Houlder Brothers Crews & Ships

[D MCPHAIL]

i was on the Stoltgrange ex Denbygrange in 71 as AB,runnng to Rio etc from Battonroguge,50% of crew was from the Hull pool ,rest Southamerican.a lot of trouble on,2ndcook and galley boy were shot in a bar in Recife by the Chilian capts tiger,they paid of the uk crew early on arr in texas city

[ALAN TYLER]

Interesting tale, I was on the Stolt Tudor in the early 70s. See you are now with the Arklow shipping Co, do you ever sail into Glasson Dock near Lancaster? I live in that part of the country and occasionly see Arklow ships in the dock. Alan

[George Simpson]

Hi Tim I hope your enjoying your retirement. Enjoy the site.

George

[derek harwood]

i would love to know what became of derek harwood from clitheroe he was with me on the clerk maxwell he went afterto the joel macance

Hi there,
I have recieved your enquiry to my whereabouts and wish to inform you I am alive and kicking and very well, would be interesting to get in touch and talk about old times..hope all is well with you...kind regards Derek Harwood.

[FERRYAIR]

Just a quick message to inform all Forum users & Ex Houlder employees that John Maurice Houlder C.B.E. passed away on 02/02/2012 just 18 days short of his 95th birthday.

Britain's oldest registered pilot was to celebrate his 95th birthday on 20/02/2012, but grandee of Elstree Aerodrome John Houlder said he's still yet to reach retirement age.

After 55 years as manager of the airfield, he still works four days a week, travelling by tube from his home in Warwick Square, London, his work ranging from maintaining autopilot machines to drafting policy on noise reduction.

But his real love was taking to the skies in his trusty Aero Commander twin engine plane, Oscar Echo despite the disapproval of his wife, Rody.

He had his first flying lesson in 1938. "To get a licence in those days, you only had to fly for three hours," he said. "I had my first lesson in February and by June I was able to fly myself to the furthest end of Hungary, always following railway lines."

To this day, he remained a highly qualified pilot, with a valid instrument rating meaning he could fly in airspace used by commercial planes.

He proudly said he thinks he was the oldest pilot in the country to hold this rating, which is validated by the Civil Aviation Authority.

"I have to take a flying test every year with an examiner sitting beside me with a screen so I can only see the instrument panel, not out of the window," he said.

He grew up in Esher, Surrey, the third generation of the Houlder shipping dynasty. The local aerodrome, Brooklands, where he learned to fly, is throwing him a birthday party on Monday "When I was 16, my father sent me to work in a shipyard, then, after some time, he wanted me to work in the City. I was very bored, I saw an advertisement to learn how to fly."

He became an artillery gunner during the Second World War, and while serving in Crete he was hit in the arm by an Italian shell, fired by a bomber he had nicknamed Bardier Bill.

"It was very annoying because it was on my quay," he said. "My left arm still doesn't work."

He later became a Major in charge of the port of Tobruk in north Africa, overseeing thousands of port workers.

He continued his high-flying hobby at Elstree Aerodrome, formerly known as Aldenham Aerodrome, and was appointed to run it by owner Lord Aldenham in 1950, after most of the staff were jailed for their alleged part in stealing aeroplane parts from Stansted Airport. Although, according to Mr Houlder, the staff were acting in good faith that the parts belonged to their company.

"My business was shipping, but I soon discovered that managing an aerodrome was not very difficult and, by pure chance, I met Lord Aldenham in Ireland and came to an agreement with him which has served three generations of Lord Aldenhams.

"In 2006 he negotiated an extension of the agreement, which came into force in July 2006. It's an agreement which has served for 55 years with good will on both sides."

And, despite the dramatic start, the decades have passed with relative calm.

"I'm afraid at Elstree Aerodrome it's all just steady hard work." He refers to his latest problem of dealing with trees under protection orders.

He said the secret to keeping young is keeping busy something he takes somewhat to an extreme. "The trouble with being retired is there's no reason to get up in the morning," he said. "And it's a social life being at work. That's what keeps one young, I think."

Mr Houlder is visiting professor of naval architecture at Strathclyde University and the ship Orelia, currently sailing in the North Sea, which he designed, is proudly pictured in his office.

He has three sons who live in Moscow, Argentina and London and one daughter, who works at the Financial Times.

And what about the future of the airfield?

"One of my personal ambitions was to make it friendly to the neighbours," said Mr Houlder.

"My target is to make sure that no house is overflown for more than one hour in 24."

And this will be no mean feat with between 50,000 and 70,000 take-offs per annum.

[ALAN TYLER]

Thank you for the information on John M. Houlder, found it very interesting. Alan.

[brixsmaid]

Hi All. Just re-found this site after being advised of the sad passing of John Houlder so thought I'd better participate before any more grey cells disappear!

Served with Houlder Bros from 1970 - 1974 as follows:

Joya McCance/Tanker - 2nd Mate 7.2.75-25.6.75
Brandon Priory - 3rd Mate 15.7.74-23.11.74
Sagamore - Cadet 25.4.74-13.6.74
Brandon Priory - Cadet 29.12.72-31.7.73
Tenbury - Cadet 4.8.72-10.11.72
Oswestry Grange - Cadet 28.6.71-23.11.71
Mabel Warwick - Cadet 12.9.70-25.3.71

Then disappeared of to Esso for 5 years, then HM Coastguard for 18 years, then back to sea with Gulf Offshore ending up as a Mate/DPO before coming ashore to work in maritime digital publishing.

The site certainly stirs some memories, I just wish I could:

Remember Names
Put faces to those names I think I remember
Distinguish between the names of people I actually sailed with rather than just know the name!!


A few names that I do definitely know/remember are:
Mike Boland, Mick Clegg, Ray Clegg, Nobby Clark, Pete "Cheyenne" Saunders, Paddy Slevin, Bill Bennett, Alan Barnes, Pete Neischmidt (sorry about the spelling), Bob Stringer

There must be so many others!

Keith

[handybilly7]

Dan I sailed with you on that trip as 3/M- recall we would BS during the 8-12 under a tropical moon? Stolt's South America service--40 grades south--clean tanks and molasses north. Capt.B.Ditchburn? Mate Jerry Lees and 2/M Peter Creber,Deck Eng.Jimmy Grey,Bosun Bill Watt.Pumpman Hank the Dutchman and a UK guy Arthur? (who sadly passed after pumproom steam injuries a few years later).
Recall the Recife scenario and crew mix--odd set up-- as recall you would say "things I do for England"
Always thought you had returned to NZ.

