01:04 Colin Seeger ( CES41@COX.NET / no homepage) wrote: Hello Ian - your site was sent to me by a friend in Florida (I'm in Las Vegas - Brit ex-pat for 28 years - and found it very interesting. I served with Ellerman Lines from Jan '58- March '60 - City(s) of Port Elizabeth, Exeter and Durban (UK to S.Africa). Was a Writer (Pursuer's Clerk) and eventually Saloon Steward (more fun, as I could mix with the Passengers and make out with any young females). The "Sparks" in all ships became my 'mate' because I used to have to prepare the Ship's newspaper every morning - from eiether his hand-written notes or, if he was good, from his "Onion-Skin" duplicating sheets, typed with the ribbon removed from the typewriter and which "punched out" the words, for me to run through duplicating machine. Ugh - really Messy!! Memorable days, when I learned of the death of Mike Hawthorn, as well as Buddy Holly whilst at sea. The four "City Boats" - Ellerman's Pride & Joys - used to roll like pigs due to the high single funnel acting as a "sail" - and my last trip home through Biscay was a complete maelstrom, as we spent about three days covering less than 100 miles, in a force 10 gale... Great days, and fond memories as a lad of 17. I wonder is we passed eash other back in the 'good ol daze?'... Best wishes to you; keep up the good work. Cheers, Colin.
465	Date: 2007-06-08 20:26:36 Julian Grebby ( julian@pluckley.net / no homepage) wrote: Good Evening,Clicked onto your sight by accident.Never went to sea-failed medical being slightly colour blind,in those days,late fifties/early sixtes you were required to identify a small coloured dot in a long dark room(Tilbury).Anyway spent most of my working life on the Baltic Exchange,first ship I ever chartered was a Liberty. Most of your photo's of vessels I would have seen during my 'ship spotting' days.A very interesting websight. Maybe you could assist in a little information. I have recently purchased a model of the SS Garryvale at the time owned by Andrew Crawford of Glasgow.I'm fairly sure it's a standard Fort or Empire type,however I'm a it rusty on this one,and my old LLoyds Registers are not helpful.Any ideas ?? Best Regards Julian.
464	Date: 2007-05-28 16:49:40 Sid Woods ( sidw@sympatico.ca / no homepage) wrote: Enjoyed your site. Loved Tony Thompsons story of his first trip as a Clan Line Cadet. When the Clan Maclean kept the Clan Davidson waiting in Calcutta, I was one of the Cadets on the Davidson! Unfortunatly, for health reasons, that was my last trip. Became an accountant & emigrated to Canada.
463	Date: 2007-05-26 12:46:08 Mlodia C. Remedio ( melody_phys@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: I enjoyed looking at the ships and at the pictures. I can see you surely love ships. Melodia C. Remedio from the Philippines.
462	Date: 2007-05-25 22:37:43 Ken. ( KJWKatsina@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: Hi Ian, 1957 Woodarra. British India. 1968 Pandogulf. P & O. 1974 Benalbanach. Ben Line.
461	Date: 2007-05-20 04:05:39 Terry Gardner ( tjgard@telus.net / no homepage) wrote: Hi Ian, The pic of Woodarra on the home page may be P&O, but it has a BI funnel.I assume it was taken around the take-over time. Nice pic tho'.
460	Date: 2007-05-16 14:42:57 Michèle Gross ( me.michgross@googlemail.com / no homepage) wrote: I see no mention of the Bloemfontein Castle in your list! Having just completed sorting my late mother's photos I found a picture pc of this ship on which she and I (aged 9)together set sail for a new life in Rhodesia in 1951 away from the post war hardships and rationing of London. However, after 3 not altogether satisfactory years (2 subsequent ones spent in Cape Town)we returned to London again on the Durban Castle. I have happy memories (and photos)of these events.
