Royal Mail Line

[Graham P Powell]

RML don't seem to be listed in the shipping companies so perhaps I had
better start the ball rolling!. I was 3rd R/O on Amazon /GVVV
and Aragon/GVVT. I remember the Aragon was under the command of
Captain Fox. The 2nd R/O Jack Barter later was killed on the
Royston Grange/GFDU. I can remember a Chief Purser called Stroud
and another purser called Nigel Yeo. After that things get a bit
fuzzy!. Had lots of wonderful times in Buenos Aires.
Brings back many memories. Thy later transferred the RML A ships
to Shaw Savill. I have a picture of one converted to a hideous car
carrier.

[R396040]

Hello Graham,
Yes its suprising Royal Mail hasnt had more attention.
I did my first trip to sea in Royal Mails "Loch Garth" as galley boy. She was a fine ship and great run to West Indies,thru Panama and up west coast of States & Canada that was in 1948 January. Later in the early fifties I also sailed on Drina, Durango and the old Gascony. Found them a good company to sail with. Am still a member of the Royal Mail Association which unfortunately is on its last legs ,like us old uns.........
Best wishes,
R396040 Stuart Henderson

[KYRENIA]

I too am surprised Royal Mail is not in main forums. Did first trip as sos in POTARO 1964.She was on her last legs then and we were on the P.S.N.C run down the West coast South America,ten ports from Panama to Punta Arenas.
Cheers John.

[Ron Stringer]

Anyone sail with Ben Blyth in Royal Mail? Met him at South Shields when he was doing 2nd Engineer's ticket. For a while we shared the same digs. His parents were living in Glenrothes at the time, but I don't know if that was his home town. A softly-spoken Scot, in 1964 he was the proud possessor of a (very) full set of red whiskers - in fact he had more hair on his face than on top of his head. Great guy, great fun to be out with (and we had lots of opportunity at South Shields.)

[Jedbos]

Hi Graham
Spent a week on the Amazon in London, waiting for the Salaverry to arrive

[Gerry Keating]

i found Royal Mail a verry good company sailed in the Pardo, Teviot, the Thessaly from 57 to59 six trips what a great ship and the salaverry deck dept

[R58484956]

Greetings Gerry and a warm welcome to SN. Enjoy the site and bon voyage.

[Pat Kennedy]

Hi Graham,
I sailed in the Essequibo, and the Andes, as AB. Have to say I was not bowled over by either of these ships, but they weren't the worst I ever sailed in.
The Andes was a strange ship, every one seemed to have been in her for years, and there were many on deck, who did not appear to do any work whatsoever, but had cushy little jobs which took them out of sight from morning til night, when they would reappear, half drunk and well fed.
Weren't Royal Mail closely related to PSNC?
Pat

[djmorton]

Hi Pat,
Did my 1st trip at sea as 2nd R/O on the Essequibo in 1959. A good start I thought as it was a nice run - Bermuda, Kingston Jamaica, other West Indies
ports then back to London. I found it a nice ship and 12 passengers added to the entertainment. This would be a fair while before your time on her I'd say.
Can't remember offhand when she was scrapped.
Denis.

[benjidog]

There is a brief history and a whole set of photos of the Royal Mail Line in The Allen Collection (see below).

[KYRENIA]

Pat, yes, Royal Mail was very closely related to P.S.N.C., a bit like N.Z. and Federal. I believe the officers and established crew interchanged on the vessels. When i was on POTARO the Chief Officer came from REINA DEL MAR.
Cheers John.

[Malcolm S]

Ah! The good old days of Royal Mail.
Served my time with them. Was a cadet on the Pampas, 19th June to 3rd Sept 1962. Total sign off pay of 18 pounds (No pound symbol on this keyboard) zero shillings and 4 pence! Then sailed on the Loch Avon, Thessaly, Drina, back on the Loch Avon. Was on the Essequibo as 3rd mate, Pizarro, Orcoma then joined SSL.
Much water under the bridge since then.
I still remember the smell of 4 1/2 Rum Lane in Kingston, Ellie selling her fruit and the cry "I do your laundry sah! two shillin a shirt!"
Malcolm

[rbarr]

Did the last trip on the 'Alcantara'. One of the best ships I have ever sailed on. Also the 'Asturius' (MOT managed by Royal Mail). Lovely run Southampton to Kure via Cyprus, Aden, Colombo, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Happy Days!

