Union Castle at Southampton 1963

[Neil Purdon]

Try this link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/6585...50241371026332

I guess you'll need to be a member of The Union-Castle Line Facebook Group to see it.

[Doc Vernon]

My late Brother was on the Pretoria at the same time as you, Asst Stwd known as Mac quite a tall chap. Know him at all??

[Doc Vernon]

Nice bit of writing there Sean when it is completed how about a Copy ! LOL
cHEERS

[Sean Currie]

For you? Of course, Doc. With the novel I get a chance to add more characterization, which as you know, was lacking from the first book. Stay safe my friend.

[Doc Vernon]

Will await with baited Breath Sean Thanks mate
Cheers

[Danny Gallacher]

Hello Sean,
My name is Danny Gallacher, I was at sea for almost 6 years. A steward. I sailed on six Union-Castle ships and truly enjoyed each one. However, I had left the sea by 1963 and by that time was a cabin steward with BOAC flying on Comet 1V the world's first passenger jet.
Like the others who have posted notes, I recall very well the gold trains in Durban offloading the gold onto our ship with armed guards in and outside the ships hold. It was always interesting as well as exciting to watch. In later years (BOAC) I traveled to the gold mines from Johannesburg on a tour run by SouthAfrican airways. Great experience. I would be happy to assist you with any information you may require about life on board the Castle boats , the passengers, who they were and where they were going etc. I was fortunate, I started out a commis waiter on the Winchester Castle in tourist class and ended being a steward on the Edinburgh Castle on the Captain's table in the first-class dining room. I met wonderful people and some not so wonderful. Some great shipmates, and some with titles and some celebrities. Some clergy that I did not know for 3 weeks were clergy until they were leaving the ship in dog collars etc..I did my last sea voyage on the Pretoria castle in April 1960 and went off to start a new career with BOAC. My time at sea served me well and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. If you think my Union-Castle experience can be of assistance to you please let me know. My Best to you...Danny Gallacher

[Doc Vernon]

Hello Danny
When were you on the Winchester ,i ask as i was on her as well as Asst Stwd Tourist Class for a few Trips, around the 1958/59 mark.
My Brother was on the Edinburgh as well also about that time and also in Tourist Class Lounge.
Cheers

They were good Ships indeed and i too fully enjoyed my stay with them. Did some of the Round African Runs as well on the old Dunnottar,and Warwick Castles.

Funny thing too i was on the Gold Mines for three Years but in the Orange Free State
in Glen Harmony worked at some 17000 feet in the Gold Stopes after i did my Training for 18 Months and got my Blasting Certificate.
Some Hot and dangerous work with the Stopes only being some 3 to 4 feet in Height had to be on Hands and Knees most all day .
My late Father was a Gold Miner as well after he finished in the War, he was on Roodepoort Durban Deep for many Years!
Cheers



Are you originally from Glasgow ?? Name is Fimiliar!

[happy daze john in oz]

Yes well remember the Cape Town castle gold bullion episode.

But you must realize one of the culprits was an Australian, Gold was found here in Oz in the 1800's and bushrangers had a liking for it.
So all he was doing was continuing the tradition which has stood for well over 150 years.

[Sean Currie]

Well, this is so interesting reading these anecdotes, especially from two perspectives. Firstly, I had written a draft chapter about George Harrison (background stuff), one of the famed original discoverers of the Witwatersrand find at Johannesburg, so you guys might be able to help me with background on that later. Secondly, Danny (quite incredibly and coincidentally), I also have a short chapter concerning a flight on the Comet IV BOAC - so can I get back to you on that? Wow! What a good day for me!
Stay safe everyone!!

[Danny Gallacher]

Helo Doc,
I was on the Winchester in 1956, I did 3 round trips on her. she was a great old ship and my very first Castle boat. And yes I am from Glasgow although i have not lived there for over sixty years but for sure that's my old home town. I went back there two years ago and took a boat trip down the river Clyde..wow what a change, I remember Cargo boats tied up at every dock and ships being built all along the river. Sad to say thats all gone now Only ships I saw were two RN ships in Dry Dock.I have to go the wife is calling .Will get back soon. cheers for now .