Visitors Book








Selection of Comments from Site Visitors: 2021

Date Subject Comments
01/01/2021 Silver Yew I am the 88 year old daughter of Chief Engineer James Lees, of the Silver Yew when it was Torpedoed in the Atlantic in 1942. The captain, a great friend of my father went down with the ship but my father was rescued after being three nights on an open raft (like in the Real Cruel Sea.) He was taken to the islands of the coast of Africa. He lost everything and returned home with only a life jacket under his arm. I still have all the correspondence from the ship owners of the SilverLine to my mother available giving her the situation about the SilverYew. Is there a a memorial/ museum related to the Merchant Navy experience that I could contact to see if they are interested? I also have his tickets, marconigrams his Naval Cap, epaulettes etc. Thank you. Margaret Morse
05/01/2021 Silver Yew Thank you Brian for your very helpful response. I have enjoyed reading all your links, particularly noting that the sinking of the SilverYew was mentioned as part of the Memorial, and the passage from the Real Cruel Sea was read out. My father’s name was James Lees, not Lee by the way. I had tried previously to see who in the UK may have been interested in my Father's documents….. it looks like they will remain as treasured family archives. I will consider contacting the medal people as he was at sea from 1917-1945 when he came ashore. Margaret Morse
13/01/2021 Moldavia Very good to hear from you. I have attached a photo. It is a bit dilapidated but readable. My father William Charles Twist (1906-67) was the dispenser on the Moldavia. He had obtained his apothecary qualification when serving in the Royal Army Medical Corps from 1923 -31. It must have been a shock to return to Liverpool after 4 years away from home in Aden and Malta to find himself in the midst of the Great Depression. He was lucky to get a job on the Moldavia. Best wishes Ann Truesdale nee Twist
16/01/2021 Helle Skou Just tracked ship I was on in the sixties thanks. Dave Sartain
17/01/2021 Largs Bay Hi , my mother was on Largs Bay around 1948/49 and said she was laid up in Malta for few weeks on route to Australia . Her name was Mary Stirling , she met dad on board William EJob White . Michelle Harrison
17/01/2021 Tower Hill Memorial Hi - I just wanted to say Thank you. I have found where my great uncle now lies, not at the bottom of the sea but proud on a memorial. When lockdown is over I am going to visit him. This is amazing. Sue Collins
17/01/2021 BP Ships I am trying to get information on the BP ships my grandfather either was crew or captain off. I don't know much other than his career lasted throughout and long after ww2. He was awarded the MBE after saving surviving members of his crew when one of his ships was sunken in the war.. although out of the 20 or so ships he sailed, I believe 3 were sunk. His name was Capt Pierre Payne (although known as peter) you have such extensive knowledge of the BP fleet I am hoping you may have information on my grandfather and the ships he sailed.. or can point me in the right direction. I am happy to share any information I find if you would like to include (Or not) on your site. Merchant navy went through so much during the war and were very rarely recognised, my hope is to change that,.. at least for posterity sake. Kind regards Claire Payne
17/01/2021 Tremador My great uncle is Glynne Jenkins he was 20 when he died. He was torpedoed when aboard S. S Tremador Dec16 1941. He was presumed drowned. Very sad. He is talked about often within the family. My grandfather was with him and survived by floating in oil slicked sea for 18hours until picked up and met my mother in 1942. Sue Collins
18/01/2021 Linaria There is one person missing from this list: Reginald Parker. He is on the memorial at Tower Hill, but missing from your list. Are you able to add his details, please? Martin Charlton. (details have been added)
19/01/2021 St. Patrick Civilian Deaths on St. Patrick: Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I am so glad that their names have been recorded in someway. I would have hated for them just to have been forgotten as it was such a momentous event in my mothers life. A tragedy which also had so many ramifications for her. I shall continue to follow it up a little further. I think there has been a memorial erected to the sinking of the SS St Patrick somewhere on the South East coast, Rosslair? Wexford? If I find any thing further, I can let you know. Naomi Callaghan