[Pat McCardle]

Essequibo broken up 1976. Anyone remember Gordon Paine, a true gent.

[olddog96]

I sailed on the "Andes" for 5 years cattering dept. from early 61 to early 66 last 4 years in storeroom and pig. most of the crew had it easy going,but had to be prepared to look busy when needed. Vern.

[paddy mcdonnell]

Hello Graham,
Yes its suprising Royal Mail hasnt had more attention.
I did my first trip to sea in Royal Mails "Loch Garth" as galley boy. She was a fine ship and great run to West Indies,thru Panama and up west coast of States & Canada that was in 1948 January. Later in the early fifties I also sailed on Drina, Durango and the old Gascony. Found them a good company to sail with. Am still a member of the Royal Mail Association which unfortunately is on its last legs ,like us old uns.........
Best wishes,
R396040 Stuart Henderson
Hi Stuart,Paddy Mcdonnell here,I also on the Durango in the 50s, we went to Brazil,Rio and a small town called Rio Grande Do Sol,I als siled on the Loch Avon,that was in the 50s too,maybe '59,just wondering if our paths crossed?

[roibaird7]

Bob Gibson here-------done a trip on the DURANGO on her maiden voyage outta Belfast to B A or was it Montevdieo? tno cargo there -proceeded to New Zealand 2nd trip on her was to the Plate Catering

[Eric Bennett]

Hi Royal Mail crew.

I was SOS on the Eagle Oil tanker 'San Gaspar' in 1949. On one of our trips we arrived in Rio de Janiero about March 1949 just after the Royal Mail ship Magdalena on her maiden voyage struck a reef at the entrance to Rio de Janiero harbour and broke in half. The stern half was beached but the forepart sank. Rumour had it at the time that it was a result of too much celebrating of her maiden voyage. Was that true?
Regards
Eric

[R58484956]

For some reason or other the maiden voyage and reefing of the Magdelana always seems to draw a blank when trying to find out the facts of said voyage. The term "Insurance" always seems to pop up. I was told once "forget about the Magdelena"

[notnila]

Did a very enjoyable 4 1/2 months in the"Pardo".1961 Brazilian coast,17 years old,great crowd,ship was pretty Spartan,but there again she'd had a hard life.

[Pampas]

Joined RML 1962 and served for 6 on Lock Gowan,Ben Blyth was the freezer and had a good voice and most attentive female company, in those days his profile was almost simular to the Capstan ciggie emblem,blown up full size head in the smoke room .all the girls thought it was him in the flesh. The Andes being my last ship with RML hard working keeping all the electrical staff very busy. Now permenently retired but still dream of the good and bad timezss. Gordon Paul

[geoff johnson (lofty)]

I am after a photo of the HIGHLAND PRINCESS,I went back to London on her
from Del Plata in late 1948. I always remember seeing her in the London docks when I was a boy. Geoff Johnson (Lofty)

[fred henderson]

Lofty

There are a number of photos of Highland Princess in the Galleries:
http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/gallery/search.php?searchid=323940
The ship is also covered in my history of RMSP under Lord Kylsant in the SN Directory
http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/guides/Royal_Mail_Steam_Packet_Company_Kylsant_Empire_Par t_4

Regards

Fred (Thumb)

[stores]

hi, sailed on mv tuscany, to west indies and spanish main, plenty of photos of royal mail ships on photoship,.com regards, STORES

[georgeq]

has anybody got photos of the following ships

shonga3 elder dempster

potaro royal mail 1957

sts sans fabian eagle oil

thanks georgeq

[Roger Squires]

Sailed on the MV albany as Junior Engineer 1969, my first trip to sea, Loaded Continient . For Renuion Island ,and back loaded madagasger /Renuion Island for europe Old Man came From Hull.Chief engineer ,Jo Richardson(Think That is correct) 4th engineer Jo Patrick From liverpool.Lecky Stuart Walker.
Roger Squires

[Graham P Powell]

Some interesting recollections of RML. I had a good time on their ships. It was a nice run to BA and back. Happy days as they say. I am trying to find out what happened to 2/R/O Bob Petch from E. London.

