Date: 19:40, 28th December
From: Phil Hughes
Email: philip@vindi.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: Broadstairs, Kent. U. K.
Message: May I, on behalf of myself and the East Kent Branch membership, thank you all for your Christmas cards / ecards / wishes which will be read out at our January meeting. It is greatly appreciated by us all. May I also, on behalf of myself and the branch wish you all a very happy and healthy 2005.
I must also congratulate your webmaster on a terrific new site.
Best wishes,
Phil Hughes, (East Kent Branch Secretary)
Date: 21:53, 28th December
From: ken wheatland
Email: kennethwheatland@hotmail.com
City/Country:
Message: Nice to sea a site totally dedicated to seamen,no matter what department, status or school. We are or were seamen. I was at sea from 65 until 78. Gave it up and settled ashore. Saw too many marriages go adrift while at sea. Still retain a great love of the sea. I hope that this site takes off because it's just what us old sea dogs need.
Date: 14:19, 30th December
From: Bill King
Email: billking@bigpond.net.au
City/Country: Sydney, Australia
Message: Congratulations on a great new site. It has all the style and content that makes it worth visiting on a regular basis.
Bill King V54 (Catering)
Date: 15:47, 30th December
From: Alan Glasson
Email: glassona@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney Australia
Message: CONGRATULATIONS, Its off to a good start, I think a big thank you is due to Julia,& Bill, I know how much work you both put into running a web site, this will be the best EVER, thanks, Alan Glasson
Date: 19:36, 1st January
From: Phil Hughes
Email: philipvindi.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: Broadstairs, Kent. U. K.
Message: Its great to see another very well planned and extremely well organised website for ALL seafarers in operation. On behalf of myself and the members of the East Kent Branch of the Vindicatrix Association I congratulate you and wish you much success for the future.
A very happy & healthy 2005 to all.
Regards,
Phil Hughes, (East Kent Branch Secretary - TSVA.)
Date: 19:38, 1st January
From: Phil Hughes
Email: philip@vindi.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: Broadstairs, Kent, U. K..
Message: Regrets to you all for the error in my email address in my previous message. Please note my correct email address.
Regards,
Phil Hughes.
Date: 20:12, 1st January
From: Jim Lloyd
Email: jim.lloyd4@btopenworld.com
City/Country: UK
Message: Congratulations. Wishing you success with your New Web Site Venture, for All Seamen.
Date: 20:14, 1st January
From: John Paulling
Email: johnpaulling404@hotmail.com
City/Country: Raymond Terrace NSW
Message: Great work Bill and Julia, keep at it. It is greatly appreciated. Now where\'s the \"Whoopsies\" Heh Heh!
Date: 21:57, 1st January
From: John Clissold
Email: Sylv2439@aol.com
City/Country: West Sussex, U.K.
Message: Just been sent your website from a Vindi boy in Australia, will be back with some photos to add to your collection. I was at the GSS in 1953.
Date: 22:29, 1st January
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: London UK
Message: Hi Bill,
What a great idea having launched this new MN site as i might get in touch with some of my KGV mates who skinned out in Oz and Kiwi. The other sites were very resticted to the Vindi (old boy\'s network) and to be trufull, when i left the vindi in 1964 i only heard it once been mentioned by a deckboy in 1967. All off my best mates sailed out of KGV and were not at sea school but done a couple trips on a paddle steamer down the Thames so they would be entitled to be registered on the Poole at KGV. All the best Bill and Julia and i hope that you have a great New Year 2005. and Bill, as Pal Talk has got a newer version why dont we get a Merchant Navy Red Duster room up and running. God Bless. Eric.
Date: 06:15, 2nd January
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola
Message: Congratulations on a superb website this one will realy steal the plunder and open to all seafarers is a real Bonus, Bill and Julia this is well thought out, anybody who sailed under the Red Duster will catch on very quickly. My very Best Glenn
Date: 07:08, 2nd January
From: Allan Burrow
Email: alsten@dodo.com.au
City/Country: Penrith, NSW, Australia
Message: Bill and Julia, you both did a great job with the Vindi NSW website and I am confident that this site will surpass that and I wish you all the best with it. It\'s just a shame that these changes became inevitable just because some people are unable to see what\'s happening around them or are not willing to do anything about it!
Date: 16:34, 2nd January
From: Bob Montgomery
Email: robnjill@bigpond.com
City/Country: Gosford....nsw Australia
Message: Good on you B&J what a great idea !!!...lands end for orders
Date: 16:43, 2nd January
From: george griffiths
Email: exseafarer@iinet.net.au
City/Country: perth west oz
Message: well done to bill and julia. another great site for us old seadogs to visit. well put together . george over ere.
Date: 17:46, 2nd January
From: Ron Kerr
Email: vindi52@yahoo.com.au
City/Country: Canberra
Message: Well done, you two! It looks as if it has the makings of an excellent site and I\'m sure it will improve as the contributions come in. I like the idea of including ALL seafarers. Now I can draw it to the attention of a couple of old non-Vindi Seadogs I am in contact with. Once again, congratulations!
Date: 19:40, 2nd January
From: Bill Young
Email: galleyboy@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney, Australia
Message: Thank you all for your encouragement and words of praise. We\'d like contributions from all who sailed under the Red Duster, so spread the word.
Happy New Year!
Date: 21:50, 2nd January
From: Pete Nicholson
Email: exseaman@sympatico.ca
City/Country: Toronto Canada
Message: Hi Bill, Julia.
A truly very, very good website. Well put together.It\'s a long time since I sat here going through and enjoying every page of a website as I did this one. Congratulations!! it\'s a special.
All best wishes to everybody wherever you may be in this world and may calm seas, warm days, and joyful runs ashore always be yours. Pete Nicholson Vindi \'46.
Date: 04:58, 3rd January
From: Colin Smith
Email: smudgersmith@shaw.ca
City/Country: Sidney, BC, Canada
Message: Great site folks! If I ever find the time (two days before the end of the world) I\'ll add my Vindi stuff.
Happy New Year to all those decent Vindi Boys out there who still have a sense of humour and don\'t take themselves too seriously (hint! hint!)
Good Yule
Smudge
Date: 07:10, 3rd January
From: Mick Kingcott
Email: kingcott@connexus.net.au
City/Country: Hoppers Crossing Australia
Message: Well done Bill and Julie, a lot of hard work and looking foreward to the future. Happy new year to all readers
Date: 08:36, 3rd January
From: keith stathers
Email: stathers@mts.net
City/Country: winnipeg, canada
Message: vindicatrix deck aug to nov 1959
Date: 17:33, 3rd January
From: Mick Wilkinson
Email: wilko114@tpg.com.au
City/Country: Harbord Australia
Message: Vindi D 1947. Terrific website, B.andJ. you certainly do a good job. Best wishes for a happy new year. Mick
Date: 21:04, 3rd January
From: k a hargin
Email: harginka@aol.com
City/Country: scotland
Message: hope this turns out to be a great site
Date: 01:49, 4th January
From: Graham Marks
Email: marksge@yahoo.ca
City/Country: Edmonton. Canada
Message: Great site...e-mailed to me by Dave Ashton in Edmonton. Iwas at Gravesend Sea School Aug/Sept 1960 and then to sea..what a life. Orient Line...Orcades & Orion till 1963 and then Union Castle...Edinburgh and Pretoria Castle till Nov 1964... P & O Iberia and Canberra till May 1968. Went shoreside then and in 1969 went to Canada and got married back to U K and then moved to Canada in 1971 to Ontario and now live in Edmonton for the last 3 years. When looking at the mug shots for 1950, one was for a Gordon Fairchild from Chadwell St Mary, I lived there in 1959/1960 and would like to hear from you Gordon..... Graham
Date: 04:23, 4th January
From: Paul Ditchfield
Email: paulditchfield@msn.com
City/Country: Preston Lancashire UK
Message: WELL DONE great site.Was a PWSTS boy myself before going away to sea in 1963.
Please try following site if interested www.pwsts.org.uk
Date: 19:00, 4th January
From: Chris.Bond (V 57)
Email: chris.bond63@btopenworld.com
City/Country: Selsey. W.Sussex. England
Message: Great web site.
Thanks for all your hard work and expertise.
Will visit regularly.
Date: 20:45, 4th January
From: Dave Gummer
Email: joan-dave@tiscali.co.uk
City/Country: Minehead Somerset UK
Message: Julie and Bill Happy new year, Congratulations on the New web site,it will go from strength to strength with you two at the helm thanks Dave Gummer
Date: 05:03, 5th January
From: PETER STACEY
Email: petestacey@hotmail.co.uk
City/Country: LONDON / ENGLAND
Message: Now all the ships are gone and all thats left are memories we need sites like this one. good luck to all old seamen out there.
Date: 13:23, 5th January
From: Harry Swift/nee/Huunwick
Email: lenasinfo@bigpond.com
City/Country: Hobart Tasmania Astralia
Message: Thanks for contacting me,great website,i must dig up some old photos.Have a happy new year Bill &Julia.
from.Harry@Lena.Swift.
Date: 17:22, 5th January
From: PWSTS Society
Email: info@pwsts.org.uk
City/Country: United Kingdom
Message: Congratulations to Bill & Julia for constructing a cracking web site. One which will be of great interest to any person who has served at sea.
Andy Gale
Director of the Prince of Wales Sea Training School Society
www.pwsts.org.uk
Date: 17:23, 5th January
From: Michael Bennett
Email: michaelscouts@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Melbourne Aus
Message: Ex PWSTS boy Nice site
Date: 18:12, 5th January
From: Gordon Fairchild
Email: gorduna56@blueyonder.co.uk
City/Country: chadwell st. mary essex england
Message: GRAVESEND SEA SCHOOL 1951
1954 ORCADES 2 YEARS
1956-60 ORONTES
ORIENT SHORE STAFF TILBURY 1960-62 + ONE YEAR P.O. TILBURY -
SOUTHAMTON
Date: 21:21, 5th January
From: Billy McGee
Email: Billy1963@ntlworld.com
City/Country: Stockton-on-Tees
Message: Good luck with your website. It\'s good to see more MN sites appearing on the web.
Rgds Billy McGee MN 1980-1992 (Gravesend Peanut Sept. 8th to Dec. 12th. X Class)
You are now linked to the \"British Merchant Navy at War 1939-1945\" website http://www.british-merchant-navy.co.uk
Date: 00:23, 6th January
From: Colin Wermuth
Email: baldry@telus.net
City/Country: Edmonton, Canada
Message: Thanks for all your work into making this great site
Date: 01:22, 6th January
From: Dave Johnson
Email: DaveJ.PamJ@e3.net.nz
City/Country: Hastings New Zealand
Message: Love the site, a great effort and of great interest I\'m sure to all ex seamen.
Dave Johnson Ex Vindi 63-64
Date: 03:26, 6th January
From: Bob Pounder
Email: joanandbob1@aol.com
City/Country: Blackpool//UK
Message: Hi, to you all. Trained at PWSTS Dover July 69\' to Nov 69\'. Joined BP Tanker Co as Eng \"rat\". Sailed with Gulf Oil Tankers and United Arab Shipping Co 3rd Eng Officer. About 16 yrs at sea. Lived in Adelaide (Aus) in the 60\'s and are hoping to return and live very soon. I can be found on the PWSTS site.
Bob Pounder
Date: 08:40, 6th January
From: Keith D Gladwell
Email: bosunsmate@samboat.fsworld.co.uk
City/Country: Letchworth Garden City England
Message: Just found the site, looking forward to many more visits,
Date: 10:00, 6th January
From: bob edwards
Email: rse@telusplanet.net
City/Country: edmonton canada
Message: scouse bob here,first time into this new web site,wil be sure to visit very often,keep up the good work,exellent site.
Date: 12:09, 6th January
From: Ron Kerr
Email: patronkerr@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Canberra
Message: Something I have come across and which might be of interest to all you old seamen who still wander the seas, if only in your mind!
If you go to www.pocruises.com, you can view webcams which are placed on the bridge of three of their fleet. To be honest, I haven\'t seen the result from them as the three in question are at the moment in the northern hemisphere and thus they in darkness, as I write this. It sounds interesting though. I worked on a cruising ship once and it was bloody hard work so this is the easy way! I can\'t afford to go cruising as a passenger either.
Date: 15:20, 6th January
From: Gordon Fairchild
Email: gorduna56 @blueyonder.co.uk
City/Country: chadwell st. mary essex england
Message:
Looking at [MUG SHOTS]I i came
across old cabin mate.Orontes 1957-59.TONY MAYNARD from edmonton n/london.now living in
Bateau Bay N.S.W.AUSSIE.i need full address or E-MAIL address.
Date: 17:55, 6th January
From: Ray Hammonds
Email: kathybett1@hotmail.com
City/Country: Sydney Australia
Message: Hi! I started out by working on the Aorangi Union Steam Ship Co. as a bellboy in 1950/52 then over to Britain and worked on various ships 1954/58.Paraguay Star,Rhodesia Castle Olna(RFA Tanker. and various colliers.
Date: 18:36, 6th January
From: Brian Frith
Email: brian.frith@gonuts4free.com
City/Country: Costa Calida. Spain
Message: Was at sea from May 53 till Nov 61. Various shipping companys.
Am retired to Spain. Still intouch with two Vindy boys.One in OZ one in UK. Haven\'t found anyout here.
Date: 06:20, 7th January
From: Dave Ashton
Email: dashton@shaw.ca
City/Country: St Albert.AB.Canada [ex Blackpool,Lancs]
Message: Now that the Christmas Pud is all gone time to say thank you for your new site.
Makes one wounder why we left the at sea after looking at all those \'Mug Shots\'.
Date: 10:16, 7th January
From: Neil Robinson
Email: robcaruso@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: Auckland. New Zealand
Message: Hearty congrats Bill & Julia, it\'s going to be a \"Boomer\" for definite. You \'guys\' go from strength to strength. The old NSW/ACT site earned you 3 VG\'s, & deservedly so.
All thinking MN brothers will commend you for your vision & inspiration re this new initiative. You deserve medals the pair of you and left to me I\'ll see that you get \'em. I have friends in \"High Places\" ya\' see!! If they don\'t respond I\'ll strike the buggers meself!!!
There are many good postings here-under. I\'d like to commend Messrs P Nicholson, C Smith and A Burrow (2&3Jan) for their wisdom. All of Mr Burrow\'s post I concur with. His 2nd sentence rings so true! May I add to that in saying \'myopia & complacency\'
are a terrible affliction & have no place here. This will be a true democratic zone where NONE is persona non grata.
Every single maritime\'r is Welcome here wherever he was sent to train.
And that, Bill & Julia, is thanks to you.
God Bless you both.
Belated but sincere New Year greetings to one & all.
Neil Robinson R364755
Gravesend twice.1946 & 1947 (D then C)
Date: 11:28, 8th January
From: Bill Young
Email: galleyboy@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney, Australia
Message: Due to a small gliche with the server, our web site has been off the air for a few hours - sorry for the inconvenience.
Keep the good stuff coming!
Date: 00:11, 9th January
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: London UK
Message: Hi Bill & Julia,
Once again a great website and all my Dockers and KGV mates have viewed it with great interest. I\'m of too my Dockers club as we have a ding dong every month for people who have sailed out off or worked in the Royal docks (KGV). I have printed a few flyers so to hand out tonight so my mates can log on to your great web site. My mate who was a bosun with Shaw Savill said to me that this web site is fantastic and no cloak and dagger stuff (old boy network) on it and he is going to tell his mates who were down below about it. So Bill and Julia once again thanks for a fantastic site and it will beat all the other boring web sites that I know off. God Bless. Eric Gold.
Date: 04:45, 9th January
From: Dave Evans
Email: daveevans1947@hotmail.com
City/Country: Falmouth,Cornwall,UK
Message: ex Reas Tugs,Cunard,Shaw Saville,Shell and Fred Everards.Now Manager at National Maritime Museum Cornwall welcomes all shipmates.
Date: 08:43, 9th January
From: John G. Middleton
Email: jonmid@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: Paeroa.New Zealand.
Message: Hello Bill & Julia,truly a great site.Like yourself Bill, I started as a galley-boy on the
P.S. Pioneer,David MacBrayne\'s of Glasgow 1940 aged 15 yrs and ended up as Bedroom Steward on the \"Rangitata\" AT Wellington N.Z. April 1947 where I \"jumped\"
her, did my month in Jail ,and
married a Wanganui girl,and settled down .There were 22 jumped ship that trip,any of you still around?.Have always retained my interest in the sea and those who went down to the sea in ships. God Bless this ship and all who sail along on her!!
Date: 18:46, 9th January
From: Mick Beauchamp
Email: beechgill@btconnect.com
City/Country: Langdon Hills UK
Message: Well done! Some website,Found you!
Happy new year to you all
Date: 20:12, 9th January
From: allen-beardwell
Email: alrosb@terra.es
City/Country: torreviejaspain
Message: have just found your web site was atsea from 1955-1968 mainly orient lines-ie, orontes-orion-orcades-orsova,plus many more happy new year, curly beardwell.
Date: 20:31, 9th January
From: jim savage
Email: jimsav@hotmail.com
City/Country: canberra/australia
Message: great new site congratulations.
Date: 11:11, 10th January
From: Don & Wilkins R501445 Jack Wilkins R399010
Email: Vindiboy1@aol.com
City/Country: Whidbey Island Washington .USA
Message: Hello Merchant seamen wherever dispersed around the globe. Cingrats on this great site. I wish you well and hope many old salts will re-unite. My brother Jack has crossed over the bar now but We were like twins in our youth sea and sailed together many times. I hope a few may remember at least one of us. I will be 73 on the 17th of Jan \'05. My time at sea was between 1948 and 1954. Jack Wilkins was 1947 until 1958... Good health and good cheer to Vindiboys everywhere. especially for 2005. Don Wilkins
Date: 17:55, 10th January
From: Mike Siegle
Email: msiegle@hotmail.com.au
City/Country: Sydney Australia
Message: WOW!!What a great site.Congrats to you both.Thank you from all of us who went to sea.Regards Mike.Siegle(vindi boy 1961/2)
Date: 20:12, 10th January
From: pat marshall
Email: pat@marshall-searea.freeserve.co.uk
City/Country: kent uk
Message: interesting site. Guess I\'ll have to dig out my Discharge book to do some memory jogging. To anyone who might recognise my name I was with Royal Mail Lines then went to P&O about a year after the \"A\" boats stopped the B.A. run.
Date: 03:50, 11th January
From: Tony White
Email: awba19599@blueyonder.co.uk
City/Country: Rainham Kent UK
Message: Thank you for posting my photo\'s on the web site,the pic\'s were taken around the late 40\'s early 50\'s I like the new stile web site,i have never found any of my old ship mate\'s so far,i was at the Vindi March to May 49, a good and happy New Year to all
Date: 09:40, 11th January
From: Bill King
Email: billking@bigpond.net.au
City/Country: Sydney, Australia
Message: The Ships Graveyard \'Seen my Ship\' site really works. I had been looking for my old ship \'Kingfisher\' for months and a couple of days after requesting it on the above site, I received it. Thanks Bill & Julia. It really works. Also thanks to David Bell-Lennon for finding my ship.
Bill King
Date: 12:51, 12th January
From: BRIAN . J . CHAPLIN
Email: bjjmchaplin@bigpond.com
City/Country: HELENSBURGH N.S.W. AUSTRALIA
Message: Congratulations, Bill & Julia, as you know I am the \"new\" N.S.W. Vindi boy\" and have plagued you with photos & all sorts of stuff over the last month. I thought the old site was a cracker but this one is superb! Thank you for your patience. Brian
Date: 13:19, 12th January
From: Frank. S. Young (Formerly Raggett)
Email: fsyfsy@hotmail.com
City/Country: Penrith NSW Australia
Message: Good to be aboard. Went to sea in about 1952 Ex BTS Formidable, Portishead. Came ashore in Australia in 1954 and have been here since
Date: 04:39, 13th January
From: billbiffen
Email: billbiffen@aol.com
City/Country: bridgwater
Message: searching for pwsth lads of 1943
Date: 05:30, 13th January
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola Victoria Aust
Message: Some one on Brians Merchant Navy site is looking for a Picture of MV Londoner a Tramper , Well I was on it too, and am also looking for a Picture , she belonged to Oregon Steam CreeChurch lane London, we carried Thousands of Tonnes Of Johnny Walker to Wellington, everybody had the screaming Heebie Jeebies and went into the Dingbats, whiskey was served out of teapots in the messroom and Saloon, Bottles were hidden in the Blower system and they exploded when we sailed into colder Climates through the heat being put on, what a Ship, and its all true, and firmly stamped in my Disharge book. Does anyone have a picture of her. Great site Bill.
Date: 05:55, 13th January
From: Stuart Henderson
Email: Vernelles@aol.com
City/Country: Charente,France
Message: Vindi boy 1947. R396040. Thirty years at sea . One trip ,one ship for ten years or so starting as galley boy Royal Mails Loch Garth. Joined Cunard in 1957 promoted 2nd stwd and then Purser Chf Stwd 1960. Stayed with them until 1971,then CP Tankers,Panocean, N>Sea Ferries and finally Sealink ferries. Left sea 1977 to go on oil rigs,Beryl A . Then Saudi Arabia & Libya for remaining twenty years till retirement at 65. Would like to hear from any old shipmates.
Date: 07:52, 13th January
From: Graham Elliott
Email: australind@tpg.com.au
City/Country: Australia
Message: \"Worcester\" 1960 - 1961
Trinder Anderson 1961 - 1964
E & A 1965
CSR 1965
Burns Philp 1965 - 1966
BHP 1966 - 1977
Date: 19:02, 13th January
From: John D Meadowcroft. General Secretary.N.S.T.S/ Gravesend
Email: jdmeadowcroft@tiscali.co.uk
City/Country: M.S.W.M.Society.SPRINGBOK Surrey U.K.
Message: Congratulations.
A wonderfull site for all us old Seadogs. We have a number of members Down Under.Please feel free to put your site on the Gravesend Links,I will include it on my official links. John.
Date: 11:08, 14th January
From: Bill Young
Email: galleyboy@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney
Message: Many of you will have experienced difficulty in accessing the website over the last 24 hours. The fact is that it has proven so popular that our limit of 1 GB download was exceeded, because \"too many\" people have opened the site. Our limit has now been increased to 8GB so hopefully we won\'t experience the problem again. Thanks for your patience.
Date: 12:52, 14th January
From: Harry Swift/nee/Huunwick
Email: lenasinfo@bigpond.com
City/Country: Hobart Tasmania Astralia
Message: Happy Greetings to all for 2005.
Date: 03:52, 16th January
From: E. Martin
Email: ernie@martoe.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: Lowestoft, Suffolk, England.
Message: Any one still about who was on Federal Voyager 1955, I can remember Curly, Lofty White, we were 8 months up and down the St Lawrance.
Date: 06:38, 16th January
From: Ron Stewart
Email: ronfraedastewart@yahoo.com
City/Country: originally Belfast NI. now USA.
Message: I sailed 1950-54 cabinboy,os, deckhand. Headline, Elderdemster, Shaw-Saville and a few tramps. I look back now with nostalgia for those days. Glad you\'ve started this site, now that I\'ve found it I\'ll stay tuned
Date: 12:15, 16th January
From: Derek Eagleton
Email: d.eagleton@wave.co.nz
City/Country: Hamilton. New Zealand
Message: As an ex Vindi boy I found your \"All at sea\" most enjoyable indeed. thank you Bill and Julia for making this possible. My discharge book numbr is R395297 and I was at the Vindi on the 18th August to 11th October 1947. I would like to wish all my fellow shipmates all they wish themselves.
Date: 12:23, 16th January
From: Bill Davis
Email: Davis@shirbil.com
City/Country: Sunny Cairns
Message: Another great web site Bill and Julia well done. One could even call it \"Professional\", great layout with an artistic flair, great contents and a great subject to cover “all Merchant Seamen” - God bless their cotton socks. I can see this site as being very popular so good luck and full wind be in yur sails me hearties.
Date: 17:29, 17th January
From: Joe Earl
Email: jearl28107@aol.com
City/Country: Weston Super Mare
Message:
Reluctant Heroes
Joe's poem has been moved to the Salty Stories section of the web site where it will remain permanently. Joe has also provided us with another of his poems that can also be found on the same page
Date: 21:04, 17th January
From: FRED REID
Email: FREDREID21@MSN.COM
City/Country: ROCKINGHSAM.WA.
Message: LOOKING FORWARD TO ALL OLD VINDI BOYS IN WA CONTACTING WITH THE VIEW TO STARTING OUR OWN BRANCH IN THE WEST, NO POLITICS,NO BITCHING JUST,FELLOWSHIP AND CONTACTING OLD AND NEW MATES.
Date: 03:35, 18th January
From: Frank Delahunty
Email: francisdelahunty@hotmail.com
City/Country: Liverpool, UK
Message: Best wishes,
I must also congratulate your webmaster on a terrific site.
Date: 14:00, 18th January
From: Richard Ward
Email: richard.denise@bigpond.com
City/Country: Brisbane Australia
Message: Attended PWSTS 1969 ( Endeavour )
Love your work
Date: 04:11, 19th January
From: roy salmon
Email: ramsam@paradise.net.nz.