21/01/2021 Aldington Court Delighted to have come across your website. I'm in the process of researching my father's voyages using his Continuous Certificate of Discharge & found that he was 1st Radio Officer on the Aldington Court between 3/4/1940 & 15/5/1941. Great to see an image of the ship and all the details you've posted. Many thanks. Graham Dixon
21/01/2021 British Officer Re the mining of British Officer off the Tyne in 1943: Tower Hill Merchant Navy Memorial in London lists Fifth Engineer Walter Reginald Cohen, Fireman Robert Mitchell Fernie, Third Engineer Richard E. Southcott and Greaser Arthur G. Terrell, all engine room staff as casualties. Norman Hewitt (details found and added)
21/01/2021 Portfield I have the following details which seem to differ from yours perhaps you could clarify Official # 139637 Launched as WAR PEACOCK became PORTFIELD after launch. 1929 sold to French company and re-named FORT LAMY. 07/40 seized in Falmouth by British Government. 08/03/43 sunk by U.527 in convoy SC.121. 46 killed. David Brook. (The Tower Hill website omitted DEMS gunners who were commemorated elsewhere but these have now been added to the data table)
22/01/2021 Inver Skou In September of 1967, at the age of 17, I shipped out of Boston on a ship named Inger Skou en route to Vietnam after loading a cargo of rice in Lake Charles. Is it this ship? Can you tell me how that voyage went? I got off in Hawaii. Mark Wilderman
28/01/2021 Adula I am happy to concede that the record for the MV ADULA is inaccurate in that it did not go to the Mediterranean as stated but went to Australia where unfortunately my uncle was lost overboard. He was only 23 and had been on two vessels serving in the Med for a period of time. My understanding is that prior to this unfortunate incident he had not been too well, but was recovering. He was third officer on the ADULA. At this time my grandfather was in transit to the med to take over a ship when he was advised of his son's death. My grandfather, torpedoed twice in 1941, had just completed more than a year on the Pacific in service with Canadian Pacific the company he has work for since 1923. He was a Chief Steward at the time. John Quirk
07/02/2021 Antrim I'm putting together some law study notes, and we discuss a case that involved the Antrim (later renamed Hongkong Fir). Can I please use your lovely photo in my study guide? Thanks, Amanda. (agreed)
09/02/2021 Stephanotis Hi Brian.. we have been researching the stephanotis because I inherited an engraved silver tea caddy ( we think) . I would like to send you photos for your opinion. There are engravings on the centre panel .. 2 initials , possibly SY, Stephanotis, June 6th 1903. Sue Holland
17/02/2021 Thomas Strafford The lifetime dates for Sir Thomas Strafford are incorrect. They should be 1593 to 1641. You have mixed them up with the dates of his great nephew Sir Thomas Wentworth, 3rd Earl of Raby 1672 to 1739. Adrian Hughes (date was corrected)
26/02/2021 British Tamar Great website. For info if you wanted to add it to the BRITISH TAMAR Tanker section... I have the large Ships Bell from this Tanker. I have uploaded a nice little film on utube explaining how I got it. May interest someone. "Historyseeker" (link included on website)
05/03/2021 Freecrest My Uncle, Roderick 'Roddy' McKay served in this ship and he kept a painting of it at his parents house in Glasgow, which I still have. I have a photograph of the painting if you want a jpeg copy? Laura McGregor (copy supplied by Laura and added to web page)
06/03/2021 Bittern (Ardetta) & Bittern. Cannot have been scrapped in 1954. I sailed on them both as a Sea Cadet about 1960 & 61. You're welcome to ask more if you want. Thanks for the interest. Brought back good memories. Best regards Ketih Irwin (looks like Keith was referring to another ship of the same name)
07/03/2021 Blackpool Trams Location of one of the photos incorrect Dave Loomis. (entry corrected)
25/03/2021 Marmora My daughter was given a photo of the P&O SS Marmora, signed by the Australian passengers dated June 24, 1904. She is interested in finding out more about the ship and the person it was given to originally. If there is any information you can forward to us regarding the ship/crew at that time it would be greatly appreciated. She has sent me a photo of the picture, but I don't seem to be able to attach it here. Mary
25/03/2021 Moldavia I have attached a photo. It is a bit dilapidated but readable. My father William Charles Twist (1906-67) was the dispenser on the Moldavia. He had obtained his apothecary qualification when serving in the Royal Army Medical Corps from 1923 -31. It must have been a shock to return to Liverpool after 4 years away from home in Aden and Malta to find himself in the midst of the Great Depression. He was lucky to get a job on the Moldavia. Best wishes Ann Truesdale nee Twist.
