1952 onwards from Gravesend Concentration camp !

[John Green]

I realise that it is around 60 or so years ago that I 'graduated' from the above and moved to my first ship; P&O Strathnaver. There can't be many left tho' I did manage to trace Barry Lepley from Canvey who served with me on the same ship.

Any one remember the General Steam Navigation Co. ? The Philomel based at Tilbury? The Cormorant based at St. Katherines Wharf, Tower Bridge. ?

I'd very much like to get hold of a copy of my former Merchant Navy identity card. Does any one have any advice as to how to go about it ?

[Doc Vernon]

Hello John
Nice having you aboard here with us!
I was in Tilbury KG5 Docks a few times in the 50's but cannot remember if I saw that Ship!
But then there were always so many Ships at that time! It was one busy Port those days as you know!
Hope that you may get some replies from Guys that knew you!
If you go to the following site ,I think (not sure on the details you will need) but its a site that you can apply for a Copy of your ID Card,however this may only apply to Seaman who are still employed!
Good Luck
Cheers

https://www.gov.uk/get-seamans-disch...h-seamans-card

[Richard Quartermaine]

Good on yer John. I came on this site in 2010 and within a short time I was contacted by a shipmate on the Port Saint John back in 1949.
Good luck.
Richard

[DeepSea]

Date and place of birth John and there maybe a paper copy of your ID Card at Kew in BT372.

[David Williams]

Hi John.
I cannot recall the exact address,but I got a copy of
mi identity card from the National Archives at Kew.
Dont know if this will help in any way.
David Williams

[Frederick Lacey]

Hi Doc, hope you don't think I am nit picking but KGV is London, next to Royal Albert and Victoria.

Thought this would be of interest, put on full screen, but there is no sound, lasts about 10 mins.

Port Of London - British Pathé

Fred.

ps also on there is a video of the Queen inspecting the "Port Brisbane".
Did a Couple of Home Trades on the Brisbane in 1954 and 55.

[Richard Quartermaine]

What a 'blast from the past' Fred. I've saved those for quiet reflection from time to time.
Richard

[Colin Wood]

Remember GSNC well.

I went to St Olaves GC which was at the corner of Tooley Street & Tower Bridge Road so regularly saw all ships in Upper Pool.

My mother also worked for them pre 1930. Also saw many when on TY"WENDORIAN£ based in ST Katherines dock, pls when having at old pub opn the river bank seaward of Gravesend.

[Keith Tindell]

I am pretty sure that st Katherine's dock was where I took my AB,s ticket, trying to think of the pub just outside the gates, kt

[John Arton]

Though filmed well before my time in the Royal Docks, it certainly brought back many happy memories of my times there in the late 60's when those docks were still thriving. Was it Blue Flu who had offices by the cut through from KG5 to Albert? The offices were fairly modern with glass windows from floor to ceiling and you could see all the mini skirted secretary's typing away at their desks as you went through the cut.....very nice to see after a N. Atlantic crossing.
rgds
JA