City/Country: born coventry uk, now tauranga nz
Message: old vindi boy1945 deck at sea 6yrs, then called up n s for a couple of yrs ,imergrated to nz been here eversince, you dont leave when your happy, memorie these days is crap had lots of good mates in mn but years go bbe and mates get less but being in vindi association we have many mates and lots of tales to tell good health and smooth sailing roy salmon
Date: 04:12, 19th January
From: G.Robinson
Email: handybilly@aol.com.uk
City/Country: u.k
Message: Realy enjoyed your site the first time Ive seen Agate since fifty nine he certainly brought back memories caught us pillow fighting and took us outside to say goodnight to the swans and the stars and the fishes and allsorts else didnt get back to my bunk till about twelve good old days I think all the best
Date: 05:26, 19th January
From: Alan.s.May
Email: alan.may@shaw.ca
City/Country: Vancouver Island Canada
Message: Ex British Merchant Navy 1940-47
galley boy to Chief Cook.Ticketed at \" Dickey Bonds\" in Liverpool. mainly freighters.
Atlantic, Ammo ship in the med SS Ousel B-awful
No frige. Last Russian convoy before V.E Day.
Two post war Voyages Langleegale Ex Empire Gale .
Now fighting for the Pension Indexing of British Expatriate Pensioners in the Commonwealth countries.
Check out <www.britishpensions.bc.ca>
Thank Jim Tilley in Oz. for getting me Here.
Great site !, will pass the site to our M.N.Association in Victoria next month.
Date: 03:17, 21st January
From: Bill (Jock) Horsburgh
Email: bill.horsburgh3@btinternet.com
City/Country: Forfar, Scotland
Message: Just been browsing the site and found it very interesting. I really enjoyed it.
I was at the Vindi Feb-March-April 1958
Best wishes to all ex seamen.
Date: 11:45, 21st January
From: Eric Redman
Email: ered@dodo.com.au
City/Country: Mackay . Qld.
Message: Great Site, well done with the layout and content, an interesting site for all seafarers, best regards from sunny Qld.
Date: 10:46, 22nd January
From: James ( Harry ) Pemberton
Email: vindipem@paradise.net.nz
City/Country: Christchurch New Zealand
Message: Originally from Manchester, now living in NZ. At Vindi August to October 1947. Has anybody heard anything of the boxer, Alan Tanner as I lost contact with him after training.
Date: 13:04, 22nd January
From: Bill & Julia Young
Email: galleyboy@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney, Australia
Message: Thank you to all our visitors and contributors. You have made this web site a huge success! In the 22 days that it has been operating more than 1800 people have viewed the site and we have been able to put new content up on the web every day with much more to come.
Date: 23:18, 23rd January
From: Ray McCerery
Email: ray.mccerery@ntlworld.com
City/Country: UK
Message: Good site,
Date: 21:00, 27th January
From: Mick Spencer
Email: m.spencer220@ntlworld.com
City/Country: Nottingham, England
Message: First time on site, will not be the last. VG to both of you (not a DR) Mick Spencer, Vindi. Nov. 53 Jan. 54 Deck.
Date: 18:55, 28th January
From: Gordon Tumber
Email: troubadourtumber@aol.com
City/Country: Thetford, Norfolk. UK
Message: A great site Bill & Julie. Congratulations. Wish you many, many hits.
Gordon
http://www.m-navydays.com
Date: 06:05, 29th January
From: BAZ MUMFORD
Email: barrie520@hotmail.com
City/Country: DONNY,UK.
Message: WAS IN THE VINDI FROM 29TH DEC.59-4TH MARCH 60 DIS. 720488
Date: 16:53, 29th January
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola
Message: Ahoy There,
Was most interested in seeing the pictures of the Alang Ship graveyard, and noted the Poverty stricken accomodation Shanty like huts around, so I guess the workers would be onvery low money to pull these ships to bits, pretty sad to see our former Ships of Glory ending their days on Alang Beach.
Date: 19:25, 29th January
From: Kenneth K enny
Email: kenny.k@merseymail.com
City/Country: Liverpool England
Message: Hello Shipmates,i was at the T. S. Vindicatrix AUGUST 1955.At sea over 5years.Got Married,still am on the Liverpool Docks 29years.25years a Stevedore.Take Care, from Ken.
Date: 06:05, 30th January
From: alan f baldwin R796121
Email: alan@codeste.com
City/Country: nunawading vic3131
Message: very different willtake some getting used to what happend to woopsie
Date: 11:14, 30th January
From: bill newton
Email: beejays@aapt.net.au
City/Country: brisbane australia
Message: g\'day - i sailed on the \"city of port elizabeth\" \"empire star\" and \"colorado star\" as an engineer 66/68 looking for some old shipmates
Date: 05:18, 1st February
From: Bill Young
Email: galleyboy@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney
Message: For those of you who know Sydney well, check out Rob Montgomery\'s photo of his ship Anadara coming into Circular Quay in early 1961. The AMP building is still only half complete, and it is the tallest building in the city skyline! The Opera House is just a drawing on an architect\'s board at the time.
Date: 05:20, 1st February
From: nesty wheatland
Email: kennethwheatland@hotmail.com
City/Country: london
Message: when i think back to my time at sea i reckon that the best moments did\'nt necessary come whilst ashore. i think of moments crossing the pacific on the way to kiwi. at the end of the day, having showered, had dinner then get an ice cold beer from the bar, before going on deck, leaning on the bulwark and watching the dolphin\'s dancing their own ballet through the water. standing there, with beer in one hand cigarette in the other watching the sun set over a cobalt sea. it had a very calming effect and to this day i think about it when i need to unwind.
Date: 09:34, 1st February
From: Ron Kerr
Email: patronkerr@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Canberra,
Message: I know exactly what you mean, Ken. On lookout, up on the fo\'castle, on a night in the Carribean with the full moon making it as clear as day and a balmy breeze - oh! I come over all poetic! Or watching the flying fish in the Indian Ocean or the porpoises scratching their backs on the bow and then getting bored, it seemed, and then just shooting off and leaving the ship as if it was standing still! I\'d better shut up before I make you all sick!!
Date: 14:01, 1st February
From: Carol Booth
Email: nauticalgirlfriday@tiscali.co.uk
City/Country: Goole/England
Message: permission to come aboard, Skipper? i\'m trying to trace Charlie Morris,bosun on a minesweeper/salvage vessel in the Humber Estuary area in 1943. can anyone advise me of a database i could contact? thanks, Carol
Date: 21:30, 1st February
From: Emma Findlay
Email: emma.findlay@westernchallenge.co.uk
City/Country: southampton
Message: My Uncle Graham Arthur Moore died whilst serving in the austrialian Merchant navey. I am trying to find as much information about this as possable! We was ex royal navy and served on HMS Jaguar.
Date: 22:23, 1st February
From: Tracey Jones (Scully)
Email: traceyscouse@hotmail.com
City/Country: Liverpool
Message: Hello everyone,
Does anyone remember my big brother JOHN SCULLY, he was at Gravesend STS 1968 and sailed on LUXOR, Br.PIONEER, Br.TAMAR, Br.TWEED, Br.EXPLORER & MV DEVONSHIRE to name a few. Also, does anyone remember my dad from working on the docks, also called JOHN SCULLY.
Enjoyed the site, best wishes to everyone.
Date: 09:48, 2nd February
From: Bob Petty
Email: Longpom@clubnet.net.au
City/Country: Campbelltown /Australia
Message: Nice site, will post some bits in the near future.
Bob.
Date: 20:42, 2nd February
From: peter lewis
Email: wobbly weed@hotmail.com
City/Country: afan valley south wales
Message: great site very interesting and varied
Date: 21:15, 2nd February
From: Ian Jones
Email: ian.jones@nottscc.gov.uk
City/Country: Nottingham UK
Message: At Vindi May-August 1964 ex AB
Date: 05:55, 3rd February
From: Ron Kerr
Email: vindi52@yahoo.com.au
City/Country: Canberra,
Message: Just had to say that my entry in \'Seen my ship\' brought immediate results. Excellent!
Date: 12:08, 3rd February
From: Phil Saul
Email: phil@howickclub.co.nz
City/Country: Auckland - New Zealand
Message: great site
Date: 12:54, 3rd February
From: arthur h. clark
Email: arthur
City/Country: bundaberg australia
Message: i joined the vindi in 1939 my first ship was the windsor castle i left the mn in 1948 and came to australia in 1963 regards nobby
Date: 07:09, 4th February
From: ken wheatland
Email: kennethwheatland@hotmail.com
City/Country: london
Message: after posting a request for information and picture of the melbrook i was grateful for a reply fron willial mcpherson. he not only sent a pictue but also a history of the ship. many thanks mate.
Date: 12:21, 4th February
From: Margaret Harwood
Email: lynwood.chase17@btinternet.com
City/Country: Tadley, Hampshire, U.K.
Message: I have spent the last 6 hours browsing your web site together with other web sites linking to the Vindi lads. I have been so enthralled that I have almost forgotten what I am searching for. My brother DAVID MAXWELL did his training in Sharpness in 1950. Today he is a member but as he does not have access to a computer, he has asked me to try and find his friend Kenny Edwards who trained around the same year -- but not at the same time as David). They both hailed from Kingston Vale, Surrey. Never to worry, I shall keep on searching and hope that I do not get too side tracked.....but everything is so interesting, it is really hard to ignore anything.
Keep up the good work.
Regards,
Maxie Harwood.
Date: 20:45, 4th February
From: Bill Frost
Email: holdtight938@hotmail.com
City/Country: wallasey nr liverpool england
Message: anyone remember the heven and hell club N.Z. & Mar Gleesons 1960/64, or a pub called the bunch of ****ts.I was on the Treneglos,that is the ship that went aground off Timaru in 64.anyone remember?( this is a great site for memories)Bill.
Date: 21:02, 4th February
From: frederick anthony roy hodder
Email: far1192003@yahoo.co.uk
City/Country: yeovil somerset late of BRIDPORT DORSET
Message: VERY INTERESTING TO US OLD SALTS, ANOTHER VERY GOOD SITE, TO VISIT
M-NAVYDAYS.COM
THIS SITE IS THANKS TO THE HARD WORK OF
GORDON TUMBER
Date: 15:58, 5th February
From: Kenneth M. Gray
Email: kenmerv@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Warnbro Western Australia
Message: Just viewed your site,excellent work.
I am ex \"Vindicatrix\" 1946 vintage.Deck.
Date: 21:26, 5th February
From: Ed Pollard
Email: Epol111@aol.com
City/Country: Bergenfield NJ USA
Message: Bill & Julia What a great site Job well done Ed
Date: 03:52, 6th February
From: Emlyn Foulkes
Email: emfoulkes@aol.com
City/Country: Wrexham North Wales
Message: Hi there I am an ex vindicatrix graduate of the 1957 intake from there I joined the mv Bardic Ferry I sailed with Furnace Withy ships the Ellerman & Pappyany line chapman &willan The pacific steam nav co.
Date: 04:01, 6th February
From: Glan Phillips
Email: c4cf@yahoo.com
City/Country: Floral City, Florida, USA
Message: Great site, brings back many happy memories. Went to sea as an apprentice with Reardon Smiths of Cardiff in 1948. Spent many years on the UK/Continental trade.Trinity House pilot in the Bristol Channel followed by a move in 1980 to the Bahamas to work as a pilot/Mooring Master. From 1984 to 1998 served as Master on cruise ships operating from Miami, Port Everglades, Port Canaveral, San Diego, Tampa, San Juan, Texas, Cuba and Singapore.
Hoping to return to the UK in the near future for the final years.
Date: 21:22, 8th February
From: George Cain
Email: blantyre@comcast.net
City/Country: Delaware USA
Message: Ex Vindi 59/60 (C) great site and look forward to popping in and catching up with all the news that is fit to read. Keep it up.
Date: 07:38, 9th February
From: john bramwell
Email: lister 76@westnet.com.au
City/Country: Broomehill,WA via Geordieland
Message: congratulations to all who made this site possible,as it brings back happy memories of 48 years of seagoing,proud to be associated with the vindi boys,after all thats where i started my learning of camaradie,keep up the good work lads,a special thanks to Alan Creasy and to Julia and Bill,looking forward to be swinging the lamp with a great bunch of men soon-John Bramwell
Date: 10:22, 9th February
From: Frank Hales (Billy)
Email: frankie_in_oz@yahoo.com.au
City/Country: Sydney NSW, Australia
Message: It has been a long time since I thought of my Vindi days (61/62, Deck), memories I still cherrish. Your site is great, looking at the photos brought back memories of mateship. Thanks
Date: 05:23, 11th February
From: ray allen
Email: raycaroluk@aol.com
City/Country: wallsend uk
Message: spent a couple of hours on this site and enjoyed looking back at the good times when i was in the mn
Date: 21:06, 12th February
From: colin twine
Email: twine3486@btinternet.com
City/Country: birmingham
Message: joined 1963 1969 shaw savill port line many more
Date: 04:36, 13th February
From: Johnny Rogers
Email: alrogers@sbcglobal.net
City/Country: St.Louis, Missouri. USA
Message: Sailed out of Avonmouth 1947-1954
City Line,Port line,Donnelsons, and of course the good old Bannana boats Elder & Fyffes,plus some Esso and BP Tankers.
Date: 19:26, 13th February
From: Bob Spoors
Email: bobajobbob.spoors@ntl world .com
City/Country: Manchester England
Message: Is there surviours from the
S S Patrician she belonged to ellerman & pappayanni and went down near Gibralter.I was ex 4th eng on her
Date: 15:24, 14th February
From: Bill Young
Email: galleyboy@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney, Australia
Message: Thanks to John Farthing for providing a photo of Port Fairy for David Benge who had a request in \"Seen My Ship?\"
Date: 17:04, 14th February
From: Bill Frost
Email: holdtight938@hotmail.com
City/Country: Wallasey nr Liverpool England
Message: Thanks to Dave Evans for sending me a pic of my old ship Lycia ( good ship,good memories.)
Date: 19:15, 14th February
From: Donald Latham
Email: dc.latham@btopenworld.com
City/Country: Burnley. U.K
Message: Its an excellent site I was in The Merchant
Navy 1967/2002
Date: 14:37, 15th February
From: Terry Loughnane
Email: Henderlough@paradise.net.nz
City/Country: New Zealand
Message: R614372 Anyone s number near this one , like to hear from you .
Date: 04:39, 16th February
From: Chris Allman
Email: calchris@allman3555.freeserve.co.uk
City/Country: Merseyside UK.
Message: A great web site - well done, I particularly like the photos site of \'ships graveyard\'.
I am sure alot of old salts like me remember their old ships with affection and fond memories and enjoy seeing their photos. The likes of them will never be seen again.
Good luck with the site Bill & Julia, kind regards.
Chris Allman.
Date: 07:59, 16th February
From: bas mumford
Email: barrie520@hotmail.com
City/Country: donny uk.
Message: I JOINED VINDI DEC.59LEFT FEB 60 MY DIS. BOOK NO. IS R720488
Date: 00:54, 17th February
From: Peter Shillinglaw
Email: petershilly@aol.com
City/Country: Wallasey. UK.
Message: I was at the Vindi from November 59 to January 60, Discharge book Number R716999 ,sailed with NZSC/FSNC ,any old shipmates out there ?Good luck with the site Regards Peter.
Date: 03:52, 17th February
From: fred leak
Email: fred_882@hotmail.com
City/Country: liverpool
Message: my first ship after leaving mnsts.gravend.was mv araluen.then mv dartmoor,mv pizzaro,1962 to 1964.thanks it was great fred
Date: 01:06, 19th February
From: Geoffrey Bass (Alfie)
Email: geoffrey@geoffrey56.wanadoo.co.uk
City/Country: Weston Super Mare England
Message: At the Vindi August 1959 deck any one else out there get in touch
Date: 02:50, 20th February
From: roy salmon
Email: ramsam@paradise.net.nz
City/Country: tauranga nz
Message: nice site like it i was at vindi 1945,my wife and i were at napier for the re union met a lot of old vindiboys and there wifeswhat a great bunch of fellows, the bus trip we went on the sat was one of the nicest days of my lifewe sang and cracked jokes all day long lovely bunch of people god bless you all roy and audrey salmon.
Date: 10:05, 20th February
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: London UK
Message: Hi Bill,
As I have said on numerous occasions what a fantastic website and many thanks for putting my Dockers stuff on there about the Argentina and Brasil Star and sailing lists for Blue Star line. I was at the KGV club tonight and the Dockers have shown me priceless photos of the ships and the Royal docks, I cry every time I look at the photos (ha ha ha) if only a get a \"pier head jump\" from the Poole, I would pack my cases now! So Bill and Julia, many thanks for you website and my mates the ex Dockers and a few of Shaw Savile riggers have thanked you via me, we now have to get the Pal Talk system up and running , God Bless and many thanks, your old steward mate from Shaw Savile. Eric.
Date: 01:57, 21st February
From: allen hawker
Email: aj.hawker@tesco.net
City/Country: barry, vale of glamorgan
Message: excellent web site
Date: 09:31, 21st February
From: Dave Benge/ Vindi deck March \'62
Email: linen@telpacific.com.au
City/Country: Adamstown Heigts NSW Australia.
Message: Thanks to all who helped me in receiving photos of the Port Fairy English Star and the QE.I have almost enough now to wall paper the joint out.
I still cannot get much feedback on the MV Chatwood From Wm France Fenwicks stable.Good ship. Vindi lads Lunch at Orimbah was great indeed and was good to listen to all the tales of woe and friendship of the past.
Dave Benge
Date: 19:57, 21st February
From: pete turner
Email: peterdturner@aol.com
City/Country: TELFORD SHROPSHIRE
Message: good site, regards :-)
Date: 02:32, 22nd February
From: Emlyn Foulkes
Email: emfoulkes
City/Country: Wrexham North Wales
Message: Hi I am an ex Vindi boy from the Oct 1957 intake.My first ship was the Bardic Ferry sailing from Preston dock to Larne&Belfast. I am seeking any shipmates from the Vindi or who have sailed with Furnace Withy Ellerman lines Holder Brothers Chapman & Willan Cherio for now
Date: 05:03, 22nd February
From: pat biesty
Email: pbiesty@msn.com
City/Country: manchester
Message: hi my discharg no. r773105 iwas at nsts gravesend from 3 september 1962 till 26 october 1962 catering enyone who remebers me get in touch i was at sea for 27 years gally boy to ch/cook good site all the best pat
Date: 12:16, 22nd February
From: Joe Doyle
Email: tenterfieldoffice@bigpond.com
City/Country: Australia
Message: Hi I enjoyed the site + The stories.They brought back a lot of memories all good. keeep up the good work and I will keep signing in for a look. Regards Joe Ex B M/N 64 to 71
Date: 02:46, 23rd February
From: greg maclean
Email: gregorm7@aol.com
City/Country: leith, scotland.
Message: i was a vindi boy in 1964, i then spent 34 years deep-sea, i`m now on the pilot boats in the firth of forth.
Date: 15:16, 23rd February
From: jim brindley
Email: jbdlb@bigpond.com
City/Country: austarlia
Message: sent a message 2or three weeks ago with no name sorry .thanks for photos of vindi .in my day only your own chothes you wore .thanks for site .loved it .will come back later .god bless. from silly old sod in aus.ex. ab ex pom .
Date: 08:05, 25th February
From: John D Meadowcroft
Email: jdmeadowcroft@tiscali.co.uk
City/Country: Springbok Surrey
Message: Fab. What else can I say? I am not on the photos but I was on at least three of the ships at the same time they were taken.I should know the guy on the Rowanmore as I was the 2nd stwd at the time but I guess they call it old age. Keep up the good work. John.G/Sec G.S.S/C. Association.
Date: 17:35, 26th February
From: john
Email: johnnewlingward@btopenworld.com
City/Country: UK Southampton
Message: I was \"unestablished\" in the 1960s so sailed as a steward with different companies.
Capetown Castle and other castle boats. Andes,Golfito,Southern Cross too. Can\'t get the sea out of my blood!
Date: 21:32, 26th February
From: Geoff Bray
Email: gffbry@aol.com
City/Country: Tinton Falls, New Jersey, USA (formally Wallasey Merseyside)
Message: Sailed with Bowaters, Brocklebanks, and Canadian Pacific !962-1970
Great Site. Still looking for someone I sailed with
Date: 23:33, 26th February
From: Roy Derbyshire
Email: Derbyroy3@aol.com
City/Country: Sheffield UK
Message: Great site really brought back some happy memories , of my time at N>S>T>S Gravesend in the late 60,s and helped tracing some old friends from my seatime thank you .
Date: 01:36, 27th February
From: Emlyn Foulkes
Email: emfoulkes@aol.com
City/Country: Wrexham Wales uk
Message: Hi to you both. Just to let you know I have found this site very interesting.I am trying to find anyone from the Vindicatrix who was on the 1957 (oct) intake.Goodluck with the site regards Emlyn.
Date: 22:10, 27th February
From: Willie Calder
Email: pruben97@aol.com
City/Country: Dunfermline-Scotland
Message: Great site ! well laid out,and very easy to navigate through.
Very interesting content,will definately keep coming back for regular updates.
Well done, keep it up.
regards willie
Date: 00:31, 28th February
From: neville roberts
Email: nevmag@peoplepc.com
City/Country: leesburg USA
Message: just found this site seems pretty good , I was at sea out of liverpool 55, to 65, and loved every ship I was on , well maybye not all, all the best to all the old seamen , all over the world now, Nevo.,
Date: 22:52, 28th February
From: Tom Devaney
Email: tom_devaney@scee.net
City/Country: Liverpool,U.K
Message: Brilliant site,keep up the good work,ex Gravesend boy Jan-March 1964
Date: 04:44, 1st March
From: bob morrison
Email: robertM0473@aol.com
City/Country: Durham.U K
Message: Iwas on the vindi in 1948,Thisis a real shock to me to find this site and read all
about the place,and the lads who where there.
The three months are still fresh in my mind,
56years ago Best of to you all.
Bob Morrison
Date: 11:31, 1st March
From: Mike Lang
Email: michael-lang@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: New Zealand
Message: Great to discover that so much is being done to preserve the \'Vindi\' and her history
Date: 03:35, 2nd March
From: Emlyn Foulkes
Email: emfoulkes@aol.com
City/Country: Wrexham Wales
Message: Hi to you both. Just popped on board to search for my old ship the mv Fort Avalon Tony Bond has taken a superb picture I was on board it in 1959 as a catering boy.Manythanks for this website look forward to comming on board again sometime bye for now
Date: 03:50, 2nd March
From: stan dingwall
Email: dingits@sympatico.ca
City/Country: Toronto Canada
Message: First visit a great site will come again
Stan ,Gravesend class of 57 R 682105 dropped anchor 67.
Date: 04:30, 2nd March
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: London UK
Message: From everyone in the KGV area and Tilbury docks and the London Dockers club in London, a great website and well put together especially the pictures of ships. Keep up the great work Bill & Julia. From the Dockers past and present C/O Eric Gold.
Date: 04:53, 2nd March
From: Roger Dunant
Email: rogdcotehill@aol.com
City/Country: Cumbria
Message: Ex BP, Bibbys and Manchester Liners
Date: 14:54, 2nd March
From: John Brace
Email: jbrace@tsn.cc
City/Country: Port Macquarie/ NSW/ Australia
Message: Previously of Cardiff, South Wales.
MN 1946-55 Vindi 46.
Date: 22:41, 3rd March
From: RICHARD COX (RICK)
Email: richard.cox9&ntlworld.com
City/Country: CARDIFF-FOR PAST 40 YEARS,EX SOUTH LONDON
Message: I would like to hear from anyone I sailed with from 1962-1986 in tramps,coasters etc-as a deck boy through to Ist Mate.Cheers.
Date: 02:01, 4th March
From: NEIL BARNETT
Email: neilbarnett63@ntlworld.com
City/Country: NEWPORT GWENT
Message:
Date: 05:32, 4th March
From: gwilym arfon williams (harvey)
Email: welshman72uk@yahoo.co.uk
City/Country: colwyn bay north wales uk
Message: great site
Date: 06:25, 4th March
From: Stuart Emeny
Email: sj.emeny@btopenworld.co.uk
City/Country: Felixstowe/England
Message: great web site
Date: 11:59, 5th March
From: \"Vince\" Vincent
Email: vince5031@hotmail.comAdelaide, Australia
City/Country: Adelaide, South Australia
Message: Proud Vindi Boy 10/3/1952 to 30/ 5 1952 then served on deck with PORT LINE only from 8/7/1952 until 5/11/1960. Would love to hear from anyone who knew me, particully Roger Vickery & his brother, Frank or \"Ginger\" Butler.
Kindest regards
Vince
Date: 02:04, 7th March
From: CHRIS LITTLEHALES CHICAGO
Email: chris_littlehales_46@hotmail.com.uk
City/Country: WALLASEY MERSEYSIDE
Message: INDEFATIGABLE MAR 1963 TO DEC1964 JIONED ENUGO PALM JAN 65 TODATE ON ERNEST SHACKLETON BRITISH ANTARCTIC SURVEY FOR LAST 14 YEARS.LOOKING FOR GUYS IWENT TO INDE OR SAILED WITH
CHICAGO
Date: 06:22, 8th March
From: Tom Neilson
Email: neilson2@tesco.net
City/Country: North Yorkshire,ENGLAND
Message: Ex Vindicatrix,Class of 1954.
Super job,especially the reflections of a well spent youth,shall visit again........
Date: 19:31, 8th March
From: Frances
Email: Frances.Robinson@btinternet.com
City/Country: Yorkshire
Message: I am trying to trace people who sailed on the Windsor Castle from Southampton to Cape Town and back in 1963. Please contact if you were there. Frances
Date: 04:56, 9th March
From: Les Docking
Email: leslie.docking@ntlworld.com
City/Country: Felixstowe England
Message: Great site. Survived the Vindi 1953 and sailed mainly with Royal Mail Lines. Anybody
out there on the Brittany May to Nov 1953 Dec 1954 to March 1955 and July 1960 to Oct 1960 I have great memories of the old Ship love to here from you Les.