[rob mcc]

Dan I sailed with you on that trip as 3/M- recall we would BS during the 8-12 under a tropical moon? Stolt's South America service--40 grades south--clean tanks and molasses north. Capt.B.Ditchburn? Mate Jerry Lees and 2/M Peter Creber,Deck Eng.Jimmy Grey,Bosun Bill Watt.Pumpman Hank the Dutchman and a UK guy Arthur? (who sadly passed after pumproom steam injuries a few years later).
Recall the Recife scenario and crew mix--odd set up-- as recall you would say "things I do for England"
Always thought you had returned to NZ.

the pumpman was jim pugh who died on one of the stolt tankers

[woo_baby]

Hey guys!

I'm looking for a bit of info on my dad Derek John Briggs if possible,

I was a little lad when he was in the Merchant Navy, obviously I only saw him a few months of the year so I don't know too much about him. I wold like to know more, that, I guess... Is why I'm here! So any stories good bad or ugly would be appreciated!

I'm pretty sure he was Chief Engineer working for Holder Brothers & the Hadley Shipping company - he was born in the 30's, charismatic chap - Last I heard from him he remarried & moved to South America (somewhere near Equador)

I haven't spoken or heard anything from him in 16 years, (I'm not specifically trying to trace him) all I guess I'm after is a bit of understanding of what he was like...

Anything's appreciated Guys!

Thank you

Regards,

Marc

[rob mcc]

sailed with your dad from 1972 [brandon priory] on various ships untill the lord kelvin 1985 afterwitch i was made redundent he was a very good C/E [and 2/E]whom i had a lot of respect for

[Caffj]

Re Houlder Bros.
Does anyone remember my late brother-in-law Capt Norman Oddy,(now deceased) or my brother Patrick Cafferty who sailed as Chief Engineer
on quite a few Houlder Bros ships. Norman was master on several of.
their Ore Carriers. He'd been with Houlders since he was an Apprentice.CaffJ

[Nick Batstone]

Re Houlder Bros.
Does anyone remember my late brother-in-law Capt Norman Oddy,(now deceased) or my brother Patrick Cafferty who sailed as Chief Engineer
on quite a few Houlder Bros ships. Norman was master on several of.
their Ore Carriers. He'd been with Houlders since he was an Apprentice.CaffJ

Yep, sailed with Captain Oddy on the Lynton Grange in '79. A lovely man respected by all on board. Good skipper. He loved the horse racing nights in the crew bar. Sorry to hear he has crossed the bar.

[evan.jones]

Hi there,
I have recieved your enquiry to my whereabouts and wish to inform you I am alive and kicking and very well, would be interesting to get in touch and talk about old times..hope all is well with you...kind regards Derek Harwood.

great to hear from you derek ive been a service engineer for hotpoint for the last 40years due to retire in 3 months when ill be 66 send me a private message.

[merrymagpie]

Re Houlder Bros.
Does anyone remember my late brother-in-law Capt Norman Oddy,(now deceased) or my brother Patrick Cafferty who sailed as Chief Engineer
on quite a few Houlder Bros ships. Norman was master on several of.
their Ore Carriers. He'd been with Houlders since he was an Apprentice.CaffJ

Briefly sailed with Capt Oddy on the Dunster Grange from Rotterdam to Baie-Comeau. Remember tripping over him at night, when he was asleep on a matress at the side of the chart table during a long period of dense fog on the Grand Banks.
Sailed with Pat Caff on the Stolt Spur (with his wife - Josie?). Taught me how to hold the lifeboat engine starting handle so as to avoid a broken wrist if it kicked back. Pat paid off in Liverpool with a broken wrist and guess how he had done it ?(much to Josies' amusement).
He couldn't bring himself to tell me!

Mike

[Nova Scotian]

Re Houlder Bros.
Does anyone remember my late brother-in-law Capt Norman Oddy,(now deceased) or my brother Patrick Cafferty who sailed as Chief Engineer
on quite a few Houlder Bros ships. Norman was master on several of.
their Ore Carriers. He'd been with Houlders since he was an Apprentice.CaffJ

I was a first-trip apprentice with Captain Oddy on the Orepton in the latter part of 1964. A good master.

Cheers.

[evan.jones]

Hi there,
I have recieved your enquiry to my whereabouts and wish to inform you I am alive and kicking and very well, would be interesting to get in touch and talk about old times..hope all is well with you...kind regards Derek Harwood.

evan.jones@homecall.co.uknice to hear from you send me an email and ill give you my tel no it doesnt seem to work otherwise

[steam train]

Re Houlder Bros.
Does anyone remember my late brother-in-law Capt Norman Oddy,(now deceased) or my brother Patrick Cafferty who sailed as Chief Engineer
on quite a few Houlder Bros ships. Norman was master on several of.
their Ore Carriers. He'd been with Houlders since he was an Apprentice.CaffJ

Yes I remember Capt Oddy,sailed with him on MV Dunster Grange 1981 and again on MV Abbey,flew out with him to Japan to join the Abbey and paid of with him in Japan after 5 month trip in 1984,I was the 2nd Enginner on the these voyages.I can still picture him smoking his pipe.

[norsea]

My Sincere Condolonces toMr.J.M.Houlder's family.
Recalling a voyage to New Zealand in Condesa back in 1959 at the end of my Apprenticeship we were accompanied by a young man, Jamie Wiles, who was John Houlder's nephew and was going out to stay with his grandmother,Mrs. Houlder, John Houlder's mother, who lived in Picton at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound on the South Island.
As a "Thank You" for "looking after" Jamie on the outward passage the four Apprentices spent a very enjoyable holiday with Mrs. Houlder, sailing from Wellington to Picton and back on the inter-island ferry, much to the annoyance of First Mate Norman Oddy who lost out on a few days labour.
If memory serves me correctly the Master was Capt.Roy Faulkner and C/O was Vic Owen. Unfortunately after such a long time other names escape me.
Kind Regards
Angus Davidson

[Erimus]

Yes I remember Capt. Norman Oddy well.......
From 1960 till 1964 I was a port agent for BISC(Ore)Ltd; in Middlesbrough and had the whole set of 'O' vessels plus Mabel Warwick & Joya McCance through the port on a regular basis..

Thereafter I moved to HQ in St.Helen's Place ( front of the Baltic) and was Asst.Distribution Manager till Nationalisation and relocation in 1970/71. I then became Ship Scheduling Controller to the,then, 72 tied Ore Carriers of British Steel...so if any of you got duff voyages to Murmansk during the winter instead of Monrovia or Nouadhibou...sorry it was my fault!"

In addition to the O Class & the two Grays of Hartlepool ore carriers the same 'family' i.e Furness Withy had Edenmore & Sagamore, as mentioned elsewhere.