[Dickyboy]

I sailed on the "Andes" for 5 years cattering dept. from early 61 to early 66 last 4 years in storeroom and pig. most of the crew had it easy going,but had to be prepared to look busy when needed. Vern.
I sailed on the Andes Aug 65 - Mar 66 as JOS Remember the ''Pig'' well, like a gambling den. Plenty of Camp catering staff in their posh frocks. Fag Ash Lil the wine waiter comes to mind as does Amber. Sods Opera, great fun.
Good ship, but everything had a price. Some crew made fortunes out of their shipmates.(Cloud)

[w.craig]

First 2 trips as 2nd R/O was on the Drina. Chief R/O was originally from Eilie in Fife, but lived in Liverpool. 3rd Mate thought he was some thing special,hardly spoke to me on both trips, but took great delight when he had to borrow 10sh on paying off in London, made him ask me twice.

[Anthony Holmes]

hi, sailed on mv tuscany, to west indies and spanish main, plenty of photos of royal mail ships on photoship,.com regards, STORES

Hi from Anthony (Tony) Holmes

I signed on the Tuscany as a EDH ,Middlesbrough Feb 1964 and left June 1964. When were you serving on her?

[sternlight]

has anybody got photos of the following ships

shonga3 elder dempster

potaro royal mail 1957

sts sans fabian eagle oil

thanks georgeq

I HAVE A PHOTO OF THE POTARO ,reply to email s.p.garrod@hotmail,co,uk

[DickG]

In the late 1960's Furness Whity's North Pacific service and same of Royal Mail were combined. Can anyone tell which was the tradename for this service for that moment on? I suppose Royal Mail but I am not certain. Furthermore in 1970 CIENFUEGOS was transferred from PSNC to RML ownership and renamed CHANDELEUR. Was she transferred to RML-service as well or did she remain on PSNC service like the other PSNC vessels which were transferred to RML ownership at the time? In 1970 PACIFIC ENVOY, PACIFIC NORTHWEST, PACIFIC RELIANCE and PACIFIC STRONGHOLD were transferred from FW to RML ownership, be it that they were sold shortly afterwards. Did they trade with the yellow RML funnelcolors in this last year or were they chartered out to other companies? On which service was SOUTHERN PRINCE (1970 transferred to RML)?
Thanks for any information you might have.

Dick Gorter
Netherlands

[Pat Kennedy]

I sailed on the Andes Aug 65 - Mar 66 as JOS Remember the ''Pig'' well, like a gambling den. Plenty of Camp catering staff in their posh frocks. Fag Ash Lil the wine waiter comes to mind as does Amber. Sods Opera, great fun.
Good ship, but everything had a price. Some crew made fortunes out of their shipmates.(Cloud)

Dickboy,
I narrowly missed sailing with you.... well, by 5 months, I paid off her in April 1965 in S'hampton, jaded by watching 'Goldfinger' 3 times a week in that pig. Everyone knew the script backwards, and every word of it was yelled out by the inebriated audience, especially "PUSSY".
Pat[=D]

[michael charters]

In the late 1960's Furness Whity's North Pacific service and same of Royal Mail were combined. Can anyone tell which was the tradename for this service for that moment on? I suppose Royal Mail but I am not certain. Furthermore in 1970 CIENFUEGOS was transferred from PSNC to RML ownership and renamed CHANDELEUR. Was she transferred to RML-service as well or did she remain on PSNC service like the other PSNC vessels which were transferred to RML ownership at the time? In 1970 PACIFIC ENVOY, PACIFIC NORTHWEST, PACIFIC RELIANCE and PACIFIC STRONGHOLD were transferred from FW to RML ownership, be it that they were sold shortly afterwards. Did they trade with the yellow RML funnelcolors in this last year or were they chartered out to other companies? On which service was SOUTHERN PRINCE (1970 transferred to RML)?
Thanks for any information you might have.