Date: 22:03, 9th March
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola Australia
Message: Hi there , Just read on Brians Merchant Navy site that the British Govt have rejected the Murmansk Medal, I may be wrong but it was on the site, if this is so then we ought to voice our viewpoint straight away ,Glenn
Date: 04:30, 10th March
From: neville roberts
Email: nevmag@peoplepc.com
City/Country: leesburg florida USA
Message: Found a pic of me on your site ,sent in by Stan Dingwall, great site for old pics and more, will try and send a few to put on, had ten years on the old ships out of the pool, and loved every trip, best to all the old sea dogs and the newbees to Nev.
Date: 10:58, 10th March
From: Dennis Hunter
Email: dennbar@midcoast.com.au
City/Country: Beechwood, Near Wauchope NSW Australia
Message: I was on Vindicatrix TS winter early 1947, Catering. I went to the first NSW meeting in Sydney at the Rocks 24th March 1995. I wonder what happened to the photos taken there. Never heard anything about them
Date: 00:08, 11th March
From: Donald Latham
Email: dc.latham@btopenworld.com
City/Country: Burnley/UK
Message: I was @ sea 1967/2002 with L&H Booth Line
Blue Star Nepune Shipping Stag Line etc
I enjoyed the site
Date: 06:14, 11th March
From: Paul Smith
Email: Smithpaul71@aol.com
City/Country: London U.K.
Message: Looking for any old shipmates who served with me on the Strathmore ,Orsova, Orion, Pacific Reliance Cumberland, Rangatiki, Oronsay,Melbury Beacon, and ringdove during the early 1950s and 1960s, cheers
Date: 22:19, 11th March
From: Phil Hughes
Email: philip@vindi.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: Broadstairs, Kent, U. K.
Message: Hi to you all,
As you are aware I endeavour to up-date you on ALL things relating to our Merchant Navy especially the Arctic Convoy Campaign. I can tell you that recently our Prime Minister announced his decision on the Arctic Convoy medal which has caused veterans and seafarers to be furious. He has totally ignored the march to Downing Street, the 44,000 plus signatures on the petition and the 428 MP\'s who supported the medal. He has decreed that our heroes will NOT receive the medal they so rightly deserve but will instead receive a simple badge which will mean nothing, based on the words of King George VI at the end of WW2. One MP has told me that he likens it to a \"Mickey Mouse\" badge and is furious. The full press reports are far too long to quote here but I suggest that you read them on the TSVAHQ site.
Regards,
Phil Hughes, (East Kent Branch Secretary)
Date: 05:44, 12th March
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola Australia
Message: Giday Fellas, Hope you read the email from Phil about The British Prime Minister turning down the Murmansk Boys for the Medal.If you want too voice your disproval here is the British Prime Ministers contact point it is as follows.
http://www.no-10.gov.uk/output/page3.aspc
Many seafarers are sending Blair a message, Billy on the Merchant Navy site worked very hard for the Murmansk Boys, please support him byletting the British Govt know that they have made every British seafarer unhappy for his decision not to decorate our Murmansk Heroes of the Sea, I believe it is an election year in England so the more emails that land on Blairs Desk the Better, Thank you Glenn Baker.
Date: 03:39, 15th March
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola Aust
Message: British Prime Ministers site is now
http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/page4346:asp
Perhaps he may be recieving plenty of mail about the Murmansk boys, Glenn
Date: 06:21, 15th March
From: Neil Robinson
Email: robcaruso@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: Auckland. New Zealand
Message: Great stuff Glenn and thanks for the URL of Mr Blah (of blah,blah,blah!) He and his -----
missus have heaps of time, concern and spondulicks for the Planet\'s reffo\'s, work dodgers, layabouts, parasites etc, who abound within Britain\'s \'3 mile limit\'.
But, it seems, no real sincere concern for, or appreciation of the real heroes of WW2, the Merchant Navy.
Dickens\' character Scrooge is a positively generous benefactor by comparison with Mr Blah when the subject in review is the British Merchant Navy. Too miserable to fund & strike a medal for the country\'s \"unsung heroes\" T Blah Esq, should be compelled to watch \"Forgotten Heroes\" a BBC documentary made in 1994. It\'s 1 hour of MN survivors relating their experiences. The Brit PM\'s non-recognition of their service & sacrifice is an insult and bloody disgrace!
The only badge we\'ll wear with pride is silver with 2 letters thereon ... MN !
Thanks Glenn for your time, effort and info.
T Blah WILL have my vehement words, \'on his desk\'.
R364755
Date: 20:32, 17th March
From: Duncan Montgomery
Email: sejmontgomery@hotmail.com
City/Country: Port Chalmers. Otago. New Zealand.
Message: Having just purchased a computer, Icame across this website and have enjoyed all I have seen and read. I would lie to know if Glenn is the same as who sailed with me on the Gothic!!If so I would like to hear from you to catch up!!!! Enjoyed you\'re site and will be a regular viewer. Duncan Montgomery.
Date: 20:41, 17th March
From: Duncan Montgomery
Email: sejmontgomery@hotmail.com
City/Country: Port Chalmers. Otago. New Zealand.
Message: I have just purchased a computer and came across you\'re website, I found it of great interest and enjoyed browsing through it. Iwould like to know if Glenn is the same as who sailed with me on the Gothic about 1960!! If so Iwould like to catch up for old times sake. i will be a regular viewer on this site now I have found it. Would to hear from Glenn, cheers! Duncan Montgomery
Date: 05:47, 18th March
From: PETER WHITTAKER
Email: peirrewhitt@btinternet.com
City/Country: LIVERPOOL
Message: ATTENDED GRAVESEND 1972 ISH LOST MY DISCHARGE BOOK WENT ON WITH P&O NZS CO. AND A TRAMPER CALLED THE TREMEADOW JIONED HER IN HOUSTON TEXAS AROUND 73 3 MONTH STINT AROUND THE WORLD (BRILL) PAYED OFF ANTWERP FIRE DAMAGED SHE WAS THEN SCRAPPED . THEN VARIOUS OTHR SHIPS .MAKRIA OUT OF LIVERPOOL ROUND THE MED .AND THE WILD AUK BRAND NEW SHIP DOWN THE WEST COAST OF AFRICA ANYONE OUT THERE SERVED ON THESE SHIPS GET IN TOUCH THANKS
Date: 05:54, 19th March
From: Ian Warren
Email: ian@mayfield55.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: UK
Message: Just found the site for the first time and have enjoyed browsing through it, and will definitely be back to look in more detail very soon. Ian.
Date: 12:24, 19th March
From: Ian Warren
Email: ianwarren@ntlworld.com
City/Country: Oxford UK
Message: I was at Gravesend Sept - Nov 1971, and would really like to track down a copy of my class phot. I spent 18 months at sea on Pendennis Castle and Flinders Bay. Formerly from Sussex, I now reside near Oxford.
Date: 19:37, 19th March
From: Colin Knight
Email: niloc46@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dunstable,Beds;
Message: Thank,s for a great site,who would have thought a couple of decades ago just how many ways we would have to locate old mates,ships etc? all thanks to \"Chips\".And we thought they only came with fish!
Date: 03:59, 21st March
From: ken.sanderson
Email: ken.sanderson1@btinternet.com
City/Country: Grimsby. U.K.
Message: Tried to join the M.N.During WWll at the age of 14 as a cabin boy.
Saw the registra\'s wife, Mrs Percy Huggins. She said I wasn\'t big enough and told me to go home and put some weight on.
I think that with all the ships going down
in the Russian convoys she didn\'t want a skinny little lad of 14 on her concience.
Went on Tug Boats first to get a taste of the shipboard life.
In the winter of 46/47 we were towing a fishing boat from the coaling berth to a waiting berth.I was on the bow of the fishing boat attending to the tow rope.
Then all hell broke loose. I have never seen a snow storm like it. Flakes as big as half crowns. I think it would have been called a white-out now.Couldn\'t see a yard in front.
For two hours I was stuck on the focsle, freezing. Now I know how a cannon ball must have felt stuck to a brass monkey.
Two hours freezing before we coud see where we were heading.
From the tugs boats to trawlers, Then to the MN.Many of the merchant ships were still coal burners, which meant steamers of course.
Then came the conversion from coal to oil.
Alas the \"Black Pan\" went with the demise of coal.
\'Can\'t write any more...My eyes are filling up. Ha Ha.
No.. I think I have reached my limit with this message.
Have a good watch below.:-)
Ken
\'Cant write any
Date: 06:37, 21st March
From: ANTHONY P HILLEN
Email: Achillen1@aol.com
City/Country: ZIRCONIA NORTH CAROLINA U.S.A.
Message: My mate sent your website to me NEVILLE ROBERTS We sailed together on EMPRESS OF CANADA 60\'S and worked in NY 70\'s. I enjoyed your tour down memory lane and will tune in again it was FUN
Date: 04:39, 22nd March
From: bill biffen
Email: billbiffen@aol.com
City/Country: bridgwater somerset
Message: anyone from pwsth ingham 1943
Date: 04:29, 23rd March
From: mike ricketts
Email: ricric@cwsm.freeserve.co.uk
City/Country: weston-s-mare england
Message: brilliant site. Thanks. Nobody owning up to being in Reardon Smiths?
Date: 22:56, 25th March
From: Phil Hughes
Email: philip@vindi.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: Broadstairs, Kent, U. K.
Message: To all members, please be advised that the March issue of the Auckland Branch newsletter contains a misleading report which could cause unnecessary problems between Vindi Boys and branches. This report states; \"Appears to be a lot of letters passing between the Gen; Sec; (our president), Roy C. Derham M.B.E. and Phil Hughes branch secretary of the East Kent Branch. Mainly over Roy Derham\'s retirement and the new Constitution\". May I point out to you all that this report is over 8 MONTHS out of date but suggests that it is ongoing. I have had NO CONTACT, either written or otherwise, with Mr. R. Derham since JULY 15TH; 2004. As far as I and the East Kent Branch is concerned this subject is dead and buried. I hope this clears up any misunderstanding. Thank you.
Regards,
Phil Hughes, (East Kent Branch Secretary).
Date: 05:11, 26th March
From: Bob Andrews
Email: rnorbob@aol.com
City/Country: UK
Message: Isee that you have 2 photos of the destroyer H.M.S.Daring of the ships page My brother was on her at that time and I wondered who had sent them in.
He was a Radar Mechanic John Andrews and was quite niffty on the old joana.
I am afraid to report he died in 2001,but he went down fighting and still played as long as he couldeven when very sick.
all the best to all the Vindi lads out there Bob
Date: 13:14, 26th March
From: a.clark
Email: arthurclark@bigpond.com.au
City/Country: bundaberg australia
Message: i was on the the vindi in 1939 my first ship was the \'Windsor Castle; and the last one in 1948 was the \'Sambur\'
Date: 05:21, 27th March
From: Ron Stringer
Email: rstri76699@aol.com
City/Country: Essex. UK
Message: Very interesting and enjoyable web site. Congratulations to all concerned.
Date: 06:02, 27th March
From: Mick Chalmers
Email: mickchalmers@blueyonder.co.uk
City/Country: Hampton, Middx.
Message: Wonderful site. I have been looking all over for pictures that my dad, Alexander Chalmers served on as Radio Officer in his career from 1945 to 1980. You had four that I couldn\'t find anywhere else. Thanks and keep up the great work. Mick
Date: 19:01, 28th March
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola OZ
Message: Hello thar Thanks Bill for the wonderful site, I contacted Duncan who posted a message on All at Sea and after thirty years we are in contact all through this site, One Thousand thank you,s its popular oversea,s as well and all Ranks are using it, Once again Thank you, memories are very important as we get older. Glenn.
Date: 02:52, 29th March
From: Richard Overall
Email: brit1941@yahoo.com
City/Country: Houston, Texas
Message: What a Super site for old matelots and other likely lads.
Congratulations.
Date: 10:19, 30th March
From: jim savage
Email: jimsav@hotmail.com
City/Country: australia
Message: hi does anyone have a photo of the thistlemuir, it would be much appreciated. thanks
Date: 07:12, 1st April
From: john bernard
Email: John.bernard6@btinternet.com
City/Country: FALMOUTH-- CORNWALL U.K.
Message: on sunday 27/3/05 the falmouth branch merchant navy club recieved the freedom of the town -- we accepted it on behalf of all merchant seamen those that have crossed the bar and all others including serving m.n. we are not affiliated to any of the national m.n.a. organisations-- we are a local branch linked in with all seamen- meetings take place last friday of every month if in falmouth look us up @ ARMYN HOUSE CLUB H.Q. OR RING JOHN BERNARD SEC@ 01326-211009 REGARDS TO ALL JOHN
Date: 18:15, 2nd April
From: kerryn reid-thomson
Email: mar@webmail.co.za
City/Country: durban south africa
Message:
Date: 20:29, 3rd April
From: Gary Taylor (Nutty)
Email: gary@gtaylor23.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: Tilbury, England
Message: Great website this just one of many dedicated to the merchant navy.
I attended Gravesend in late 78, X Class, dorm 16
Date: 06:46, 5th April
From: Bill & Julia Young
Email: galleyboy@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney, Australia
Message: Thank you to everyone who has signed our Log Book and contributed photos and other content. We value your contributions and you have all helped to make this site, arguably, the most popular merchant navy web site in the world!
We are occasionally overwhelmed with material so if you have recently submitted photos for the site, don\'t despair - they will make it on to the site usually within a few days. We have received so much material over the last three months that we have been able to update the site almost every single day!
Keep your contributions coming - as you will see by the comments in our Log Book, by sharing your photos and other memorabilia you are helping to stir memories in many of our visitors and it is very much appreciated.
Thank you
Bill & Julia Young
Date: 09:37, 9th April
From: Peter Tinsley
Email: frdeking@yahoo.co.uk
City/Country: Liverpool, England
Message: I enjoyed looking through the website, it brought back some good memory\'s. I was happy to see my first ship the \"HUMBOLDT\" looking as scruffy and dangerous as ever...thank f**k for shipbreakers eh!!!
Date: 20:31, 13th April
From: george carr
Email: georgedcarr@aol.com
City/Country: England
Message: Great site(brings back memories of being a passenger on the Athlone Castle.Capetown Castle.Rangitoto.Rangitata.Have lots of photos and memrobelia of the Rangitoto and Rangitata.
Cheers.
Date: 05:17, 14th April
From: Ian
Email: raggytash1947@aol.com
City/Country: Deal. Kent. UK
Message: Hi.
I hope to enjoy your website as a new member.
I will sign again.
Kind regards.
Ian
Date: 07:29, 14th April
From: Peter Whittaker
Email: peirrewhitt@btinternet.com
City/Country: Liverpool
Message: SOME SHIPS I SAILED ON. 1972-1975.P&O.TREAMEADOW,WILD AUK,TAUPO.MELITA,MAKARIA,AND GRAVESEND.NSTS.JULY 1972.ANY PHOTO.OR INFO.WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL. MANY THANKS PETER.GREAT SITE BILL& JULIE
Date: 18:13, 14th April
From: Tom Lennon
Email: lennontom@hotmail.com
City/Country: Brisbane /Australia
Message: I went to sea In 1942 at the age of 14yrs, Isettled in Auckland New Zealand in 1950 and married a local girl. Had several jobs,Owned a Famof of 660acres, in the King Country, and retired as a Town Clerk in 1989, Came over to live in Australia in !999, most of my young family had shifted over here, I was born in Liverpool in 1928.
Date: 00:06, 15th April
From: Laurie Tye
Email: loltye@freeuk.com
City/Country: Salford U.K.
Message: anyone out there who sailed with me between 1957 and 1969 feel free to get in touch and we\'ll swing the lantern for a while.
I was on a few Shaw Savilles,Royal Mails (Y & P boats) Athel Tankers,Houlder Bros. Lamport &Holt, Beaverboats etc,etc.
Date: 21:22, 17th April
From: Roddy Munro
Email: home@branahuie.go-plus.net
City/Country: Isle of Lewis Scotland
Message: Sailed With Ben Line,early 60s to early 70s.Quite a few different ships.
Date: 19:53, 18th April
From: George Carr
Email: georgedcarr@aol.com
City/Country: Little Neston.England.
Message: Great site,fantastic pics.( Have fond memories of being a passenger on the Athlone Castle.Capetown Castle.Rangitoto.Rangitata.
cheers.
Date: 01:16, 19th April
From: Capt. Gordon Abbott.
Email: neptune @sapo.pt
City/Country: Silveira. Portugal.
Message: Retired !!!
Date: 03:59, 19th April
From: Paul Smith
Email: Smithpaul71@aol.com
City/Country: London England
Message: I joined the N.S.T.S. Gravesend in 1956 and spent 10 years at sea. I served with P&O Orient Line N.Z.S.Co Furness Withy , Federal S.S.Co.Van Omerahns and G.S.N.Co Happy days thats for sure
Date: 07:25, 19th April
From: frankie duffin
Email: jduffin@vtown.com.au
City/Country: northern ireland
Message: hi i was at gravesend march 1977-july77 y class dorm 6.
sailed in the British fleet untill 1983 then have been on the Australian coast ever since.would love to here from anyone from gravesend or who sailed with me. olna.blackrover, oriana.tidespring.lackenby etc etc great site shall visit it again. frankie duffin.
Date: 22:07, 19th April
From: john freeman
Email: freebie6969@aol.com
City/Country: liversedge,west yorkshire,england
Message: Attened at NSTS,Gravesend from Feb68 to May68 then joined the P&O ship Orsova as deck boy..then spent another 10 years at sea with various shipping companies including BP,Shell,Ben Line,Canadian Pacific and a few others..saw that the British Merchant Navy was getting smaller and smaller and got out in Oct.78 and joined West Yorks Police and have been with them ever since...if anyone remembers me would be nice to hear from them
Date: 03:11, 21st April
From: Colin Smith
Email: smudgersmith@shaw.ca
City/Country: Sidney, BC, Canada
Message: Great Site Bill and Julia. Will contribute my stuff ASAP (two days before the end of the world on present progress.
Keep it going.
Colin
Date: 04:41, 21st April
From: Bill Young
Email: galleyboy@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney
Message: NOTICE for all former members of the Merchant Service who reside in Sydney. ANZAC Day is this coming Monday 25th. Anyone wishing to march, to commemorate those who didn\'t return are invited to join either the Merchant Navy OR the Vindicatrix Contingents at the forming up point, 0845 for 0900hrs. Castlereagh Street, between Martin Plaza and King street. Hope to see you there.
Date: 12:37, 21st April
From: Phil Saul
Email: phil@howickclub.co.nz
City/Country: Auckland/New Zealand
Message: Sailed with Blue Flue and NZSC.
Jumped ship in NZ
A great site.Keep up the good work.
Date: 00:14, 24th April
From: Billy Atkins
Email: wa002f0328@blueyonder,co.uk
City/Country: North Shields England
Message: M.N. 1953-1965, What a great site thank you Bill&Julia, it is great to reminice, would like to trace Berny Wright last seen Port Pirie 1955, thank you
Date: 13:41, 24th April
From: john broughton
Email: trish -john@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: tauranga new zealand
Message: great site bill&julia skin out a nz shipping ship love the site
Date: 14:55, 24th April
From: Frances John Talifero
Email: deborahdejong_@hotmail.com
City/Country:
Message: Dear Vindicatrix Boys, I would love any photos of the 1946 class. Regards, Frances John Talifero
Date: 16:18, 24th April
From: TONY (UNK) SCOTT
Email: MOONRAKER-NZ@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: Napier New Zealand.
Message: Found you at last I was as usual piping in the wrong place.
Great Stuff congrats and best wishes to all.
Date: 18:50, 26th April
From: Derrick P Corfield
Email: d.p.corfield@btinternet.com
City/Country: Salford Lancs
Message: Went to Walasey Sea Training School my first ship was RSM Orion Converted toa Troop Ship
Date: 03:20, 27th April
From: Chris Gilberthorpe (Tiny/Stretch)
Email: chris.gilberthorpe@tiscali.co.uk
City/Country: Plymouth UK
Message: Gravesend Nov/Dec 1971 Union Castle, Fyffes, Shell, Houlder Brothers, ARC.
DPO Brazil now.
Date: 17:29, 27th April
From: Richard Silman
Email: richard.silman@bt.internet
City/Country: Glos.England
Message: Royal Australian Navy 1956/60
Junior Engineer Treloske Ribblehead Geestport welcome contacts crewmates
Date: 05:27, 28th April
From: Richard Silman
Email: richard.silman@btinternet
City/Country: Glos. England
Message: E Mail address correction
Date: 13:12, 28th April
From: David Campbell
Email: graceena12@hotmail.com
City/Country: Wollongong Australia.
Message: 45 years at sea as an Engineer with Esso Transportation, British Tanker Co. Naess Denholm and BHP Transport. I love to look at Ship photos on the internet.
Date: 11:30, 29th April
From: Bill Young
Email: galleyboy@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney
Message: Julia and I are off on a short holiday. Keep sending in all your stories and photos, and we will catch up when we get back.
Cheers, B&J
Date: 03:43, 30th April
From: colin elsey
Email: kathcolin@tiscali.co.uk
City/Country: ENGLAND
Message: A VERY INFORMATIVE SITE GOOD LUCK
Date: 22:12, 30th April
From: Paul Hagan
Email: THECOACH114@ntlworld.com
City/Country: Leicestershire / UK
Message: I was at gravesend as a deck apprentice in 1977 i served with shell tankers until 1987 and had a very good time at sea,the best times of my life were at sea and all the good friends i made, saddly i am now disabled and in a wheelchair but nobody can erase the memories i carry of those great times on board those ships i sailed on
Date: 21:16, 1st May
From: Ed Pollard
Email: Epol111@aol.com
City/Country: Bergenfield NJ USA
Message: Great site, its growing in leaps and bounds Bill. I get lost in here for hours, keep up the good work Ed. I have more pics to send you later.
Date: 02:29, 4th May
From: Emlyn Foulkes
Email: emlyn@foulkes9.wanadooco.uk
City/Country: Wrexham North wales
Message: Hi Bill & Julia I have changed my email address to emlyn@foulkes9.wanadoo.co.uk I have not heard from the vindicatrix members who joined in oct 1957.My first ship was the Bardic Ferry sailing out of Preston docks to Larne N.Ireland.
Date: 03:52, 5th May
From: ken nixon
Email: kennixon@hotmail.co.uk
City/Country: Bath England
Message: gravesend in 72, with BP till 80,does anybody remember me.
On deck A.B
Date: 11:48, 5th May
From: John Pye
Email: twocoats@telus.net
City/Country: Vancouver. Canada
Message: Originally from N.Ireland. Served in MN from July 1960 until 1972 as Apprentice and Deck Officer
Date: 11:50, 5th May
From: John Pye
Email: twocoats@telus.net
City/Country: Vancouver. Canada
Message: Originally from N.Ireland. Served in MN from July 1960 until 1972 as Apprentice and Deck Officer. Served my time with Bank Line and then went to Caltex/Texaco
Date: 00:21, 6th May
From: charles mc cann
Email: cathal60255@msn.com
City/Country: belfast
Message: pwsts april-sept 1957 great site
Date: 01:28, 8th May
From: KEN WHEATLAND
Email: kennethwheatland@hotmail.com
City/Country: london [the homeland]
Message: has anyone noticed that no matter how long you spent going to sea school and how long you stayed at sea the memories are deeply imbeded in your mind. whether you did 1 trip or 100 the memories are still there. i cannot remember what i did 6 months ago but can recall most of the ships that i sailed on plus a whole group of names. sites like these enable us to keep in touch with our past. if you too remember hem then send them to bill and he will put them on site. this is a great site, the best i have seen. may your passage be smooth. regards ken
Date: 08:55, 10th May
From: Geoff Nicks
Email: nassarius1@aol.com
City/Country: California USA
Message: What a great site found four of the ships that I sailed on in the fifties Chepman/Roscoe/Crystal Crown/Queen of the Channel
Thanks
Geoff Nicks
Date: 11:32, 10th May
From: Derek Lewis
Email: shipshapeoz@yahoo.com.au
City/Country: Junee NSW Australia
Message: was member of NSW Branch for a few years but lost touch now retired to pasture in country NSW.\"Hillcrest\" in Junee has bar open for visiting travellers. Phone 02 6924 3913 if in area to see if we are home. Derek Lewis
Date: 04:33, 11th May
From: Roy Parker
Email: fazak@blueyonder.co.uk
City/Country: Birmingham/England
Message: Great site keep up the good work
I went ot sea as a deck boy in July of 1967 after training at the NSTS Gravesend.My first ship was the SS Voluta a Shell tanker on a round trip to the Gulf.Sailed on many ships during my time at sea and met many a good shipmate.I came ashor in April 1984 still miss the life but have some great memories.Love to here of anyone who can remember me.
Roy
Date: 15:07, 14th May
From: Thomas J Quirke
Email: thoqui@telus.net
City/Country: Canada
Message: A very enjoyable site.
Date: 23:17, 14th May
From: Billy Atkins
Email: wa002f0328@blueyonder.co.uk
City/Country: Newcastle United Kingdom
Message: Looking for any photo,s or Info of North East Collier,s in the 60,s I.E. John Charrington Windsor Queen or Cory,s
Date: 07:06, 15th May
From: Roy Derbyshire
Email: Tanker.man@virgin.net
City/Country: Sheffield England
Message: a brilliant site full of memories, lets not forget our real Merchant Navy
Date: 02:40, 16th May
From: c mc cann
Email: cathal60255@msn.com
City/Country: belfast
Message: back to a great site
Date: 19:23, 16th May
From: ian kemp
Email: icky59@hotmail.com
City/Country: auckland new zealand
Message: i have just found this site so far it looks great.was at sea from 1963-66 as a writer with ellermans mainly on the manz run.it was agreat three years i still miss it today
Date: 03:25, 18th May
From: JOHN A SMITH R546147
Email: js001f7984@blueyonder.co.uk
City/Country: LIVERPOOL
Message: Bill & Julia
Just found your site excellent I was at sea 1950 to 1960 sailed on Oil Tankers Tramps & The Liverpool Liners will be visiting this site all the time
Thanks John A Smith R546147
Date: 17:45, 18th May
From: bob holbrook
Email: chiefcook@fsmail.net
City/Country: newcastle u.k
Message: x indefatigable still at sea
but dont know why
Date: 03:45, 19th May
From: ARTHUR COGHILL
Email: info@fog-off.com
City/Country: CAIRNS QLD AUSTRALIA
Message: Congratulations on a fantastic site.I did a short stint in the R.A.N 1958.[H.M.A.S.MELBOURNE].Have always admired and respected the Merchant Navy.