As an operator I think that of the British owners of that time, mid 60's mid 70's Houlders were one of the best to deal with....almost hassle free.

cheers

geoff

[marinero]

Yes I remember Capt. Norman Oddy well.......
From 1960 till 1964 I was a port agent for BISC(Ore)Ltd; in Middlesbrough and had the whole set of 'O' vessels plus Mabel Warwick & Joya McCance through the port on a regular basis..

Thereafter I moved to HQ in St.Helen's Place ( front of the Baltic) and was Asst.Distribution Manager till Nationalisation and relocation in 1970/71. I then became Ship Scheduling Controller to the,then, 72 tied Ore Carriers of British Steel...so if any of you got duff voyages to Murmansk during the winter instead of Monrovia or Nouadhibou...sorry it was my fault!"

In addition to the O Class & the two Grays of Hartlepool ore carriers the same 'family' i.e Furness Withy had Edenmore & Sagamore, as mentioned elsewhere.

As an operator I think that of the British owners of that time, mid 60's mid 70's Houlders were one of the best to deal with....almost hassle free.

cheers

geoff

Hi Geoff.

I was lucky on the "Oremina" as I got a trip down to Vitoria in Brazil, which certainly made our day, rather than the Murmansk run most of the time. Now I know who to blame for all the rubbish runs (Jester)

Regards (Thumb)

[Erimus]

Hi Geoff.

I was lucky on the "Oremina" as I got a trip down to Vitoria in Brazil, which certainly made our day, rather than the Murmansk run most of the time. Now I know who to blame for all the rubbish runs (Jester)

Regards (Thumb)

You were lucky to get a Vitoria run in what I seem to remember was 9200 tons summer deadweight as those Port Talbot sized ships cost as much to run marine dieselwise as the next series of 14000-18000 tonners......although we did once send the gtv Morar down there as we knew she was so slow she would be away for two months instead of the usual six weeks!

geoff

[jmd999]

Re Houlder Bros.
Does anyone remember my late brother-in-law Capt Norman Oddy,(now deceased) or my brother Patrick Cafferty who sailed as Chief Engineer
on quite a few Houlder Bros ships. Norman was master on several of.
their Ore Carriers. He'd been with Houlders since he was an Apprentice.CaffJ

Both Capt Oddy and Patrick Joseph Cafferty are legends from my childhood. My dad Freddy Ditty (now passed) sailed with both and I am still in contact with Chris Olsen who used to relieve your brother. I sailed with both your family members as a child on the Clydebridge , and Patrick's wife Josephine too. Somewhere in a drawer are photos.
Best wishes Jen

[Caffj]

Hi Mike (Merrymagpie )
Spoke to Patrick today he remembers you and the incident with the
lifeboat engine starting handle.
I've given him details of this web site so maybe he'll be in touch.
CaffJ

[Caffj]

Hello Jen,
Spoke to Patrick today. He remembers you. Sadly Josephine passed away quite
some years ago. Have given Patrick details of this web site so perhaps I'll be
in touch.
CaffJ. (Patrick's younger brother)

[BOB.WHITTAKER]

CAFFJ, I met Pat briefly in 1971, he joined the Orotava as Ch.eng with George Bruce as 2cnd. in Taranto . It was almost a complete crew change and I was on my way home ,so it was only a brief hand over for everyone , at that time I would have been 3eng. Cheers Bob Whittaker

[R658336]

Anyone around from Houlders, would be great to hear how you are doing.

Hello Ian, I was on two Houlders ships on deck as AB first the " Hornby Grange "59/60 and when the " Royston Grange " came out ,I saw her in BA and thought I,d like to sail on her, well I did about 1962. I have lost my discharge book so cannot give exact dates. John White

[HOOPERMAN]

Iserved on the ba star mi to late 73 on deck,are there any photos around of crew at that time

[Mal Belfast]

Hello folks. I see the name "Clutha River" and wondered if anyone can help. I've been trying to find out about the death of a friend's uncle while he was with the British Merchant Navy. The seaman in question was called Robert Clarke from Belfast. Sadly Bobby, a Belfast man, died at Curacao aged 24 when on a voyage. His rating was of "Fireman/Cleaner". I believe that the date of Robert's death was 26.01.55. His date of birth was 17.07.30. Folk at the British Merchant Navy website have been incredibly helpful and one has suggested that Bobby might have been on the Clutha River - it sailed for Curacao in December 1954 - just a month before Bobby died. So, if any of you can suggest where I could find any additional information or know anyone who might know, Bobby's surviving family would be very grateful. Many thanks. Mal Belfast.

[para handy clyde]

Hello Ian,blast from the past on finding this site.My first trip was on the Mv oremina,then was on the clydesdale on her maiden voyage which was a nightmare for a catering boy.Mishap in the missisippi and rotterdam for repairs to her bow.Then the Hardwick Grange which i left when she was laid up due to the foot and mouth outbreak at the time.great company and great officers and crew.Still haunted by the Royston Grange memories as i fear i may have known some of the crew on board.

[vasco]

[QUOTE=para handy clyde;581667 Still haunted by the Royston Grange memories as i fear i may have known some of the crew on board.[/QUOTE]

The thread on this site http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/showthread.php?t=7142&page=2

contains crew lists and here http://picasaweb.google.com/v3asco/R...eNewsCuttings#
is my collection of press cuttings.

[para handy clyde]

Many Thanks Vasco for taking the time to reply to my Post.I have looked at the names and the Sands of time have dimmed my memory as to whether i sailed with some of the officers or Crew.However it is with great Sadness that i view the Names as any one of us could have been on the Royston if we were given the posting.

[Parana]

I was senior apprentice the trip she went over the wall in the Bay of Biscay. Lousy weather and nothing was ever seen of her . that was the first of four M/O I had at regular two year intervals. The only one we got back was on the Swan River off St Vincent in the Cape Verde Is. Never heard anymore about the lady on the Duke.
Mike HowdenI was a passenger, with my new husband, to Buenos Aires on the Duquesa in 1960. We left London on 8th March. I have just found the passenger list but there is someone missing. There were ten of us, including two children, but only nine are named as having embarked. The tenth was more than likely an Argentine woman, who asked me if she could have a page from my writing pad as she needed to write a letter. I gave her a page and resumed my own letter-writing. Later, during dinner, the Captain ran past our table shouting "She's gone" and we heard that she had jumped overboard, leaving a letter which may have been for the relatives who were waiting for her when we docked. The ship was turned and the sea around was searched but she was not found. After some time we went on our way, but I did wonder what the story was behind the poor woman's suicide. She was said to be being deported because she was destitute. Does anyone know anything about this?