459	Date: 2007-05-15 19:09:51 colin campbell ( c.campbell607@ntlworld.com / no homepage) wrote: three trips with ellerman as jnr eng.first trip city of birmingham angola s africa coast mozambique,still under portugese rule.second trip durban for bunkers then gulf. shah was still in power in iran still city of birmingham,then karachi and bombay.third trip flew to bombay then sailed to canada,suez was still closed,then back to bombay flew back to uk, and came ashore.enjoyed most of my time at sea like all jobs good points and bad points.always remember as soon as gangway was aboard r/o was away to try and swap some films.your web is very interesting keep up good work.second ship was city of canberra.
458	Date: 2007-05-13 23:13:13 Harry Pemberton ( vindipem@clear.net.nz / no homepage) wrote: An excellent webpage with plenty of information. There's only one problem. The BLUE background makes the BLACK writing very difficult to read; especially for those of us with dimming vision due to age.The WHITE writing on blue is excellent Have you anything on Ropner's ?
457	Date: 2007-05-11 13:58:56 Alexander Booth ( alexander.booth@gmail.com / no homepage) wrote: Ex Ellerman´s (Canadian City Line) Deck officer 68-76. Very interesting and sentimentally nostalgic Thanks to your efforts the traditions and memories will continue.
456	Date: 2007-05-01 16:54:37 George B Blue ( georgetheblue@sbcglobal.net / no homepage) wrote: I finally ran down a site with photos of two of my ships from the 1959-63 era. Thanks to all included in this most gratifying effort. I started out on the KOYAN (Paddy Henderson Line), moved up to the CILICIA (Anchor Line), then on to Gladys Bowater (Bowater's Paper Company) before hitting the beach Jan 1 of 1964. The two latter have photos but not the KOYAN. If anybody out there has shot of her I'd be most grateful for an e-mail to complete my sea life gallery. Like most of you I look back with longing to those years when the Merchant Navy provided a "way out" fo Clydesiders like us (I was born and brought up within a 3 iron of the river and always thought of it as my way out of the slums and boredom of a factory job-for-life). After the sea years I moved to the USA and have made my home here and seen 46 states (so far). I couldn't watch as the shipping companies went under (Paddy's and then the Anchor Line while I was serving) and the yards close so I headed west. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of all who served at sea and loved the life. I'll look forward your e-mail. Down the hatch!!
455	Date: 2007-04-27 20:57:22 Joe Duffy ( joeduffy65@hotmail.co.uk / no homepage) wrote: Hi Ian, visited your web site for the first time today. Enjoyed it very much. Still got to troll thru it though. I was at the Watt Mem. coll. 1956/57 and again 1960 for Radar. Can't remember you but then again there were a lot of young uns after me!. Was with Siemens from 1957 until 1965. Will send photos later. Retired April 2006 and enjoying every minute of it. Keep up the good work. Speak to U later. cheers, Joe Duffy, Motherwell, Lanarkshire.
