[Rob Armstrong]

Discussion thread for Ropner Line Ships List. If you would like to add a comment, click the New Reply button

[Geoff Clode]

Originally Posted by Rob Armstrong

Discussion thread for Ropner Line Ships List. If you would like to add a comment, click the New Reply button

As regards Ropners, I dont know if anyones out there sailed for ropners. Ropners invested money for ex- employees. My father Taffy Clode from Barry used to get a cheque every xmas, the stipulation was you must have sailed with Ropners. because of the decline in shipping & personnel they have relaxed their criteria. When my father died my mother got it, As she sailed with him. I get a cheque each xmas £300. So if you sailed for them it could be worth looking into. Good Luck

[Eddie Wallace]

I sailed on SS Heronspool, did two years on the OZ coast on coal and iron ore run do you think I might qulifie for a cheque ??

[lakercapt]

Originally Posted by Eddie Wallace

I sailed on SS Heronspool, did two years on the OZ coast on coal and iron ore run do you think I might qulifie for a cheque ??

I too did two years on the Aussie coast 1953/55 on Firby.
Dont think Ropners exists any more but for that alone we should be entitled to a big gold clock!!!!

[Rod F]

Hi Rob and Geoff,

My late father sailed on the SS Sedgepool - and also signed on at Barry !

[Geoff Clode]

Hi Rod, My father sailed on the Sedgepool & cme from Barry. When he crossed the Bar I never found his Books.

[bryon collins]

i joined on the sedgepool i think that was her name at hull in 1953 but she was renamed the bobara before we sailed to the usa calling at most of the gulf ports for cargo bound for liverpool and manchester. i was in the galley as a cabin boy on my first trip.

[N.R.HOLMES]

Took the Rushpool on her maiden voyage from Sunderland as 2nd cook and baker bound to the States Newport News for coal for the continent.Great ship good crew even if i say so myself good food.Joe Bell chief cook he was really good served his time as a baker and confectioner.Best job i ever had at sea including years with Port Line who had too much BULL as they carried twelve passengers.

[Barmyclaresdad]

Was R/O on Willowpool 1960/1961.
Joined in Hull to take ship to London and finished up change of orders, Immingham to bunker then lightship to States.
As I remember we arrived on Xmas eve and sailed on New Years eve for Hamburg then UK, think Dagenham

[Tony-eaglescliffe]

Just like to introduce myself as a new member.

My name is Anthony Harrison ( Tony ) and sailed on the MV Romanby as an engineer. It was the first ship I had sailed on with Doxford engines. It would be nice to see if anyone on the forum also sailed on the above ship round about 1967 to 1970.
Tha captains name was Rodam ( not sure if I spelt his name correctly).

[R58484956]

Greetings Tony and a warm welcome to SN. Bon voyage.

[lakercapt]

Joined "Romanby" at the builders yard in Jan 1957 for the maiden voyage. It was my first trip as third mate and my last with Ropners.

[Tony-eaglescliffe]

Hi Lakercapt,

Had a very senior moment when I put dates of working for Ropners of Darlington should have been 1967/1970.

Any particular reason why you decided it was your last trip with Ropners.( I know it was called ropey Ropners ) but I did not know that until I joined.



Regards Tony.

[eriskay]

At 18 years of age, my late Uncle sailed on S.S. HAXBY, having joined her at Glasgow at the end of March 1940. They sailed from the Tail o' the Bank on 8th April 1940 and separated from the convoy about the 16th April 1940 and on 24th April they were attacked and sunk by the German Commerce Raider ORION. He was taken POW on board the Raider and later another victim of ORION, the Norwegian TROPIC SEA, that was being sent back as a prize to Occupied France, and along with other POWs he was transferred to the prize ship. She was stopped within 24 hours of her destination by the British submarine HMS/S TRUANT and the prisoners were duly liberated. Eventually he made his way home from Gibraltar - some 163 days after the sinking of his ship.

At 20 years of age, my late Father sailed on S.S. DANBY, having joined her in Glasgow on 19th December 1939 and signed off at Swansea on 25th May 1940, a month and a day after his younger brother was taken POW and lying on board the Raider ORION badly injured with shrapnel, some of which he carried until his dying day.

[lakercapt]

Tony

Long trips were the norm and I had enough of that. Also the master was a real P%##K and treated me as if I still was an apprentice.

[dom]

but then again the master of the Troutpool 56/58 was a gentleman of the first order,the mate and third mate least said the better

[Tony-eaglescliffe]

Captain Rodham ( I think he was from Hartlepool ) on the Romanby when I was on it was great although he did limit our alcohol intake somewhat .

I suppose he just wanted to get the ship from A to B without any problems .