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28th October 2022, 12:51 AM
#11
Re: Money
HI Roger.
My first trip in 49 as a deck boy was at 7pounds a month with 2pounds deducted in an allotment to my mother. Maybe you left an allotment?
Des
R510868
Lest We Forget
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28th October 2022, 05:54 AM
#12
Re: Money
Think by about 64 the monthly rate for a catering crew member in UCL was about 48 GBP a month all found.
As officers steward we got four hours overtime each day at sea.
Early morning call, uniform and a room by them sea.
Went to sea with nothing and still have most of it left.
Last edited by happy daze john in oz; 28th October 2022 at 05:55 AM.
Happy daze John in Oz.
Life is too short to blend in.
John Strange R737787
World Traveller
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28th October 2022, 06:49 AM
#13
Re: Money
As for Des, I joined as Deck Boy in August 1948 at 7 pounds per month. Rate For an AB was 24 pounds monthly. Left the sea in 1957 with rates the same. No change in rates during the years so far as I recall.
Ken Trehearne
R412277)/
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28th October 2022, 09:02 AM
#14
Re: Money
#12 what was the feeding rate then John ? When Cappy came home on the Avonmoor in the late 50”s the feeding rate was 7/6d. A day.Cappy found that was great as the weevils in the pickled onion jar were free . Cheers JS
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28th October 2022, 12:28 PM
#15
Re: Money
Hello shipmates,
I went to sea in ‘72 as a j/eng and after 14 years at sea haven’t a clue (forgotten) what my wages were. I generally just carried on spending until I was skint. 😁😁 the only comparison I can think of is before I joined I was on £32 a week with 2 nights and a Saturday morning overtime as a turner/fitter ashore.
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28th October 2022, 03:51 PM
#16
Re: Money
In 1958 when I signed on as an indentured cadet with PSNC my pay was 12£ per month rising on each annual anniversary by £2 or £3
for the 4 year duration.
However in 1961/62 as uncertificated 3 rd Mate on a PSNC supertanker my wages went to £160 per month.
A wonderful period of my life, no regrets! Chris Newton
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29th October 2022, 12:36 AM
#17
Re: Money
Hi Ken.
57 was when I arrived in NZ and went on for seven years.
Des the coast
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29th October 2022, 05:28 AM
#18
Re: Money
Well John, as for engineers beer was of more importance than food.
The 12 to 4 never had lunch even though some would order it for 11 bells.
4 to 8 had breakfast followed by a beer.
Deck officers were a little more respectful ordering food in their cabin and very little beer.
Happy daze John in Oz.
Life is too short to blend in.
John Strange R737787
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29th October 2022, 05:42 AM
#19
Re: Money
Now talking of Beer! Heck a lot of us Young Uns those days on the Castle Ships, used to down at least two or three while doing the Beer Carry early in the Mornings, then by the time you had also finished your Linen carry, you were just about finished ! LOL
But onwards we went, to the Scrubouts, and Cleaning the various things around, Laying the Tables for Brekkie, and the rest! The Lord knows just how we managed to do all those things , before even Serving one Blood!
Then it was Stand By for the Rush! And in the came couldnt wait to sit down, and get their Grub, so Grub we fed to the Grubs! LOL
What a runaround it was!
After all that, still found a wee bit of time to actually feed ourselves!
And quite well at that! Me always at least 4 Eggs Sunny Side Up, Rashes of Crispy Bacon, Baked Beans and Sausages, with of course my Fried Tomatoes. Plus 4 Slices of Toast mind and a good Cuppa Black Coffee!
Now for the Lunch!!! Oh Dear!!!!
Bye Bye!
Senior Site Moderator-Member and Friend of this Website
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29th October 2022, 08:41 AM
#20
Re: Money
Originally Posted by
happy daze john in oz
Well John, as for engineers beer was of more importance than food.
The 12 to 4 never had lunch even though some would order it for 11 bells.
4 to 8 had breakfast followed by a beer.
Deck officers were a little more respectful ordering food in their cabin and very little beer.
11 bells John? you been at the 4 Bells again?
12-4 had 7 bells lunch usually (11,30hrs).
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