26/03/2021 Athenia When I was about 7 years old I liven in Victoria BC and had a ballet teacher by the name of Leona Atfield . She , her sister and mother had been returning to Canada on the Athenia when it was torpedoed Her mother was a concert pianist . and had been on a concert tour . Later I was a flower girl at her wedding (also in Victoria , about 1944-5) Her father was very helpful to my mother as my own dad was working in the Arctic during the war years. I do not remember her sister's name. Leona eventually moved to the USA but I met her in Vancouver again in about the 1970;s I remember Mrs Atfield speaking about them spending hours in the water.. I have hunted for a passenger list but not located one. Doreen Riedal
09/04/2021 Unknown ship Hello, I purchased three vintage black and white photos, of Esso oil tankers that have been in some kind of collision. The only thing I can gather from the photos are that the ships are in dry dock #1 in norfolk virginia 2. I see a tug boat with Lambert's point written on the side 3. I can see part of the ships name, I am not sure if it is a complete name "Esso muay" I'm trying to find out what year this happened, what happened to the tankers, and is this something significant that happened in history? I I don't know if you can help me with this inquiry. I can also email copies of the photos. Thank you Joyce Pettiford. (identified by members of the SeatTheShips website)
17/04/2021 Grenadier Really well done on your Website. I am a volunteer researcher with the Northumbria World War One Commemoration Project - we research the lives of local men and women lost in WW1 and upload their details to a public database so they are not forgotten. I'm currently working on Robert John BELLWOOD, who went down with the SS Grenadier. You show that the vessel was sunk by a mine - but there is another website (Wrecksite I think), shows she was "torpedoed without warning and sunk by a submarine". Can you confirm your version so that I can update our database. I also wondered whether you'd give your permission for us to use part of your photo of the Tower Hill Memorial that includes Robert John Bellwood's name. Many thanks Diane Humberstons (permission granted)
12/05/2021 Manipur I came across the attached in my late grandmother's collection and have been ruminating over it for some time. I can only suppose that it is Manipur as I can see no reason for her to have it otherwise, unless it was another of Captain Will's commands, but I don't think it is. Your comments would be welcome. Michael Wood (it was not possible to confirm due to limitations of the photo)
20/12/2021 Mongolia My great, great grandfather was a 2nd class passenger on this ship in 1913 from Calcutta to British Guiana. I am researching his life and would be very grateful to you if you could let me know of any websites or material that might explain what the journey would have been like for him such as accommodation, daily life, food etc. Even if there is no material available for this specific ship, but there is for a similar type ship, I would apreciate this link or data as I can use it to understand what his experience would have been like even if it is a different ship. Thank you so much. Imtiaz McDoom-Gaffoor. (Information forwarded to help further research)"

Selection of Comments from Site Visitors: 2020

Date Subject Comments
13/02/2020 Stephanotis Hi Brian, Thanks for sharing the image. A graceful vessel now lost. I believe there are only three steam yachts of the period in existence today. Medea’s deck arrangement changed a number of times over the 20th century according to her owners and various roles. During the First World War she had a French artillery piece mounted on her foredeck. At her lowpoint while moored in British Columbia she looked more like a ramshackle barge. Today I get to see her as I write to you from my office, looking out the window. Given that we have hundreds of images of her, and not one shows her sails at work, my guess is that they were primarily insurance rather than a practical means of propulsion. Regards, Kevin Sheehan, Ph.D Manager of Collections Maritime Museum of San Diego.
14/02/2020 Opawa Hi, First thanks for your great sites. Can I point out that for the ship above there is no write up for Allan Raves although he is on the memorial plaque for that ship, also that CWGC has him being on MV Apawa Tower Hill panel 76. Thanks again keep up the excellent work. Tony.
