Collective Call Signs

[Trevorw]

Does anyone remember these? My company (Blue Funnel) was GTZB, Marconi was ( I think) GTZM - anyone got any more?

[K urgess]

Here you go, Trevor.
Try this (http://www.shawsavillships.co.uk/callsign.htm) site

[non descript]

For some reason the Houlders Collective Call Sign was GZTT - why on earth I should remember that I have no idea... Funny thing memory.

[K urgess]

They've got GZXY as the National Maritime Board whereas I have it as the Radio and Electronics Officer's Union.
That's from 2 messages I have that were sent out by the REOU in 1973.

[sparkie2182]

the first telling you to pay your overdue subs..............

the second that they could not help you with your imminant redundancy........

"titter"

[K urgess]

Sorry, Sparkie, Wronnnnnggggg.

The first asking BP radio officers if they felt "their present salary adequately compensates for all hours worked".

The second was to do with the REOU trying to turn the MN into a closed shop as far as ROs were concerned. I seem to remember that we collectively told them to stuff it and resolutely refused to go on strike over the matter.
Sparkies don't go on strike. Irresponsible union pratts.(Cloud)

[Moulder]

GBMS = All British Merchant Ships!

Steve.
(Thumb)

[Gulpers]

GZWR - Denholm

[BA204259]

....another one, but already covered in Marconi Sahib's link.....

International Marine Radio Co (IMRCo).... GTZR

Crikey, they were a good company to work for as they had some lovely ships... (Pint)

Regards

[Ron Stringer]

How about MBMS - All British Merchant Ships?

[sparkie2182]

i do remember that period marconiman........albeit vaguely.
i never had any dealings with the reou....or the mnaoa, though i was a member of both....seemed a good idea when i started out as a cadet.
i tried to remember the format of the quarterly periodical the reou used to send to our home address, but cant for the life of me remember what it looked like in the slightest.
we all had a huge pile of post when we got home after 5/6 months at sea, and much of it was just thrown in the gash can........much of it unopened.
i think this fate befell the quarterly rag...........:)

keep your batteries in the green..........................

[gwzm]

Hi All,

Is my memory failing or did we have GACQ in the 1960's for "calling any British warship"?

gwzm/John

[BA204259]

.... GACQ in the 1960's for "calling any British warship"?



You mean from the days when we had any warships? It was GBXZ GBXZ. See Marconi Sahibs link in the second post.

Regards

[Alan Couchman]

Hi Trevorw,

Have a look at sections 3 & 4, of the document in website

http://www.jcs.mil/j6/cceb/acps/ACP113AFCh3.pdf

This provides collective call signs for miltary naval usage. It contains lots of other useful info.

All the best,
Alan C

[peterjholcroft]

Hi Trevorw

BP Tankers collective callsign was GTZX

[Robinj]

....another one, but already covered in Marconi Sahib's link.....

International Marine Radio Co (IMRCo).... GTZR

Crikey, they were a good company to work for as they had some lovely ships... (Pint)

Regards

I agree they were a great company to work for. Also recognized a few other callsigns.

[BA204259]

I agree they were a great company to work for.....

In my own short career (and I include leave relief trips of only a fortnight or so) I logged up Ore Carriers Ltd (Houlders), Anchor Line (x2), Cunard (x2), Blue Star (x2), South American Saint Line, Furness Withy, Nerdrums (ex South American Saint Line's "St Helena") and Trader Navigation Co..

In my humble opinion and with the hindsight of over 40 years... to die for!

Oh, yes! In case I am accused of being OT (true), just want to say thanks to collective callsigns GTZR...and also to GTZM for having no vacancies at that time!

Regards