In the late 1950's, while with Clan Line I sailed with a 3rd Engineer, Charlie Murdoch. A good engineer who would sit there happily scraping and checking with lead wire the bottom bearings of one of Clan Line's older triple expansion engines. A short fair head, but muscular Scot with all these years past, he still stands out in my mind not just as an Engineer, but what must be called a "true character".

He stood by what he believed in, for example at the end of the trip the "Old Man" would have a collection for the RNLI. All deck officers and engineers, would meekily contribute to the collection. Except of course Charlie, he considered such a collection, would be to save his own soul! He would contribute the same amount as everyone else, but insisted his contribution should go to a "Childrens Fund". The "Old Man" huffed and puffed but had no option but to write out two cheques, one for the RNLI and the other for the selected childrens fund.

There is story after story one could tell about Charlie. But just one more in the Clan Line's dining room, the table places were laid out for each individual, with their napkin rolled up in the napkin ring alongside the table ware. Charlie would go the whole trip without ever removing the napkin from the napkin ring. Based on the fact, as he said we never have napkins at home, and I am not going to start using one now.

Did anyone else sail with Charlie, who could relate similiar stories, but more important it would be great if "3rd Engineer Murdoch" would respond himself. I would greatly enjoy reminiscing by letter or email with him????

He was one of the people you meet in life, who stands out in ones memory bank for all the right reasons

Brian F.