Thank You I look forward to hours of pleasure just browsing.
Cheers,
Arthur
Date: 11:52, 21st May
From: George Griffiths
Email: exseafarer@iinet.net.au
City/Country: Perth West oz.
Message: theres no two ways about it bill \'n\' julia. this is the best merchant navy site. in the whole world. or other planets. really enjoy having a great look in at the way we all remember our younger lives. ho to do a trick on the wheel again with the giro ticking again. thanks bill\'n\'julia. George over ere in perfffff. west oz.
Date: 19:48, 21st May
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: sunny Dimboola
Message: Wnderful site Bill good news letter and I have begun my writing of the exploits on the mighty Whisky carrier Londoner. Glenn
Date: 14:10, 23rd May
From: lenny fahy
Email: lennyfahy@hotmail.com
City/Country: melbourne,australia
Message: very good site
Date: 20:51, 24th May
From: Bill Smith
Email: williv@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: Auckland NZ
Message: Fond memories....Why did I come ashore????
Date: 06:20, 26th May
From: Bill & Julia Young
Email: galleyboy@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney, Australia
Message: Late on Tuesday night (Australian time) our ISP had a major server crash, which is why we were \"off the air\" for a little over 24 hours.
The problem has now been fixed and we are back up and running.
We apologise for your disappointment in not being able to log in to our site.
Bill & Julia Young
Date: 06:34, 28th May
From: Steven Gilchrist
Email: steviegilchrist@msn.com
City/Country: glasgow/Scotland
Message: loved the site takesme back, still have wandering feet was a gravesend peanut (catering) in 68
Date: 16:28, 28th May
From: colin twine [clancy]
Email: twine3486@btinternet.com
City/Country: birmingham england
Message: vindi deck 1963 in the main shaw savill looking for billy murdock
Date: 22:48, 29th May
From: William Keough
Email: keough_william@hotmail.com
City/Country: Crook England
Message: Excellent site I was at sea 1951 to 1966 with Stag Line North Shields
Date: 13:27, 30th May
From: Colin Smith
Email: smudgersmith@shaw.ca
City/Country: Sidney, B.C. Canada
Message: Hi Guys. Just dropped to see how the site is doing. Getting better every day.
Cheers
Colin
Date: 17:55, 30th May
From: Peter Steele
Email: petesteele@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: Waiuku, New Zealand
Message: I am in the photo taken on board the MV Surrey 1957. That\'s me on the left. Also in the picture is Colin Schofield? (I think) 3rd from left and Gary Blackmore front centre. I remember the Stewards Boy on the right but can\'t remember his name. Sorry. The guy next to me was, I think, a greaser. Ex army if I remember rightly. Gary Blackmore played the guitar in our skiffle group on the Surrey. We called it \"Surrey Skiffle\" as I recall.
Date: 17:54, 31st May
From: Dave Gummer
Email: joan-dave@tiscali.co.uk
City/Country: Minehead England
Message: I am a vindiboy was there 58/59 november till January deck bloody cold.Grand site check daily.Bill and Julia your doing a marvellous job for us all.
Wishing you all well Dave Gummer
Date: 18:41, 31st May
From: Charles H White
Email: vindiboy@westnet.com.au
City/Country: Cooloongup West Australia
Message: vindi deck 1945
Date: 19:48, 2nd June
From: Rob Ozanne
Email: robad@westnet.com.au
City/Country: Bridgetown West Australia
Message: Have met and mingled with Vindi Boys in WA, a great bunch of poms.
Catering Oct 1956
Date: 19:16, 5th June
From: dave dilly
Email: jo_jon@hotmail.co.uk
City/Country: swansea
Message: i was a vindi boy in the years of 1954 . great site , brings back mermories
Date: 17:00, 7th June
From: DAVID MICKLEWRIGHT
Email: lyndave@clear.net.nz
City/Country: AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND
Message: i was a vindi boy 1960 catering. great site.
Date: 16:24, 8th June
From: John Appleton
Email: johnappleton@onetel.com
City/Country: Saxmundham Suffolk
Message: Hi Bill and Julia,
Just received mail from George Griffiths, I have sent a photo off some of the lads I sailed with on the MV Hertford, I am trying to contact them. the Butcher is living in NZ. but I do not know where. you may be able to help. all the best.
John and Janet.
Date: 05:44, 9th June
From: dale blears (jinx)
Email: daleblears@btinternet.com
City/Country: N Wales
Message: originaly from Chester at the Vindi from 9/3/64 to 29/5/64 (deck)
Date: 06:29, 9th June
From: Peter Kellett
Email: peter@pkellett.wanadoo.co.uk
City/Country: England
Message: Ex Merchant Navy. Enjoyed your site very much
Date: 15:50, 10th June
From: david mcdonald
Email: davidmcd@ihug.co.nz
City/Country: gisborne new zealand
Message: as an ex British Merchant navy man
from 1955 to 1965, i appluad this web site which brings back happy memories.
Date: 02:49, 11th June
From: Alan Knott
Email: alanknott47@aol.com.
City/Country: Dover England
Message: I am still at sea and this site has brought back happy memories of the good times in the Merchant service.
Date: 11:51, 12th June
From: graham wignall
Email: wiggys@rogers.com
City/Country: Toronto,Canada
Message: A fantastic site!! Brings back lots of memories!
Date: 05:24, 13th June
From: Mark Bayliss
Email: bayliss48@yahoo.co.uk
City/Country: England
Message: Vindi number R808148.
Loads of ships sailed on... iron ore, Gees and tankers. Would love to hear from anyone who sailed on the old Plagi.
Date: 20:00, 14th June
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola OZ
Message: Hi Fellas, Look I know this could be out of turn, but I was just watching a program about the Japanese slaughtering thousands of Dolphins. While I was at sea there was nothing more beautiful than watching the Dolphins race with the ships Bow while on lookout, I find the mass killing of Dolphins absolutely revolting and I gather their species is even running out, please find a way of sending objections to the relevant Japanese Authority be it the the Fishing Dept Gvt Japan or the Japanese Embassy, appreciate any response. Glenn Baker, ex Sharpness Hilton 62.
Date: 11:25, 16th June
From: Ron Kerr
Email: patronkerr@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Canberra,
Message: I could not agree more with Glenn. For those of you feeling the same way the email address of the Japanese Embassy in Canberra is
cultural@japan.org.au
The snail mail address is;
The Embassy of Japan
112 Empire Circuit
Yarralumla
ACT 2600
The Ambassador\'s name is: H.E. Mr Hideaki Ueda
Date: 14:53, 17th June
From: Ross Llewellyn
Email: ressoruk@supanet .com
City/Country: Canterbury Kent UK
Message: Attended the Vindicatrix from February -April 1955 catering.La Pampa Buries Marks April 1955-March 56 Highland Cheiftain Royal Mail May 1956 - May 56 Melbourne Star Blue Star Line June 1956 - September 56 Fremantle Star October 1956 - April 57 Donnottar Castle Union Castle Line June 1957 - November 57 Highland Princess Royal Mail March 57 - October 1958. Your site brings back good memories.
Date: 20:37, 17th June
From: Richard Holmes
Email: Rick012al@aol.co.uk
City/Country: Ilkley West Yorks
Message: I served as a catering boy/steward between 1971-1979 on board the Essex,Trewidden and various others finishing on the Baltic Jet
Date: 18:31, 19th June
From: Peter Baker
Email: Bakerp118@aol.com
City/Country: Wales
Message: Ex Purser Palm Line & Harrison Line 1950\'s and 1960\'s.
Date: 00:40, 20th June
From: john lyon
Email: john.lyon3@btopenworld.com
City/Country: aberdeen / scotland
Message: great site.i served in the merchant navy from 1972 until 1982 the best years of my life
Date: 03:30, 20th June
From: Norrie McVicar
Email: mcvicar_norrie@itf.org.uk
City/Country: Dundee, Scotland
Message: Northern Star
Date: 06:56, 21st June
From: brian lewis
Email: bifflewis@btinternet.com
City/Country: skelmersdale, england
Message: i would like to hear from shipmates. who were abourd the \"m.v.stancrown when she ran aground in the baltic sea on the 25.dec 1963. i was 2nd cook and baker
Date: 23:08, 22nd June
From: James Gibb
Email: JAMES @jsgibb.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: Arbroath
Message: My Discharge Book No.is R807660,and Im still at sea if anyone remembers me Id be more than happy to hear from them,this is an eye opening site to things Id forgotten,and should never done.
Date: 01:52, 24th June
From: eric baldry
Email: cireles@gmail.com
City/Country: lowestoft suffolk
Message: goodness, but this brings back some very happy memories
thanks!
Date: 03:06, 24th June
From: CHRIS LITTLEHALES CHICAGO
Email: chris_littlehales_46@hotmail.co.uk
City/Country: Wallasey Merseyside
Message: ANYONE WHO HAS SAIL WITH ME
PLEASE E-MAIL CHICAGO.
Date: 03:58, 26th June
From: Robert Dennis Williams
Email: rd.williams@btinternet.com
City/Country: Pwllheli North Wales
Message: Memorise of the good old days FABULOUS diolch yn fawr.
Date: 03:42, 27th June
From: RICHIE BRADSHAW
Email: countyaerials@hotmail.com
City/Country: Liverpool/ UK
Message: Great site im new to this & i have just found you. WERE have the years gone. i was @ the vindi jan/feb/mar 61.deck. ships I was on great city/ enugu palm/ saxonia(cargo) debrett
potosi,I would like to hear from anyone who can remember that far back. I HAVE A GROUP PHOTO FROM THE VINDI WHICH I WILL FOREWORD.
GOOD HEALTH/WEALTH/&/ HAPPYNESS
TO YOU ALL.
Date: 04:49, 27th June
From: Richard Tugwell
Email: r.tugwell2003@ntlworld.com
City/Country: Brighton England
Message: I left Gravesend 1964 as deck boy .Sailed with Union Castle,P&O,Shell,and many others.Left in 1973 after 11 good years.It stood me in good stead for the rest of my life so far.I met many decent blokes I would still share a drink with.Sadly apart from mostly good memories it is all gone now.Good Luck to all former Peanuts.RT.
Date: 08:55, 27th June
From: jack marshall
Email: hkjmarsh@pcug.org.au
City/Country: australia
Message: try \"all hands\" for info on the school of navigation southampton. later the warsash maritime centre.
starter form many mn cadets and apprentices
Date: 15:16, 30th June
From: Robert .L. Wignall
Email: relax@whalemotorinn.com
City/Country: Narooma New South Wales. Australia
Message: Hi, I sreved my time as midshipman with Lamport & Holt Line, achieched Master Ticket 1960 in Liverpool, Spent 17 years with Guinness as overseas Rep and finally Managing Director Guinness Australia. Now semi retired with a Motel on the south coast of NSW
Date: 04:35, 1st July
From: ken nixon
Email: kennixon@hotmail.co.uk
City/Country: Bath England
Message: to jim livingstone
i remember the sports day .I attended the school from 3/7/72 to27/10/72 T class I think
Date: 07:43, 1st July
From: Neil Robinson
Email: robcaruso@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: Auckland. New Zealand
Message: My thanks to Pat Biesty for his pic of Manchester Docks 1971 in Ports & Pubs.
The pic blownup to full screen size now features as my Desktop background and even at that size is still a pretty clear pic of my home port 1946 -1951. Thanks Pat for bringing back a
million memories.
The pubs \"Salisbury\" and \"The Clowes\" (who could forget it?), the Mission & the Pool across the way, all on Trafford Road and all in the pic.
Were you on that Pool Pat, were you with Manchester Liners? I see there are 4 ML ships in No. 9 dock. Gizza mail mate ! There\'s bound to be an entry from you in the Log but there\'s a big heap of pages to go thru
on this \"super site\".
Best Wishes to All Hands.
Neil Robinson R364755. GSS \'46
Date: 16:15, 3rd July
From: brian coxe
Email: brimorcoxe@hotmail.com
City/Country: fremantle w.australia
Message: Ecellent I have just seen the photographs of Teko.This was my firstport on the Manestee in Jan. 1952. I swam in that river, When I think of it now, I dont know how I survived. Keep this site alive. Brian.
Date: 20:46, 3rd July
From: alf corbyn(alan)
Email: shufti@eurobell.co.uk
City/Country: england plymouth ex enfield middx
Message: hi to all exellent site wish i was back at sea now retired.
Date: 23:39, 3rd July
From: Tom Neal
Email: tbneal@deneview34.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: Ashington Northumberland
Message: Great site.
Ex Gravesend and was only at sea for a couple of years before doing 22 years in the army.
my ships were the Montrose and La Hacienda 1954/55 both Burries Markes ships.
Best wishes,
Tom
Date: 23:39, 3rd July
From: ray gee
Email: rgee48@talktalk.net
City/Country: batley, west yorks. england
Message: trained at gravesend either back end of 64 or 1965, not sure. my first wife \"disappeared\" my discharge book R818629.
sailed with,
clutha river:houlder bros.
anadara:shell tankers
cornishbrook:comben longstaff
dorset:federal steam nav.
cicero:ellerman wilson
silvio:ellerman wilson
spero:ellerman wilson
baltic jet:united baltic corp.
baltic importer:united baltic
norwave:north sea ferries.
i think that\'s the lot,i only did 5 years but they were the best years of ........lots of things!
i would dearly like to contact anyone who played for the spero football team during 1969 when we almost won the league in sweden, we ended up the highest english team and won an award,names that spring to mind are;
twiggy,our brilliant keeper from sheffield,
pete\"the feet\" knowles,
alan hall,
kenny cable,
the radio officer who was a commanding central defender,
kenny powdrill.........and anyone else whom i\'ve not mentioned we all did them proud.
would also like to hear from anyone who played against us?
also our manager george, the restaurant manager on the spero.
love and best wishes to one and all and to any one that i ever sailed with, things like asbo\'s aren\'t needed at sea and probably never will be!
Date: 03:27, 4th July
From: Mike Parkin
Email: mparkin@onetel.com
City/Country: Bere Alston, UK
Message: Great site!
I\'ll be in touch in due course, meanwile very best regards to all!
Mike
Date: 12:33, 5th July
From: John O,Hara
Email: gegsy6@hotmail.com
City/Country: Vancouver Canada
Message: Looks like a great website
Date: 05:47, 7th July
From: PETER WHITTAKER
Email: peirrewhitt@btinternet
City/Country: Liverpool
Message: Ileft Gravesend july 1972.Joined P&O.Ships i sailed on. Hurunui,Tremeadow,Wildauk,Otaio,Somerset,Taupo,Melita,Makaria,is there anyone out there that sailed with me. Please get intouch. or who went to gravesend may 1972-july 1972
Date: 00:23, 8th July
From: ken roberts r294669 v1943
Email: kenneth_r2@tiscali.co.uk
City/Country: Newbury Berks UK
Message: Glad to be aboard difficult to find anyone of my vintage
Date: 02:16, 8th July
From: derek darlington
Email: DEREK@darlington181815.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: rosendale lancs uk
Message: aprentice with British Tankers
1945 -1950
Date: 04:38, 8th July
From: Robert Dennis Williams
Email: rd.williams@btinternet.com
City/Country: Pwllheli North Wales
Message: Fantastic site i will be visiting this web again and i will be digging up some old memorabilias and sending them on DIOLCH YN FAWR.
Date: 03:18, 9th July
From: Chris Quinn
Email: chrisgquinn@eircom.net
City/Country: Dublin
Message: I sailed as a lad in 1967/8 on board the MV Anchorman a costal tanker. I had some great memories of my year at sea. If anyone should know of what was the outcome of the \"Anchorman\" i would be delighted to hear?
Date: 19:49, 9th July
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola OZ
Message: Congratulations Bill on the We Remember Site on All at Sea, it is very Heartwarming to know that The Men of the Red Duster have not been forgotten, Hertfordshire Vindi and many others have realy worked Hard to raise Money to erect Memorials, and it makes one proud to know that as I said Our Brave men who sailed on those Horific Convoys do not go Forgotten, my thanks for the work gone into making it all happen on site. Glenn ex Vindi 62
Date: 02:17, 10th July
From: Mike Lawerence
Email: micklawrence@lineone.net
City/Country: Somerset
Message: Anyone out there know Cole Schofield,George johnson,Bruce Oliver who sailed on \'Surrey\' of NZSC[Federal Line.]Many thanks in anticipation. Mike
Date: 10:10, 10th July
From: Bob Petty
Email: longpom:clubnet.net.au
City/Country: Australia
Message: Nice site Sailed from Liverpool 56-63 then the N/Z coast till 65
Emegrated to Aust 1970.
I was hard to miss 6ft7ins on deck.
Date: 01:30, 11th July
From: William Grant
Email: mc_will@yahoo.com
City/Country: St.Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands, U.K
Message: I have really enjoyed my visit to your site, i really like the way it is laid out and presented. I have only just come across your site whilst browsing the web for new Merchant Navy sites, how long has she been up and sailing for??. My Great grandad served in the MN during ww1, and i have a site dedicated to him, you may have come across it. Thanks for a great site and keep up the great work....thanks.
Date: 07:26, 12th July
From: James(Tony) Tracey
Email: tony@tracey9117.freeserve.co.uk
City/Country: Southport,Merseyside
Message: Just found your web site,and found a picture of my Vindi class mate Jimmy Ridgway,His Mum & Dad were very good to me when i was sent to my first ship in London,The Chusan (P&O)His nummer is one befor me.
Date: 19:48, 12th July
From: James (Jim) Kelly
Email: jak35@btinternet.com
City/Country: Darlington / UK
Message: Hope to find someone from my old Shipping Company - Hain s/s co ltd - I was with them on various \"Tre-\" named ships as Apprentice, then 3rd & 2nd Mate from 1951 to 1962
Date: 07:28, 13th July
From: Ron Kerr
Email: vindi52@yahoo.com.au
City/Country: Canberra
Message: For those interested in the Russian Convoys of WWII, there is a book on offer at a discount price from a bookshop in Canberra called \'The Road to Russia. Arctic Convoys 1942\' by Bernard Edwards reduced from $45.00 to $16.95. More info from me. They do mail order.
Date: 20:43, 13th July
From: neil watson
Email: hashcookie47@aol.com
City/Country: Innerleithen/Scotland
Message: gally rat/2 cook, c/cook mostly NZSC 70s/80s..HURUNUI, HAPARANGI, hUNTINGTON,TONGARIRO, ESSEX,all the Wild boats, and the Straths, then Ben Line chemie tankers...any old shipmates remember me?
Date: 22:23, 14th July
From: Charles Mintoff
Email: 9H4CM@camline.net.mt
City/Country: Victoria,Gozo.Malta
Message: I served with Union Castle,
Clan Line,Bowater\'s.Then moved on to McAndrew\'s Sailing on the
Churruca & Cervante\'s left them after 2 year\'s joined Manchester Liner\'s sailed on the Courage Challenge,Vigor,Zeal,Asian Reward and Asian Renown,if you know me drop me a line
Regard
Charlie
Date: 22:21, 15th July
From: Jim Hoyle
Email: jimhoyle@blueyonder.co.uk
City/Country: Liverpoool/ UK
Message: great site keep up the good work
Date: 04:47, 16th July
From: Derek Greenhough
Email: greenhough22@rogers.com
City/Country: London Ontario Canada
Message: Master Mariner, company Apprentice too, with Anglo-Saxon Pet Co - immigrated to Canada in \'58.Then spent 26 years with BPCanada - ashore!!!!
Date: 01:56, 19th July
From: Mike Lawerence
Email: micklawrence@lineone.net
City/Country: Somerset
Message: Great site. Have seen photo of old mate Cole Scholfield from \'Surrey\' [57--60]and been in touch with 2 lads who sailed on said ship 57-58. Plenty of old photoes and did we all look that villinaus. Maybe if your ex Vindi
Date: 02:01, 19th July
From: Donny Innes
Email: donny10@btinternet.com
City/Country: scotland
Message: anyone from real training school ts dolphin leith edinburgh
Date: 02:16, 19th July
From: Maurice Brew
Email: jmb@cotehill.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: Carlisle
Message: 20 happy years with shaw savill
Date: 03:21, 21st July
From: ray maddocks
Email: raymond. maddocks@btinternet.com
City/Country: watford herts uk
Message: port line 59/74 liketohere from any old shipmates
Date: 04:47, 22nd July
From: JOHN H ROBINSON
Email: johnhrobinson@hotmail.co.uk
City/Country: HULL E YORKSHIRE
Message: ENJOYED YOUR SITE
THANKS
JOHN
Date: 16:34, 22nd July
From: ramana
Email: www.ramana-kasmeer@yahoo.com
City/Country: india
Message: i want join in merchant navy, how?
Date: 05:27, 23rd July
From: Donald Cant
Email: cathandon@msn.com
City/Country: Grimsby England
Message: Joined MN 1950 aged 16 via Vindicatrix as cabin boy.Had 10 marvellous years of travelling-twice round the world-came out 1960 as Chief Officer.What an experience.
Date: 18:28, 24th July
From: John Mushet
Email: jwsmushet@supanet.com
City/Country: Warrington Cheshire
Message: Shaw Savill, Elect Eng
Date: 13:27, 28th July
From: James Hidden
Email: countryboy@bigpond.net.au
City/Country: York,Western Aust/Romford Essex UK
Message: Tried joining the West Aust group but no success. Was at Sharness end of March 1957, I only know that because I still have my MN bible given to me by Mark Allen on the 30th, and I was in catering. If anyone can help with any other info I would be glad to hear.Many thanks, Jim
Date: 23:40, 28th July
From: Colin Wermuth
Email: baldry@telus.net
City/Country: Canada
Message: Good job, thanks for keeping the memories alive
Date: 19:23, 31st July
From: John Murrell
Email: jalehouse@bigpond.com
City/Country: N.S.W Australia
Message: could you please tell me which IS the official Vindi association in N.S.W / ACT as I am getting rather confused with having two too choose from, all I joined for was to be an ex Vindi boy and meet others .Not to be in one camp against the other yours sincerely
John Murrell V57
Date: 07:06, 1st August
From: Bob Petty
Email: longpom@clubnet.net.au
City/Country: Australia Campbelltown
Message: Good one keep up the good work
Date: 07:38, 1st August
From: Bill King
Email: billking@bigpond.net.au
City/Country: Sydney, Australia
Message: In response to John Murrell. I answer your question as Secretary of the TS Vindicatrix Assoc. NSW/ACT, which was established over ten years ago. There are now two official NSW/ACT Vindi Associations, the second one was established this year. I fully agree that it would be better to have just one, and am working hard to achieve this for all the reasons you give.
Date: 16:33, 1st August
From: George Griffiths.
Email: exseafarer@iinet.net.au
City/Country: Perth . West Australia
Message: in response to (Jim) James Hidden.of York west oz. about the west oz vindi association. i have emailed jim. but the the email returned to me invalid recient. so jim have you got that email address right. anyway email me . exseafarer@iinet.net.au and i\'ll give you all the info about the assciation. George in perth. w.a.
Date: 19:11, 1st August
From: Maurie Earnshaw
Email: m.s.earnshaw@clear.net.nz
City/Country: Rotorua, New Zealand
Message: British and NZ merchant Navy
1963 - 1971.
great site.
Date: 17:53, 2nd August
From: PETER.D TURNER
Email: peterdturner@aol.com
City/Country: TELFORD ENGLAND
Message: VINDI + SERVICE FROM OCTOBER 1959 - 1964 DECKKY
Date: 21:41, 2nd August
From: Philip Dowling
Email: r818305@ozemail.com.au
City/Country: Australia
Message: Gravesend Easter 1965. Sailed on Oronsay out of Tilbury, first trip. Was in Miami in July. Training Officer Snowy Rashbrook. Remember \'Haskins the Bastard\', quatermaster, his description not mine. Dodgy Cocoa!!
Date: 15:32, 3rd August
From: Kenneth M. Gray
Email: kenmerv@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Warnbro Western Australia
Message: Just found your site,and wonderful it is.Congratulations.
I am ex Vindi Boy 1946 vintage.
Deck Dept.
Date: 16:01, 3rd August
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola Aust
Message: I would like to thank Ron Kerr for his information on getting the Book The Road to Russia, I have now got it and it is a Book not to be missed, worth every cent of the price, and of course the Book which gives a Wonderful but sad History of the Men on the Murmansk Archangle run Second War, Thank you Ron, I shall be using that same Book Company in Sydney again. Glenn, ex Sharpness Hilton, 62
Date: 17:15, 3rd August
From: steve goldswain
Email: steve-erina@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: auckland nz
Message: oddessy works birkenhead 1970
Date: 17:31, 3rd August
From: steve goldswain
Email: steve-erina@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: auckland nz
Message: oddessy works birkenhead 1970 blue funnel
Date: 18:00, 3rd August
From: John Murrell
Email: jalehouse@bigpond.com
City/Country: N.S.W Australia
Message: Bob Montgomery sorry have\'nt replied to your e mail I wiped your address off by mistake, could you please send again
regards John M
Date: 13:34, 4th August
From: George Barrow
Email: glbarrow@btinternet.com
City/Country: Darwen UK
Message: Ex Gravesend 1964
sailed Port line,Lamport Holt, PSNC, to name a few
Greetings to one and all
Date: 11:18, 5th August
From: P.J.(Bob) Marchant
Email: PMARC11898@AOL.COM
City/Country: Califormia USA
Message: Im a Briot residing in the USA. Served my time with the Hain Steamship Company 1947 - 1951 then sailed as Third Mate with the Argonuat Trading Co, and Sterling Shipping Company
Date: 00:44, 7th August
From: brian nelson
Email: brian@nelson5308.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: south shields ,tyne&wear
Message: great sight about the good times at sea not like today!