26/01/2020 Stancourt Brian, Thank you so much for your email and information. Alan is delighted and despite now approaching 90 with failing sight he has pin sharp memory of his time in the Merchant navy 1946 - 54. He is full of anecdotes of the many ships on which he worked. Regards, and thanks again. David C.
09/01/2020 F.E. Thoresen Hi Brian, Many thanks for revising the entry on FE Thoresen. His niece will be pleased to see a more accurate account of her great-uncle’s unhappy war-time experience given wider exposure. Best wishes, Roger Thomas
08/01/2020 Ben Line Brian, I served in Ben Line in the mid to late Seventies as deck Cadet through to Third Officer. I have attached the Rank Insignia for that time as I remember them. Not too sure about the Chief Steward and 1st Radio Officer as I have seen different versions. Thought it might be of interest. Great job on the web site. Best regards, Ron Clark.
05/01/2020 Wild Rose Hello Brian. Thank you co much for your help I have been trying for some time to find a list of the men who were drowned, on the Wild Rose. My grandfather was Evan Owen of cross street Hayle. Thank you again Evan.
01/03/2020 Largs Bay Hi. I've just been reading about the Largs Bay which my mother and I sailed on in December 1954. I was 18mths old. My image of this voyage has always been of a glamourous cruise but I see now that this ship was nearing the end of its life and probably wasn't that glamourous at all. Su Compton
02/03/2020 Tower Hill "Excellent website. Thank you for your hard work. Luckily I live a couple of miles from Tower Hill and an researching all the MN deaths from my borough, Southwark. Youngest was 15. Neil Bright "
06/04/2020 Athenia I’ve only taken a cursory look at your Athenia website so far and will spend more time exploring it in the days ahead, You have done a masterful job…!!! I was particularly impressed that you made the effort to transcribe all of Judith Evelyn’s account. A big job that I had considered and backed away from…! The section on my Mother and myself was well done and I liked your inclusion of our home in Northwood. It looked as though a high-rise was being erected next door, but it seems only to be an unusual cover for protecting an upgrading project. Phil & Eva Gunyon
16/04/2020 Athenia Many thanks for it and for including my father's information on your website. No need for any corrections as you got all the details right. I'd be really pleased if someone comes forward with more information of how my father was rescued. James Gilhooley
04/05/2022 Haig Rose Just wanted to say thank you very much for the information you gave me very mush appreciated Arfon Roberts
06/05/2020 SS Settler "Thanks very much for the really comprehensive information and the photos. There is a lot I can use and it will be particularly interesting for the shipping enthusiasts amongst the readers of the magazine. Once again thanks a lot for all the info. Peter Taylor"
07/05/2020 Walter Ulric As a hobby I involve myself in maritime history projects and have used your site on a number of occasions to confirm the names of those lost at sea, it is a great resource. Therefore I thought it only right to provide you with some information missing from the notes section relating to the loss of the schooner Walter Ulric on 29 March 1917 which I happen to be researching. Nigel Braybrooke
11/05/2022 King Lud "Thanks for that information and for your continued help. I hadn't known until you pointed it out that some submarines carried seaplanes. I shall keep digging. Leslie Martin"
11/05/2020 Dan-y-Bryn Again, many thanks for all the help you have given. Will be following up, re medal information.Just wish I had found my dad,s records sooner. Will advise any news. Robert Wright
09/06/2020 Barrington Court " Hi Brian I have just read your story on SS Barrington Court . My Father was on this ship when it arrived in Huelva Spain 1944 . Unfortunately he became ill on board ship,and was transferred to hospital and passed away after surgery. My point is how many men were on board and what was his Rank,as I have know idea. Ps he was buried there and I have been to his burial plot . His name was Edgar Lloyd Rowe .Thank you so much for this article. Derek Rowe"
13/06/2020 SS Ava "Thank you so much for your enlightening answer and for the picture! Wow, isn't she beautiful! You even gave me a new lead. After spending hours on this research, I was stalled, but thanks to your prompt answer, I can move on. I also just realised Wikipedia had tons of pages on ships from the world over, it's unbelievable. A. Lewis"
14/06/2020 War Memorials "Thank you for your quick response. Yes, I am born and bred in the UK. My grandfather made the decision to move to the UK from Bangladesh. If there are two identical ones in India and Bangladesh then I will make the visit to Bangladesh to go see it myself as well as to visit the Tower Hill Memorial in London. I could not find my great grandfathers name online for many years, as we had lost the documents over the years and wasn’t aware where his name is commemorated until I came across your site. I appreciate the work you have done. Best of luck. Tareq Khan"
07/07/2020 SS Armenian Thank you for your hard work! I just found my wife's great-great uncle. He was on the SS Armenian that was sunk in 1915. Vivo, G.S. was his name. it was amazing to see this part of history all the way here in Panama City Beach FL. thank you again, George Galanoplos & Yesenia Ramos
10/07/2020 Arctic Convoys "Thank you for your help, time and contacts. I will pass the information to my niece. James Gough received the Russian Ushakov Medal so years ago but not the British Artic Star. Thank you again. Richard Gough, Former Parachute Regiment."
