Merry Christmas, Captain

[Roger Dyer]

Hello Shipmates.......Well, it's come around once again - that time each year when most of us look forward to the 'happy time' we will soon be sharing with family and friends. There is a certain feeling in the air, an atmosphere, that is never there at any other time of the year.

The other day, in one of my many idle moments, I was thinking about Christmas time in days gone by. Luckier than most I suppose, but during my nine years in the MN only twice did I spend Christmas away from home. On both occasions my ship was at sea and that's where any similarity ends.

On the 21st December, 1959, at Dock Street, as an E.D.H., I signed on UBC's 'Baltic Clipper'. The ship, I was told, was in Surrey Docks, where having discharged her cargo of timber, was loading general cargo for Finland and was expected to sail on Christmas Eve. Knowing that I would miss being with the family for the festive season, I must have been mad, but can only assume that I was flat broke at the time and badly in need of the money (let's face it, Finland is not the most hospitable place to visit in winter). As expected, during the morning of the 24th Dec. we left Surrey Docks and move down river to Ford's at Dagenham where we were to load a further cargo of cars, trucks and tractors. Shortly after our arrival there, we were told by the dockers that as it was Xmas Eve, they were finishing at 5.00pm, and would not be able to complete the loading in time for the ship to sail that day. Yippee!, thought I, maybe I'll make it home for Xmas after all..... wrong again. Later, we were told to forget about Christmas. Surprisingly the dockers agreed to work through to finish the job (I suspect that a suitable inducement was made to them and who could really blame them for accepting the offer?). We eventually sailed shortly before midnight. I remember that Christmas Day as being grey and miserable as we ploughed across the North Sea. It, surely, matched our mood. At one time during the a.m. 8 - 12, I was at the wheel when Captain Joe Purdy came into the wheelhouse and during the course of conversation with the 3rd Mate, wished him the compliments of the season before going down below, without so much as a nod in my direction. I don't know what I'd expected, but Christmas Day that year passed like any other day at sea.

My second Christmas at sea occurred in 1965, when I was an A.B. on MacAndrews 'Pacheco'. It was my second trip. The crew, mostly young, were a happy crowd, and like all MacAndrew's ships she was a very good feeder. We had left London Docks in early December with a general cargo, bound for various ports in Spain. There was an air of expectation that we might make it back home for Christmas which, with a wife and two small children, suited me just fine. Later, however, following a series of delays we realised that any thoughts of a Xmas at home were dashed, but after some initial disappointment we soon got over it. Christmas Day arrived and our ship, London bound with a cargo of wine, was about to enter the Bay of Biscay. There was a good feeling on board even though we wouldn't be home till after Boxing Day. The feeling got better when my 12-4 watch-mate informed me that the Master, Captain Raeburn, had extended an open invitation for all crew-members (other than those on watch) to join him in his cabin for Xmas drinks. At 4.00pm, I went to join the others in the Captain's cabin where, judging by the laughter emanating from inside, everyone was having a great time. As I stepped into the crowded, smoke filled cabin, I was greeted by the skipper who, smiling, thrust a beer into my hand and wished me a Merry Xmas. What followed was a wonderfully cordial afternoon/evening during which members of this grateful crew, from all departments, would slip away only to return a short time later with more beer or spirits to replenish the Captain's fast diminishing supply. The Captain had also arranged for the cook to make plenty of sandwiches and little pastry whatnots for those wanting to eat. That day, although we did not enjoy the pleasure of female company, the stories came thick and fast and the laughter was never-ending. There was a wonderful comraderie, all because of the kind gesture of this quietly spoken, mild-mannered man, who happened to be our Captain. Later in the evening, one crew-member had the presence of mind to call for 'hush' and propose a toast. To a man, we stood (some on wobbly legs) and wished our skipper a Merry Christmas. It was a fitting moment in a day I shall always remember. To Captain Raeburn, wherever you are "Merry Christmas, sir and thank you". I was to do one more trip on the 'Pacheco' before my time at sea came to an end in late Jan.1966. For me, that Christmas was unique and at the time I had not heard of any other ship's Captain acting in such a way, obviously with the welfare and happiness of his crew in mind. Surely, some of you, will have your own memories of Christmas at sea, good or bad, and I, for one, would love to hear about them............Finally, may I take this opportunity to acknowledge the great work done by Brian and Vernon throughout the year and to wish each and every one of you lads and lasses a safe and happy Christmas spent with those you love.......cheers, Roger.

[happy daze john in oz]

I have spent Christmas day in many parts of the world at various times including one day stuck in Manila, plane delayed, and another in Denpasa (Bali) airport.
Had two at sea both with UCL. The first as a winger in the tourist gallop was one of hard work with two sittings to feed. The atmosphere was good and the bloods had a great time. By the end of the day all we could do was go to the pig for a pint before night was over. It was a full on day with a service for those who wished to go including crew, breakfast was the usual but both lunch and dinner were full of Christmas fare.
The second was as an officers steward living on the boat deck with the officers. We were docked in Durban so no bloods. The plan was that the officers would serve an evening meal to the general crew, great idea but like all good ideas it had it's problems. As usual we as officers stewards started our normal duties but soon realized this would not be a normal day. Each officer we visited offered us drink, which not wanting to offend by refusing we graciously accepted. By noon there was a full on party going on in the officers accommodation though those on the bridge deck, senior officers were a Little more composed. Come 1800 hours when the meal was to be served there were very few officers in a fit state to serve anyone. From the Junior fourth up to the senior second the engineers were gone, the lower deck officers were little better and sparkies were spark out.
The old man was not a happy chap and the senior officers along with some of the galley staff ended up doing the serving. There was another serving next day when the officers not present for dinner were given a dressing down by Sowden the staff captain, he was less than impressed. But from comments made by most the officers were not bothered by it all.
Merry Christmas to all, hope you do not have trouble getting your lunch.

[Neville Roberts]

I only remember one xmas on the ships ,and I was away every one of my 10 years at sea as most of them were forgetable all work and no play as you may say , the one I do remember was in Israel and the dockers were working away at that time I didn,t know that the Jews did,nt celebrate xmas ,and was wandering why they were

[Lou Barron]

the last christmas i spent at home was 39 .1940 during my time at sea it was 1945 till i was to spend at home i think the best christmas i did spend away from home was i think in capetown some south african ppeople came down to the ship and took a few of us to their homes what a time we had but i was to spend three christmas in not to happy places

[Michael Bennett]

I spenr a few Chrismas at sea and the best where on ESSO tankers. We started the day off visting our Officers cabin visted all the other deck Officers then retired to the Officers ward room where the Skipper gave us all a drink, we then staggered intoo the meesroom where the tables where loaded with beers a prescent from Head office.
Happy Crismas from Me Wiggy Melbourne.
(Mick Bennett)