454	Date: 2007-04-26 21:08:37 Roy Wilkin ( ukroy@tds.net / no homepage) wrote: Really enjoyed your website.I worked on several P&O liners and the pictures brought back memories.Thankyou once again.Roy
453	Date: 2007-04-25 12:02:12 Coos de Vries ( coosjl@ca.inter.net / no homepage) wrote: Finally again time to 'snoop around'! Still looks very good Ian! 25 April 2007
452	Date: 2007-04-24 11:54:00 Danny Winter-Hall ( dannywh@clara.co.uk / no homepage) wrote: Superb site. As a youngster, I visited my grandparents every summer in Swansea. My grandfather worked on the docks and his next door neighbour was the harbourmaster. How many hours dis I spend on Kilvey Hill watching the arrival and departure of theses fine vessels? At 9 or 10 I knew the fleet lists and flag/funnel/hull colours of most of them. In fact it was an obsession more than a hobby. Well, now I am trying to find out if there are any survivors anywhere in the World of these vessels. The aim is to get hold of one and two and bring them back to Swansea as "living" museum pieces. Any ideas? With kindest regards Danny
451	Date: 2007-04-23 23:06:09 Brian Ingarfill ( bingarfill@sbcglobal.net / no homepage) wrote: Brian Ingarfill Saled 1966-1970 City Line: City of Brooklin '66 City of Port Elizabeth '66-70 Bank Line: Taybank'70-72 Blue Star Line: Caledonia Star '72-74 Argentina Star '74-75 I would like to contact Jerry Dutton Chief Refrigeration Engineer on the Caledonia Star '65-
450	Date: 2007-04-23 14:44:50 PETE ASHCROFT ( info@mercantilebrokers.co.uk / http://mercantilebrokers.co.uk) wrote: Cayzer Irvine (B&C) 1967-1982. Sailed in Windsor Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Pendennis Casle and numerous Clan/King Line vessels.The best time of my life! Tell the youngsters of today. Moved to South Africa, (Durban) and originally joined Safmarine, but then took over as Master on an highly manoeuverable container/coaster as feeder service for the Big Lines to East Africa.Now back in the UK, distributing Mocambique Prawns to the masses! Ian you have lovely stories to tell, which is only reminiscent of things that I have forgotten, but are pleasantly reminded about. Many Thanks. I'll tell you some of my tales sometime, when I have the time! Very Best wishes, Pete. (otherwise known as "sunshine" on the Windsor)
449	Date: 2007-04-22 20:45:19 Donald Cameron ( largs1966@gmail.com / no homepage) wrote: As an ex R/O 1961-1969 and ex "The Watt School" Greenock I must thank you for taking the time and trouble to compile such wonderful nostalgia
448	Date: 2007-04-15 15:31:08 morris ,vigilance ( moalvigil@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote: It is indeed a wonderfull guesture to relive the glory days of sailing coming from the caribbean wehad some of the best L&H LINES T&J HARISSON BLUE STAR LINE, SAGUENAY TERMINALS AND THE OCCOASIONAL NORWEGIAN SHIP thank god for the old days
447	Date: 2007-04-05 04:12:21 Stewart Garmey ( stewart@tradelanes.com.au / no homepage) wrote: My late brother Alan sailed for many years as Chief Fridge with Federal Steam Navigation ... Durham, Nottingham, Suffolk, Devon ... beautiful ships of a long gone era. Thanks for the memories!!
446	Date: 2007-03-23 20:46:53 William Swecker ( williamswecker@peoplepc.com / no homepage) wrote: Very,very nice. I crossed the Atlantic in 1946 on a boat or ship. The name was the Merryposa,I am not sure that this is spelled right.I have no pictures of this ship or history of it. Can you help me. Thanks so much You have a really nice history going
445	Date: 2007-03-22 20:36:53 Mike Cramer ( acramen618@rogers.com / no homepage) wrote: A fantastic site with with a large amount information and photographic history which if not for people such as yourself would be lost to future generations. Your work is greatly appreciated.
444	Date: 2007-03-06 14:18:50 Miller Houston ( miller.houston@gmail.com / no homepage) wrote: Wow! James Watt (1962-64) Oregis, Franconia, Queen Elizabeth, IMRC. Clocks with silence periods, call signs... Really great stuff. I still have a few pictures if you want them.
443	Date: 2007-03-06 11:26:27 R.Potter ( mirex@netspace.net.au / no homepage) wrote: This is great stuff, a real window into the past. But where is the "Orontees"? I came to Australia aboard The Orontees in mid 1951, and 50 years later met some other passengers who were on the ship at the same time. Regards, R. Potter
442	Date: 2007-03-01 15:47:01 Graham Collins ( grahamcollins@lycos.co.uk / no homepage) wrote: Great site, I didn't go to sea until 1976 but it surprising that some of the shacks in your photo's resembled those I worked in some 16 or so years later! I sailed with BP Tanker Co. on various tankers and had a very enjoyable 6 years at sea. Have found quite a few sites dedicated to the R/O and shore stations - gives me little bit of light relief whilst sat at work! Keep up the good work.