Date: 05:07, 7th August
From: Alan Vinten
Email: avint@tpg.com.au
City/Country: Queensland Australia.
Message: Congrat\'s on this site, and calm sailing for all readers.
Date: 03:19, 8th August
From: tom sullivan
Email: sullivana@eircom.net
City/Country: waterford ireland
Message: 39 year,s at sea, and sailed out of famous dock st pool ,later prescot st. i would like to knoe if anyone could send me a photo of the grelrosa, i sailed in her in 1955
Date: 06:57, 8th August
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: London UK
Message: Hi Bill,
Just had a chat with the Swedish captain who lives in Copenhagen with his beautiful Danish wife and family, and he has ask me to give yourself and Julia many thanks for having a great website. The UK one is rubbish compared with yours, that\'s what a detective who I know well in London said to me last week. They have blocked me from there guest book, but I wont lose any sleep, as I have more going for me than these silly people and there dictator boss Mr Roy Derham. I think the Vindi was a great experience for all of us and I would do it all over again, but I must confess the food was rubbish at the Sharpness Hilton, and prison food was a thousand times better especially H.M. Packhurst and various other nicks too (ha ha ha) So lads keep these banners flying high and don\'t let anyone including Roy Derham sidetrack you in any way, we in the UK and the colonies live in a democratic country not a third world banana republic with dictators and tin gods. God Bless all who sailed out of KGV London especially with Shaw Savill Lines. Eric Gold. Vindi Catering May - June 1964.
Date: 10:05, 8th August
From: Roy bishop
Email: frbishop@yahoo.com
City/Country: London ontario canada
Message: Makes us old guys miss the good old days roy bishop
Date: 18:48, 8th August
From: Dave Gummer
Email: joan-dave@tiscali.co.uk
City/Country: Minehead England
Message: Julie,Bill and all vindiboys in OZ&NZ,
Just home from Vindi reunion at Sharpness a wonderful time had by all. Spoke to a few people you might have heard of south of the equator like,Jim Still of Seaford,Dave&Marie Perry of Tasmania, Alan Burrows and his wife from Sydney and Peter Lewis don`t know where he comes from?
Our chairman Mr Peter Stearm in his speech at the memorial after the march of the Standards said this is going to be an annual event at our reunions.
Standards Flying respecting our former vindiboys and for those who can`t be here.
Keep up the good work see you one day Dave Gummer vindiboy58/59
Date: 19:54, 8th August
From: alex pink
Email: redowl34@btinternet.com
City/Country: gravesend england
Message: Just found your site lived in Gravesend all my life, but made to go to the Vindi.By Capt.Mac.Spent most of my time with Orient Line (The Gravsend Navy ) as it was called then.Done quite a few trips to OZ on the Otranto.Happy Days.
Date: 22:01, 9th August
From: hugh connolly
Email: hugh@connolly5050.freeserve.co.uk
City/Country: dundee scotland
Message: great site looking at class photos one of my younger brother he at vindi 1964 catering i was there feb 1962 catering sad to say no class photo of me any one got one for feb 1964.
Date: 02:19, 11th August
From: john hughes
Email: millhugh@shaw.ca
City/Country: vancouver island bc canada
Message: shaw savill lamport & holt ch elec anybody out there remember the HICORY BOATS IE MV SARGENT MV DUNSTAN MV SHERIDAN MV DOMINIC L&H ,thanks
Date: 06:26, 12th August
From: JOHN MAPLE (HAPPY)
Email: maple.alpha@ntlworld.com
City/Country: SUSSEX,UNITED KINGDOM
Message: Is there anybody out there who knows what happened to the Crystal Boats namely the M.V.CRYSTAL JEWEL.
If you do would appreciate an E-mail.
John(Happy)Vindi 63
Date: 10:23, 12th August
From: Karl Crook
Email: karlcrooksnr@clear.net.nz
City/Country: New Zealand
Message: Anyone from Newcastle ireman\'s training school November 1959 to contact
Date: 20:10, 13th August
From: leo hannan
Email: leohannan@terra.es
City/Country: Spain
Message: Gravesend Training School Nov/Dec 1961 next 30 years with Houlder Bros.
Date: 05:04, 16th August
From: jimmy hart
Email: hart_258@hotmail.com
City/Country: newcastle uk
Message: i sailed out of liverpool from 1960 till 1971 i was at the indefatigable from 1959 to 1960
Date: 16:13, 16th August
From: Neil Robinson
Email: robcaruso@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: Auckland. New Zealand
Message: Another fine interesting (WW2) pic of Manchester\'s No. 9 Dock from Pat Biesty, on Ports & Pubs. The area to the left of the Samboat,(lower left ship) seen as a railway marshalling yard, was where the Salford Sea Cadet Unit Drum & Bugle band would practise every Sunday morning back in 1944/45&46. 32 drums & bugles making a racket that could be heard 3 miles away. Any merchant seaman who\'d had a jolly night at the good old \'Salisbury\' or \'The Clowes\' or \'Cattle Market\' boozers and was, like, \"suffering a bit\" & expecting a nice quiet lie-in was \"FRESH OUT OF LUCK\"!!!
If you were one of \'em sincere belated apologies !!! LOL!
I was one of the Buglers.
Pat (Biesty) mate, send me your new address. I\'ve had 2 mails returned.
Should any fellow \"musical SCC offender\" read this - mail me. Most of \'em went into the MN.
Thanks to Pat for yet another jog re \"Memory Lane\".
Date: 17:52, 16th August
From: ken bennetts
Email: janathull@karoo.co.uk
City/Country: HULL ENGLAND
Message: What a marvelous web site.
Date: 21:54, 17th August
From: bryan hart
Email: melnbryan@bigpond.com.au
City/Country: ravens wood,, west australia
Message: great site thank you bill n julia
Date: 04:57, 18th August
From: Maurice
Email: mhoadley135@hotmail.com
City/Country: London
Message: This site is a great idea!
Thanks Bill and Julia
Date: 19:19, 18th August
From: frederick hodder
Email: far1192003@yahoo.co.uk
City/Country: yeovil. late of bridport
Message: i had to pay you another visit
its the best sea site going
good luck
Date: 22:41, 18th August
From: eddie theobald
Email: ejtheobald@aol.com
City/Country: lavenham england
Message: hi, my name is eddie theobald i was at gravesend in 1973 J CLASS catering and left in septemer
Date: 17:11, 19th August
From: Richard Christmas
Email: richnbear@graffiti.net
City/Country: Queensland Australia
Message: this makes two really good sites for the MN and all of now remembering what a dam good time it was
Date: 05:16, 20th August
From: ray doherty
Email: rmdoherty@kos.net
City/Country: ontario. canada
Message: i attended blue funnel survival school in aberdovey wales and never yet any body else who was there also. am i the only one in the whole wild who went there .. regards for nmow
Date: 22:33, 20th August
From: Maurice Hoadley
Email: mhoadley135@hotmail.com
City/Country: London
Message: These pic\'s in the Good ol\' Days, are fabulous. What a find!
brilliant!
Maurice Hoadley
Date: 01:03, 22nd August
From: Robert John White
Email: chalky1939@yahoo.co.uk
City/Country: Bury St Edmunds. UK
Message: Was browsing,thought I,d make an entry.Was a Vindy Boy April to July 1956,married in 1964,finished with the sea in 1966.Went back to sea again in April 1975.Was on deck,left the sea again in Nov 1982,after serving as a Bosun for 6 years.(Memories never die,good or bad,most of mine at sea were very good.
Date: 05:44, 22nd August
From: Roy Peters
Email: roy.peters@ntlmail.com
City/Country: Lancing West Sussex England
Message: Message for Terry Hales tried to reply to your E mail kept getting it returned no such address even though I clicked on reply hope to hear from you soon Calm Seas to all the lads Roy Peters v55
Date: 21:41, 22nd August
From: michael johnson
Email: jonno092002@yahoo.co.uk
City/Country: hull yorkshire england
Message: its a great site
Date: 23:58, 22nd August
From: carl wass
Email: cafw@chevron.com
City/Country: UK
Message: At Indefatigable 1961/62. Served time with PSNC 62-66. Presently Reginal Marine Superintendent, Chevron Shipping.
Date: 03:48, 25th August
From: John Woodburn
Email: jwillywood@yahoo.co.uk
City/Country: annan scotland
Message: ex gravesend and houlder bros/iron ore carriers
Date: 19:02, 25th August
From: David Heron
Email: dvheron@yahoo.co.uk
City/Country: London.U.K.
Message: Most interesting site,looking through fills me with nostalga,I was a merchant seaman from 1966 through 1992 and miss it sorely.
Best Regards
Dave.
Date: 00:56, 26th August
From: jackie clark
Email: cla308@aol.com
City/Country: liveropool
Message: i sailed on oronsay1957.pyrrus1959,empress of canada 160 .and nova scotia 1965anyold pals there
Date: 02:05, 26th August
From: Tom Goldsworthy
Email: goldwy@uol.com.br
City/Country: Teresópolis/ Brazil
Message: Great page.I\'ll be checking it out more frequently. Has brought back a lot of memories. I also found a few ships that I had sailed on. Good luck in the future and once again many congratulations
Date: 03:11, 26th August
From: donny innes
Email: donny10@btinternet.com
City/Country: livingston scotland
Message: hi saw a message few weeks back someone looking for info on leith nautical college but cant find message now if person who put message in gets in touch with me i will be able to help
Date: 00:05, 28th August
From: derek cawdery
Email: dcawdery@btopenworld.com
City/Country: wenhaston suffolk uk
Message: ex royal mail lines and p and o
Date: 01:24, 28th August
From: Chas. (Spud) Mason
Email: Charles.Mason1@ntlworld.com
City/Country: London E1 U.K.
Message: Ex Vindi Boy 20/8/51 To 26/10/51 (Deck)then a (three week) gunnery course on the Thames (Chrysanthemum/Wellington/Mayflower),left the sea 1959 when I got married.
Date: 06:48, 29th August
From: Alan.Glasson
Email: glassona@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney/Australia
Message: Thank\'s Eric Gold for the photos of my home town East Ham,they certainly bring back a lot of memories, I havnt been back for 34 years, so I would imagine things have changed a lot in that time,keep them coming Eric, Alan glasson.
Date: 07:19, 29th August
From: Alex Patterson
Email: alex.patterson@exemail.com.au
City/Country: Edinburgh
Message: MN from 1970 to 980 Now living in Sydney Aus
Date: 23:05, 29th August
From: mick johnson
Email: guinness4mick@msn.com
City/Country: hull yorkshire england
Message: i would like to hear from any old ship mates i was at sea from 59 til 66 catering and i was a vindiboy
Date: 16:08, 1st September
From: John Newall
Email: john@silvernet.co.uk
City/Country: Cheshire / England
Message: Sailed with P&O, 1965-75. Iberia, Oronsay, Canberra, Spirit of London.
Anybody who remembers me get in touch.
Date: 16:23, 1st September
From: John Newall
Email: john@silvernet.co.uk
City/Country: Cheshire / England
Message: Sailed with P&O, 1965-75. Iberia, Oronsay, Canberra, Spirit of London.
Anybody who remembers me get in touch.
Date: 05:01, 2nd September
From: David Hollis
Email: davidhollisuk@yahoo.co.uk
City/Country: Northern Ireland
Message: This is the best site i have come across in a long time.
Date: 17:32, 2nd September
From: John Wallace
Email: Barling@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: Auckland New Zealand
Message: A good page well it has to be its to do with ships.
Keep it going I will be poping
back to check on new Mug Shots
Regards John
Date: 19:57, 3rd September
From: Ray Parkinson
Email: ray.lyn@virgin.net
City/Country: Barrow-in-Furness, England
Message: The town a lot of our great ships were built by Vickers Armstrongs Most of the Orient Liners were built here.
I sailed with the Bibby Line cica 1960\'s as Electrical Officer.
Date: 23:07, 3rd September
From: kevin murphy
Email: spud@wight365.net
City/Country: newport,isle of wight
Message: 1967 to 1977 mostly on fyffes from southampton pool bit did do a few tankers plus the cross and the star
Date: 09:21, 4th September
From: Ray Murray
Email: Orcades@bigpond.net.au
City/Country: Adelaide Australia
Message: I was at GSS in September 1963 then spent nearly 5 years on Orcades as BellBoy then BRS.
I would particularly like to hear from Petty Officers mess steward \"Gary\" from Coventry (Whose second name I can\'t remember for the life of me). Also any other shipmates from Orcades in those days ( 1963-1969)
Cheers
Ray Murray
Adelaide 09 2005
Date: 14:31, 6th September
From: Dan Milliken
Email: milliken@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Australia
Message: Interested to hear from Prince Line people.
Date: 11:34, 7th September
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: East London. London UK
Message: Hi Bill,
I\'m trying to put a message on your guestbook but the book page does not seem to log it. Is there a server problem at your end? Eric.
Date: 12:43, 7th September
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: London, KGV
Message: Hi lads,
If any former seaman living abroad would like photos of the Royal Docks, KGV or the West India Docks as they are today, just contact me and I will forward them to you. It\'s a massive regeneration program for the better, and many buildings are still being built. New hotels, bars and Spas etc for the 2012 Olympics are still to be built.
Where Shaw Savill offices used to stand will now house a new Holiday Inn Hotel with it\'s own Heliport! The old Flying Angel is a listed building and cannot be defaced, although inside it\'s all new apartments. If I had the money I would have bought one myself.
So lads, if youy would like any photos, please let me know.
Eric - Vindi, May - June 1964 Catering.
Date: 12:55, 7th September
From: Raymond Reynolds
Email: ramone@iinet.net.au
City/Country: Perth/Australia
Message: Hi Guys,
I sailed with Port Line in the 60\'s and with OCL in the 70\'s and would be grat to hear fgrom anyone who sailed on any of their ships in that time.
Cheers-Ray Reynolds(Catering)
Date: 19:20, 7th September
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: East London. London UK
Message: Hi Bill,
Many Thanks for fixing my recent guestbook entry. and lads do keep these mails coming through about Docklands, and it has jus been anounced the my aera will have the biggest shopping complex in the UK, and it will be finished for the Olyimpics in 2012. i thought Sharness would have got the bid as they need a mirecal down there (ha ha ha) God Bless. Eric Gold.
Date: 18:34, 8th September
From: stephen gatt
Email: stephengatt@optesnet123
City/Country: werribee victoria
Message: hi very interesting website i happen to be a seafarer myself onboard the Spirit of Tasmania and i have been in the shipping industry for the past 25 years cheers for know
Date: 22:34, 8th September
From: frank mccormick
Email: marisha@chilitech.net
City/Country: littlle marsh pa usa
Message: I found out this address by sending amessage thru ex-pats & was refered to this email address. Glad to be aboard. looking for old shipmates of Riena Del Pacifico.1952/1954
Date: 19:43, 9th September
From: Grant Beardwell (Son of Curley)
Email: grantatmunich@yahoo.com
City/Country: Jeffersonville Indiana, U.S.A
Message: Just browsing, my Dad served in the 50\'s
Date: 20:47, 10th September
From: colin twine (clancy)
Email: twine3486@btinternet.com
City/Country: birmingham england
Message: at sea 1963 till 1969 medic suvic icenic coptic port albany and more
Date: 10:08, 11th September
From: Neil Robinson
Email: robcaruso@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: Auckland New Zealand
Message: G\'day shipmates, wherever you may be on the Planet.
It\'s very obvious to me the readership of this \"All at Sea\" site is so extensive it would be the envy of the UK Daily Mirror. I say this because of the astonishing responses I\'ve had re postings, & bits & pieces of mine on the site. Work and some \"under the weather\" weeks have set me back re replies to all those kind mailers, lads, & lasses too. Everybody\'s response is much appreciated and for sure, everyone will get a personal Thank You.
I have 2 lads to thank here, apart from the very talented \"A a S\" Production Team. These are Pat Biesty who posted the excellent Manchester Docks pics (Ports & Pubs) and Eddie Theobald, whose August 18th posting here set in train links for me with Suffolk folk I haven\'t seen in 44 years. And the posting of mine here on August 16th thanking Pat and my mention of the Salford Sea Cadet band & its Sunday morning musical capers on the docks just happened to be read by 2 of my SCC band mates. It\'s been 61 years since I saw \'em. They both, like me, were Manchester Liners lads back in \'49/\'50, but we never met up again. Ships or in pubs, it was not to be.
But next year, God willing, it is to be Reunion time up in Manchester and Suffolk \'n all!
Oh! the nostalgia and Memory Lane stuff there\'ll be.
I might get very Brahms & Liszt!
And all ... thanks to \'All at Sea\'.
Good on ya Julia & Bill.
Date: 18:36, 11th September
From: john cannon
Email: bjcannon@dodo.com.au
City/Country: sydney australia
Message: looking for danial ocnnel capt.ritmon beasley salvage company southampton 1960s
Date: 18:43, 11th September
From: john cannon
Email: bjcannon@dodo.com.au
City/Country: sydney australia
Message: looking for old shipmate danny oconnel capt.ex rismond beasley salvage comp.southampton 1960s
Date: 15:20, 15th September
From: Bob Marchant
Email: PMARC11898@AOL.COM
City/Country: California USA
Message: Originally from Teddington.
Date: 23:52, 15th September
From: Tim Hughes
Email: hughesassoc@pacbell.net
City/Country: Vigo, Spain
Message: Plymouth School of Nav 1965, 1967;
Shell Tankers 1965-1968; United Baltic Co, 1968-1970.
Glad to get out but nostalgic nevertheless!
Date: 02:01, 16th September
From: jimmy ewir
Email: jocksogib@gibtelecom.net
City/Country: scotland| gibraltar
Message: joined vindi january 1964. 7 years at sea and loved it. regularly peruse mn web sites and enjoy swinging the lamp
Date: 02:02, 16th September
From: jimmy weir
Email: jocksogib@gibtelecom.net
City/Country: scotland| gibraltar
Message: joined vindi january 1964. 7 years at sea and loved it. regularly peruse mn web sites and enjoy swinging the lamp
Date: 16:51, 17th September
From: Tommy Huntington
Email: tommiunty@hotmail.com
City/Country: Salford: U.K
Message: Odyssey deck school August 1964.
Blue Funnel:Blue Star:Port Line:
Very nostalgic and brings to mind many happy memories. Congratulations to Bill and Julia for a brilliant web site.
Date: 04:12, 20th September
From: Jon Gregory
Email: gregory.jon@virgin.net
City/Country: Reading, U.K.
Message: I was a Deck Cadet with Booker Line from 1979-1982, when they went bust, and then with Blue Star from 1982-1983. Great days, what have we let them do to our Merchant Navy!!!
Date: 15:13, 20th September
From: peter morgan
Email: petergmorgan@lithgow.co.uk
City/Country: newport s.wales
Message: Vindi boy 5.5.65 - 25-6-65 catering
ships- 65-thro 69 Geestbay- Amazon-
Silversands-- Engineroom -Esso/
Pembrokeshire/London/Guildford/Yorkshire/
Warwickshire/York and Oxford
If anyone remebers me please contact.
Date: 06:23, 22nd September
From: Bill Young
Email: galleyboy@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney Australia
Message: It is with much sadness that I have to report that my former shipmate, and some time contributor to our stories section, Ken (Nesty) Wheatland (GSS 1965) passed away last Monday 19th September. Only 57, Ken suffered from sleep apnea, diabetes and Emphysema, but despite all of that he remained cheerful, and regretted only that he couldn\'t do it all over again.
I shall miss our daily repartee.
See you around Ken mate.
Date: 18:09, 22nd September
From: robin bourque
Email: paulsmith100@activemail.co.uk
City/Country: wales
Message: phil my dad was on the vindicatrix in 1958 and i am looging for a photo of the whole squed if enyone remembers philip bourque deck boy and bugle player give me a shout at paulsmith@activemail.co.uk thanks
Date: 18:10, 22nd September
From: robin bourque
Email: paulsmith100@activemail.co.uk
City/Country: wales
Message: phil my dad was on the vindicatrix in 1958 and i am looking for a photo of the whole squed if enyone remembers philip bourque deck boy and bugle player give me a shout at paulsmith@activemail.co.uk thanks
Date: 21:12, 22nd September
From: mike fruin
Email: mfruin@bigpond.com
City/Country: Launceston, Tasmania
Message: Gravesend deckie march to may 1957. Sailed shell tanker \'Harvella\'. Short career - long memories!
good memories from the website.
Date: 22:31, 22nd September
From: Tracey Jones (Scully)
Email: traceyscouse@hotmail.com
City/Country: Liverpool
Message: Hi Bill & Julia,
Was so sorry to hear about Ken (Nesty) Wheatland, I really enjoyed his tales of life at sea. Thanks to MN sites It\'s a pleasure to hear about seafarers lives at sea & to get to know a little about the people behind the tales. Rest in Peace Ken, sincerest condolences to Ken\'s family & friends.
Date: 21:56, 23rd September
From: DEREK SMITH DEREK SMITH
Email: SMITHY HOLYHEAD @AOL .COM
City/Country: ANGLESEY
Message: GREAT WEBSITE LOOKING FOR PHOTO TRINCULO BOWRINGS OF LONDON SAILED IN HER 1965 AS AB
Date: 02:20, 24th September
From: jim ball
Email: james@ball1948.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: england
Message: ex blue flu catering dept good old days good shipmates great times all gone now except for memories
Date: 16:18, 24th September
From: JOHN DEVENISH [AUSSIE]
Email: sailorincivies@hotmail.com
City/Country: Australia.
Message: Very good site.
Anyone out there who sailed on Durham Trader,Empire,Brasiland Melbourne Stars back in the 50\'s and 60\'s. Engineroom.
Date: 22:07, 24th September
From: Peter Martin
Email: AAS@sudarg.com
City/Country: Kent, United KIngdom
Message: Happy days!
R865345
Date: 02:05, 25th September
From: ron jones ex 3rd eng Athel Line 1960-69
Email: rocketron-pat@tiscali.co.uk
City/Country: Ex Liverpool now rhudllan N.Wales
Message: Any old sweats out there no A/C just E.R fans to keep you cool.Ships princess,beach,mere,duke,laird, queen,monarch. give us a shout if you remember.Thanks.
Date: 00:54, 26th September
From: John Mc Dermott
Email: irenemcdermott5@hotmail.com
City/Country: hertfordshire ,and ireland
Message: I am very upset and sorry to hear that Ken (nesty) Wheatland has crossed the bar.I sailed with Ken on the (Megantic)and our paths crossed on the (ionic),shaw saville ships down in New Zeland in 73/74. He was a larger than life character,and a very good seaman.In recent years we contacted each other by e/mail,but sadly we never met up,as we were the same age i suppose we thought we had plenty of time to meet.I wish ken calm waters on his final voyage.Rest In Peace Ken,..John McDermott
Date: 21:47, 26th September
From: DEREK SMITH
Email: SMITHYHOLYHEAD @AOL .COM
City/Country: ANGLESEY
Message: THANKS KEN FOR PHOTO TRINCULO THANKS TO BILL AND JULIA FOR A GREAT WEBSITE LOOKING PHOTO OF KARNAK MOSS HUTCHISON SAILED IN HER IN 1964
Date: 02:43, 27th September
From: Alex Pink
Email: redowl34@btinternet.com
City/Country: Gravesend, England
Message: Anyone remember the Town Pier in Gravesend well its now being turned into a pub & bistro.I wonder if they will name it The Pig,in honour of the all seamen that left from there to join there ships over a great many years.
Date: 00:55, 28th September
From: mike donnelly
Email: mdon5@aol.com
City/Country: london uk
Message: now living in deal kent must say what a great site thank you all for making it so. mike donnelly
Date: 12:20, 28th September
From: colin elstob
Email: c18@tadaust.org
City/Country: australia
Message: one of the tilbury boys. Sailed on Esso Saranac Orion Thistledale 1948 1952 Great memories
Date: 12:37, 28th September
From: Noel Kelly
Email: noelmavisk@sbcglobal.net
City/Country: Anaheim,California, originally from Gateshead.
Message: Served as an engineer with Royal Mail Lines from December 1953 until December 1958.
Five years, four ships, Balantia, Deseado, Essequibo, Loch Loyal, anyone remember me?
I was on the Deseado for 2 years and ran a ship\'s football team arranging matches in Buenos Aires.
Left the sea to go to California in 1959.
Date: 19:12, 28th September
From: William Wood
Email: bill@woodw60.freeserve.co.uk
City/Country: Washigton, Tyne & Wear
Message: Iam Bill Wood and I served as electrician with Esso from April 1950 to November1955
Date: 19:51, 28th September
From: Eric Redman
Email: ered@ozemail.com.au
City/Country: Mackay Qld.
Message: Thanks Bill for amending my email address in seen my ship, I had great response, thank you to all concerned.
regards Eric Redman
Date: 05:01, 29th September
From: James Walker
Email: Jim_Donna@ns.sympatico.ca
City/Country: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Message: GSS from Sept to Dec 69 (Deck)and still sailing.