I have noticed that the posts are mainly from crews, but someone just might have crewed on the Duquesa in March 1960?

[guinnessmick]

I was senior apprentice the trip she went over the wall in the Bay of Biscay. Lousy weather and nothing was ever seen of her . that was the first of four M/O I had at regular two year intervals. The only one we got back was on the Swan River off St Vincent in the Cape Verde Is. Never heard anymore about the lady on the Duke.
Mike Howden
i was on the swan river when the person went over he is a good friend of mine Brian Chapman, he was a very lucky person to be found alive and to be no less the worse for it.
i was the second cook that trip and i did two more trips on her ,a great ship and a great captain too

[para handy clyde]

Joined the Clydesdale in Greenock.We went aboard during her fitting out .I was galley boy and spent most of the time making tea for the cleaners.Eventfull maiden voyage,We lost most of our freezer supplies due to the fan failing mid atlantic.Then collided in the mississipi after loading grain .I remember all the plates coming off the shelves when she was going full astern and the severe vibration that went on for ages.Then more tea duties for the investigators who came aboard later.I think we grounded after the collision.
We were fully laden with grain and it was decided to patch up the hole in the bow and be weather routed to Rotterdam for repairs.
I was flown home by houlders.My first time in the Air with a fear of hieghts.I said it was eventfull.
hope this triggers a few memories

[Parana]

I was Third Mate on the Swan when I went with an AB to bring in the side streaming log as we were approaching St Vincent. He threw the grapnell and slipped over the rail. Fortunately there was a lifebelt with a light on it nearby so I threw it to him. The Old Man, Potts, brought the ship around on a Williamson Turn and we had the lad back on board in 17 minutes via the pilot ladder. The mate even went down the ladder to recover the lifebelt. I said to him that I thought the prop would have got him but he replied that the only thing worrying him was the "nobby clarks". Happy days on the Swan River. Please give my best wishes to Chapman.
Mike Howdeni was on the swan river when the person went over he is a good friend of mine Brian Chapman, he was a very lucky person to be found alive and to be no less the worse for it.
i was the second cook that trip and i did two more trips on her ,a great ship and a great captain too

[guinnessmick]

I was Third Mate on the Swan when I went with an AB to bring in the side streaming log as we were approaching St Vincent. He threw the grapnell and slipped over the rail. Fortunately there was a lifebelt with a light on it nearby so I threw it to him. The Old Man, Potts, brought the ship around on a Williamson Turn and we had the lad back on board in 17 minutes via the pilot ladder. The mate even went down the ladder to recover the lifebelt. I said to him that I thought the prop would have got him but he replied that the only thing worrying him was the "nobby clarks". Happy days on the Swan River. Please give my best wishes to Chapman.
Mike Howden

i will do and my best wishes to you too and your right they were happy days

[Cynthia Myers Dickin]

SS ´´Royston Grange´´ - Photo Album - 40th anniversary -

https://picasaweb.google.com/117744514501194369148/SSRoystonGrange11thMay197211thMay2012?authuser=0&feat=directlink

There will be more photographs, posted after Friday 11th May 2012

Regards,
Cynthia Myers Dickin - Montevideo- Uruguay
cynthiadickin@gmail.com

[Jeff Partington]

Hi Ian
I sailed on my first trip on the Swan River in 1963. After that on the Duquesa and the Bidford Priory. There was an Ian 3rd eng &a Willie 5th eng. on the Swan River, ring any bells?

Jeff

[Cynthia Myers Dickin]

Jeff,
I´ve re-sent your posting to my husband = Ian Dickin
iandickin@adinet.com.uy
He´ll probably get back to you, later today.
Regards,
Cynthia Myers Dickin
cynthiadickin@gmail.com

[Parana]

Jeff,
I sailed on the Swan from Jun 62 until Mar 64 as 3/O.
The 3/Eng's name was Ian Seaton. I remember Willie but his surname escapes me.
All the very best, Mike Howden
Hi Ian
I sailed on my first trip on the Swan River in 1963. After that on the Duquesa and the Bidford Priory. There was an Ian 3rd eng &a Willie 5th eng. on the Swan River, ring any bells?

Jeff

[marinero]

SS ´´Royston Grange´´ - Photo Album - 40th anniversary -

https://picasaweb.google.com/117744514501194369148/SSRoystonGrange11thMay197211thMay2012?authuser=0&feat=directlink

There will be more photographs, posted after Friday 11th May 2012

Regards,
Cynthia Myers Dickin - Montevideo- Uruguay
cynthiadickin@gmail.com

Hi Cynthia.
That is very decent of you to put those photos on the site. I have taken the liberty of copying a couple for my own collection.

Many thanks

Leo

[merrymagpie]

Noticed on AIS that the ex British Steel (mv Good Luck) was broken up at Alang a few months ago and the ex Ironbridge (mv Hebei Loyalty) arrived at Chittagong last month for the same fate.

Mike Bartle

[evan.jones]

Hi there,
I have recieved your enquiry to my whereabouts and wish to inform you I am alive and kicking and very well, would be interesting to get in touch and talk about old times..hope all is well with you...kind regards Derek Harwood.

drop us a line and ill give you my tel no evan

[saltyswamp]

Mike Nutbrown Died on sunday 8th July, He had not been in the best of health for A few years, I sailed with him on CLYMENE (2) Where his wife(Liz) and my wife became friends, as they were both pregnant. Liz now his ex wife informed us yesterday of his passing.

RIP Nutters

Stuart

[Mikeangell]

I am wondering whether any one on the forum remember my dad, he was Ron Angell and was with Houlder brothers during my early childhood. I do know that he was on Ocean Transport for a while amongst others.

I have recently come across some some old papers etc which lists his ships and dates so will be able to be more specific with some details.

I would love to know more as sadly he passed away some 30 years ago when I was about 11 and despite finding old pictures of ships and old references etc, I do not know much about his life at sea and would love to find out more.

[Ken West]

Hi Paul, I remember your dad Mike, best regards to you all. Ken West

[Mikeangell]

Hi Ken

I don't really know much about my Dad's life at sea as I was too young to remember or probably be allowed to hear some of the stories.

I am trying to trace my family tree and don't have much information regarding my Dad's life in the Merchant Navy or anything to do with his life down South before he met my Mum.

I am hoping that I will be able to get some snippets that will help with tracing my family tree as well as finding out more about Dad's life at sea. Apart from some old black and white photos and a huge Pye valve radio that I still have.

