Sudden remenbrance of old times

[John Arton]

That's a reminder, "getting singled up". That was always a thing we said when the weather become warm and sunny, usually about three days out from London. It meant getting your shorts on and wearing little else. I still use the term in nice weather and most people don't get it.
The weather here in the outer London area is bronzy time, so time to get singled up.
I suppose you could say when letting go "we singled up while we were singled up".

3 days out from London and you were singled up in shorts and tees? Just what Bleddy ship were you on lol, 3 days out from London on the Beaverfir we still hadn't passed Bishops Rock.
Rgds
J.A

[Johnny Kieran]

3 days out from London and you were singled up in shorts and tees? Just what Bleddy ship were you on lol, 3 days out from London on the Beaverfir we still hadn't passed Bishops Rock.
Rgds
J.A

Ah! now that was different, couple of months without taking yer coat or seaboots off. I avoided that after the experience due to being a blue water sailor.

[James Curry]

Another one sprang to mind just now. On a feeder box boat and heading into Arhus there was ice on the way in. Things seemed to be taking ages. Chief says give the bridge a ring and see what the hold up is. No reply on the bridge phone. Anyway we were still on dead slow ahead. I spot the mate and asks him why we had not had FWE yet. Oh for fecks sake just put FWE in the movement book and we will add the time later. Ah!! okay fair enough so can I go down and stop the engine as we are still on dead slow ahead. think he thought I was taking the piss until he looked aft. Red faces all round from the bridge lads that day.

[Tony Taylor]

That's a reminder, "getting singled up". That was always a thing we said when the weather become warm and sunny, usually about three days out from London. It meant getting your shorts on and wearing little else. I still use the term in nice weather and most people don't get it.
The weather here in the outer London area is bronzy time, so time to get singled up.
I suppose you could say when letting go "we singled up while we were singled up".

Photo_2025-06-21_150051.jpg

Same for engineers when they got the chance, usually a field day, probably not allowed these days

[James Curry]

Photo_2025-06-21_150051.jpg

Same for engineers when they got the chance, usually a field day, probably not allowed these days

Size of crews these days I think it is field days for everyone onboard now. Especially on box boats. Glad I am well out of it now.

[Bill Morrison]

Field days were more P&O. Only on break/downs, four on two off collapse on the deck then back down again until it was up and running.
Lucky we had A/C. so lying in the sun was not a great temptation. Now and then spent some time on deck to get a tan.
Have a couple of photos. 1 Michael Begg J/E myself & Bob Macey 2/Elect. 2 myself.
Bill M.

[James Curry]

Field days to me was usually a 12 hour day , break downs was stay down until the job was up and running again, usually the 4th Eng would get an early dart so he could get a few hours as he would take the job away. Another was job and knock.
Have to say the ship that was a work house was usually a happy ship work hard and play hard, easy when you are in your 20's

[j.sabourn]

#16 That wood sheathed deck doesn’t look up to the standard for P and O Bill . Looks like it could do with a renovation . Chippy and the apprentices should have been out there with the oakum and tar and then the holy stones . Instead of giving you advice on your field days. Cheers JS..

[Des Jenkins]

Hi Bill
Lovely pics, took me back looking at that sea in the background, pure nostalgia.
Des