Date: 05:07, 29th September
From: JimPower
Email: jms_roj@yahoo.ie
City/Country: Cork Ireland
Message: R/O joined Marconi 1959 City of Pretoria, Lagos Palm,and Esso Manchester. Then with BP Tankers till 1973
Date: 06:28, 29th September
From: COLIN ELSTOB. (address not known)
Email: c18@tadaust.org
City/Country: Australia. ex Tilbury.
Message: The following addresses had permanent fatal errors -----
<c18@tadaust.org> Transcript of session follows -----
550 <c18@tadaust.org>... Host unknown (Name server: tadaust.org: host not found)
Date: 04:53, 30th September
From: colin elsey
Email: kathycolin@tiscali.co.uk
City/Country: bletchley milton keynes
Message: thaks i have now been able to start tracking my old ship errington court
Date: 20:35, 30th September
From: alan reid
Email: alan.reid@harrisdaf.co.uk
City/Country: Essex
Message: Brilliant site, am going to dig out some photos. Loved my time at sea school and at sea. This brings back many memories.
Thanks
Alan Reid
Date: 05:45, 1st October
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: East London KGV London UK
Message: Hi Bill,
Many thanks for putting (Nesty) Ken Wheatland\'s obituary and let all hands know about his sad crossing the bar, on your website. The UK Vindi association has not gave him a mention as he was at Gravesend not the Vindi. I myself think it is disgusting, as I spoke to Ken on the internet many times, and his wife phoned me up the other night. I only wished I could have sailed with him like yourself, as he was a true KGV and Shaw Savill seaman like us. I can thankfully say that I\'m not a member of the UK cloak and dagger Vindi mob, and they would have lasted only 2 minutes in the KGV dock area, mind you I don\'t think they have heard of KGV. Thanks once again to you and Julia for providing a beautiful website for all us British seamen and NOT only for vindi boys. God Bless. Eric Gold.
Date: 17:33, 1st October
From: Bill Smith
Email: williv@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: Auckland. N.Z. ex Ryhope, Co; Durham.
Message: An excellant site. Lots of memories of better days. Where has the time gone?.
Date: 17:34, 1st October
From: Bill Smith
Email: williv@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: Auckland. N.Z. ex Ryhope, Co; Durham.
Message: An excellant site. Lots of memories of better days. Where has the time gone?.
Date: 11:08, 2nd October
From: James Roy
Email: jimroy41@hotmail.co.uk
City/Country: Edinburgh
Message: Ex AB 1962 - 70. I am lucky enough to have kept nearly every payoff slip and am now trying to match them to photo\'s of the ships. I hope to complete the project, then hand it over to the local Maritime Museum. I will publish a list of missing ships shortly, and hope some one out there has them.
Date: 23:36, 2nd October
From: IAN HILDRETH
Email: IAN-HILDRETH@BTOPENWORLD.COM
City/Country: NORTH SHIELDS TYNE & WEAR
Message: EX M.V. RILEY SECOND STEWARD 1966 TO 1967 PAID OFF VANCOUVER 10.8.67
Date: 00:53, 3rd October
From: Deane Wuynne
Email: deane.wynne@btinternet.com
City/Country: Penzance. U.K.
Message: Any old shipmates out there ?from ss Veni ( Norwegian flagged 1942-43)
ee Kingsbury Torpedoed March 17th. 1943
HMRT Samsonia - 1943-44
HMRT Assiduous 1944-46
Date: 00:55, 3rd October
From: Deane Wynne
Email: deane.wynne@btinternet.com
City/Country: Penzance. U.K.
Message: Any old shipmates out there ?from ss Veni ( Norwegian flagged 1942-43)
ee Kingsbury Torpedoed March 17th. 1943
HMRT Samsonia - 1943-44
HMRT Assiduous 1944-46
Date: 04:31, 3rd October
From: Trevor Walker
Email: twalker@marketbridge.ca
City/Country: Ottawa Canada
Message: Sailed as an engineer officer with Brocklebanks and Shell, in British Merchant Navy.
In Canada I was the Chairman of the Great Lakes School of Marine Technology, at Georgian College
Date: 08:40, 3rd October
From: Ruth L. Staton
Email: arles53@hotmail.com
City/Country: Little River, SC 29566
Message: I am a friend by E-mail of Deane Wynne of Penzance, UK, president of the Tugmen\'s group. He led me to this website and I have enjoyed it. THank you everyone who served our countries when they were so needed.
Date: 09:32, 3rd October
From: Thomas J Quirke
Email: thoqui@telus.net
City/Country: Canada
Message: A very enjoyable site. I sailed on some of the ships
Date: 17:49, 4th October
From: Phil Hughes
Email: philip@vindi.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: Broadstairs, Kent, U.K.
Message: It is with great sadness that I have decided to leave our great association after 13 years and will not be renewing my TSVA membership in 2006. In all that time I have fought for merchant seafarers and fully supported the Vindicatrix Association by action, and by newspapers and BBC radio. My decision has been made easier by the actions of one man, Mr. R. Derham, over the past years and ultimately, at the 2005 Sharpness Reunion. His obvious contempt and hatred for anyone who questions him is beyond the pale and his \"respect\" for those Vindi Boys who fought for freedom of speech plumbed new depths at Sharpness. Anyone who disagrees with him is told to \"join the M.N.A.\". I can no longer be a part of an association where questions are considered as treachery and respect for our dead is not accepted. I will however continue to support the Vindicatrix, the Sharpness Reunions and the Merchant Navy as we are one and the same. The great comaraderie that we all enjoy WILL continue and the only one to destroy the TSVA will be Mr. R. Derham himself. I look forward to continueing contact with those true \"Vindi Boys\" who respect free speech, free thought and our original aims of comradeship within our great Vindi Association.
Phil Hughes, 1958 Deck.
Date: 03:48, 5th October
From: Ronald Walton
Email: ron_walton7@hotmail.com
City/Country: FALKIRK
Message: sailed first trip to sea
24/12/1964 aboard the
port new plymouth
Date: 07:23, 5th October
From: John Paulling v51 c
Email: johnpaul4@hotkey.net.au
City/Country: Raymond Terrace. NSW /Aust
Message: It was very disappointing to read on this and the other Vindi Sites, that Phil Hughes had resigned from the TSVA. He will be sorely missed after all the sweat and toil that he has put into the TSVA.
It is good to know that he is not turning his back on all Vindiboys, and will continue to be involved in Branch issues, and attend the Reunions where and whenever they are held.
Three Cheers for Phil.
Date: 11:59, 5th October
From: Alan.Glasson
Email: glassona@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney/Australia
Message: I feel very sorry that Phil Hughes has had to come to this conclusion,but I have to agree with everything he has said, he has fought this man for so long, or should I say this man has fought Phil Hughes for so long, Phil you are a TRUE VINDI BOY and you can hold your head high. AG.
Date: 12:29, 5th October
From: Joe Donaghey
Email: johnpaul4@hotkey.net.au
City/Country: Newcastle NSW Aust
Message: I served as an Engineer on ss Afghanistan July 1954. ss Martaban Jan 1955. ss Baron Murray Feb 1955. Alcora Aug 1955. Loch Ranza Apr 1956. Empire Clyde Jul 1956. Wayngate nov 1956. Loch Morar Aug 1957.ssMarshal oct 1957(paid off at La Guaira, Venezuela after an accident in E/room. Spent 3 weeks in hospital there.DBS to London) Cape Corso Jan 1958. Any old shipmates out there? my mate John P will pass on any contacts. Photo\'s of any of these vessels would be appreciated. Joe D
Date: 14:13, 5th October
From: Jim Roy
Email: jimroy41@hotmail.co.uk
City/Country: Edinburgh
Message: Cracking site, interesting content.
Date: 16:12, 5th October
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola Victoria Aust
Message: Sorry to here of Phil Hughs resignation he is a Champion of all British Merchant Seamen, but it is not a surprise, I reckon if they started an Ex Members Assn over there in England the books would be full in no time. best regards Phil, you will be missed in England. Glenn ex Vindi62
Date: 16:55, 5th October
From: Don Grannell
Email: offa@iinet.net.au
City/Country: Byford, Western Australia
Message: Hello all
Date: 04:55, 8th October
From: COLIN WILSON
Email: cw002d2071@blueyonder.co,uk
City/Country: NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Message: HI was at vindi 4 1 63 31 3 63 R 785352 COLDEST TIME I HAVE EVER KNOWN ANY ONE OUT THERE REMEMBER ME REGARDS COLIN
Date: 14:53, 8th October
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola Victoria Aust
Message: Hello Collin Wilson your Email address is not recieving mail could you correct it, Glenn Baker
Date: 21:12, 9th October
From: w steele
Email: ws010a4163@blueyonder.co.uk
City/Country: scotland
Message: ex mn eng
Date: 22:17, 9th October
From: Terry Adams
Email: terenceadamd@byinternet.com
City/Country: Maidstone/Kent
Message: I served with Royal Mail,Union Castle, P.O,Harrisons,Sugar Line
and BP.1947 to 1970 started on deck transferred to catering becoming Purser/Chief Steward.
Date: 10:13, 10th October
From: Ron Kerr
Email: vindi52@yahoo.com.au
City/Country: Canberra
Message: Special Free Offer!! I have a copy of \'The Outlaw Sea\' for disposal to a good home. I wrote a bit about it on the UK Vindi Reading page but basically it is the story of how \'Flags of Convenience\' ships came about. It goes on to set out the unintended consequences that this cost cutting exercise has caused in this present era of terrorism. So, first one to email me will get it. I shall even pay the postage! However there is one condition and that is the first taker passes it on the the second and so on. Over to you!
Date: 18:24, 10th October
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola Victoria Aust
Message: Bless you Eric Gold, I had completely forgotten the Captain Cook Bar in Fiji, you could also get a few Ales at the Seamens Mission not far from the wharf if I remember rightly, and finish the evening off with a stroll down Town with one of the Exotic Princesses before retiring for the night. Glenn Baker
Date: 22:07, 10th October
From: Alexander Melville
Email: sandy.melville@btinternet.com
City/Country: Leeds UK
Message: Great site keep up the good work
Sandy
Date: 00:04, 11th October
From: keith ferris
Email: angeline46@aol.com
City/Country: slough uk
Message: ex vindi booy 1964 nice site
Date: 22:37, 11th October
From: Ray Thompsett
Email: rayt2002@gvtc.com
City/Country: Canyon Lake Texas
Message: Just found this site. It looks great.
Date: 03:31, 12th October
From: noel hutton
Email: hutton.n1@btinternet.com
City/Country:
Message:
Date: 03:33, 12th October
From: noel hutton
Email: hutton.n1@btinternet.com
City/Country: belfast n. ireland
Message: great site ports and pubs happy days
Date: 20:56, 12th October
From: Tom Devaney
Email: tom_devaney@scee.net
City/Country: Liverpool,U.K
Message: I have pictures of the following Kiwi coasters,if any of you boys over there sailed on any them drop me you address and they are yours.
Moanui,Ligar Bay,Tangaroa,Tawanui
Parera and Te Aroha,looks like a fishing boat.Great site keep up the good work.Tom,GSS 1964
Date: 13:24, 13th October
From: Barry Akers
Email: margbarry@bigpond.com
City/Country: Australia
Message: Hi I\'M a new member just started to see what you have on your site \'
Date: 12:38, 14th October
From: Bill Young
Email: galleyboy@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney
Message: To all those who wrote condolences in this guest-book, to Ken Wheatland\'s widow Rosie. I received a thank you card from her today. We had included all your comments on the card we sent, and Rosie was so touched that she had them all read out at the service. She said that Ken would have liked that, and she cherishes the card.
Thank you to everybody who wrote in.
Bill
Date: 09:27, 16th October
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: London UK KGV East London.
Message: Hi Bill,
Thanks for putting your entry on the guestbook about Kenny (Nesty) Wheatland, and I only wished I new or sailed with him like yourself. I did have a chat with Kenny on MSN. The Vindi UK mob haven\'t gave him a mention yet on there obituary website, and I was speaking to my mates in the Docks retired and the ones who are working at Tilbury, and they said it was disgusting that the UK Roy Derham mob haven\'t got the decency to mention him, after all he was a British merchant seaman no matter what school he went too. They also said thankfully, they did not work on the docks in the KGV and Royals heyday with the Derham mob,as they would have been sold down the river (ha ha ha) Keep up the great work Bill and Julia, as your website is the best merchant navy website that I have ever seen. God Bless. Eric Gold. Vindi. 1964. Catering.
Date: 02:18, 17th October
From: Derek Darlington
Email: DEREK@darlington181815.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: rawtenstall lancs england
Message:
Date: 02:18, 17th October
From: Derek Darlington
Email: DEREK@darlington181815.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: rawtenstall lancs england
Message:
Date: 05:36, 18th October
From: Gerry Fell
Email: Gerrytmiah@ntlworld.com
City/Country: Harrogate N.Yorks. England
Message: Ex Vindicatrix 3/9/51 -12/10/51. Various ships til October 1960 Many Happy Memories.
Date: 05:37, 18th October
From: Gerry Fell
Email: Gerryimiah@ntlworld.com
City/Country: Harrogate N.Yorks. England
Message: Ex Vindicatrix 3/9/51 -12/10/51. Various ships til October 1960 Many Happy Memories.
Date: 05:37, 18th October
From: Gerry Fell
Email: Gerrymiah@ntlworld.com
City/Country: Harrogate N.Yorks. England
Message: Ex Vindicatrix 3/9/51 -12/10/51. Various ships til October 1960 Many Happy Memories.
Date: 05:41, 18th October
From: Gerry Fell
Email: Gerrymiah@ntlworld.com
City/Country: Harrogate N.Yorks. England
Message: Ex Vindicatrix 3/9/51 -12/10/51. Various ships til October 1960 Many Happy Memories.
Gerrymiah is my correct E address not the other two errors. Apologies.
Date: 21:23, 18th October
From: Peter Baker
Email: Bakerp118@aol.com
City/Country: Wales
Message: Ex Purser. Palm Line & Harrison Line 1955 - 1966
Date: 02:24, 19th October
From: mick jago
Email: jago678@hotmail.com
City/Country: england
Message: vindicatrix 1955
left m/n 1962
Date: 05:39, 20th October
From: David Dwyer
Email: ddinkydo@aol.com
City/Country: Cardiff,Wales
Message: Be nice to hear from old pals..
Date: 09:28, 20th October
From: Des. Lyttle
Email: jrowan@telus.net
City/Country: Vancouver,Canada
Message: My time at sea during the 1970s\', was without doubt, the best period of my life. If we only knew then, what we know now.
Super Website, I love it.
Date: 09:29, 20th October
From: Alan Glasson
Email: glassona@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Australia
Message: Watch out for a fantastick new BBC TV comedy show,its called,
THE VINDI BOY\'S
Date: 13:39, 20th October
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola Victoria Aust
Message: Yes Ive heard about it . The star of the show is not Royston von DerHamster is it.
Date: 20:27, 20th October
From: tonydw
Email: tony.dwyer@gmail.com
City/Country:
Message: Trained at Gravesend, first trip 1951 as Deck Boy on the Empress of Scotland ... home port Liverpool, jumped ship in OZ 1957 been a citizen since 1960 ... retired in 2001 as ships master.
Date: 22:39, 20th October
From: Terry Willcox
Email: terry@terrywillcox.wanadoo.co.uk
City/Country: Folkestone
Message: 22 years at sea, 7 years deep sea, Port Line, Shaw Savell, Castle, P&O. and 14 years cross channel Sealink. better known as \"Tannoy Terry\".now a chef in Folkestone.
Date: 03:53, 21st October
From: David Cape (Dozy)
Email: david_h_cape@hotmail.com
City/Country: Scarborough North Yorkshire UK
Message: Brilliant site. Hoped to come across some old shipmates, but it proved too much of a long shot this time.
Date: 20:51, 21st October
From: Dave houlden (brummy)
Email: shipout1@aol.com
City/Country: brum uk
Message: now would,nt it be nice if 2 jags,2bellied,2faced prescot was sent this whole log book asking if he remembers us ??? but the fat twat dont give his e-mail, add out
Date: 03:56, 22nd October
From: john Scowen
Email: scowie4@yahoo.com
City/Country: England
Message: In the Merch from 1977 - 1995.
Any one know the where abouts of John Nelson from Liverpool.
Date: 05:10, 22nd October
From: Macphail Ward
Email: Zhirik@aol.com
City/Country: Scalloway Shetland Islands
Message: This morning I got in contact with an old shipmate through your website,we were both O/S on RMS.Pardo in the late 1950s.
40 odd years no contact and it seems like yesterday!
Date: 14:39, 22nd October
From: dave houlden
Email: shipout1@aol.com
City/Country: birmingham uk
Message: hi guys second entry here soz about that, but first of all from the bottom of my heart thanks bill&julia for a great site, am amazed to see so many seamen in oz and kiwi, lol can,t help thinking how many of u ended up there by jumping ship!!! (u dont need to answer that!! anyways listen up guys whats all this vindi elitist stuff no matter what school we went to we all ended up facing waves as big as houses comming at us we all was in the hamburg bar in whatever port we all shagged that beutifull bronzed girl and we all ended up getting a big hypodermic full of penicillin,lol all this said with the greatest of respect to all u vindi boys, i tip my hat to ya all, oh and this guy derham ?? dont know who he is but get yer head out yer ass m8, as for me i went to gss in may/jul 67, sailed on far to many ships to list and i,m piss poor at names but for those of you who sailed w/a crap brummy cook cheeky and non-conformist thats poss me (not many brummy cooks now were there??)sorry bout the grub lads, anyways any of u reconise me please contact but do jog my memory i,m still trying to hang in there on the thinest of heaving lines (thanks fat twat prescot whod thought a piss-pot maid from north sea ferries woulda made dpm?) but seriously guys we are a diff breed from yer land lubbing worker and we just can,t shake it off, finally any brummie seamen ex or present fancy a meet and drinkies in brum let me know could be a laugh love ya all (no matter where u trained) dave R851472
Date: 04:12, 24th October
From: John Freeman
Email: john.freeman@ineedbroadband.co.uk
City/Country: NottsDist
Message: BObHandley Les Shimin
Alan Braham,anyone from the old NZ days R587437
Date: 12:16, 24th October
From: Noel Cherry
Email: nollaig@digisurf.net.au
City/Country: Morisset / Australia
Message: Thank you for an excellent M.N. website.
Date: 04:13, 25th October
From: Roger French
Email: RFrench@louston.deepwater.com
City/Country: USA (now, But UK at heart)
Message: Ex Elder-Dempster Cadet, 3rd & 2nd Mate.
Date: 06:00, 25th October
From: Sylvia
Email: sylvia@lambert-online.co.uk
City/Country: Tyneside
Message: Hoping to catch the eye of any ex MN personnel who might have been educated at the Royal Merchant Navy School, Bearwood - my alma mater. I edit a newsletter for ex pupils and would welcome information about \'Old Royals\'.
Date: 08:10, 25th October
From: Ron Kerr
Email: vindi52@yahoo.com.au
City/Country: Canberra
Message: A Reminder! Four pages back, on the 10th October, I offered a book called \'The Outlaw Sea\' FREE to anyone interested. It\'s the story of flags of convenience, how they came about and now the consequences in our new world of terrorism. I had two takers. One from the Hebrides and the second from a Vindi Boy in New York, where it should be about now. If there are any other takers, please let me know. Final offer!
Date: 11:14, 25th October
From: Charley Brown
Email: cbrown@optusnet.co.au
City/Country: australia
Message: Fantastick site keep up the good work,
Date: 11:43, 26th October
From: Alan Glasson
Email: glassona@optusnet.com.au
City/Country:
Message: I HAVE JUST BEEN ASKED BY JULIA TO INFORM EVERYBODY, THEY ARE ON THERE WAY TO TANUNDA, AND ARE AT THE MOMENT ON THE SIMPSON DESERT, THEIR WEB SITE WILL BE UPDATED EVERY FEW DAYS, PLEASE KEEP YOUR ENTRIES COMING IN, AND NO THEY ARE NOT ON THEIR PUSH BIKES, THEY ARE IN A 4 WHEEL DRIVE,
Date: 13:34, 26th October
From: Ross Spirou
Email: ross 879&hn.ozemail.com.au.
City/Country: Bundanoon N.S.W. Australia.
Message: Great Site
Date: 23:47, 26th October
From: william maguire
Email: wm009a4277@blueyonder.co.uk
City/Country: glasgow
Message: found your site today, brings back memories went to vindi 1951.iam member of vindi assoc.thanks billy maguire
Date: 08:31, 27th October
From: Terence Butler
Email: butler_terence@hotmail.com
City/Country: Liverpool uk
Message: wehat an interesting site for us old seamen, i haven\'t found anyone I know yet but will keep looking,especially anyone from Monroe bros coasters
Date: 16:42, 29th October
From: John Appleton
Email: johnappleton@onetel.com
City/Country: Saxmundham Suffolk UK
Message: Hi to all you lads.
I have signed the book before, but had problems with the computer, so thought I had better put another entry in.just in case my info had vanished.
Cheers John and Jan.
Date: 20:36, 29th October
From: edward mcmahon
Email: edward.mcmahon@ntlworld.com
City/Country: liverpool
Message: great site just sent picture mv inventor 1965, great fun looking at all the old pictures.
Date: 10:58, 30th October
From: James O\'Rourke
Email: jim1937@tiscali.co.uk
City/Country: Liverpool
Message: It\'s been a long time since I was at the \"Vindi\" 1953
Date: 01:48, 31st October
From: Anton Paul Taylor
Email: antonp@omantel.net.om
City/Country: Thumrait, Sultanate of Oman
Message: I was at the Vindi in 1959 and spent the next 8 years at sea and loved every minute of it. When I decided to leave an old salt said you will never leave and he was right. At 63 I still miss it. I now work out in the Middle East but will soon retire to Spain.
Date: 07:50, 3rd November
From: tony marshall
Email: tony.marshall43@ntlworld.com
City/Country: nottingham uk
Message: great site ,must add something myself soon.I was at the vindi 1959 [june ] and then did about 8 years with port line.Am now a member of the east mids branch of the ex vindi lads.
Date: 17:32, 4th November
From: bill middleton
Email: w.middleton@ntlworld.competerborough
City/Country: peterborough england
Message: originally from aberdeen.I was on the Vindi from 5/8/52 to 24/10/52 R580444.Sailed with different companies.Last voyage on the Benlyal 1964,then went to work in Hong Kong returning to the UK IN 1981.
Date: 17:50, 4th November
From: bill middleton
Email: w.middleton13@ntlworld.com
City/Country: peterborough england
Message: originally from aberdeeen.I was on the vindi from 5/8/52 to 24/10/52 R580444.sailed with different companies,last voyage on the benloyal 1964 then went to work in Hong Kong returning to UK IN 1981.
Date: 01:50, 5th November
From: a s wall
Email: stanwall2005@hotmail.com
City/Country: south shields uk
Message: good informative site
Date: 17:06, 6th November
From: John Appleton
Email: johnappleton@onetel.com
City/Country: Saxmundham Suffolk UK
Message: Hi Shipmates,
I was trying to contact an old shipmate from the MV Hertford, it appears I had his name wrong, it is James Ritchie, if anyone know where he is, I would like to make contact, we last met about 1963 he is on the 1955 Christmas photo.
cheers John.
Date: 06:16, 7th November
From: Robert Dennis Williams E,D,H.
Email: rd.williams@btinternet.com
City/Country: Pwllheli N,Wales
Message: Fantastic,Brings back memories of the good old seafaring days hoping to find an old friend Harold Maiden as i brows through the photos,I will be sending some of my own soon, All the best lads keap them coming regards Den
Date: 06:34, 7th November
From: Robert Dennis Williams E,D,H.
Email: rd.williams@btinternet.com
City/Country: Pwllheli N,Wales
Message: PS Vindicatrix 28.5.56 TO 3.8.56
Date: 12:54, 8th November
From: Bryan Murray
Email: BYRANM252@aol.com
City/Country: Watford England
Message: Gravesend Dec1952. Bellboy SS Orontes.7 trips Australia Various companies to 1963
Date: 13:05, 8th November
From: Bryan Murray
Email: BYRANM252@aol.com
City/Country: Watford England
Message: Gravesend Dec1952.N0 153049 Bellboy SS Orontes.Numerous trips Australia then Various companies to 1963.Joined Met Police 1963to1992. Now retired. very fond memories.
Date: 18:05, 8th November
From: Bill Burwood
Email: billburwooduk@yahoo.co.uk
City/Country: North Shields
Message: What Happened?
Date: 12:14, 9th November
From: P.J.(Bob) Marchant
Email: PMARC11898@AOL.COM
City/Country: UK now USA
Message: Ex Cadet Hain Steamship Co 1947 to 1951. Third Mate Argonaut Navigation Co, and Sterling Shipping Co, 1951 to 1955
Date: 08:59, 10th November
From: Norman Marks
Email: Nmar5@aol.com
City/Country: Plymouth, Devon formerly Sheerness, Kent
Message: Just browsing and found this site. Will look closer later. I was on the Vindicatrix March to June 1948 and came ashore April 1968.
Date: 19:11, 10th November
From: Tony Dwyer
Email: tony.dwyer@gmail.com
City/Country: Australia
Message: This is a fantastic site and I love visiting ... can hardly wait to have Bill back from his four wheel drive trip.