I have also managed to find some of his old papers so can trace the dates and ships he served on

Do you have any contact with any one who may be able to help/remember Dad or have some stories you could share?

Anything would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

[Ken West]

Hi Mike, I only recall a Ron Angell in the period around 1972 1975 from a few relieving trips I did on the Westbury and the Swan River, short trips from Bristol to Liverpool and then standby for the cargo to be unloaded and ready for permanent ship sailing crew to return. I did not know Ron well. Good luck with your search.

Ken West

[Mikeangell]

Hi Ken

Thanks for getting back to me, Hopefully I will come across some one in these forums that served with Dad.

[ALAN TYLER]

Hi Mike, I don,t think I sailed with your Dad but I,ve got some old crew lists from the 70,s. What department was he in Deck, Engine or Catering if you know the department it would cut down my search. All the best Alan.

[BOB.WHITTAKER]

Mike,
I was deepsea second engineer on the Ocean Transport from August 72 till approximately January 74,during this time I met your father 3 or 4 times as he was one of Houlders stalwarts who met and relieved on the general cargo ships when they came into UK ports to discharge and then load again to sail.Two others were Alec Cowderoy (Sirname spelling may not be corect) and another Alec, or maybe Alex "The Silver Fox".
Though I didn't sail deep sea with him we did have some time onboard on "round the land" voyages together.He was an experienced and well respected engineer,always immaculately turned out when he came onboard and I remember him particularly as he would join the ship sporting the Houlders company tie and also their blaizer badge. The extended "Smoko's" in the duty mess were also better than any college lectures for anyone doing their tickets,both 2cnds and Chiefs.
I hope you found my comments of interest,it was a pleasure to meet your Dad. Cheers Bob Whittaker.

[BOB.WHITTAKER]

Mike, Bob Whittaker again, don't whatever you do get rid of the big vave radio, I would guess that it is a "Pye Cambridge",highly prized by everyone some 45 - 50 years ago.With one of those you were as upto date as the "radio op." Cheers Bob.

[guinnessmick]

I was Third Mate on the Swan when I went with an AB to bring in the side streaming log as we were approaching St Vincent. He threw the grapnell and slipped over the rail. Fortunately there was a lifebelt with a light on it nearby so I threw it to him. The Old Man, Potts, brought the ship around on a Williamson Turn and we had the lad back on board in 17 minutes via the pilot ladder. The mate even went down the ladder to recover the lifebelt. I said to him that I thought the prop would have got him but he replied that the only thing worrying him was the "nobby clarks". Happy days on the Swan River. Please give my best wishes to Chapman.
Mike Howden
i saw brian yesterday and he asked me to pass on his very best wishes

[tondav3137]

Hi Ian, I did two trips on the Rippingham Grange, 1st trip left Birkenhead Jan 1958 has chippy did a nine monther on the MANZ run,2and trip was a follow on 5 month to New Zealand and back via the States and Canada I left then and moved to Shaw Savill.I found the Rip ok. the only thing was mine and the Bosuns cabin was in a deck house between 5&6 hatch and the steam pipes went along each side of the deck house to the cargo winches so we had a lot of jaspers for company. all the best Tony D

[captmabr]

Message for Bob Whittaker, I just heard the Murray Gunn the night shift baker on the UJ passed away, its funny but I can still smell that bread, Willy B

[BOB.WHITTAKER]

ALAN TYLER/LEO HANNAN Did you see previous message from Willy Brown regards Murray Gunn . BOB

[George Simpson]

Message for Bob Whittaker, I just heard the Murray Gunn the night shift baker on the UJ passed away, its funny but I can still smell that bread, Willy B

Murray was a good guy and a dam fine baker RIP.
At this rate there will be a full crew waiting in sailors heaven for the UJ.

George

[marinero]

Message for Bob Whittaker, I just heard the Murray Gunn the night shift baker on the UJ passed away, its funny but I can still smell that bread, Willy B

Hi Bob.
I thought his name was Murray McCloud unless it was someone else who went there after I had left.
As George said we will have a full crew went we get there and enough for a relief as well.

Regards

Leo

[captmabr]

Sorry for mistake, Murray Macleod was known locally in Stornoway as Murray Gunn, its an island thing. Anyway the poor souls was fixing tiles on his roof while the wife was away and slipped and fell.
There is a lesson there for all us old-timers

[marinero]

Sorry for mistake, Murray Macleod was known locally in Stornoway as Murray Gunn, its an island thing. Anyway the poor souls was fixing tiles on his roof while the wife was away and slipped and fell.
There is a lesson there for all us old-timers

Thanks for that Willie. That's not the way most of us would want to go. I knew Murray for years, a very much liked and respected member of any crew. The knowledge he passed on to many a young and upcoming Cook/Baker was priceless.

Regards

Leo

[kester]

My mother Inger was a passenger on the Condesa from Napier NZ to the UK in March 1958. She returned on the Rippingham Grange from Liverpool arriving Wellington Dec 1958. As a 15 year old I was allowed to coast on the Condesa during the school holidays from Picton to Port Chalmers to Bluff. Does anyone remember the date when both the Condesa & the Rippingham Grange were alongside each in Port Chalmers, either Jan/Feb 1959 or Jan/Feb 1960. Many Thanks. Kester Macfarlane

[ALAN TYLER]

ALAN TYLER/LEO HANNAN Did you see previous message from Willy Brown regards Murray Gunn . BOB

Hi Bob Only just found this post, so sad to hear of Murray,s passing. He was a top baker and genuine bloke. Alan.

[Cavendish403]

Hi Marc,
Yes i knew your dad, and yes, you are quite right, he did marry an Ecuadorian lady and the last time I saw him he was happily living in Quito.

i never actually sailed with him but i was working on a ship called the Darwin which was being used as a gas storage tanker just outside the city of Guayaquil. Briggsy was the Chief engineer of the lighter ship that used to take gas from the Darwin to shore.

We all worked for the same company (Furness Withy) and so when their ship (The Ancon) was along side us overnight we would always all get together for a party - pretty much everyone out there was ex Houlder Brothers so it was something of a family gathering when the 2 ships were together.

Your dad was a great bloke to socialise with and a real gentleman - not to mention a well respected engineer.

just to give you an idea of timings, i was working in Ecuador round about 2000/2001

[kenneth kenny]

Shaftesbury signed on 28-10-1959,l
Sailed from Liverpool,the ship was in the River Scheldt approaching Antwerp in thick fog,she grounded off that River on to Sandbank in November 1959,she stayed there till next day,till the high tide came in.Anybody on that Ship same as me .Put more information on Merchant Navy Web Site.Ken.