10/07/2020 SS Ghamo Thanks for getting back to me. Attached photo of bell & another of the Bhamo & SS Hebrides 1898 launched this time by my paternal Grandmother. I am collecting photos of the Henderson Line & your website is invaluable. My Great Grandfather was a partner in the Henderson Line as was his son George Peat from1936.Donald Warden
17/07/2020 HMS Rodney Many thanks for your suggestions and searches. James was the headmaster of my boarding school on the IOW. He used to regale the boys with tales of the Rodney and Bismarck. A few old chums and I thought James was the Gunnery Officer on the Rodney and I am trying to confirm that! Malcolm K Peck
27/07/2020 Uganda What a fantastic documentation of the history of the Uganda. I was onboard I believe in the summer of 1969 or 1970. I was 16 years old at the time and what an experience it was! Ports of call included: Danmark, St. Petersburg (then Leningrad), Sweden and Norway. Leaving the North Sea for the Baltic, we were followed by a Russian Submarine and the Captain started doing crazy Ivans to deter the sub. Entering St. Petersburg we were forbidden to take photography of the Russian naval base we passed on the way to dockage. We were circled by Russian gun boats and I photographed in concealment with machine guns aimed in my direction. Great fun! The shipped much to my pleasure was loaded with randy British school girls,gambling casino and beer bar. Paradise. The food was awful but sufficient. My friend in attendance had been on board the previous summer on the Uganda's Mediterranean cruise which included ports of call in Morocco, Spain, etc. He recommended the Cruise idea to my parents who may have reconsidered had then known about some of the undisclosed amenities available to the underage students! I was the goalie on the championship deck hockey team that was only defeated in the last round by the Uganda Ship Company. Afterwards, we were invited to the Captains quarters for celebratory 'shanties' a mixture of beer and lemonade! What an honor it was. The last time I saw the Uganda it was in the US TV news shown underway to the Falklands War refitted as a Hospital Ship. I was likely among a handful of people in the US who recognized her with fond memories! Michael Patten
03/08/2020 George Witten " Hello. I just wanted to say thank you for the information about George Witten. My grandparents passed away this year, they lived next door to George at 38 Arncliffe Gardens and for many years looked after George's home when he was away. My grandad was very fond of George and Dossett, and upon clearing his loft last month we found lots of George's belongings, including photographs, letters to my grandad etc. It's lovely to find out some more about him. Danielle James"
12/08/2020 MV Celtic "I have a few photos of MV Celtic from the mid 70s during the time my stepdad John Grant was the owner. As a boy, I spent quite a few hours aboard her, and in the company of other barge owners like Beric, Hydrogen, and the like, and I hope that she ends up being restored by someone. If I had the money and the time, I'd be tempted to give it a go myself. John died earlier this year at the age of 89, and he was always interested whenever I found new photos of Celtic online. This is an amazing resource, and I thank you for taking the time to put it together! Daen de Leon"
22/09/2020 Dan-y-Bryn Thank you for your site - I believe my Grandad served on the Dan-y-Bryn and I know he was injured (possibly Hull 1941) and treated 'up North' as my Grandma had to go and visit him. Gill Bennett
05/10/2020 PRIAM "Thank you for looking up the ship. I work as a chief engineer and its interesting to know the ship was built in Dundee, will see what I can find about the yard. My grandfather was a tailor from Hamburg but being Jewish was lucky to get out in May 1939. He fought for the free french in Indo China and was then in Shanghai until the end of the war. It took him three years to get permission from the British Government to come to England from Shanghai to join his wife and my father and his brother. Alan Goldman "
09/10/2020 Ballylogan Thanks, I was one of the crew over fifty years ago.After seeing the Ballylagan it brought me right back to the "Old Girl" ; I'm sure long gone"and many happy memories. Alan Harbinson
13/10/2020 Rohilla Thank you very much! Yes they were clinging to a piece of wreckage for hours.... the locals were very brave.... we were invited to the 100 th anniversary but couldn’t make it... we live in Southampton..... but oneday I will visit the museum... thank you for your help Sally Halfpenny
