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Thread: Intro - Glen Hodgins

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    Default Intro - Glen Hodgins

    Hello:

    Just stumbled across this forum and looking forward to getting involved.

    Although I was never in the Merchant Navy, I was a Bridge Watchkeeping Officer in Canada's naval service for about 12 years, (mostly in the 1980s). (My avatar is my old cap badge.)

    As my signature block asserts, I am currently researching (as a hobby cum "labour of love") the history of the Merchant Navy (Mercantile Marine) of the British Empire/Commonwealth up to about 1950.

    I am particularly interested in the way the various services were interlinked, as well as the way in which the various Dominions and Colonies chose to organise their merchant fleets over the years. Also interested in the links between the merchant services and various related maritime organisations, such as Trinity House, the Fisheries Protection Service, Hydrographic Service, the Naval Reserve, the fishing fleets, etc.

    I have also developed a penchant of compiling what I refer to as "mini-biographies" of certain merchant navy/mercantile marine officers whose record of service tickles my fancy.

    Look forward to learning what I can from other more erudite members, and sharing whatever information I can based upon my own modest research efforts.

    Cheers,

    Glen,
    In Our Dominion of the North
    Last edited by Glen Hodgins; 20th February 2018 at 02:16 AM.
    Researching the History of the British Empire & Commonwealth's Mercantile Marine, c. 1850 to 1950

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    Default Re: Intro - Glen Hodgins

    Hello Glen
    Welcome to the site and thank you for joining!
    I am sure given time there will be follow ups to your Thread,and I hope that it will be of help and interest to you!
    Sounds like a nice Hobby you have chosen,i am sure there is lots of good readings there!
    Enjoy
    Cheers
    Senior Site Moderator-Member and Friend of this Website

    R697530

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    Default Re: Intro - Glen Hodgins

    Welcome Glen.

    About a year ago. Met a very friendly Canadian , Bus Driver,Here on the Gold Coast,in Oz.

    During the short journey, ascertained He was ex R.C. Navy.
    One time He'd been attached ,to your Offices, at Edmonton ,London. He was a Bosun . The Tattoo on his Forearm, was the Avatar.
    At my stop , alighting .Said ."Hope you were kind to the Ratings! "Gave me a Smile and a wave.

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    Default Re: Intro - Glen Hodgins

    Glen, I applaud your interest that will be an added window into the great merchant navies of the World.

    You may be interested in the attached Australian Motor Vessel, Bulolo that I sailed on in 1948 on the Papua New Guinea run. Also I was on the SS Morinda that was a munitions ship during the same war. Both Vessels were owned by the old Burns Philp Company of Sydney, FLOTILLA AUSTRALIA . My interest flows from my association with Burns Philp and their group over a period of seventy years and here are some of my records:
    bulolo .
    Regards,
    Richard
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Our Ship was our Home
    Our Shipmates our Family

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    Default Re: Intro - Glen Hodgins

    Thank you, everyone, for your kind words of welcome.

    Quote Originally Posted by Evan Lewis View Post
    "Hope you were kind to the Ratings! "
    Indeed.... I was a rating (stoker) for my first two years in. I chose the engine room department on joining, thinking it would be warm in the cold winter waters off of Canada. Fair enough. It was... but it was often (in those days at least) more "sweltering hot" than warm... even in the winter! Hence, when presented with an opportunity for a Commission in the executive branch, I leapt at it. In fact, that was my calling: eventually specialised as a Navigating Officer.

    My son is currently a "Leading Yeoman" (Visual and Radio Communicator) in the Royal Canadian Navy, currently serving in our Atlantic Fleet out of Halifax, Nova Scotia... so when I go out to visit him, we always swing by the Seaman's Mess for a wet.

    Cheers,
    Glen,
    In Our Dominion of the North
    Researching the History of the British Empire & Commonwealth's Mercantile Marine, c. 1850 to 1950

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    Default Re: Intro - Glen Hodgins

    Glen, The sacrifices made by the Canadians which aided this country and Europe to rid us of a Tyrant by the name of Hitler will never be forgotten by the U.K Good health Glen and welcome Terry.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Just sent Glen a friend request, I think we all should follow and do the same, Welcome him with open arms. Terry
    {terry scouse}

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    Default Re: Intro - Glen Hodgins

    Thank you for the kind words. (My father, who was RCNVR during the War, would be particularly touched.)

    We all appreciate the sentiment, but with respect to dealing with Herr Hitler and his types, let's not forget that we were all in it together... Brit, Canuck, Aussie, Kiwi, lascar etc. Hell, even the Yanks eventually joined in ;-)

    Moreover, I would say that the world owes an immeasurable debt to Britain, in particular, for holding the line during the dark days of 1940 and '41, while the rest of us got our act together. I am reminded of that every time I go to UK and visit cities like London, Liverpool or Portsmouth, and realise how few buildings over 50 years old still exist (relative to say, Paris), having been "redeveloped" largely as a result of the Luftwaffe.

    Cheers,

    Glen,
    In Our Dominion of the North
    Researching the History of the British Empire & Commonwealth's Mercantile Marine, c. 1850 to 1950

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    Default Re: Intro - Glen Hodgins

    Hi Glen and welcome aboard.
    Where are you living in our great country?
    Could use a hand now and then on the Island.
    I am also a member of the RCNA. Comox.
    Den.

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    Default Re: Intro - Glen Hodgins

    Hi Den:

    Thanks for your note. I am in the Dominion Capital: Ottawa.

    That said, I have very fond memories of the West Coast, having spend 5 years as a sea cadet at HMCS Quadra, Goose Spit, (Comox), BC; then many more years sailing out of Esquimalt with the Navy.

    Although never joined the RCNA, have been an active member of the Navy League for years.

    Cheers,

    Glen,
    In Our Dominion of the North
    Researching the History of the British Empire & Commonwealth's Mercantile Marine, c. 1850 to 1950

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