441	Date: 2007-03-01 04:11:10 jack moorhead ( jacknc@slingshot.co.nz / no homepage) wrote: great site i sailed on the mt herulv norwegian a shocker.. the joined thordahl in the uk thoshov.thorshavet// then to ccal thorshope thorswave//left thorswave in cape town oct 76 ended up in rhodesia anthor story also was on sedco 135f off shore nz and worked for ntcl in nwt canada and spent time in halifax aboard the ccgs alert and louis st laurent the alert is now a research ship would like to hear from any body in the-past
440	Date: 2007-02-26 02:45:43 andrew macgregor ( drewcmac@sbcglobal.net / no homepage) wrote: hello ian, this has just brought back so many memories. i sailed with anchor line from nov.1956-1963 as an engineer. my first ship was the tahsinia and my last ship was the cilicia. in between i sailed with the euicadia(under cpt. harris) egidia, circassia. we plan to be in scotland this year, and would love to meet up with anyone that sailed with anchor line at that time. thank you again for a great web-site. andrew
439	Date: 2007-02-24 01:00:20 James Taylor ( jamesjava1@optusnet.com.au / no homepage) wrote: Ahoy Ian A great site, I am enjoying all the links and stories. I went to sea 1956 age fifteen, sailed on mainly Blue Funnel ships. Married and left the sea 1957. I now live in Australia. Will send you an interesting story later Cheers James
438	Date: 2007-02-21 00:01:58 simon beard ( bisondream@onetel.com / no homepage) wrote: Thanks for a truly wonderful site. My reason for visiting...? I made a "scratch build" model of a tramp steamer. Pity I couldn't have found this site back then (appx 4 yrs ago). All I had to work with was a cutaway drawing! Apart from this, there's something inspiring about these tramp ships. They, like many other by-gone modes of transport, had personality and character - something romanticlly appealing, too - about randomly roving the seven seas...! Anybody familiar with William Hope Hodgson?
437	Date: 2007-02-20 23:47:35 Peter Curwell ( curwell@optusnet.com.au / no homepage) wrote: A magic site but in a way sad to see the decline of the traditional merchant navy, as we knew it during the best years 1960 to 1980. To see most of the RNLI crews being composed of "non professional" seafarers - no criticsm of them - is sad.As an ex R/0 mainly with Marconi sailing on the Empress of Canada, Bank Line, tanker companies, tramps which were the best for a variety of experiences and later working for the R/O's ashore, both in the UK and Australia, we were badly paid - but it was the best job on the ship. Anyway to those I sailed with and worked with best wishes and good luck. Peter
436	Date: 2007-02-11 22:50:57 Brian Evans ( bri64liz55@btinternet.com / no homepage) wrote: i was at gravesend training school for my 16th birthday,june 1957 as catering trainee,finished up doing 18 years on various types from liners to coastal including shell & bp tankers,ellerman wilsons,comben longstaff,even scottish cattle boats running from glasgo to dublin three times a week,i am now retired after 31 years in a factory but memories of the indian ocean etc etc will never go away, i still think of sleeping under the stars because it was too warm below
435	Date: 2007-02-09 11:44:32 terry walsh ( v.walsh@ntlworld.com / no homepage) wrote: Excellant site,ex P&o myself
434	Date: 2007-01-28 05:21:56 Roy Fox ( veroy@bigpond.net.au / no homepage) wrote: Yes, definitely nostalgic. But the worst sandwiches surely, were definitely marmite, curled at the edges and dry as dust by four bells in the "gravy eyed watch".
433	Date: 2007-01-20 13:19:23 David Pickles ( picklesd@btconnect.com / no homepage) wrote: A reminder of the past and my formative years. Going to sea was an experience I do not regret and influenced the rest of my working life.
