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My GSNC "Good Seamen No Cowboys" ships and memories.
Greetings to all former GSNC seamen.
My name is Jason Davis R639237.
My first GSNC vessel was the Tern which I joined as an AB iin Glasgow on August 15th 1960. I stayed on the Tern until June 1961.
I was subsequently on the Woodlark, Ringdove, Whitewing and the Royal Sovereign.
My memory is fading but I do remember that while in Tonney-Charent, France (I think on the Tern) the bosun had a heart attack and died. At the time I felt terrible about this because he and I had a big shouting match on the foredeck shortly before he passed away. I was 21 and knew it all!
I also have much happier memories of the season I spent as an AB on the Royal Sovereign ending in September 1961.
Does anyone who was on her remember the "Games Room"?
I must have played too many games because at the end of the season the Mate wouldn't let me work by.
Another memory is of being in Oporto. Portugal, I forget which ship, and going ashore at lunchtime for horsemeat sandwiches and shots of Anise. Took on a dare to drink a whole bottle, got helplessly drunk and was fired as soon as we got back to London. We also made it a habit of going into the hold and tapping the barrels of port with a six inch nail. All in all you have to admit a ship full of booze sorely tries the patience of a thirsty seaman.
I too remember the offices being right there across the street from the Tower of London, I have been back and find it all so changed it's unrecognisable. Sad.
I still dream of being at sea but terrified that I will be incapable of doing the work.
After all I'm nearly 71.
Cheers......Jason Davis.