Help please; 1950-59

[JHarding]

Hello all,
I'm looking for information / how to find information / or anyone who knew my father Brian Bisson
D.O.B. 21.9.33
He was a Vindi boy in 1950, catering, and his first boat was Cape Grenville
I know he also sailed on the Manchester Explorer, the Umgeni and the Umtali
Starting off as catering boy, he went on to become purser, and second steward

I have copies of his 'pouch' with date 26.6.50 and these numbers
no. of DIS.A. issued R535 679
no. of B.S.I.C BS335409

He has also told me that he travelled to Port of Rosario, Buenos Aires, as well as a route in South Africa, Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.

I'd like to find out:
- the date on his 'pouch' card - 26.6.50 - would that be the date he went to the Vindicatrix? Or when he joined his first ship - Cape Grenville?
- the dates of his travels on these boats and any other boats
- which boats went on the routes he describes
- how to find further information
- anyone who knew him!

It's so good to see so many people interested in the MN and sharing stories - long may it continue!
Thank you for any help

Julie

[Doc Vernon]

Hi JH
Thanks for posting the questions.
Firstly the Seamans Pouch that date possibly (As i cannot see it) would be the date of his First Ships Joining?? But would like to see a Pic of it .

As for other Questions , you will need to obtain his CRS10 , with that you can see all his Ships, and where they started from, also Final Ports of call.
Futher than that , when you have the ships, you can then apply for the Voyage Record Cards from the Guildhall Library, these cards will have all Ports visited etc, dates .
His Seamans Pouch as noted will only have basic info.
R535679 BISSON B FR 21/09/1933 LONDON | The National Archives

His CRS10 cards possibly here at this Link.

Bisset A D to Black L | The National Archives

Cheers

Motor Vessel CAPE GRENVILLE built by Lithgows Ltd in 1949 for Lyle Shipping Co. Ltd., Glasgow, Cargo

The BS Number is his British Seamans Identity Card . B.S.I.C.

[Des Taff Jenkins]

Hi Julie
Looks like your Dad was at the Vindi twelve months after me, I was a deck trainee. Look up the Vindicatrix web sight they have photos of groups of former Vindi boys plus some info.
Cheers Des

[JHarding]

Thank you very much Des. I found the website - it is fascinating! What you all went through on that boat.... ! Take care. Julie

[JHarding]

Thanks Doc, this all looks very interesting. I'll be booking a visit to Kew very soon! I hadn't heard of the information stored at the Guildhall Library so thanks again.
All very useful, I appreciate your help.
Take care and all the best for 2025

[JHarding]

Hello Doc, and everyone

I have a collection of postcards from around 1950/55 of various merchant ships, some tankers etc., that belonged to my father, - (Brian Bisson MN 1950-59)
Some examples are:
BP Transporter - Shell Mex & BP 845 ton Coastal Tanker
Esso Chelsea - Fleet lighter, built 1943
SS Tyndareus - Kapal Haji Serombong Biru
M.T. Kenley Berthing and Fire-fighting Tug
The Union Castle Royal Mail Steamer 'Pretoria Castle'

The postcards are mostly black and white and unused

Does anyone know of a good place to sell them?

Thanks
Julie

[Ivan Cloherty]

Hello Doc, and everyone

I have a collection of postcards from around 1950/55 of various merchant ships, some tankers etc., that belonged to my father, - (Brian Bisson MN 1950-59)
Some examples are:
BP Transporter - Shell Mex & BP 845 ton Coastal Tanker
Esso Chelsea - Fleet lighter, built 1943
SS Tyndareus - Kapal Haji Serombong Biru
M.T. Kenley Berthing and Fire-fighting Tug
The Union Castle Royal Mail Steamer 'Pretoria Castle'

The postcards are mostly black and white and unused

Does anyone know of a good place to sell them?

Thanks
Julie

Sorry I don't understand, in one post you are trying to find out about your father's life and yet in this post you are trying to sell his possessions/memories, why not just keep them or pass them onto someone in the family who may treasure them

[JHarding]

I not sure that you need to understand my request. I have found out what my family were looking for about his Merchant Navy days, the postcards are not wanted by anyone in the family as there are other things that more closely reflect this period of his life. I was hoping for help as to how to pass them on to someone who would find them interesting.

[Ivan Cloherty]

I not sure that you need to understand my request. I have found out what my family were looking for about his Merchant Navy days, the postcards are not wanted by anyone in the family as there are other things that more closely reflect this period of his life. I was hoping for help as to how to pass them on to someone who would find them interesting.

Sorry if I misunderstood, must be old age, thought I saw the word SELL and not HELP, must put my spectacles back on! FWE

[JHarding]

I am looking for help as I wish to sell the postcards. I thought that there maybe someone on this forum who either collects postcards or knows someone who does. People on this forum seem knowledgeable and interested in ships and so there may well be someone who collects postcards, or knows of a place through which I can sell them. I appreciate any help with this