[malekith]

hi deck cadet,3rd and 2nd with Houlders 74-89.loads of ships.mainly gas,but others too.At moment master with Wioghtlink IOW ferries.

[marinero]

hi deck cadet,3rd and 2nd with Houlders 74-89.loads of ships.mainly gas,but others too.At moment master with Wioghtlink IOW ferries.

Hi Malekith.
What's your name and the ships you were on as I was on the gas tankers for a number of years. I travel across to the IOW now and then to visit relatives. You didn't by any chance do a spell on the "Longbow"?

Regards
Leo Hannan

[malekith]

paul marshall is the name.
"no" to longbow.

not having my discharge book here,I'll have guess order and names of ships thru career.On Solent seas at the moment.

St Margaret,Hardwicke Grange,Stolt Span,Clymene(old tanker),Clymene(newer bulk)Orotava,Dunster Grange,Orepesa,Andes,Derwent,Dart Britain,Humboldt,Clerk Maxwell,Cavendish,Faraday,Hornby Grange,British Steel.
There maybe more,but I need to check my records.
Also went to South Shields and Warsash.
Dah dah hows that?

Regards Paul

[marinero]

paul marshall is the name.
"no" to longbow.

not having my discharge book here,I'll have guess order and names of ships thru career.On Solent seas at the moment.

St Margaret,Hardwicke Grange,Stolt Span,Clymene(old tanker),Clymene(newer bulk)Orotava,Dunster Grange,Orepesa,Andes,Derwent,Dart Britain,Humboldt,Clerk Maxwell,Cavendish,Faraday,Hornby Grange,British Steel.
There maybe more,but I need to check my records.
Also went to South Shields and Warsash.
Dah dah hows that?

Regards Paul
Hi Paul.
Thanks for the quick response. I was on Hardwicke 62,Humboldt 80's.Cavendish 70's, about 37 years all told. Retired 99.

Regards

Leo

[malekith]

hi again,armed with discharge book.A few ships missed.
A chance for others to peruse too.
St Margaret 10/74-11/74 Stolt Span 12/74-03/75
Hardwicke Grange 04/75-08/75 SouthShieldsColl.
Clymene 02/76-07/76 Clerk Maxwell 08/76-02/77

[malekith]

hi again,armed with discharge book.A few ships missed.
A chance for others to peruse too.
St Margaret 10/74-11/74 Stolt Span 12/74-03/75
Hardwicke Grange 04/75-08/75 SouthShieldsColl.
Clymene 02/76-07/76 Clerk Maxwell 08/76-02/77
Dunster Grange 04/77-07/77 Faraday 10/77-12/77
SouthShieldsColl.Orotava 09/78-03/79 Clymene 07/79-11/79
Ripon Grange 01/80-05/80 Humboldt 08/80-09/80
Upwey Grange 12/80-05/81 Derwent, Seaforth Dry dock 10/81
Banbury, Seaforth Dry dock 11/81 Orduna 12/81-05/82
Hornby Grange 08/82-01/83 and 04/83-08/83
Oropesa 10/83-01/84 Faraday 02/84-08/84
Cavendish 05/85-10/85 Pacific Peace 01/86-05/86
Dart Britain 05/86-06/86 Andes 08/86-09/86
Lord Kelvin 12/86-04/87 British Steel 06/87-11/87 and 02/88-09/88

Left service to Warsash for master's,obtained then to Sealink I.o.W
ferries,and by golly, sigh , still here.

as they say pick the bones out of that!!
All the best,and a Merry Christmas,Paul.

[saltyswamp]

hi again,armed with discharge book.A few ships missed.
A chance for others to peruse too.
St Margaret 10/74-11/74 Stolt Span 12/74-03/75
Hardwicke Grange 04/75-08/75 SouthShieldsColl.
Clymene 02/76-07/76 Clerk Maxwell 08/76-02/77
Dunster Grange 04/77-07/77 Faraday 10/77-12/77
SouthShieldsColl.Orotava 09/78-03/79 Clymene 07/79-11/79
Ripon Grange 01/80-05/80 Humboldt 08/80-09/80
Upwey Grange 12/80-05/81 Derwent, Seaforth Dry dock 10/81
Banbury, Seaforth Dry dock 11/81 Orduna 12/81-05/82
Hornby Grange 08/82-01/83 and 04/83-08/83
Oropesa 10/83-01/84 Faraday 02/84-08/84
Cavendish 05/85-10/85 Pacific Peace 01/86-05/86
Dart Britain 05/86-06/86 Andes 08/86-09/86
Lord Kelvin 12/86-04/87 British Steel 06/87-11/87 and 02/88-09/88

Left service to Warsash for master's,obtained then to Sealink I.o.W
ferries,and by golly, sigh , still here.

as they say pick the bones out of that!!
All the best,and a Merry Christmas,Paul.

merry crimbo paul where the f**k you been hiding
stuart

[marinero]

Merry Christmas Stuart and all the other Houlder old timers and have a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Regards

Leo(Thumb)

[MARINEJOCKY]

Merry Christmas Stuart and all the other Houlder old timers and have a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Regards

Leo(Thumb)

What about us younger ex Houlders guys Leo ? (*))

All the best to all seaman, ex-seaman and those who love the sea.

[billy vokes]

Hi Ian,
I thnk you were the chief mate on the Furness Bridge in 1975 if my memory serves me right after all these years! i joined in June 1975 in Genoa as first trip deck boy. I remember the bosun was Bob Thorne from cornwall and Wee Jimmy Gilzean was master. There was an extra mate on that trip and i think his surname was Evans??. That was the trip where we had the please of several months in Rio for repairs, such a hard life when you were only 16!!
Would be interested to hear if that was you on that trip and do you remember any more names.

Regards

Dave

Hi Dave
did you have a brother who also sailed with houlders, called michael

[billy vokes]

Here`s some picture`s from the Hornby Grange from 1979,anybody recognise any faces? That`s me in the front of the first pic

the one at the back is andy lynski, (AS) sailed with him twice and went to stay at his place for a week in leeds,great and funny guy would love to hear from him

[Dinah]

I'm looking for some information concerning the Ledbury pre 1958 and would be grateful if anyone could help with this. I sailed on the Ledbury as a deck apprentice during 1958-1960. There was a story that, some years previously, the Ledbury had sustained a split across the main deck during a typhoon off Japan, which was not an uncommon fault with Liberty Ships. Apparently she managed to make Yokohama where the split was repaired and doubling plates fitted around the hull. Is there anyone still around who knows anything about this incident?
By the way, I have posted a photograph of the Ledbury taken alongside in Necochea, Argentina in 1959, about to load a cargo of grain.