432	Date: 2007-01-18 12:39:46 pete hogg ( hoggpeter@yahoo.co.uk / no homepage) wrote: Great site! has given me many happy hours of browsing and nostalgia for better times! Thanks
431	Date: 2007-01-17 21:46:35 Alexander Booth ( alexander.booth@gmail.com / no homepage) wrote: Dear Ian, Being an ex Ellerman lines apprentice & deck officer during the 60's & 70's, I find your web site collection most memorable even to looking over the others lines and seeing some of the lines we bumped into (not literally) during my time, brings back most happy memories for me but also recalling an era what was basically the end of the British Merchant navy as we knew it. Many Thanks & keep it up. Brgds Alex Booth
430	Date: 2007-01-16 11:08:32 stuart thompson ( sg.thompson@ntlworld.com / no homepage) wrote: brilliant
429	Date: 2007-01-12 15:56:23 John Aggett ( john@aggett1783.freeserve.co.uk / no homepage) wrote: Hi, Have just found your web-site and what a surprise, a photo of the British Lancer, my first ship! I joined her at Falmouth on 19th December 1951 as 6th Eng.,. The Chief Engineer was one Mathew Border from the North of England,(no comment). We sailed not long after Christmas when the refit had been completed and the same time as the "Flying Enterprise" was being towed in and just before she went down! We were heading for Mena-Al-Amadi ( think that's correct).I have forgotten how many times she broke down on the way,but if we were not stopped with engine trouble we were suffering with refridgeration trouble and oil contaminated drinking water. We lay at anchor after loading with more trouble but eventually set of for home. Close by Aden more problems and we limped in there on about 4or5 cylinders out of 8. The Company surveyor flew out, took one look and said "tow it home". If memory serves,we were towed by the British Wisdom or maybe Warrior. We lost the tow twice,one thimble boiler let go badly scalding the 4th Eng's feet and the 5th Eng slipped and fell down the last section of ladder to the Engine Room plates. We reached North Shields early May where she went into dry dock for a complete refit. I paid off 20th May 1952. I suppose i learnt more on that trip about life at sea than any other and in particular about myself. I did one more trip on British Tankers and then went tramping and cargo passenger, much more enjoyable!! By the way the last i heard of the "Lancer" was that she was laid up in the river at Falmouth but that was a ggod few year ago now! Regards and thanks for a trip down memory lane. John Aggett.
428	Date: 2007-01-11 15:34:23 Tiziana ( tiziross@tiscali.it / no homepage) wrote: I found into your site M/V Durban Castle, the one my father used on April 1946 to come back to ITALY after two years as POW at Osterley Camp. In spite of those hard days, he used to tell us nice memories of his staying in England. Something I had to search in his memory! Tiziana Rossi
427	Date: 2007-01-09 23:52:52 tom newstead chippy ( dhirayoga@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote: it tom chippy clan line and port line cay giv me more sites relating to kg5 dock clan line officers crew inowe live in hartford s/e 01279507644
426	Date: 2007-01-09 23:32:46 tom newestead ( dhirayoga@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote: was imechat 12 year port line clan castel line chippy whold live to find soe of my shi mates the gratest frend in the world thi is good site
425	Date: 2007-01-09 20:02:35 Roy Gerstner ( Roy.Gerstner@virgin.net / http://www.lof-news.co.uk) wrote: Many thanks for some wonderful memories. Roy Gerstner Ex R/O ETO and present Senior Support Engineer for Disney Cruise Line.
424	Date: 2007-01-08 20:22:11 Dave Robertson ( dave.suds@btopenworld.com / no homepage) wrote: On checking my guestbook entry (421), I realised that I had missed out a letter in my email address.
423	Date: 2007-01-07 18:28:53 Andy Thomson ( technical@maritimepro.com / http://www.maritimepro.com) wrote: I am impressed with the work that has gone into the development of this web site and appreciate all the effort. I was fortunate to join British & Commonwealth Shipping Company as an Engineer Cadet in 1961 at Southampton siling on Clan Line and Union Castle ships after completing my apprenticeship. Definitely the 'Golden Days' of shipping.
