Ian Huthinson fireman/greaser

[Frank Appleford]

I sailed with Ian Hutchinson from Batley, Yorkshire for several years on Union Castle, Elders and Fyffes, Shaw saville, and Shell tankers. The last one we we jumped her in Australia. We then went on to do the overland trip back to Australia. After seeing a bit of Australia Ian decided to return to Blighty and I stayed on Australia. In 1990 I received a phone call from Ian's sister in the UK. She informed me of the following, some of you in the uk at the time would remember it.

On 11 February 1985 a gang of railway maintenance workers were clearing ice and snow from the points and lines near the 4 mile Severn tunnel at Magor, Gwent, South Wales, UK. When an early morning staff staff train ploughed into the gang killing 4 of of them - Ian was one of that 4. Ian left behind a wife and 2 children Jessica and Daniel. His wife Julie was also 5 months pregnant with baby Laura.

Rest in peace shipmate.

Frank Appleford.

[Doc Vernon]

Sorry to hear that Frank,it seemed to have taken a long time for you to get such news!
Anyway as said by you.
RIP Ian!
Cheers

[Frank Appleford]

Doc, I was still travelling around Australia myself, yes it took until 1990 for me to get the news from his sister because I was here, there and everywhere in those days. I came across my files on the matter and thought that it was worthy of a mentiion here. Maybe some of our old ship mates might remember Ian. If the heavy seas don't get you, or if the fires don't get you ...then get hit by a train?

[happy daze john in oz]

G'day Frank, sorry to hear the news even if it is so late. I see he was with UCL at one time, do you know which ones and when? A lot of ex UCL crew on the site, some may remember him.

[Frank Appleford]

Hi happy daze, I know he was on the Reina Del Mar for awhile with me.

[Doc Vernon]

Just out of interest Frank
Wsa he on any of the UCL Ships about 1958 time.,i ask as i have all my Crew Lists of my Ships with UCL at that time!
The Surname Hutchinson is rather familiar but could be someone else as well,so many !
And of course he was in the Engine Room! But would be on the Crew List if at that time!
Thanks
Cheers

[Frank Appleford]

No Doc, way too early, late 60's he joined the MN.