[Nick Batstone]

the one at the back is andy lynski, (AS) sailed with him twice and went to stay at his place for a week in leeds,great and funny guy would love to hear from him

Hi Billy,

Last time I saw you was walking up Kings Cross in Sydney and you were staying at the Gazebo hotel!!!

[saltyswamp]

What about us younger ex Houlders guys Leo ? (*))

All the best to all seaman, ex-seaman and those who love the sea.

Your not so young malc
regards
stuart

[marinero]

Your not so young malc
regards
stuart
Malcolm and Stuart you are both just snapper whippers compared to some on here.

All the best

Leo

[ALAN TYLER]

Malcolm and Stuart you are both just snapper whippers compared to some on here.

All the best

Leo

Act your age Leo!!! All the Best for the New Year, Alan.

[billy vokes]

Hi Billy,

Last time I saw you was walking up Kings Cross in Sydney and you were staying at the Gazebo hotel!!!

Hi Nick
remember that, what a chance encounter, we had a few nights in the Gazebo before flying up to newcastle to join the Abbey which had been delayed by bad weather on her way back from japan.

before that I think we done a few months togather on the Joule along with Andy Lynski and we almost missed the ship up in Norway, the agent had to trawl the bars in a taxi looking for us and we just made the pilot boat on its way back out to collect the pilot. LOL

good to hear from you brother

[marinero]

Act your age Leo!!! All the Best for the New Year, Alan.

Hi Alan. All the best for the new year.

Leo

[Nick Batstone]

Hi Nick
remember that, what a chance encounter, we had a few nights in the Gazebo before flying up to newcastle to join the Abbey which had been delayed by bad weather on her way back from japan.

before that I think we done a few months togather on the Joule along with Andy Lynski and we almost missed the ship up in Norway, the agent had to trawl the bars in a taxi looking for us and we just made the pilot boat on its way back out to collect the pilot. LOL

good to hear from you brother

Ha Ha remember that night well. First time I ever got pissed on red wine. I still have my breach of code form for that somewhere.

[billy vokes]

Ha Ha remember that night well. First time I ever got pissed on red wine. I still have my breach of code form for that somewhere.

No, not at sea anymore m8, left in 87, living down in Kent now working for a company that supplies the cruise boats.

How bout you, still knocking out them dodgy bread rolls. he he

[Ian Davenport]

In 1961/2 the STS Anadara was in the Bay of Biscay together, going to load at Puerto Miranda.
I was 17 and got worried that the Clutha River had sunk in the very high seas, as I had not been able to see her abeam for half an hour.
The 2nd mate checked the radar to confirm she was still abeam riding in the troughs of the 30ft+ waves.
We sailed to the same destinations quite a few times.

[saltyswamp]

Malcolm and Stuart you are both just snapper whippers compared to some on here.

All the best

Leo

Hi Leo
if we're just whapper snippers how long in the tooth do'se that make thee.

Happy & Healthy New year to one and all.

Stuart

[marinero]

Hi Stuart.
Coming up 69 now and beginning to feel it. Mind you though I'm still not ready for the "Big Bond Locker in the Sky" yet.

Happy and prosperous New Year to you and the family.

Leo

[MARINEJOCKY]

So you are not that much older than Stuart & I, all the best for the new year, Malcolm

[marinero]

So you are not that much older than Stuart & I, all the best for the new year, Malcolm

Hi Malcolm. I just feel older as I had a heavy paper round when I was a young lad. Mind you though, all those years looking after you lot is enough to put years on anyone.

Regards to all the family Malcolm and have a good year.

Leo

[vicday]

I was on the Westbury returning from South America when the Royston Grange went down in the River Plate, we passed her on the high seas.

[vicday]

I was on the Westbury in 1973 or thereabouts, good ship I was the Chief Cook

[steam train]

Report in Dundee Courier this week.Described due to bad weather, that mysterious large pieces of lard have been washed up on the beach at St Cyrus north of Montrose. These were from a convoy during June 1941 from the ship SS Queensbury. Which was travelling south as part of a large convoy. The convoy was around 10 to 15 miles off the coast when it was spotted by the Luffwaffe and further planes were sent from Norway to attack it.The recent bad weather had freed the lard from the sunken merchant ships.
There is a photo of the ship in the Newspaper.Was it part of the same fleet as Westbury, Banbury etc.

Steam Train.

[Nick Batstone]

Report in Dundee Courier this week.Described due to bad weather, that mysterious large pieces of lard have been washed up on the beach at St Cyrus north of Montrose. These were from a convoy during June 1941 from the ship SS Queensbury. Which was travelling south as part of a large convoy. The convoy was around 10 to 15 miles off the coast when it was spotted by the Luffwaffe and further planes were sent from Norway to attack it.The recent bad weather had freed the lard from the sunken merchant ships.
There is a photo of the ship in the Newspaper.Was it part of the same fleet as Westbury, Banbury etc.

Steam Train.

I take it the lard was the cargo and not some serious over-ordering from the Chief Steward.

[Nick Batstone]

No, not at sea anymore m8, left in 87, living down in Kent now working for a company that supplies the cruise boats.

How bout you, still knocking out them dodgy bread rolls. he he

Hi Billy

No, I left in 1988 and changed career completely and now work for a furniture research company in Stevenage. I live in Guildford now as I am home-based and have an office where I sit all day on the lap top and phone.

Don't have much to do with the sea life now but sometimes re-live the old days by sitting in a darkened room listening to Dark Side of the Moon having a puff!!

Did you keep in touch with Andy? He was a top bloke.

[rob mcc]

on the subject of horse meat was there a story of two lads on one of the meat boats caught trying to take horse meat out of the royal docks thinking it was steak from the argentine

[Joh Heaton]

Beleive it was on the Royston Grange one was the third eng who drank only Nouilly Prat and I think the other was his mate the Lecky who drank only Guinness
Sorry can't remember their names only what they drank at the time I was cadet
John

[vasco]

The lecky may have been Maurice Patterson,well, he was (Nthn) Irish so could well have been a Guiness man?

[Dave AW]

I sailed on the IMPERIAL TRANSPORT in1960 from feb.till may .Kept diary of the ports DaveAW.

[duquesa]

DaveAW. Sent you a pm

[jpearson]

Sailed on the ABADESA as EDH 1965,nice ship but missed the derricks.Jake.

[Baron von Hicks]

Hi, I sailed with Houlders from 1970 to 1976
First trip, Humbolt, Teesport to Punta Cardon, Deck Cadet.
Just joined forum at sprightly age of 60.