;Dick Gorter
Netherlands
They Sailed with Buff Yellow coulour AS rms pACIFIC ENVOY NAMED Lock Ryan

[michael charters]

Joined RML 1962 and served for 6 on Lock Gowan,Ben Blyth was the freezer and had a good voice and most attentive female company, in those days his profile was almost simular to the Capstan ciggie emblem,blown up full size head in the smoke room .all the girls thought it was him in the flesh. The Andes being my last ship with RML hard working keeping all the electrical staff very busy. Now permenently retired but still dream of the good and bad timezss. Gordon Paul

Gordon Paul. Hi Matey Did you sail on Loch Ryan? If you did i was Second Electrician along side you. Relived Jim Downie. Heard you finished on Shell Tankers? Am retired and living in Ohio USA.
Good site this SN. Met other engineers from long past.
Mike charters

[tunatownshipwreck]

They Sailed with Buff Yellow coulour AS rms pACIFIC ENVOY NAMED Lock Ryan

That's what I remember, too, they kept the somewhat yellow funnels.

[robin]

Hi, I was the Assistant 'Chippy' on the Amazon in the early 60s. She also carried a Plumber and Assistant, good news for us ! The thought of 'Sanisnakes' and blocked toilets still makes me heave !! The 'A' boats were fitted with stabilisers that tended to give them less roll but didn't stop the pitching movement. Great times spent down on the South American coast well remembered.
Regards,
Robin.

[DURANGO]

Does anyone remember the old bosun aboard Durango he was in her for years he used to build ships in bottles his name was as far as I remember Fred Walden great old boy best wishes to all hands Dave .

[harryredvers]

wrt Dickyboy #28: I rock-dodged in the Loch Gowan c.winter '65 as R/O. Your reference Plenty of Camp catering staff in their posh frocks. struck a chord. I don't know if it this happened when I joined her in London or if it was in Hamburg a few days later. Having dinner I felt there was something unusual about the stewards, something distracting. They were very smart, accommodating and efficient waiters but there was something about their appearance that didn't seem right. Then I realised it was their hair , it seemed odd.
I was going ashore after dinner with the writer and while I was making my way down the accommodation to meet him I passed the saloon. As I did the door opened and two of the stewards came out both weighed down with make-up and wearing low cut, full-skirted colourful frocks. Their hair was back-combed and brushed up in the 60s bouffant style reminiscent of Dusty Springfield et al.
I have never forgotten this dramatic revelation.

[apraynor]

RML don't seem to be listed in the shipping companies so perhaps I had
better start the ball rolling!. I was 3rd R/O on Amazon /GVVV
and Aragon/GVVT. I remember the Aragon was under the command of
Captain Fox. The 2nd R/O Jack Barter later was killed on the
Royston Grange/GFDU. I can remember a Chief Purser called Stroud
and another purser called Nigel Yeo. After that things get a bit
fuzzy!. Had lots of wonderful times in Buenos Aires.
Brings back many memories. Thy later transferred the RML A ships
to Shaw Savill. I have a picture of one converted to a hideous car
carrier.
Hi All,
I am looking for a John Wrake, a great uncle, who served in The Royal Mail Line until the early 1950's, I believe he was in the Alcantara in the war but can find no trace from 1947 to 1950 when he was a Master and had hoped to take command of the Andes but did not get it. Any snippits would be useful.

Thanks

[R58484956]

Greetings apraynor and welcome to SN. Bon voyage.

[Ron Walker]

Essequibo broken up 1976. Anyone remember Gordon Paine, a true gent.

I remember his cigarette holder and his cravat.