31/10/2020 Tuscan Star I've just had an interesting read of the sinking of MV Tuscan Star as described by my father JACK Wells. I have the original of these notes, and they are very difficult to read in my father's copperplate writing style! I think the notes were transcribed by my brother Alan Wells some years ago. Peter Wells
06/11/2020 General Feedback As a retired shipmaster I find your site most interesting - keep up the good work. I served as Apprentice/2nd Mate in Port Line 1958/68, as Deck Officer Master & Senior Master in Dover ferries 68/98 & in UK/near-continental delivery trade 98/2007. If I can help with any research relating to these occupations, please do not hesitate to contact me; James W. Martin
14/11/2020 Stephanotis Have just read article on SY Stephanitis/TS Wendorian - fascinating. The photographs of the splendid interior brought back a lot of memories as I was at KEVII Sea Training School 1957/8 and made several trips in her. However, the accomodation for the crex of cadets (the "half deck") right aft, over the propellor & immediately beneath the steam steering engine, was much more spartan and confined.However, there was also a tiny double-berth cabin in the halfdeck for the cadet captains.In this cabin was a small wash hand basin with the taps still marked "Fria" and "Caliente", Spanish for "cold" and "hot". The Mate lived in a cabin forward below the windlass and the Master's palatial accomodation was in the owner's suite in the deckhouse. I think the Cook, the only other regular crew member, lived in a small cabin somewhere amidships. Jim Martin
14/11/2020 Leith Ships Great site and important work Brian, our maritime history needs to be looked after, well done to you and the guys, if you need any help with input of data just give me a shout, I note some of the ships built at Leith have some missing and I can furnish you with that no problem. Ron Neish
14/11/2020 Athenia , I went through the newspaper clippings and found the name of my ballet teacher She was then 16 years, old Lona Atfield,and is listed in theDundee Evening telegraph Sept 3rd as being in the Glasgow Infirmar. Doreen Riedel
04/12/2020 Athenia "Thank you so much for your response!! Very helpful. I really appreciate it. I had looked at Mac's log, which had many fascinating details about the Athenia. I too was sorry he passed away. It was there I discovered that the Athenia left from Princes Dock in Glasgow, but my character has to leave from Liverpool. I think your explanation is the best one. After all, mine is a novel, not a historically fastidious site like yours. If I find anything, I'll let you know. I really enjoyed looking at your site. What a lot of work you've done! Constance Paige"
10/12/2020 General Feedback My great grandfather JOHN BRUSTAD NIELSEN died when the Tangistan sank 9/3/1915. I have since researched his life and visited the house where he was born on the island of Ytteroy, Norway. Thanks for all the work you are doing on recording the MN losses.....the 4th and often forgotten branch of the services. Janet Neilson
10/12/2020 Athenia I found a lot of fascinating information on your website. Thank you for that. My great-uncle, Ian Donnelly, was a steward on the Athenia and died when it was sunk. I have previously pulled together some information that his sister, my gran, had held onto, and also some research I did myself in Glasgow's Mitchell Library on this blogpost. I think it is important to put a human face on these historical events, as your website does, in order to help people make a connection with these events. Paul Climie

Selection of Comments from Site Visitors: 2019

Date Subject Comments
24/12/2019 Benedict Hi, Not sure you'd be interested but thankyou for your site - and research. My father H Craggs on attached image, Captain in the Royal Artillery, landed at Salerno in September 1943 - this must have been the send-off meal - and looks special for the time and for the ship. Best wishes, Chris Craggs
20/11/2019 Tower Hill I JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU FOR THE SITE. IT IS TOTALLY AWESOME!! (UNFORTUNATELY MY SIGHT IS IMPAIRED, HENCE THE CAPS). I TOOK A SCREEN SHOT OF PANEL 10 – ARTHUR F CORWIN CRAIG, WALTER SON I TOOK A SCREEN SHOT OF PANEL 27 – CINGALESE PRINCE CRAIG, WILLIAM FATHER I FOUND MY OWN GRAND FATHER JUST RECENTLY BURIED AT FOGO, NFLD. YOU’VE DONE A GREAT JOB. THANK YOU AND KINDEST REGARDS. DIANE.
