Shipping Federation Office, Dock Street

[john walker]

I have no doubt that your Father is correct Chris, The question I would like answered is when was this the Federation Office ? In my time on U.K. flagged ships (1968- 1982) I only ever dealt with the office in Precot Street. The photos that are attached show an estate agents and I can always remember that building being used as office space but never as a shipping office. Has anybody got a photo of the building being used as a pool?

[Stuart Henderson]

Yes running the bow up into the field which was usually full of cows happened every timeat Tonnay Charente. It was always a quiet little place, never saw more than two ships in at any one time. There was a bar just across the pier/square which of course suitd us seamen. Remember the ships agents had a couple of old bikes he would lend out to the crew members so you could explore the real French countryside. I have returned To Tonnay Charent in more recent years as I now live in the department of the Charente though miles inland. I hadnt changed much..... No ships there on my visit though of course Cognac is still exporting worldwide.
We used to unload in London Docks at bottom of Dock/Prescott Streets. I think your first photo was the pool in those days 1950s

Cheers to your dad
Stuart

[Chris Champion]

John,

During my research I have established that the Shipping Federation and National Union of Seaman Office was opposite the Dock Street entrance from 1893. My father signed-on for his first ship in September 1946 and discharged from his last ship in November 1955.

To date I have not found a picture of the offices during my fathers time in the Merchant Navy.

Regards

Chris

---------- Post added at 08:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:32 AM ----------

Thanks Stuart, glad to see it brought back some memories, will pass best wishes on to dad.

Kind regards

Chris