[ALAN TYLER]

Anyone got any info/history on the Somers Isle, I believe it was with PSNC then Royal Mail in the 1950,s.

[A.D.FROST]

has anybody got photos of the following ships

shonga3 elder dempster

potaro royal mail 1957

sts sans fabian eagle oil

thanks georgeq

try, http://www.photoship.co.uk/Search%20Links%20Ship/

[gadgee]

Anyone got any info/history on the Somers Isle, I believe it was with PSNC then Royal Mail in the 1950,s.

Photo and some history here:-

http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/266586/title/somers-isle/cat/510

There are a few more pics in this Gallery= just do a search.

[Leratty]

I thought that Royal mail & PSNC were aligned. I sailed on one PSNC ship the Cienfuegos two trips. First we had a true 'fruit loop' Capt. which became apparent as we sailed down the Thames at night. I have mentioned it before on this site he was taken off in Panama & apparently sent home suffering a mental break down. He had a song he used to sing on the bridge which went "The working class can kiss my a...e as I have got the skippers job at last." Very droll for a Capt. ? He was a small man, short, always angry I recall. He also used to berate the 3rd so violently in front of the wheelman it was embarrasing & ususally over quite trivial matters too. The poor 3rd used to poop himself when the Capt. suddenly appeared on the bridge. Believe the C/O replaced him as Capt. from memory? She was not an overly happy ship on that trip. A No stepped ashore in Panama before they knew Capt. was gone. Once he was out of it things picked up. We went to Caribean, Central America & Mexico. 2nd trip was Caribbean & we went through a very serious cyclone. I remember going down to the docking bridge which was a interesting trip in its self as no deck safety lines set to get some pic's of the seas, enormous swells in lines with large white tops breaking way over our heads from the wind just amazing! We were rolling to an frightening degree so pretty hard to hang on all quite scary yet exciting to. It went on for at least two days as I recall? That, the former might have been my youth? Also did trip on Potosi more enjoyable. Richard

[ixion]

I have a picture (in fact an unused post-card issued at Bradwell on Sea ) of what I believe are the Darro and Deseado both laid up in the River Blackwater there together with a Union Castle R Class rtefrigerated cargo ship. It is unusual in that Royal Mail Lines did not usually lay-up there. I wonder if anybody has any recollections of that time eg a slack period probably the early to mid 1960s

[geoff. foxton]

Royal Mail ships I was on- Paraquay 1962/3, Eden 1964 and Albany 1964/5

Geoff.

[Sailtie]

Royal Mail ships I was on- Paraquay 1962/3, Eden 1964 and Albany 1964/5

Geoff.

We must have sailed together Geoff. My discharge book tells me I was 3rd Mate of Albany from September '64 to August '65.

[geoff. foxton]

I was only on her as EDH from 30/12/64 - 06/01/65, Tees to Victoria Docks, still it was same time and same ship.
Regards
Geoff.

[R396040]

Royal Mail

Loch Garth Galley Boy Jan 1948
DurangoA/S 1949
Drina A.S 1949/50 ?
Gascony A/S " " "

Good company good runs WI and W coast USA

Stuart H

[Sailtie]

I was only on her as EDH from 30/12/64 - 06/01/65, Tees to Victoria Docks, still it was same time and same ship.
Regards
Geoff.
We were on board together for 2 days. I signed on for the deep sea voyage on 4th Jan 1965. By 'on board' I probably mean in the pub. I think The Graving Dock was closest.
All the best

[michael charters]

In the late 1960's Furness Whity's North Pacific service and same of Royal Mail were combined. Can anyone tell which was the tradename for this service for that moment on? I suppose Royal Mail but I am not certain. Furthermore in 1970 CIENFUEGOS was transferred from PSNC to RML ownership and renamed CHANDELEUR. Was she transferred to RML-service as well or did she remain on PSNC service like the other PSNC vessels which were transferred to RML ownership at the time? In 1970 PACIFIC ENVOY, PACIFIC NORTHWEST, PACIFIC RELIANCE and PACIFIC STRONGHOLD were transferred from FW to RML ownership, be it that they were sold shortly afterwards. Did they trade with the yellow RML funnelcolors in this last year or were they chartered out to other companies? On which service was SOUTHERN PRINCE (1970 transferred to RML)?
Sailed with yellow buff funnels under Ocean fleet management I think.
Thanks for any information you might have.