Today I created a site, The Sailor\'s Home\" ... a place to meet other ex MN guys and chat ... the URL is:http://www.invisionplus.net/forums/index.php?mforum=sailorshome&act=idx
Date: 17:43, 11th November
From: JOHN MILNE
Email: johnmilne@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: AUSTRALIA
Message: Bank Line apprentice in the sixties,was from New Zealand then
Date: 04:47, 13th November
From: irene nelson
Email: irenepnelson@hotmail.com
City/Country: australia
Message: trying to find any info about my dad who was a merchant seaman I think back in 50\'s William (Bill) Askew. Unfortunately dad has passed and we have nothing to go on. Bitlike looking for a needle in a hay stack.
Date: 21:24, 13th November
From: John Finn
Email: finnkeyboardjohn@aol.com
City/Country: Birkenhead England
Message: Sailed with Blue Funnel Line from 1957 until 1965.
First ship Ascanius
Last ship Memnon
Date: 20:57, 14th November
From: Peter J Murphy
Email: taymur@gil.com.au
City/Country: Australia
Message: Lkie to put some memories on site next time round really good show brings back some great times we had at sea in the 50s60s and on till they threw me out in 81ha / ha / good crack eh have fun I do
Date: 00:09, 16th November
From: Barry Wilton
Email: toobaz@aol.com
City/Country: Watford UK
Message: Gravesend \"C\" class 71
N.Z.S Otaki, Piako, Essex, Westmorland, P&O Chusan, Oransay
Date: 11:36, 16th November
From: Peter Buxton
Email: buxton@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: New Zealand
Message: Ex Athel Line, Pan Ocean Anco,
At sea 1974/1983, Enginroom, and PO Pumpman
Date: 15:42, 16th November
From: Harry Porten
Email: hporten@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: ex-Leicester, now Auckland, NZ
Message: Just arrived arrived on the site. Ain\'t seen nuthin\' yet. I\'m going to explore now. I was a Vindi Boy catering Jan/Mar. \'61. Served mostly on Port Line. If anyone remembers me please get in touch.
Date: 03:54, 17th November
From: Bill Horsburgh
Email: bill.horsburgh3@btinternet.com
City/Country: Forfar, Scotland
Message: Just spent a nice couple of hours browsing this site.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Ex-Vindi boy Feb-April 1958
Date: 05:52, 17th November
From: pete wright
Email: pete.wright39@btinternet.com
City/Country: Northants
Message: Enjoyed your site.
I was at Gravesend from 7.11.60 until 16.12.60.
Joined P&O SS Canton on 27.12.60 and stayed on her until 26.8.62 which was her last last trip before being scrapped.
Had some real memorable times and met some great people.
Love to hear from anyone that new me.
Date: 04:26, 18th November
From: john freeman
Email: highanddry@msn.com
City/Country: Newhaven Sussex . U.K
Message: Prince of Wales S.T.S 1960/61 Federal Steam/NzShipping Co 1st Company,Ship \'Cornwall\'then Blue Star,Shaw Savill,Royal Mail,Cunard,Port Line,Haines,Union Castle(shanghied!!)On the coast,Hudson Steamship Co. London-Paris Line...then wife plus 2 kids= Q.M in a cross channel ferry for a few years... came ashore 1974. Happy memories
Date: 05:17, 18th November
From: John Freeman
Email: highandry@msn.com
City/Country: Newhaven Sussex U.K
Message: Ref: my last log entry 04 26 18 November. I mispelt the email address!! too many \'d\' in highandry ( this one is correct)Easier to drive a steam winch than work this thing!!! Good Luck All.
Date: 06:19, 19th November
From: Ron Kerr
Email: vindi52@yahoo.com.au
City/Country: Canberra
Message: I would like to congratulate the lads and ladies of the South Australian Branch of the Vindi Association for their wonderful Vindi 2005 Reunion put on among the wineries of the beautiful Barossa Valley. Although small in numbers, they did a magnificant job. It was all perfect, from the table settings to the entertainment. Such talent! It was also good to see that the wives are considered to be members. Something other branches should copy. You\'ll be a hard act to follow!
Date: 22:38, 19th November
From: Ken Berry
Email: shellsuits@tesco.net
City/Country: Cornwall England
Message: Sailed with Bookers, Blue Star, Ropners Denholms, Boltons, United Arab Shipping. Excellent site, keep up the good work.
Regards,
Ken
Date: 04:17, 20th November
From: jon salter
Email: jon.salter@btinternet.com
City/Country: colchester uk.
Message:
Date: 08:09, 20th November
From: Ed Pollard
Email: Epol111@aol.com
City/Country: Bergenfield N J USA
Message: Always enjoy coming on your site Bob, great to see all the old pictures. keep up the good work
Date: 15:03, 20th November
From: HARRY PROCTOR
Email: APROCTOR@WESTNET.COM.AU.
City/Country: PERTH WESTERNAUSTRALIA
Message: ANY VINDIBOY WANT TO CONTACT ME WELCOME
Date: 15:08, 20th November
From: HARRY PROCTOR
Email: H PROCTOR@WESTNET.COM.AU
City/Country: PERTH WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Message: ANY VINDI BOY WANT TO CONTACT ME PLEASE WELCOE
Date: 21:39, 20th November
From: Nigel Collett
Email: nigelcollett@yahoo.co.uk
City/Country: Forest of Dean, England
Message: I like your site Maurie, talk to you again soon
Nigel
Ta for the Princess fotos
Date: 01:36, 21st November
From: Toby Slater
Email: TobyandAnnabel@aol.com
City/Country: Cornwall
Message: Fantastic site! Brought back some wonderful memories - especially the 60\'s when I was a deckie.I remember the SS Somerset - but it was the SS Aden when I was on her.
Date: 11:53, 21st November
From: Alan.Glasson
Email: glassona@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney/Australia
Message: I agree with everything that Ron Kerr said about the reunion in Sth Australia, it seems to be getting better every year, a lot of us are looking forward to going to Q/Land for there 10th Anniversary reunion in May of next year, that is looking to be a great reunion, as only the Q/Land boys can do, and thanks to Bill Young for putting some photos up on this site, for all to see what a great turn out we had, it puts some reunions to shame, that ours is so organised,
Date: 18:56, 21st November
From: Peter Fell
Email: peterjamesfell@hotmail.com
City/Country: Australia
Message: I was at Gravesend about 1971.
Sailed on Chusan, Orsova, Oronsay.
Couple of names that come to mind - Simon Masser-
Geoff O\'Brian - Jim from Rutland, sorry can\'t remember any others.
Date: 22:10, 22nd November
From: Philip Thomas Elliott
Email: philelliott61@yahoo.com
City/Country: Birkenhead Cheshire England
Message: Hi All!Just heard about WebsiteFrom a friend.I sailed mostly with Blue Funnel&Elderdempster=1956/1972.
on Deck.AB.Good Luck to All.Phil Elliott
Date: 00:06, 23rd November
From: Charles Stobbart
Email: charles.stobbart@onetel.net
City/Country: Scotland
Message:
Date: 11:14, 23rd November
From: AL FIELD
Email: alandval@clear.net.nz
City/Country: NEW ZEALAND
Message: Great site, happy memories, wish i could see or contact my old shipmates from \"\" ORONSAY \"\" days
Date: 14:07, 23rd November
From: Ralph Pottinger
Email: rpottinger@hotmail.com
City/Country: London
Message: A great site that stirs lots of memories. Keep up the good work
Date: 06:39, 24th November
From: James Lowe
Email: jamjspr@aol.com
City/Country: Canada
Message: I sailed as as engineer with Cunard Line 1947-1953 Best years of my life.
Date: 17:23, 24th November
From: Gordon Rew
Email: gmrew@ncable.net.au
City/Country: Geelong Australia
Message: Very interesting site so far, but still haven\'t covered all of it yet.
Thank you
Date: 00:07, 25th November
From: Leo Hannan
Email: leohannan@terra.es
City/Country: Spain
Message: Served with Houlder Bros. 1962-1999.Would like to hear from anyone with whom I sailed with.
Date: 05:41, 25th November
From: Vic Garioch
Email: vgarioch@eagle.ca
City/Country: Ontario Canada.
Message: Would love to comunicate with shipmates that served together for both Ellerman Lines and Hain Steamship. During these voyages I was a Junior engineer.
Date: 11:25, 26th November
From: george lister
Email: regencyashburton@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: ashburton newzealand
Message:
Date: 18:11, 27th November
From: Richard Hogg
Email: Shipshape@worldonline.co.za
City/Country: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Message: A great site for all past and present seafares. Enjoyed it very much.Many Thanks
Date: 06:33, 28th November
From: ray thompsett
Email: rayt2002@gvtc.com
City/Country: United States
Message: Great site, love the photos and mug shots, went to GSS with one of the guys in 1952,Gordon Rew. I have photos from 1952-1960.Thos ewere the days.
Thanks for the memories.
Ray T
Date: 07:09, 28th November
From: Bill Young
Email: galleyboy@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney, Australia
Message: Do any of Eric Gold\'s docker mates know anything of his wherabouts or health lately? Unusually for Eric he hasn\'t been in contact with anyone we are aware of for some time. There are concerns. Please reply to the above address.
Thanks, Bill
Date: 13:31, 28th November
From: Dennis Abbott
Email: DUBBLEDUK@HOTMAIL.COM
City/Country: australia
Message:
Date: 05:07, 29th November
From: Phil Elliott
Email: philelliott61@yahoo.com
City/Country: Thailand
Message:
Date: 06:32, 29th November
From: Neil Robinson
Email: robcaruso@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: Auckland. New Zealand
Message: Ports & Pubs.
2 old boozers on Trafford Road, Salford -\'The Clowes\' & the
\'Salisbury\' both of which I invested in very heavily long years ago are featured in Ports & Pubs pics. Thanks go to Tommy Huntington for submitting the photos and giving me a reason for \"swanning down Memory Lane\" once again. Both \"rub a dubs\" were extremely handy for us Manchester Liners lads when berthed in No.9 Dock in the late 40\'s. Atmosphere in both pubs like I\'ve not seen here in yonks. Here, world famous ale-house Ma Gleasons is long gone, Great Northern the same and diagonally across from it \'The Waverley\', was razed and an up-market poncey named \'chain hotel\' stands there now. A yuppie joint devoid of atmosphere. I\'ve been searching for a pic of \'Ma Gleasons\' for Ports & Pubs for 3 weeks, in libraries, newspapers etc, no luck so far, only distant shots which blow up very distorted. Thanks go to Eric Gold also for his pics of pubs I knew so well in the London dock areas.
\'The Clowes\'... what you couldn\'t get in there?!!! Very little actually ... LOL!
Tommy Huntington, you got an email address mate, save me going thru\' all the posts?
Your name rings a bell - M/C Liners was it?
\"All at Sea\". Wow! - what an achievement in UNDER 12 months.
Methinks the UK V site might be \"slightly\" envious.
Bill & Julia, a marvellous site ... where will it all end? Thank You for total dedication.
Neil Robinson. GSS \'46. visitor No. 28332
Date: 07:26, 29th November
From: curly beardwell
Email: alrosb@terra.es
City/Country: spain
Message: vindi1955deck apr-june last ship was orsova in 67.great site bill and julia.
Date: 07:26, 29th November
From: curly beardwell
Email: alrosb@terra.es
City/Country: spain
Message: vindi1955deck apr-june last ship was orsova in 67.great site bill and julia.
Date: 07:37, 29th November
From: Derek Lewis
Email: shipshapeoz
City/Country: Australia
Message: Great site will send all imformation I have on ships if Bill Young sends me home address
Mine is \"Hillcrest\" 58 Kemp Street, Junee,NSW 2663 Australia
Date: 19:51, 29th November
From: john fagan
Email: jkf4_1999@yahoo.co.uk
City/Country: newprt wales
Message: hello to all mates who i sailed with from 1978-1996.many good times and miss the friendship.
Date: 22:23, 29th November
From: Jim MacDonald
Email: jamesmacdonald182@hotmail.com
City/Country: Guadacorte Spain
Message: I left the Vindi from the class of March/May Billet C1 in 63 ending up as Master. I now live in Spain & would be glad to talk to anyone who remembered me
Date: 03:01, 30th November
From: TommyD
Email: tony8@hotmail.com
City/Country: USA
Message: Great site, guys! Disney.com is great also! http://GHP3.coolhst2.com
Date: 17:07, 1st December
From: Glenn baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola Victoria Aust
Message: Hello Billy,
Would like to say my deep thanks , spotted a name George lister who sailed with me on Turakina, we are now in touch, thank you so much bill your website is worth a million. Glenn baker
Date: 17:25, 1st December
From: Michael Saunders
Email: mickandissy@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: New Zealand
Message: Just looking 1st time ex seaman 1958-1969 Deck
Date: 06:29, 3rd December
From: DENNIS MOORHOUSE.
Email: margaretanddennis@hotmail.com
City/Country: DONCASTER, UK.
Message: I WAS ON THE VINDI AUG & SEPT
1949 CATERING.WOULD LIKE TO MEET
UP WITH CLASS MATES FROM THAT TIME
Date: 07:56, 3rd December
From: robert batchelor
Email: orsova@aol.com
City/Country: wellingborough
Message: i join the merchant navy in july 69 through the PWSTS in Dover,part of the young ones after basic training passed out into the blue sea world with hains nores,p&o and b&c shipping lines of which i should have stayed with hains
Date: 22:25, 3rd December
From: Phil Hughes
Email: philip@vindi.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: Broadstairs, Kent, U.K.
Message: On behalf of myself and the East Kent Branch members may I wish you ALL a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2006. May peace and harmony return to our great association known as the TSVA.
Phil Hughes.
Date: 16:47, 4th December
From: Michael J Turner
Email: yorvicmj@bigpond.com.au
City/Country: Mornington Victoria Australia
Message: Vindi Lad from o2.12.62 - 22.02.63 Sports boy? did two sessions on the Vindi Christmas week and final week Love to hear from Brian Jones Wales or Jock Smith as we were mates and i Came from Rotherham to Vindicatrix
Date: 01:46, 5th December
From: RobbyRobinson
Email: robby@gaddon.co.uk
City/Country: Portsmouth uk
Message: The best site ever. Best wishes to everyone for xmas and new year 2005
Date: 23:00, 5th December
From: Tom Kirby
Email: pampas127@yahoo.co.uk
City/Country: warrington, England.
Message: none
Date: 23:14, 5th December
From: Tom Kirby
Email: pampas127@yahoo.co.uk
City/Country: warrington, England.
Message: Ex. Able Seaman of liverpool 1955-1965 now a maritime artist = liverpool ships entitled \"The Mersey Collection\" Copyright.
Date: 05:27, 6th December
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: London UK
Message: Hi Bill,
Many thanks for the great concern, i was on a TV job on location. i will write to you soon as possible. Will Canadian Liz get in touch with me as i had a call from Many (Alex) in Brighton, would be great yo chat. Once again Bill, many Thanks. Eric.
Date: 05:28, 6th December
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: London UK
Message: Hi Bill,
Many thanks for the great concern, i was on a TV job on location. i will write to you soon as possible. Will Canadian Liz get in touch with me as i had a call from Mandy (Alex) in Brighton, would be great to chat. Once again Bill, many Thanks. Eric.
Date: 07:05, 6th December
From: Sid rosenthal (ginge)
Email: rangirose@msn.co.nz
City/Country: northland, new zealand
Message: fantastic site,hoping to contact some old shipmates along the way.
Date: 04:02, 7th December
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: London UK
Message: When we all finished the MN when it collapsed and went our different ways and lived in different countries who would envisage that we would E-mail or speak to old shipmates again in this hi tech world. Bill and Julia Young have done a brilliant job off creating a fantastic British merchant seamen\'s website no mater what sea school if any you went too. Keep up the great work Bill and Julia as I have contacted great friends from the past and it was all down to you. Bill, I only wished that we sailed together on Shaw Savill. God Bless and keep up the brilliant work. Eric Gold.
Date: 01:34, 8th December
From: ronald Hughes
Email: ronh@genpharm.ca
City/Country: Brampton Ontario Canada
Message: I sailed on many ships if anyone remembers me and would like to get in touch that would be fine ronh@genpharm.ca
Date: 04:49, 9th December
From: tom wilson
Email: tom.wilson500@ntlworld.com
City/Country: barry wales uk
Message: its great to see the interest in the mn,people forget that we were a great ship nation at one time.
Date: 05:48, 10th December
From: roy&audrey salmon
Email: ramsam@xtra.co
City/Country: tauranga_new zealand
Message: wishing you b ill and julie and all the vindi boys a very merryxmas and a wonderful new year,from nz smooth sailing roy
Date: 17:05, 10th December
From: Victor Holloway
Email: vic_hy@hotmail.com
City/Country: Northland/NZ
Message: Just surfing and found this spot - Good, long, trip down memory lane! Ex Federal/NZSC: BP: Shell/Eagle Oil: Athel: Esso: Cunard: Ropners: RML: etc
Date: 19:57, 11th December
From: william maguire
Email: wm009a4277@blueyonder.co.uk
City/Country: glasgow
Message: just found this site, ex vindi boy 1951,retired now ,enjoyed the experience thanks for the memories
Date: 06:07, 12th December
From: Bill Young
Email: galleyboy@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney
Message: In the 12 months since the inception of the All At Sea web site there have been almost 30,000 \'hits\' on the site, arguably making it the world\'s most popular seafarers web site! Thanks to all those who have contributed to its success.
The web site is being revamped and we hope it will be even bigger and better. It will be launched very soon, and some of the links may change. Please check that the address in your \"favourites\" is www.allatsea.cx NOW so that you can continue to enjoy the new site.
In the meantime, if you would like to help us promote this site, email us for your free car bumper sticker.
We wish you and your families all the very best for Christmas and the coming year.
Regards, Bill and Julia
Date: 19:46, 12th December
From: Fred Holloway
Email: vindiboy64@aol.com
City/Country: Hoddesdon, UK.
Message: To Bill and Julia and all visitors to this wonderful website,a very merry Christmas and happy new year, From us all at the Herts branch, UK.
Date: 06:56, 13th December
From: Alan Glasson
Email: glassona@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney/Australia
Message: So you intend to make this site bigger & better, I cant believe that is possible, but go for it,
To all the people that have helped to make this great site what it is, a Merry Christmas, and keep on looking in, lastly to Bill & Julia, Merry Christmas, and THANKS.
Date: 14:34, 13th December
From: Glenn
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola Victoria Aust
Message: Bill and Julia,
Wish you both and all the 30,000 people that look at this site a very merry xmass and on the day we have our wonderful memories,Thanks also to Eric Gold for reviving memories and the great pics he has put on the site, wonderful days if only \'well we can wish ,non taxable too, all the best Glenn
Date: 08:47, 15th December
From: Ben Gainsford
Email: begainsford@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Aust NSW
Message: Ex Vindi Boy 52, what I like about this site is the fact it is updated just about every day, and it covers such a lot of ground, unlike some of the other sites, a job well done to bill, yes i will keep on looking in, Ben.
Date: 07:06, 16th December
From: EdPollard
Email: Epol111@aol.com
City/Country: Bergenfield N.J. U.S.A.
Message: Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year To all the lads down under
Date: 17:38, 16th December
From: Tracey Jones (Scully)
Email: traceyscouse@hotmail.com
City/Country: Liverpool
Message: Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Bill & Julia & all your visitors to the site. Best wishes,
Tracey.
Date: 08:39, 17th December
From: Glenn Baker
Email: Dimboola victoria australia
City/Country: Dimboola Victoria Aust
Message: All the very Best Bill and julia, thank you for having a site that any Merchant Seaman can get on, all the photo,s are fantastic, i remember liz and many more, you both have put the gleam back in my eyes, I am so Grateful, wish Glasson Burrows and many more all the vey best, this website has taken the world of ex Merchantmen. Glenn baker
Date: 14:31, 17th December
From: ian kemp
Email: icky59@hotmail.com
City/Country: auckland new zealand
Message: i was a writer with ellerman lines from 1962-66.would like to hear from anyone who sailed with me on city of auckland city of winchester and city of bribane .lets hear from you guys.
Date: 03:42, 18th December
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: KG5-London UK
Message: Hi Bill & Julia,
I wish you a Merry Christmas & a prosperous New Year 2006. This is the best web site that I have ever seen for ex seamen. I have a lot of contact with ex KGV seamen, all down to you mate. Many thanks to Glenn Baker, ex KGV, for swinging the lamp on Paltalk.
Great stuff Bill & Julia, I mention your site to everyone I know, be they ex seamen or dockers.
God Bless, Eric Gold.
Date: 08:30, 18th December
From: noel fontaine
Email: liz2camp@yahoo.ca
City/Country: canada
Message: Seasons Greetings to Bill & Julia Young and all your website
guests. Thank you for giving us
Merchant Seamen such a \"unique\"
website, to show our past and see through photos what life really was like in the \"good ol
days\". Wishing you all a very
merry X-Mas and a safe & happy
New Year.
noel
Date: 02:26, 19th December
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: London UK Docklands KGV
Message: Hi Bill,
I gave your website details to my mate who is a river pilot and all the pilots are studying the website and they said it is great, also my docker mates love it too. God Bless and have a great Xmas and a prosperous New Year 2006. And thanks to all the ex KGV seamen that have contacted me via Bill & Julia\'s website as it would have never happened on the UK Vindi site with RD and his cronies, lets face it lads the RD people have never heard of KGV. Keep up the great work Bill & Julia, I will be in touch soon. Eric Gold
Date: 08:37, 20th December
From: john hughes
Email: millhugh @shaw.ca
City/Country: vancouver island
Message: just surfed in
Date: 11:09, 21st December
From: George Griffiths
Email: exseafarer@iinet.net.au
City/Country: Perth west oz.
Message: thanks bill and julia for all the great work you both have done for all us old seadogs. of long ago. its great to see all the old pics of yesteryear. and present.so have a great christmas. to all vindiboys around the world. and don\'t forget lads we will always be vindiboys till our last breath. in my case breffff. George from perffff. west oz.
Date: 02:07, 23rd December
From: david leatherdale
Email: dleatherdale@tiscali.co.uk
City/Country:
Message:
Date: 12:18, 23rd December
From: Liz
Email: liz2camp.ca
City/Country: ca
Message: tis the season;
\"Oh come all ye faithful\"
liz
Date: 22:04, 23rd December
From: louis fernandez
Email: louie at ntl world
City/Country: cardiff south wales
Message: deck boy peanut 1968 happy days?
Date: 04:47, 24th December
From: R Tugwell
Email: r.tugwell2003@ntlworld.com
City/Country: Brighton. England.
Message: GSS1964.Deck,Eight years at sea.Union Castle,P&O,MacAndrews,Houlders.Great days,good memories,pity its all gone now,but it set me up for life.Would not be where i am today without those hard but brilliant Merchant Navy Days.Best wishes to all seafarers past&presentRT.
Date: 21:03, 24th December
From: Neil Robinson
Email: robcaruso@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: Auckland. New Zealand. Godzone!
Message: \"All at Sea\".
Bill & Julia - the concept was brilliant. What you\'ve put together for us all is a World beater! A real miscellany of Memory Lane items, zillions of pics to remind us of our own adventures, mis-adventures etc,.
You could grow old in here - there is so much to view and ponder on. Bigger & better things to come eh? WOW!
\"The World\'s most popular seafarers web site!\" That it is, and that\'s for definite! The number of hits to the site is just phenominal. 30749 was what the counter showed when I came in ... in just 12 months, that has to be Guinness Book of Records stuff.
Bless you both for dedication and the sheer pleasure you\'ve given to so many.
Best Christmas & New Year Wishes to you both ... and the readers also.
I was No. 30.000 on the counter last week. Is there a prize???
If not ... why not?! LOL !
Date: 21:48, 24th December
From: JIMMY SMITH
Email: jimmykaraoke@msn.com
City/Country: BLAIR ATHOLL SCOTLAND
Message: BRILLIANT SITE , I SERVED ON THE BIDEFORD, PASS OF GLENCLUNNIE, WINGA, PENDENIS CASTLE , HAPPY DAYS
Date: 04:11, 26th December
From: Bill Young
Email: galleyboy@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney, Australia
Message: I\'m sure I speak for all, when I heartily congratulate Dave Maddox, Cmdr Grenfell, and Phil Hughes for their tireless and often frustrated efforts to ensure that the men and women of the Arctic Convoys were properly and specifically recognised and honoured, with an official award, to be worn on their medal ribbons. People power has proven once again that it can eventually cut through Political bloody mindedness, no matter how beligerant the opposition might be!
What a Christmas present for these three, and for the veterans.
Well done you blokes!
Date: 21:59, 27th December
From: Peter A. Cross
Email: pacross@eastlink.ca
City/Country: Lunenburg, NS Canada
Message: Wonderful site. R/O from 1958 to 1978 and there are many memories awaken here of those golden days of the MN. Thank you.
Date: 10:49, 28th December
From: Richard Teo
Email: sseafood@bigpond.net.au
City/Country: Australia - Darwin
Message: This is an excellent site.
I have just discovered it whilst browsing through the BIship group and Merchant Navy web.
If there are friends and shipmates who sailed with me - God bless and a Happy New Year and to all fellow seafarers too.
Date: 18:03, 28th December
From: David Dwyer
Email: ddinkydo@aol.com
City/Country: Cardiff,Wales
Message: Best wishes and a prosperous New Year to all.
Date: 22:35, 28th December
From: IAN HILDRETH
Email: IAN-HILDRETH@BTOPENWORLD.COM
City/Country: TYNE & WEAR
Message:
Date: 23:01, 28th December
From: IAN HILDRETH
Email: IAN HILDRETH@BTOPENWORLD.COM
City/Country: TYNE & WEAR
Message: 2ND STEWARD M.V.RILE 2ND STW DALHANNA ALSO ON RAVENSWORTH ESSO CARDIFF NAREK BRIGHTON ARALUEN ANY PHOTOS WOULD BE WELCOM GREAT TIME AT SEA
Date: 08:20, 29th December
From: Neil Robinson
Email: robcaruso@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: Auckland. New Zealand
Message: \"Calling Noel Fontaine\"
\" \" \" !