[ALAN TYLER]

Hi, I sailed with Houlders from 1970 to 1976
First trip, Humbolt, Teesport to Punta Cardon, Deck Cadet.
Just joined forum at sprightly age of 60.
Welcome to the site "Baron" sailed on the Humboldt 74/75 before moving offshore with Houlders.

[Baron von Hicks]

I joined the Humboldt on 24/9/70 in Middlesborough and paid off in Baton Rouge on 26.2.71, In those days she was imaculate and hadn't had the rigours of the Riga - Rouen run to contend with. Had the pleasure of sailing with Tom Woolcott, a top man in the gas world.

[Baron von Hicks]

I sailed on the Stolt Abadesa in 1972, flew to Cochin from London, via Bombay and Bangalore! Joined in Cochin, then on to Colombo, Madras, Penang, Port Swettenham,Singapore, Cebu, San Francisco, LA, Panama, New Orleans, Houston, New York, Rotterdam. Flew home, Circumnavigation + a bit. Nice trip for a twenty year old, better than Nintendo!

[Baron von Hicks]

Just read Jon Vincent piece on the Royston, after all these years still found it very moving. We were in the Plate shortly after and our engineers had to go over to the Royston and take off her diesel for our gennies. They found it pretty tough going. I'm sure we can all remember where we were around the world when we heard.

[Jamie71q]

My Father Workd For Houlder Marine Drilling Back in the Mid 70s till it was bought over by Stena Drilling , he then went to work for them.

I think he worked as a Tool Pusher on the KUK and the Dundee Kingsnorth. He then went to work in the Office in Bridge of Don ,

My Fathers name is Jim Harding, I remember Willie Vermullen from the office as well not sure if thats how you spell his name.

take care

Jamie Harding

[BOB.WHITTAKER]

JAMIE , your father will be well remembered by any H.M.D. personnel from the 70's and 80's on both semi's and jack ups . Did you work on Bay Driller And Shelf Driller. Cheers Bob Whittaker

[Roger Olney]

Hi All. Just found this site a few days ago.
I am Tim Stenner & was with Houlder Shipping from Sept 1970 when I started as an Engineer Cadet to March 1984 when I left the Clerk Maxwell as 2nd/Eng and transferred to Houlder Marine Drilling and the KUK.
Orotava June 72 to Jan 73 (Cadet)
Clyde Bridge Feb 74 to Sept 74 (Cadet & Jnr/Eng)
Cumbria Nov 74 to March 75 (5th/Eng
Humbolt Sept 75 to Dec 75 (Dia Davies & the road signs) (5th Eng)
Faraday Jan 76 to Jun 76 (5th/Eng)
Banbury Aug 76 to Jun 77 ( 3 x Trips on PSNC Run) (4th Eng)
Lord Kelvin Dec 77 Stood by in Italy & sailed May 78. Then various trips until
May 81 (4th/Eng - 3rd/Eng - 2nd/Eng)
Faraday Aug 81 to Jan 82 (2nd/Eng)
Humbolt Apr 82 to Sept 82 (2nd/Eng)
Lord Kelvin Nov 82 to Apr 83 (2nd/Eng)
Clerk Max Nov 83 to March 84 (2nd /Eng)
Then the rigs ...KUK - Dundee Kingsnorth - High Seas Driller - South Seas Driller - Ross Isle - Shelf Explorer - John Shaw - Nordic - Paul B Loyd.

Happy Christmas to one & All.

Cheers
Tim Stenner

Hi Tim
Im a newbe to the site.
Stood by Lord Kelvin as second all of the Build and first voyage so we must have been together.
Think you broke your thumb skiing with me ?
regards

[Roger Olney]

Anyone remember Ch.Eng. Bill Blaylock from I think East Boldon, I sailed on the Oean Transport as 2E with him. His wife Margret used to accompany him on many of his trips, including his last which was on the Furness Bridge where he was onboard as the "extra chief" tasked with setting up a spare gear system for the three sister ships Furness Bridge-Sir John Hunter-Sir Alexander Glen.This untill the working Chief had to be landed, due to I think an accident onboard .

Hi Bob I sailed with Bill Blaylock as 4E on the Tewksbury to NZ with his wife (best trip I ever did) and was with him in Italy on the Lord Kelvin new build. Bill was doing spare gear for Lloyds.

I think we were together at Shields Tech if so you borrowed my car to take your ticket ?

[BOB.WHITTAKER]

ROGER , I remember it well , a red Mk III 2 door 2 litre cortina GT,I borrowed it to go from South Shields to Gosforth for Chiefs orals . Passed and have never been as elated either before or since , that was 1976. Straight back to Shields and an afternoon session in The Westoe to celebrate . We did have a brief spell together on The Humbolt in 1972 when Clive Wintle (gone now), Les (Spike) Wright and myself joined it in Le Havre as extra hands to go to Riga and left at Kiel on the return.Tom Woolcot was the "Old Man" the chief was the Anglo/Indian Chap (A real gentleman but his name escapes me) the 2cnd was young lad Tony I think (His father was a vicar ?)the Leckie was a Cornishman and the engine room storekeeper was "Black Bob"
After getting my Chiefs in 1976 I went Offshore on Oregis / Uncle John / Bay Driller / Morecambe Bay Platforms seconded to British Gas / Shelf Driller . Long retired now ( 70 in 3 weeks ) Play about with Kit Cars these days just finished a Westfield Eleven ,areplica of a1956 Lotus Eleven , this is the last one no more !!
It was good to hear from you . Cheers BOB

[Tony Long]

Hello everyone who may be reading this message, my name is Tony Long, and I joined the merchant navy in 1954, as a 16 year old, getting a bit grey and wrinkled now (POP) The main reason for writing, is to try to find an "OLD" friend by the name of David Moorhouse, David and I served on the Ovingdean Grange between February 1956 and February 1957, in that time we did three trips down to South America, we were both boy ratings, David was an officer cadet, and I was a lowly cabin boy, I have been trying to locate David for some time now, but am unable to find him through the usual facebook or google searches, whether he stayed with Houlder Bros to become a captain or not, I've no idea, as we completely lost touch after I left the company, and went onto the NZ run. Any info would be very much appreciated. (Wave)

Tony

Kind regards to all.

[Cynthia Myers Dickin]

Hope you contact your ´´old friend´´... Feel sure that there may be guys out there, who somehow, are in touch or know if he´s alive and where ....
All the best,
Cynthia Myers Dickin - Montevideo, Uruguay

[duquesa]

Any info would be very much appreciated.

My time and vaguely recall the name but am afraid I have no idea what became of him. Somebody will. Good luck.