31/10/2019 Lucida of London Hello, Brian! My goodness - all that information, amazing! You have it all at your fingertips. Thank you so much. I have written a book called A Tribute to the Women of Gourdon, a fishing village in North East Scotland where I grew up, in facilitating the fishing industry over many years. It is on the village Museum website - the Maggie Law Maritime Museum. However, it is my booklet about the men of the village who served, and died or survived in WW1 that led me to your website. I wrote it as part of Museum's Commemoration of the end of the War in 2018. I am now extending it and the website manager is very helpful, for example providing a lovely front cover. I had done it in some haste and am glad to be improving it. I might send it to you as an attachment once completed? Meantime thank you very much for sharing your wealth information on the type of ship the Lucida was. It is most generous and most helpful. I will incorporate it in an Appendix and acknowledge the source, of course. I was planning a short Appendix which can now be fuller and more comprehensive thanks to you. The Gourdon man who lost his life was John Stewart, a sort of in-law type relative. Much appreciated. Celia
28/10/2019 Pacific Shipper Hi Brian, I was surprised and delighted to find your web site today and particularly so to find my Dad’s ship, the Pacific Shipper, on which he served during WW2. I have quite a bundle of material relating to his service years which, if it is of any interest, I’d be pleased to share. There are log books, note books, photos of ship and crew. Please do let me know if this is of any interest to you. Meanwhile, here’s a photo of the crew, probably taken in 1944. Cheers, Peter Rodger
16/09/2019 Athenia Brian, I'm sitting trawling the internet as usual looking for stuff to buy relating to the Athenia and came across your site. My maternal grandad was a cook onboard at the time of the sinking. When the story broke of the watch being looked after by the cook and then the wreck was found I was contacted by my local press for a story. I also contacted Riverside museum to arrange to visit Emily Malcolmson who looks after their exhibit. It would be great to now go see them at the Riverside as my grandad is in the photo of all the cooks. My grandad did survive to be handed at Galway. But he passed away shortly after due to his injuries. My nanny was never given a war widows pension..left with 6 kiddies. Very sad indeed. You have a great site. Regards, Carolann Cameron.
20/08/2019 WW2 Rangoon Brian, I like your website. I read with interest Richard Crow’s recollections of pre-war Rangoon. My grandfather James McDonald was based in Rangoon at this time and I believe left shortly before the Japanese invasion. I was told he was an engineer in the Port of Rangoon. He was born in Govan, Glasgow and I have a recollection that he had worked at one time for the Paddy Henderson Line. Regards, Alan McDonald
12/06/2019 Ship Identification Brian, It is sometime since we communicated and you and your friends identified the ship my father was on. I have a little more information and I thought you would like to have a small update, confirmation and thus closure on this little project. Last week I finally received my fathers original service records (not a transcribed version from the 90's) and can now confirm 100% that he was on the Tabinta when he returned from the far east. It seems the manifest and passenger records were destroyed in the 1970's but I did find the route and ports the Tabinta docked at by reviewing Dutch newspapers. He left Singapore on the 2 Dec 1947, travelled via the Suez Canal and arrived at Southampton on the 26 Dec 1947, therefore I can now also date the picture. Sadly, I lost my mother a month ago before I found the latter this week but she was very pleased to know which ship he was on, therefore and again, a big thank you from my Mum and myself, to one and all. Nige.