422	Date: 2007-01-07 00:19:36 Doug Howick ( doug@tpaa.com.au / no homepage) wrote: Thanks for the "Freedon Freighters" information currently on the home page. Amazing how much we took for granted without really knowing the story (or the Planning) behind it all. Very interesting!
421	Date: 2007-01-06 16:42:42 Dave Robertson ( dave.suds@btopenworl.com / no homepage) wrote: I was very interested in your section about Salvesen and the SALVADA in particular. I sailed on the MV SALAMBRIA, one of the sister ships youmention - I can't remember all the other but I think there was SALMILA, SALDURA (prob. wrong spellings as I didn't see there names written down, rather word of mouth from shipmates who had sailed on them. We were doing tramp cargo work aminly between Japan and the Western seaboard of the US although we went up the Lakes and round the world as well as a part of our charters to Japan Line and Mitsui Line. I have been trying to find some information about the Salambria as apart of nostalgic personal research - sadly the memory fades and trying to rememner all the places you sailed to is difficult. I have been unable to find the name of the ship anywhere in internet searches and it's quite perplexing. If there is anyone out there who remembers anything about the Salvesen ships of that period or who can point me in the more productive direction of research, I would be very grateful. All of Salvesen of Leith records are held by Edinburgh University Library but unfortunately, they don't have the kind of information I'm looking for. Enjoyed your site vey much, Ian. Actually, I have a b/w postcard somewhere of the Salambria - if I can find it, perhaps you could include it in your Salvesen section.
420	Date: 2007-01-06 01:16:57 Michael Chaplin ( machaplin@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote: I enjoyed browsing the site. I was at sea as an R/O in the sixties and seventies with Marcononi, Union SS CO of NZ and finally Cable and Wireless.The content was nostalgic for me and I shall be reading more over the coming weeks.
419	Date: 2007-01-05 23:59:16 Terry Gardner ( tjgard@telus.net / no homepage) wrote: What a great article re Liberty ships, and included T2 tankers. As a matter of interest in 1976, Canmar (Dome Petroleum) refurbished two Liberty ships which became Canmar Explorer I and Canmar Explorer II, (Canmar Explorer IV came a little later). These ships, now drillships, sailed to the Beaufort sea, in the Canadian Arctic, and drilled the first season in 1977. A helicopter deck was built on the stern. I served on all three between 1977 and 1983, as R/O. I also sailed on T2 tanker 'Esso Manchester'. I remember it being all steel, and a bit spartan. The story at the time (1958) was that the Esso Rochester another T2, had broke her back recently, gave us all confidence wondering if we would pass our bow while eating breakfast!
418	Date: 2007-01-05 17:47:04 sukhy loyal ( sukhy.loyal@mac.com / no homepage) wrote: I found some menus with union castle with drawings of cartoon figures. One has Will Owen. Not sure what to do with them. So I serched on the web. Would it have anything to do with the ships?