Dick Gorter
Netherlands

SAILED WITH YELLOW FUNNELS UNDER OCEAN FLEET MANAGMENT I THINK

[busbar]

Hi All,
I was with RML between 1965-1966. Stood by Essequibo as relief lecky in Avonmouth during dockers' strike. First time I saw a stripper was in a night club in Bristol! Recalled to London. Rejoined her in Liverpool in Dec 1965 on PSNC charter to WCSA. Anyone remember the Yakko bar in Callao? Came home via Straits of Magellan and Montevideo. Master was John Anderson. Paid off Liverpool March 1966. Rejoined next trip where we were under charter to KNSM and had funnel painted in their colours. Carried three Dutchmen as supercargo. They brought their own beer with them! Master was James Holt. A certain Malcolm S was 3rd Officer. Paid off South Shields July 1966. They stupidist thing I ever did was to leave the company then. I have bitterly regretted it ever since.
Regards to all.
David Chambers
Co. Down
Northern Ireland

[Leratty]

busbar, Yackos was in Valpo not Callao must tell you. Best thing I ever did was to leave that Co, did two trips Cienfuagos & one on Picardy. Straits of Magellan sure are beautiful went through them both ways several times have some terrific slides I took of that Area. Have since sailed through them on a yacht too & even more spectacular. I have mentioned it before we had a Capt. on Cienfuagos who flipped his lid & taken off in Panama + a crew of Scousers who were not a happy bunch. 2nd trip on her was pretty good all interesting though they were not good feeders. Picardy OK but again scousers who seemed to not get on with each other.

[busbar]

Hi Leratty,
Thanks for the correction on Yackos. I'm suffering from too many birthdays! I must have been lucky with my shipmates on the Squib as they were Scousers too. Going through the Straits on board a yacht would be really getting close to nature.
Regards

[TEAPOT]

did atrip on DRINA in the 60s,one of the best painted ships isailed in,remember one breakfast,one of the abs told the cook he could read the paper through the bacon,cooks reply "it came from skinny pigs".abs comments can"t be put to public eyes.

[Malcolm S]

Hi All,
I was with RML between 1965-1966. Stood by Essequibo as relief lecky in Avonmouth during dockers' strike. First time I saw a stripper was in a night club in Bristol! Recalled to London. Rejoined her in Liverpool in Dec 1965 on PSNC charter to WCSA. Anyone remember the Yakko bar in Callao? Came home via Straits of Magellan and Montevideo. Master was John Anderson. Paid off Liverpool March 1966. Rejoined next trip where we were under charter to KNSM and had funnel painted in their colours. Carried three Dutchmen as supercargo. They brought their own beer with them! Master was James Holt. A certain Malcolm S was 3rd Officer. Paid off South Shields July 1966. They stupidist thing I ever did was to leave the company then. I have bitterly regretted it ever since.
Regards to all.
David Chambers
Co. Down
Northern Ireland

Greetings, The Master during the KNSM charter was Anderson. I remember how he did not let the Dutch Captain pay us a cash bonus at the end of the trip, instead it had to be paid through the company and therefore we had to pay tax on it. We did enjoy the Amstel beer though. I still have slides taken during the trip.

Malcolm S

[Sailtie]

Greetings, The Master during the KNSM charter was Anderson. I remember how he did not let the Dutch Captain pay us a cash bonus at the end of the trip, instead it had to be paid through the company and therefore we had to pay tax on it. We did enjoy the Amstel beer though. I still have slides taken during the trip.

Malcolm S

Be nice if you could post some of the slides Malcolm. I remember the Essequibo with some affection. Daddy's yacht.