10/06/2019 Tuscan Star Hi Brian. It is fantastic to use the internet for such positive purposes. It would be a privilege to see my Grandfather's own words adding to the existing body of knowledge. I have attached the scanned documents - please do let me know if you have any difficulties accessing these. My father (John's eldest son) understands that his role was Engineer (possibly 2nd Engineer). The account was written circa 1970 - John wrote this for the Dorset and Bournemouth Constabulary magazine. Thank you once again for your interest. Kind regards, Jo
09/06/2019 Bonnington Court Hi Brian, My Dad was on the Bonnington Court - he always carried a photo of Wally - I suppose that must be William - in his wallet until he died aged 90 in 2007. In the picture, Wally is wearing a dirty vest, standing on deck of Bonnington, holding a filthy rag at arms length. Apparently, the bomb went down the funnel, straight into the Engine room. Wally had taken my Dad's watch and we'd often go to Blackheath memorial in London to pay our respects. I also have my Dad's log book which clearly states that the crew were discharged at Sea. My dad remained in the merchant navy all his life. He ended up working for General Steam - he was the ship yard manager in Deptford when it was finally closed down. He then joined P&O, worked as consultant engineer on MV Norland and was chief engineer on that vessel until he was made to retire at 60 - when he was at the height of his career and knowledge - he loved the sea! Thank you for documenting the vessel - very interesting. Sarah Bioletti

Selection of Comments from Site Visitors: 2018

Date Subject Comments
25/04/2018 LST 3519 I was on my IPad and saw the article on 3519. I was one of her commissioning crew in Montreal and in company with 3518 (Built in Vancouver) we returned to the UK, I have photo of original crew. J.D.P. Ex W/T (T.O). Jim Parkes
02/04/2018 Ulster Sportsman Nice to drop across your site, I was 2nd engineer on her in another life! Quite an experience. Brings back a few memories especially of quite a few nasty crossings of the Irish Sea! Nice site. Thanks. Clive Turnbull.
18/03/2018 Duchess of Richmond Dear Brian, I am writing on behalf of the Naval Eight/208 Squadron Association. We are a group of ex-Servicemen and women, who once served on No 208 Squadron, Royal Air Force at any time throughout its illustrious history. Our aim is to serve as a forum for former Squadron members to keep in touch, and to share in their anecdotes of their time in the Service. We publish an Annual Newsletter, and maintain a Website, which acts as a repository of these anecdotes and other articles for posterity. One of our most senior colleagues, Sid Jefford, who served on the Squadron between 1941 and 1944, sadly passed away on Christmas Day 2017. In his effects, his family found a written account of his service, which they are trying to publish in his memory. I have undertaken to help them do so, most likely as a self-published book. Sid embarked on the SS Duchess of Richmond in January 1941 to join 208 Squadron, then stationed in Libya. I am writing, therefore, to ask if we might have your permission to use the attached image from your 'benjidog' Website as an illustration in our book. Neil Meadows. Note: I was delighted to recieve a copy of Neil's excellent book in the post. A very kind gesture!
07/03/2018 San Emiliano and Donald Owen Clarke Hi Brian, Just a quick note to let you know that my book, Quiet Courage - Forgotten Heroes of WW II is progressing on schedule. There is now a website and also a promotional video. They have been made to promote the publication when it is released and I thought you might like to see them. The site addresses are below. You can just click on them. I'll let you know how things progress from here. The manuscript has been completed and it currently being proofread (for the 6th time). Thanks again for all your help. None of this could have been achieved without your assistance. With best wishes, Tony.
18/02/2018 Duke of York Many thanks Brian, Dad and Mum are staying with us and thrilled with what you have done. We have promoted your website with Dads surviving shipmates and relatives and will continue to do so. Thanks again.

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