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R658336 ( John White )

3K views 28 replies 9 participants last post by  gilieman 
#1 ·
I am looking forward to browsing this site. As you can see from my discharge book number R658336 I go back a few years. Started at the Vindy, I expect there are plenty of you out there.Union Castle, Royal Mail, just to mention two of the 30 companies I worked for.Finished my last 7 plus years with Buries Markes.On all their chemical tankers, as Bosun. Brilliant company to work for.Perhap there are a couple of guys out there may know me.I started in 1956 finished in 1982.
 
#6 ·
Welcome

John,

On behalf of the SN Moderating Team, a warm welcome aboard from the Isle of Anglesey!
You will thoroughly enjoy your time on SN and get many happy hours entertainment from your membership. (Thumb)*
 
#7 ·
Thank you all for your warm welcome to the SN site I am sure I will spend many hours aboard.The time is 07.13 UK time. Yesterday I looked into the live ships at sea.I found that amazing,thank you.Question= Are the bridge bells still rung to announce the time.If so is seven bells still rung at 0720 and 1120.If I remember correctly seven bells in the afternoon watch was 1530. I do know the reason for the odd times for 0720 and 1120. Perhaps as a tiny quiz you could ask the Members if they know. All ex deckies should get this right. John R658336.
 
#23 · (Edited)
Union Castle

Hi there just as a matter of interest which ships did you sail on when you were with Union Castle? and what year was it?
look forward to hear from you,
Thanks
Don
Hi Don, I trust you are well.I was d/boy on the "Durban Castle",when she was the last Passenger ship to go through Suez in 1956.I did 4 trips on her 2 as d/boy and 2 as jos.1956 was the Nasser conflict.As you may well remember.Now things get a bit dim. In the early 80s my then wife put my discharge books in the cellar. Yes you have guessed they got ruined with the dampness.So now I have to rely on my memory. Do you remember the Gold Bullion theft aboard the "Capetown Castle! about 58/59. I served on her as AB the following trip.( am told the bullion was hidden in the sand locker, it was all recovered by the police ) I was AB aboard the " Tantallon Castle " which was one of the two Black hulled castle boats.that would be about 59/60. The " Athlone Castle "would have been about 60/61.That Don was my time with UCSS Co,LTD.Was did you do at sea and when.I was to spend many more years with a variety of companies Oh! to be young again. John. PS. The only company I can say I was with ,with certainty was Buries Markes. I was Bosun on two of their bulkers ..and their entire chemical tanker fleet from 1975/82
 
#22 ·
Good morning, this is my first attempt in my reseach into my fathers sailing career. Master Mariner William Maurice Dunn.
8 years under sail, 1906-1914, obtained masters ticket.
36 years with Alfred Holt "Blue Funnel Line";13 Years at sea,1914-1927, obtained masters ticket. 23 years as Supertendant of the Mercantile Warf Brisbane, 1927-1950.
His first sailing ship at age 16 was the Dunstaffnage; He was also on the Mount Stewart.
Born in 1890, retired 1950, died 1974.
This sums up the extent of my proven knowledge, and i don`t realy know where to go from here. can anyone help?
Bill Dunn.
 
#25 ·
Hi again Don,
I too have sat for hours writing a mail,then for what seems no reason it disappears. Life I guess. You mention you Island home,where might that be? You also mention the strike of 66. I was shore side during that one. As a matter of fact,there have been very few seamen strikes ever, official that is.I was in one of them. That would have been about 1960. I to was home ,in fact in Cornwall on holiday.As I could not go back to sea I stayed in Cornwall for an extra 4 weeks.I was on holiday with a shipmate, as we were camping and had a girlfriend each it did,nt cost us anything to stay the extra time.As I remember it we did,nt gain by the strike.
Football was also a passion of mine,I was always in the team if the ship had one.I was a goalkeeper.A position very few wanted.There used to be a famous football player named John White ( same as mine ) he played on the left wing for Tottenham. That was when it was 5 forwards, 3 midfield, 2 backs and a goalie. Those were the days.
I was hoping to go out today, its raining, no fun in a wheelchair. So I will find a site to keep me happy. Take care Don.
John.
 
#27 ·
Hi Don, I,m back aboard.Hope you and yours are in fine fettle. I actually feel fine, its the body that is falling apart. My Dad told me ,hard work never hurt anybody.I wished I had,nt listened. Hard heavy work in my youth ( at sea ) and before elf-n-safty is taking its toll.6 months without a hip now, hope it will be going back in soon.I still manage to smile, there are those out there far worse than I. John
 
#29 ·
Hi John
Sorry to hear about your hip, hope all goes well for you soon, my wife had both done three years ago and never looked back, now I cant keep up with her,
Main thing John try and keep looking on the bright side there`s always someone worse.
A dream cruise would soon sort it out for us John, preferably on one of the old ones!
Happy easter to you and yours
Don
 
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