Permission is requested to use your Ports & Pubs pic of Quinns Bar, Papeete - for inclusion in a story for this site. The pic will not be trimmed, crediting to you will remain as is.
Quinns Bar, as you\'ll remember was a \"watering hole with a difference\". The birds passing thru \"ours to theirs\" were likely to give a fellar a minor touch-up or even a vigorous grab of your \"bronzer\". It wasn\'t unknown to see a wahine
head come between you and the fellar standing next to you - the head admiring a fellar\'s attributes! The only sounds were
\"H.mm\'s! & chuckles\" and that uproarious Islander\'s laughter.
Unforgettable!
6 minutes after my arrival back aboard - the ship sailed, at 0600 ... for Panama.(and I wasn\'t the last aboard!) I\'d have earned naught that trip and the next 2 likely - in debt to the Company agent for air-fare and my victualling, to & at Panama, if I\'d missed her.
The things we do in our R & R search!!!
Date: 15:03, 29th December
From: Ron Kerr
Email: vindi52@yahoo.com.au
City/Country: Canberra,
Message: Some time ago I started circulating a book \'The Outlaw Sea\' which is the story of the ships sailing under flags of convenience and the unintended consequences in this \'terrorism\' age. The book has been to the Western Isles of Scotland, the USA and is now back in Australia. Anyone from anywhere is entitled to put their hand up. There are two conditions. 1. Advise me when the book is read so I can advise the next taker. 2. The reader must agree to pass it on (no matter where to!)and also put an entry in the \'log book\' which is travelling with it. So who would like it?
Date: 04:32, 30th December
From: noel fontaine
Email: liz2camp@yahoo.ca
City/Country: ca
Message: Many thanks to Bill & Julia for an excellent site.Would like to take this opportunity and thank everyone for all their kind and wonderful e-mails
Will try and answer all when time permits. Hope this \"MESMERIZING\" website enjoys continued success and greater expansion.
A safe & happy New Year to all
Liz
p.s. glad to see \"Spuds Murphy\" does room service???
Date: 10:20, 30th December
From: Steve Wood
Email: S_ZW@bigpond.com
City/Country: Melbourne/Australia
Message: My dad, Reg Wood was a steward on the Suevic when he arrived in Australia in 1952.
Date: 15:57, 30th December
From: Ian R Bray
Email: ianrbray@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: New Zealand
Message: Ex Gravesend 1960 Ex QTEV Queen of Bermuda
Date: 04:29, 31st December
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: London UK (KGV Docklands)
Message: Hi Bill & Julia,
Wishing you and All At Sea who use this website A Happy New Year 2006 May it be a prosperous and peacful new year too. Thanks Bill, for all the corespondence and to Glenn Baker and Liz and many other seamen from my KGV days who have got in touch with me, as it was all down too you Bill, Keep up the great work Bill & Julia. God Bless. Eric Gold.
Date: 05:04, 31st December
From: Victor Holloway
Email: Vic_hy@hotmail.com
City/Country: Northland NZ
Message: Hi Bill & Julia,
I was on the Vindi Sept-Nov 1957.
I have just finished reading some of the \'Salty Stories\' I must say it appears to be a \'mirror image\' I can see a lot of the antics I got up to...maybe we were all of a kindred spirit? I have a few photos I will send, when I get my scanner fixed up. Keep up the good work.
Date: 13:25, 31st December
From: Paul Burke
Email: pauloamaru@yahoo.com.au
City/Country: Gold Coast Australia
Message: Just found your great site.I was on the Kiwi Coast from 1964 to 1975, and on the Aussie Coast from 1975 to 2005.I have just retired after 22 yrs on the Geelong Tugs.
Date: 13:30, 31st December
From: Paul Burke
Email: pauloamaru@yahoo.com.au
City/Country: Gold Coast. Australia
Message: Just found your great site.I was on the Kiwi Coast from 1964 to 1975, and on the Aussie Coast from 1976 to 2005.I have just retired after 22 yrs on the Geelong Tugs.
Date: 15:09, 31st December
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola Victoria Aust
Message: Well Bill and Julia, A Rolliking New Years eve to tou both and My thanks for having one of the most Democratic Sea sites in the World Any Ranks Welcome and any Ex Merchantmen. This evening it is my 59th Birthday new years eve, The Sea is only a Dream away, to all our World wide people who have and are enjoying this site have a safe new year, and let me tell you something we had the best years this world has seen, not much money but good times and relative peace around the World. God Bless as Eric would say, Ex KG5 man Glenn Baker
Date: 16:19, 31st December
From: Alan.Glasson
Email: glassona@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney/Australia
Message: I would like to wish all the Seaman that have made this the WORLDS BEST SEAFARERS WEB SITE a happy New Year,and roll on 2006 because its going to get BIGGER & BETTER,and a big THANK YOU to JULIA & BILL, they have put so much into this, A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Date: 19:24, 31st December
From: Neil Robinson
Email: robcaruso@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: Auckland New Zealand.
Message: \"HAPPY NEW YEAR\"
To each and everyone around the World, viewers of the \"Most popular seafarers website in the World\" I send Best Wishes on the 1st minute of the 1st day of the 1st month in 2006. It is here in NZ anyway. The fireworks criss cross the sky and downtown Auckland will be awash with merry makers. I\'m having a nice quiet time of it with a carton of Castlemaine 4X.
Peace & prosperity to you all!
Date: 19:37, 31st December
From: Neil Robinson
Email: same as below
City/Country: same as below
Message: Glenn mate - A very Happy 59th Birthday china. I hadn\'t done the scrolling down bit so I hadn\'t seen your entry.
Hang on mate and I\'ll be over - and we\'ll kick on till dawn reminiscing about this your old home town. Is it you who has a preference for Resch\'s ... I\'ve got both Castle M & Resch\'s.
Wishful thinking on my part mate but we\'ll do it one time soon eh?! Happy Burfday china!
Wotcher Alan me old cocker!
Date: 00:34, 1st January
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: London UK (KGV Docklands)
Message: Hi Bill & Julia,
Have A Happy New Year 2006 and to all who view this the BEST WEBSITE for ex seafarers. The Sydney harbour bridge fireworks was great and so will our Dockers club at KGV tonight will be too, as there is a firework display over KGV tonight but I will miss the ships horns blasting of at midnight. God Bless. Eric.
Date: 04:44, 1st January
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola Victoria Aust
Message: Would have loved to have been there with you Eric at the KG5 fireworks, we could have gone on a phantom Tour around the Roundhouse , The Kent Arms Dinner at Stella,s and shipped out once more, sounds silly but there was tears in the eyes . grateful for the wonderful site by Bill and Julia, too all KG5 men lift your Glasses in toast Glenn
Date: 11:31, 1st January
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: London UK (KGV Docklands)
Message: Hi Bill & Julia,
Hope you had a great time as I did, one of my mates on the way home showed me the Docklands area and I thought I was in the states with all the huge skyscrapers ect. Glenn, I passed the Tabnab and Yes it is still there but not Stella and my girls from the docks. But we KGV guys have great memories that will never die. God Bless you all especially Bill & Julia for making this the WORLDS BEST WEBSITE, who knows Bill, I might fly to Sydney next year (ha ha ha) God Bless. Eric.
Date: 01:06, 2nd January
From: david neil patterson[taff]
Email: dapttrsn \'aol.com
City/Country: wales
Message: vindi boy nov64/jan65 catering
I didnt know this site exsisted
untill now found couple photoes
on here of me and one of me and
dave moore who was at the vindi
the same time we met up 2003 reunion my ships wellperk/regent
royal/regent eagle left during
seaman strike.
Date: 01:18, 2nd January
From: Phil Hughes
Email: philip@vindi.fsnet.co.uk
City/Country: Broadstairs, Kent, U. K.
Message: To all members,
On behalf of the East Kent Branch, may I thank ALL who sent us Christmas cards, whether branches or individuals. May I also wish you ALL a very healthy and prosperous 2006.
Regards,
Phil hughes, (East Kent Branch Sec;)
Date: 04:58, 2nd January
From: BERNARD CLEVELAND
Email: berol39@onetel.com
City/Country: WIGAN. LANCS.UK
Message: NICE TO FIND ANOTHER WEB-SITE IN WHICH TO BROWSE
Date: 23:22, 2nd January
From: eddie matthews
Email: eddie.matthews@blueyonder.co.uk
City/Country: birmingham uk
Message: sailed with P&O passenger dept also cargo ships and container services with OCL Would like to hear from any fellow seafarers who remember sailing together
Date: 00:47, 3rd January
From: Charles Mintoff
Email: 9h4cm@camline.net.mt
City/Country: Malta
Message: Any Person who has sailed with me
on Union Castle,King Line,Clan Line,Bowaters or Manchester Liner\'s
are very welcome in dropping me a line.
Regards
Charlie
Date: 11:23, 3rd January
From: Pete Lindstrom
Email: Doonhaven@wmconnect.com
City/Country: North Carolina, U.S.A
Message: Just discovered your website.
British MN 1952-1960.( Third generation)Looking forward to many new and old contacts and wishing \"all hand\'s\" a Happy New Year. (Wb3cuy)
Date: 20:46, 5th January
From: Alex Pink
Email: redowl34@btinternet.com
City/Country: Gravesend, England
Message: Been asked by some old seagoing mates from the fifties,if The British Legion Club in Sydney is still going.We had some good sundays in there made very welcome, some times to much so Happy Days.
Date: 23:48, 5th January
From: Denis Mair
Email: denis.mair@c-mar.com
City/Country: Scotland / Canada
Message: Great Site!
I was British Merchant Navy / offshore industry 1966 - 1995 Cadet to Captain with 5 years in between as AB
Date: 23:28, 6th January
From: calum maciver
Email: user@invergordon5.wanadoo.co.uk
City/Country: Stornoway Isle Of Lewis
Message: I Think its a great site,Iwould like to hear from anyone who I sailed with.Ships,Pendennis Castle 1966,Ruahine1967-68,& various other ships of J&J Denholms of glasgow,&federal boats
Date: 03:03, 7th January
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: London UK (KGV Docklands)
Message: Hi Bill & Julia,
What a great site and my old watering hole the Oriant Hotel in Sydney and the Tabnab. When i was on the Oriana we always drunk there not forgetting Monties. I hope you all have a great time there despite the sizzling tempratures. We now have the boat show on at the moment in KGV (The Excel Centre)and there was a yaught sold for 2 Million quid today, i wonder if Derham was the buyer as it was kept quite, i will go down tommorow and who knows RD may be there then i can throw him in the dock (ha ha ha) God Bless. Eric.
Date: 05:04, 7th January
From: Neil Robinson
Email: robcaruso@xtra.co.nz
City/Country: Auckland. New Zealand. GODZONE!
Message: Hah, hah, hah, Eric. Great Stuff china! If I can get a flight out this morn I\'ll be over to join you and give you a hand to do it!!! He\'s likely put a fair bit of weight on -swanning around the World as he has of late, and is looking a bit like the Michelin man as a result! So you\'ll need an extra hand, eh mate?
This site amazes.
At 10:00 on Nov 29 here in NZ, the clickometer read 28319. Now, just over a month later it stands at 32108. 3789 hits more
in that short time. Phenominal!!
There\'s another good site, sort of a companion to this one in a way, called \"The Sailors Home\". It\'s different in that it is a Forum. You\'re welcome to come and join us and contribute. All kinds of merrymaking takes place and all enjoy themselves. You\'ll be especially Welcome if you happen to be an ex \"Suevic\" bod ... 75% of the current Manning List seem to be ex that ship. The other 25% of us who weren\'t give THEM \"a holes!\" All jolly banter stuff! There\'s no aggro - it ain\'t allowed. OK?
Jokes, heaps of topics too and grand \"hair raising\" adventure yarns.
Here\'s the address.
http://www.invisionplus.net/forums/index.php?mforum=sailorshome
Copy it into Favorites lads.
Lasses too are welcome if you have an inclination ... it\'s a Merchant Navy site remember!!
Thanks Bill & Julia for my advertising space here.
As \"All at Sea\" has become the most popular seafarers site in the World, and who would deny that, we intend that \"The Sailors Home\" will become the best FORUM site around. Bill, of Bill & Julia on this site is a popular contributor. He\'s very well received - despite the fact that he\'s ex \"SUEVIC\". LOL! LOL!
I might just add \"The Sailors Home\" is not my site, nor am I paid commission.LOL!
I ought to be! LOL! LOL!
Date: 14:55, 7th January
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola Victoria Aust
Message: Ha Ha Ha , very good Ha Ha HahaHa Ha, we could have a March past too Afterwards and Liz could lead the march, with a massive ex KG5 Banner at the Head, Ho Ho ho
Date: 23:37, 7th January
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: London UK (KGV Docklands)
Message: Hi Bill,
And and too all the guys downunder, well there was another yaucht sold tonite for 55 Million quid Called \"Trust In Me\" with all the mod cons, it definately is Derham, as the head of security for The Excel center (KGV) said buisness is brisk as the show lasts for 2 weeks and the yaughts are lovely, Hey i just seen Derham pass buy (ha ha ha) it was a pity that we coul not have went aboard as they are lovely, i wonder if Derham will sign me on as i only have 1 Double DR and a few VNC\'s. God Bless, Eric.
Date: 06:06, 8th January
From: Dave Symonds
Email: dave.symonds@aztronics.com.au
City/Country: Adelaide Australia
Message: Like a lot of the other writers, I have just found the \"All at Sea\" web site.
I can only say how fantastic it is, and have spent some time on it, already bringing back memories, and I can see will be spending more time in the future.
I was a \"Vindi Boy\" 140266-130566, with a week in the middle spent in the sick bay. My first Ship was the Suevic, from July 1966 to June 1967, and from that first trip, decided that NZ was going to be home. Well I got close, and have been in Adelaide since 1974. I look forward to any contact from former shipmates, from 1966 to Sept 1971, where we took the Rowallan Castle to Taiwan for scrapping, then on to Adelaide to settle down.
Tks for hours of pleasure to come.
Dave Symonds
Date: 14:24, 8th January
From: david cook
Email: dartchamp41@hotmail.com
City/Country: Melbourne
Message: originally from Tilbury Essex.Love to hear from anyone who I sailed with On th O boats.
Date: 01:46, 9th January
From: Frank ( spike ) Hughes
Email: frank.phee@dsl.pipex.com
City/Country: Ashton in Makerfield UK
Message: Can any of you OLD TIMERS out there remember a pub nicknamed Liverpool Mary\'s /Mary Bassems on the Rocks Sidney .in the late 40/50\'s. and what was the true name of it.
Thanks
An Old Salt
Date: 03:21, 9th January
From: Eryk Polok
Email: epolok@aol.com
City/Country: Leicestershire England
Message: I trained at the Vindicatrix Sept 66 Dec 66 sailed on the Loch Loyal, Duquesa Beaverash and a few more which I can no longer remember as I have lost my discharge book!
Date: 04:15, 11th January
From: Frank (Spike ) Hughes
Email: frank.phee@dsl.pipex.com
City/Country: Ex. Liverpool
Message: Thank you Bill & Julia . received my bumper sticker to day.
I was at the \" Vindie \" deck dept .from March 1948 to May 1948.and sea going for some 10 yrs.
I have been a member of the Vindicatrix Association for only 4 yrs .and only discovered the Allatsea web site in December 2005.. Both sites are excellent.However ! serve two SEPERATE and DISTINCT PURPOSES. and on browsing thru the log book read two letters which I consider unfair and unjustified.
Phil Hughes 4th October 05 and Eric Gold 16th October 05.Made very personal comments on Roy Derham the Founder of the Vindie Assoc.Which was setup to found a fellowship of the Boy\'s who trained exclusively on her,and as such Is not and I hope never will be a free for all MN site.( there are plenty these on the web ).
Roy Spawned the VA
Roy.Put Time and a Lot of effort and initiative to bring together some 3000 \" BOYS \" of into one \"brigade\" and swop memories of the Vindie. and a few seayarns.
With regard to Democracy that takes a lot of time and debate in any part of the world. Roy was entitled to TRY to hang on to HIS BABY . however thru debate and auguments in the Branches things have now changed.. Bill and Julie\'site is a drop of fresh air HOWEVER it IS a General Merchant Seamans site with some input of pictures of Vindie Boys (Including mine )which is secondry to its purpose.
Mr Hughes and Mr Gold I rest my case.the Va is better without you WHINING POMS !!!
Date: 01:21, 12th January
From: Leo Hannan
Email: leohannan@terra.es
City/Country: Spain
Message: Gravesend Nov/Dec 61
Houlder Bros 62-99 early retirement 1999.Any Ex.Houlder People out there.Wonderfull Site Thank You.
Regards
Leo Hannan
Date: 04:23, 12th January
From: john mercer c/o w. cromie
Email: mnrt@aol.com
City/Country: dromore, n. ireland
Message: I am looking for a Mr donald
wilson
Date: 02:25, 13th January
From: john hughes
Email: millhugh@shaw.ca
City/Country: vancouver island canada
Message: any old timers out there,who sailed with lamport&holt and booth line during the 50s.ch elect.cheers
Date: 08:33, 14th January
From: patrick sullivan
Email: pwstsessex@hotmail.com
City/Country: colchester essex
Message: Im a ex pwstsdover 1955.such was the pity that you were not up to our standard of training because we look down on you graves end boys. and I knew that you look up at us. pwstsdover the best only to be followed by the rest..
Date: 19:12, 14th January
From: Albert Carlisle
Email: bigguy1@shaw.ca
City/Country: abbotsford bc canada
Message:
Date: 07:29, 16th January
From: John Freeman
Email: highandry@msn.com
City/Country: Newhaven Sussex Gt.Britain.
Message: Pat Sullivan of Essex,I can\'t agree with what you wrote about Gravesend mate.I think it must have been a good training..camp,because I sailed with lots of those lads in different ships and the Mates and Bosuns were always telling them they\'d make bloody fine soldiers..John PWSTS Feb:1961
Date: 06:43, 19th January
From: Alan.Glasson
Email: glassona@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney/Australia
Message: Let me be the first to say what a great success the AAS get together was, to think we had a couple of Seaman come all the way from Melbourne proves to me this IS the most read Seamans site in the WORLD, keep up the good work Bill & Julia, looking forward to the BIGGER & BETTER SITE,and the next get/together,
Date: 08:46, 19th January
From: Tony and Alison Maynard
Email: alisonmaynard@exemail.com.au
City/Country: NSW
Message: Tony still going along well.
Date: 10:14, 19th January
From: frankie duffin
Email: jf.duffin@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: melbourne
Message: hi Bill just got my car sticker thanks very much for that, and it will be getting displayed all around Melbourne on my car. thanks for the great site, hope we Melbourne boys can get a meeting up like your succesful one in Sydney. see ya for now frankie.
Date: 16:38, 19th January
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola Victoria Aust
Message: Hello Bill and Julia, Im so glad you had a couple of Guys from Melbourne, It is the greatest site, and glad your AAS group went well , me well Im still painting Houses, not with a Boatswains chair either, best wishes Glenn.
Date: 20:08, 19th January
From: Alex Pink
Email: redowl34@btinternet.com
City/Country: Gravesend, England
Message: Sticker arrived o.k.Bill now on the car, going around Gravesend. Had one guy asked if I was a bloody old Peanut,I told him I was a bloody old Vindi boy then he wanted to know who I upset. Just shows that they still remember the lads in the old town.
Date: 04:37, 20th January
From: Terry Renner
Email: trenner@telus.net
City/Country: Canada
Message: Sailed on Warkworth, Silksworth, and Ravensworth, of R.S. Dalgliesh Ltd, 1965 to 1969
Date: 12:59, 20th January
From: Allan Burrow
Email: alsten1@dodo.com.au
City/Country: Australia
Message: Billy, the pictures are great - but for crying out loud - the Grey Funnel Line!!!!!! In the old days those blokes did all their sailing in the dockside pubs and all their drinking at whilst at sea!! We did it the right way AND us REAL sailors could pull the birds without the fancy uniform now couldn\'t we!!! Great site.
Date: 05:44, 21st January
From: noel fontaine
Email: liz2camp@yahoo.ca
City/Country: ca
Message: no Eric,
thats not the first time Ive seen a blow hole in the Thames,
liz
Date: 09:56, 21st January
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: London UK (KGV Docklands)
Message: Hi Bill & Julia,
Many thanks for putting my friends cafe Peccilli\'s photo on the site, they were gateful and said many thanks. They have also put an ad for your website on there menu. My mate who is a skipper on a ship tonite on the Thames looking after the whale has said it has been a great experiance looking at your website and as he was a deep sea captain said it is the BEST WEBSITE ever he has seen, and they have just found another whale at KGV the mother of the original whale, who said the KGV docks is finished. Hope you all had a great Hogmany like i did in KGV. God Bless. Eric.
Date: 21:22, 21st January
From: Geoff Bray
Email: gffbry@aol.com
City/Country: U.S.A.
Message: Good web-site
Will visit often
Date: 07:26, 22nd January
From: wilfred cromie
Email: mnrt@aol.com
City/Country: kilkeel
Message: has anyone out there got a photo of the SS FIRST of Belfast
Date: 08:06, 22nd January
From: Joe Clague
Email: clagues16@aol.com
City/Country: St. albans, England
Message: Hi there, was on various ships etc 1959 to 1969, (cargo tankers ,passenger,)anyone out there, would be nice to hear from you.
Date: 18:23, 22nd January
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola Victoria Aust
Message: Hello there, yes it was good to see so many people trying to help the Whale, unlike the Japanese who have their Hearts set on destroying them, and in Australian Territorial Waters too, I no longer wonder about the Worlds ecological survival, nothing has changed since those stupid knights charging at Castle Doors with long Telegraph poles. Glenn
Date: 01:16, 24th January
From: Toby (Tommy) Slater
Email: TobyandAnnabel@aol.com
City/Country: West Cornwall, England
Message: Brilliant site! I was GSS April/June \'62. Carinthia, Iberic,Aden,Athelqueen,
Kepwickhall - left \'66 but best 4 years ever. Thanks to websites like yours now in touch with shipmates in Oz from over 40 years ago. Many thanks.
Date: 04:46, 24th January
From: Eric Gold
Email: ericgold@btinternet.com
City/Country: London UK (KGV Docklands)
Message: Hi Everyone,
It was a sad shame that the whale did die on Saturday and to think that he was only 3 feet from the KGV lock gates as well. Glenn, I agree with you entirely about those japs killing the whales as I too love animals especially bears and people are killing them too. Keep up the great work Bill and Julia as my mates who work on the river Thames may they be river pilots, Dockers or police look at your website every day and say it is THE BEST WEBSITE ever especially when you make it bigger, so lads dig out those old photos and send them to Bill and Julia, The merchant Navy is dead as we all know but not the website with all the lovely stuff that is on it there, so come on lads get these scanners going. God Bless. Eric. (KGV)
Date: 17:48, 24th January
From: Glenn Baker
Email: sailorglenn@hotmail.com
City/Country: Dimboola Victoria Aust
Message: Hi there, Just an interesting bit from Brians Merchant Navy site, Th old Queen Mary, whih has been under constant Financial problems seems to have been Bought by a Book Publisher Magnet in Southampton and plans to have The Old Ship Towes back to Britain from Miami and Put on Show in Southampton, there were fears The old Girl would face the Scrapyard, It would be a fine thing indeed to see her nack in British waters with the Red Ensign proudly Fluttering from her Stern again, lets hope it happens. Glenn.
Date: 11:18, 25th January
From: Martin Norris
Email: golfmadnorris@hotmail.com
City/Country: Sydney Australia
Message: Hi everyone,
ex P&O room steward from 77 to 83 and anyone who knows me or wants to contact me thats fine.Talk about old times and future reunions.Cheers Martin.
Date: 21:21, 25th January
From: Mick Spencer
Email: m.spencer220@ntlworld.com
City/Country: Nottingham, England
Message: Just recieved the very striking car sticker. Have already stuck my car on to it. It will be shown all around the Midlands. Thank you very much Bill & Julia, all the best. Mick Spencer
Date: 13:31, 28th January
From: GRAEME TODD
Email: GVICTORT@HOTMAIL.COM
City/Country: CLEVELAND USA
Message: MN 1961 - 1967
Date: 23:52, 28th January
From: Frank Johnson
Email: 8330cgt@ishp-corp.com
City/Country: Boston
Message:
Date: 15:01, 29th January
From: Bill Young
Email: galleyboy@optusnet.com.au
City/Country: Sydney Australia
Message: THIS LOG BOOK HAS NOW BEEN ARCHIVED
PLEASE DO NOT USE
Date: 03:11, 31st January
From: jim turner
Email: pm.turner83@ntlworld.com
City/Country: birkenhead
Message: handy site,thanks for your help.jim turner.
Date: 05:39, 31st January
From: peter fruhmann
Email: p.fruhmann@chello.nl
City/Country: Netherlands
Message: I\'m looking for information on a man called John Leary. I am trying to write a biography on him. He was born 31 January 1928 in Dulwich (London) and he must have served either in the Merchant Navy or the Royal Navy from about 1946 to 1954. He seemed to have vanished around 1952 (his family has not seen him again until 1967) He never talked about his years in the Navy or the years until he turned up on the isle of Islay. It\'s a bit of a mystery. I have a photograph of him in uniform, hbut I really don\'t know which Navy it is. John Leary (who called himself Sean O\'Leary oin Islay) died in 1987. I have never seen him alive, I came across his life as a painter on Islay by coincidence, but his story intrigued me. Does anyone know this man. I can mail the photograph. Hope to get some information. Regards, Peter Fruhmann