Raymond MANLEY,

[Ray Manley]

Ships Name and Service Record

Full Name

Raymond MANLEY

Discharge Book Number

R601166

Department

Deck

Your Rank/Rating

AB

Ships

Empress of France - Deckboy - Oct 1953 (CPR)

Matadi Palm - Deck Boy Nov. 1953

Grelrosa May 1954 JOS

Andalusian JOS Feb 1955

Tasmania Star SOS 1955 to 1956

Scottish Star EDH

Auckland Star EDH 1962

Ulster Star EDH 1963

Wellington Star AB (4 trips)

Katea 1965 (1st ship in NZ)[/I]

Hotunui 1965

Ngatoro 1965

Karetu 1965

Wainui 1965

Kowhai 1966 x2 trips

Tofua 1967

Bay Fisher 1967 (fly job to UK to pick up this ship and sail back to NZ)

Tug "Hipi" out of Auckland

[Siobhan Palmer]

Hello there, I have just noticed that you sailed on the Grelrosa in 1954. I have been trying to research my grandfather, Edwin James Rice, who I believe was Master of the Grelrosa on and off from Oct 1952. His records suggest he was Master in May 1954, when you were there (it's not very easy to read on the records, but it looks like they sailed out of Poplar). I have been researching his activities on the Arctic Convoys in particular, but as he died in 1964, when I was six, we don't have a lot of other information about his life in the Merchant Navy. If you have any information about this engagement, I would be very grateful to hear from you.

[Ray Manley]

Gidday Siobhan, firstly I must apologise for not replying sooner, I do not get to this site as often as I should,its a great site. I was only a junior ordinary seaman (17 years of age ) when I signed on for a trip on the GRELROSA, she was berthed in the West India docks (Poplar) and when I saw what her for the first time and did worry about my sanity, she was old,rusty and grubby but I was committed. The captain was indeed "Captain RICE" and from memory (its a fair while ago)he was not to tall (short) and not very skinny (plumpish)

The voyage lasted the best part of a year, through the Mediterranean, Suez canal,red sea,Persian gulf,Japan,Canada,USA through the Panama canal into the Caribbean sea (met Hurricane Hazel there) and back to the UK and payed of in Liverpool. The ship was the worst one I ever sailed in but the crew and the voyage would have to have been the best

I did not have much to do with Captain Rice but I do remember he was one of the few Captains who ever spoke to the Helmsman during his watch and he did get us through a very bad hurricane so its thumbs up for your Grandad.

I have my discharge book with the captains signature and I do have a photo of the Grelrosa that I may be able to figure out how to scan them and send a copy if you wish, my e mail address is HERE

[Keith at Tregenna]

Hi Ray,

I am not to certain how often Siobhan is looking in but will let her know that tou have posted.

Thanks, Keith.

[Keith at Tregenna]

Last Activity: Yesterday 12:18 AM Looking at this thread. Have sent own communication. K.