Ships names

[Michael Lawrence]

General Steam Nav., ships were all named after birds. I only served on the Swift of this company, but was'nt the Daffodil and Sovereign part of the same fleet? Mike'

[Doc Vernon]

Hi Mike,
I am not too sure on this ,but looking at the full fleet list it doesnt seem so!??
Cheers
Vernon

http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/lines/generalsnc.htm

[Michael Lawrence]

Hey Vernon. Thanks very much for that. Crikey they had some ships( see there were 5 Swift's and they wer'nt all named after birds. Sorry to mislead you Too Mate but should of said Royal Daffodil and Royal Sovereign. Believe they use to do day trips for Londoners from Tower Bridge to Ramsgate or Margate on the Kent coast. When I joined the Swift as a boy she was lying up at their workshops in Deptford Creek. Staying on the subject those old tea houses at Butlers wharf at Tower Bridge opposite bank to the Memorial will now cost you around 2 1/2 million quid for an appartment. Why didn't we ever make that type of money? I suppose because we were called Jack the Lad. Take care matey and keep safe. Mike

[happy daze john in oz]

G'day Mike, yes you are correct about those two doing day trips for the Londoners. Recall as a young sprog being taken for a trip on one. Wonder what ever happened to them?

[Michael Lawrence]

Hey John. I reckon Vernon will us about where they are or if they gone for good. That area where General steam had its offices has been pulled down (criminal damage?) and a concrete monstrosity is in it's place, plus the Tower mob have taken up a great swath of the area. If you should ever come with your grandchildren bring plenty of dollars you'll need them. Mike

[George]

General Steam Nav., ships were all named after birds. I only served on the Swift of this company, but was'nt the Daffodil and Sovereign part of the same fleet? Mike'

Hi Mike 1st ship was the Greenfinch Great little ship spent 8 months on her as galley boy I'm sure your right about the Royal Daffodil & Sovereign belonging to GSNC can't remember the date but GSNC became part of the P&O group Regards George in Southampton

[Michael Lawrence]

Yeah George, Thanks for that. John in Oz confirms it and I fed duff gen to Vernon. They were the London day trippers special very much like Campbells Steamers use to run from Cardiff Pier Head to Weston and Minehead and Ilfracoombe. I enjoyed my time on the 'Swift' as galley boy, only 3 of us in catering, cook/stwd, ass/stwd and me the boy. Only left coz I wanted to go back deep water. Always the same, you think the grass is greener. Mike

[Doc Vernon]

Yeah George, Thanks for that. John in Oz confirms it and I fed duff gen to Vernon. They were the London day trippers special very much like Campbells Steamers use to run from Cardiff Pier Head to Weston and Minehead and Ilfracoombe. I enjoyed my time on the 'Swift' as galley boy, only 3 of us in catering, cook/stwd, ass/stwd and me the boy. Only left coz I wanted to go back deep water. Always the same, you think the grass is greener. Mike

Hi Mike,
You got me there mate what is this? "I fed duff gen to Vernon"
havent heard that before!
Good old Ilfracombe! Used to work at the old Ilfracombe Hotel for a spell nice place and i lived in,
Used to go up Capstan Hill quite a lot and sit there looking out over the Ocean! With a Chick of course haha!!
Cheers
Vernon

[happy daze john in oz]

G'day mike, another one for you, Red Funnel steamers, Southampton to Isle of Wight if I recall. Are they still going?

[Doc Vernon]

G'day mike, another one for you, Red Funnel steamers, Southampton to Isle of Wight if I recall. Are they still going?

Yes John Still going strong!

The 10th September 2011 will mark Red Funnel's 150th anniversary, making it one of the oldest British shipping companies still trading.

Cheers
Vernon

A few small Videos on the line.

http://www2.redfunnel.co.uk/corporat...-history/video