417	Date: 2007-01-04 01:38:01 Coos de Vries ( coosjl@ca.inter.net / no homepage) wrote: 'Freedom Freighters'. Very interesting Ian. Of course I remember most of these ships. After the war a large number were handed over to the Netherlands Government, which, in turn, distributed them among Dutch shipping companies that all had lost many ships in the war. In my own company ('V.N.S'.) we had a large number of 'Liberties' which were always full going to the Persian Gulf, their only destination. Waiting times there were enormous. Once they were discharged, they returned empty to Europe.(the outward freight paid for the return voyage also!) However at times, we in Mombasa for the Holland-Africa Line, called them down to East Africa where they were filled to capacity with produce: coffee, tea, sisal, cotton, cotton seed oilcakes, wet and dry hides etc. The names of the Liberties all started with the letter 'L' such as 'Lemsterkerk'. The C3's, of which the Dutch had many, had over 700,000 cft bale space and as such were very useful. This type was also originally built as small auxiliary aircraft carriers. After the war the flight decks were burned off and the ships converted to freighters. Owners, like ourselves, still called them 'baby flattops'. They had even more space than the C3's. An occasional C1 and C2 also sailed under Dutch flag. Then, yes, there were the 'Victories'. They were divided into 16-knots and 18-knots vessels. Like the C's they were steam turbines-driven vessels, much faster than the 'Liberties'. The natural stability of these 'V' ships was remarkable. It was said that on an empty ship one could load 1,000 tons on deck without the ship being in danger of capsizing! Something the Americans liked! Each chief officer had in his cabin a very simple instrument to calculate the stability when loaded. All our 16-knot Victories had a name that started with an 'M' like 'Mariekerk'. The 18-knotters had names that started with a 'G' like 'Grootekerk'. Finally, our company had one British 'Empire' ship, the m.v. "Rijnkerk". The master of that ship was so pro-British that he refused 'promotions' to other (better/newer) ships and he was in command of the 'Rijnkerk'until he retired! Ian, it is very good and 'nostalgic'that you could copy that article. Well done.It brought back many memories. Coos (ex Holland-Africa Line/Nedlloyd)
416	Date: 2007-01-01 22:02:51 Roberta Linehan ( Gryffindor44@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: My maiden name is Cameron, We still own land in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. I have a clock with T.S.S. Cameronia and searched the web and found out about the anchor line.Very interesting
415	Date: 2006-12-28 06:04:52 Roy Prince ( betroy@surewest.net / no homepage) wrote: Thank you Ian for a magnificent site. I've spent hours here and only scratched the surface. I'm ex Siemens Radio R/O 1942 - 1945 and NZ Shipping Co 1945 -1947. Best wishes for 2007
414	Date: 2006-12-27 23:25:00 David Morrison ( morrisond@bordernet.com.au / no homepage) wrote: As an ex-Master Mariner originally with Clan Line, I really enjoyed your site
413	Date: 2006-12-25 09:39:41 tom lipscombe ( internetaction@yahoo.com / http://www.historymaritimeliverpool.ipfox.com/) wrote: Hello Ian, Season's Greetings! Please accept my compliments on a very interesting and informative website. Tom Web Admin History Maritime Liverpool
412	Date: 2006-12-22 14:51:20 Morris Rooms ( morris.rooms@ntlworld.com / no homepage) wrote: Stumbled across your excellent site whilst looking up some other stuff about todays MN and "Electronics Officers". Like many others, some of my best years were the five spent at sea with MIMCO and Kelvin Hughes as a Sparks. After cruising the world with various shipping companies, it helped me get into computers and lots more travel and adventure. Though I still think the MN was the DB's. Thanks for providing a super archive.
411	Date: 2006-12-16 18:49:24 Rodney Gascoyne ( rodneygascoyne@hotmail.com / http://members.shaw.ca/GascoyneR/WindsorCastle.htm) wrote: Great site and we shared a few ships. Best wishes
410	Date: 2006-12-16 18:30:05 dave carpenter ( info@dockland.fsworld.co.uk / no homepage) wrote: good websight ian! i worked on many of the ships that you have on it. visit www.dockland.fsworld.co.uk
409	Date: 2006-12-15 21:03:30 patrick nieuwenhuis ( p.nieuwenhuis@chello.nl / no homepage) wrote: hello ,i just discovered yr site because i was searching for an english empire hazlit ship built redhead & sons southshields in 1943 if i could find some pics about this ship because my father was sailing on it as a stoker ,my hobby is to find old ships all over the world wich still existing ,like the J.W.Brown ,o,brian liberties , victories,T2 tanker ,and canadian parkship wich i found one in Portsmouth some years ago,i like yr site very much to see newer versions wich were built after the war,maybe here has somebody for me pics also from the boilerroom. greetings from amsterdam the netherlands
408	Date: 2006-12-13 22:00:57 David Thomas ( daveandsanthomas@yahoo.co.uk / http://www.lahaciendaandotherstories.piczo.com) wrote: Hi Ian, what a great site you have here. Your url was passed on to me by Terry Gardener who said you might like to swap links. I will put a link to your site on my "Merchant Navy Links" page. I hope you can find the time to have a look around my site, like yours it's getting quite big these days Best wishes for the coming yuletide and new year Dave
407	Date: 2006-12-12 00:45:31 Howard Wright (Lefty) ( rathaspeck@bigfoot.com / no homepage) wrote: Season's Greetings to you too! Super site!
406	Date: 2006-12-10 05:54:53 David Rorison ( rgrenoak@tpg.com.au / no homepage) wrote: In 1934 I went to sea as a Deck Boy with P & o aged 14.In 1936 I started an apprenceticeship as a Marine Engineer & rejoined P&O . Iam originally from Greenock which you know & now live in Australia hence my E-Mail adress. In 1947 I was 2nd Refrig Engineer on MV Stirlingshire Scottish Shire Line & would love to have a Photo of her ifyou can helpp I would be v4ery grateful; Kindest Regards David Rorisonm
405	Date: 2006-12-08 23:12:59 john humphries ( johnjhumphries@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote: i myself am ex port line engine room great site great memories keep up the good work...john....
404	Date: 2006-12-02 10:42:36 William Aldington ( royaldington@telefonica.net / no homepage) wrote: Hello Ian, I was just browsing to try and find relatives in Montreal of an old Harrison Line and Cunard Captain, Robert H Monks. I have a hand written personal letter (8th December 1959) from Monks to an old friend of ours, George Morris - Captain of many Cunarders and Commodore of the fleet. I thought that it may be of some small interest to the Monks descendants if they are tracing their family history. Incidentally, some years ago we went aboard Queen Mary in Long Beach and there, near the captains quarters, is a picture of George Morris in full regalia. Frustratingly, Google Earth can zoom-in on the very house from which the letter was written but so far I am unable to make contact. Any ideas? Kind regards, William Aldington
403	Date: 2006-11-22 13:10:56 Mike Davis ( mdavis@rfdbeaufort.com / no homepage) wrote: I sailed on the MS Sunmont (on charter), Saguenay circa 1967. Liverpool, West Indies, British Guyana and Canada. The Sunmont shown was the original. Does anyone have a picture of mine? Thanks for the trip, the memories came flooding back.
402	Date: 2006-11-18 21:32:54 Graham Collins ( grahamcollins@lycos.co.uk / no homepage) wrote: Great site - I often put 'Radio Officer' into Google and see what comes back! Trained at Grimsby College - MRGC issued June 1975, DTI radar maint'later that year. Spent my 6 yrs at sea with BP Tanker Co. Marine Electronics cert gained at So'ton around 1980. The photo's of radio rooms could have been taken on any ship - the radio gear is ageless! How reliable compared to modern stuff? Keep up the good work.
401	Date: 2006-11-15 19:56:33 Derek Lewis ( dee.makem@btinternet.com / no homepage) wrote: Message for David Gillmon Hello Dave Noticed your posting, where you the dark haired dapper "Sparks" who used to pull all the "Birds" on the Boat Deck ??? I was A "Leckey" on the Queen 1961 & 1962, mainly in the engine room. You'll probably remember Joe Steel better as he was a day worker and worked mostly on the decks and accommadition. There is an item I wrote about my first trip to sea on the Queen on this site, Cheers Derek Lewis
400	Date: 2006-11-15 16:34:09 David Gillmon ( david.gillmon@btconnect.com / no homepage) wrote: Quite an interesting site.I am an ex R/O,ECO and TAO. My sea career commenced in 1955 on the Queen of Bermuda (Furness Withy - Marconi R/O's). I was 11 years on the Queen untill she was withdrawn from service in 1966. I then began a 17 year love affair with ss Oriana (P & O). In 1984 I started getting used to passenger RO-RO ferries criss crossing the Channel,North Sea and Irish sea until 2001 ,when at the age of 65 I decided to swallow the anchor.