sugar lines

[brian watson]

hi all joined crystal sapphire for a quick trip down to the w indies normally 4/5 weeks seven months and 5 days later paid off i believe it was her first trip after having extra hold added voyage went somthing like lon/mexico s/africa/japan rotterdam/japan /aus /rotterdam with a few more inbetween bad and good all in one trip one cargo was worst ever sulpher from mex to s/a spent nearly 14 days in capetown as dockers discharged cargo into baskets with shovels but we did have some laughs

[Alan Ward]

Unlike the previous postings I couldn`t be doing with them.I joined the Sugar Crystal in Silvertown,Clyde Wharf,as Purser in 72 with a a Captain Leaver in command.What a cheapskate bunch of bastards,the lowest rate I have EVER encountered.Not allowed to buy fresh milk,salad or fruit even whilst in tropical ports.

London to Sorel,Province of Quebec,to load pig iron for Japan,through Panama to Tokyo,Nagoya and Osaka,then Queensland for sugar at Mackay and Bundaberg,Capetown for bunkers and finally home.I came home with no money,they paid as poorly as they fed,but a great sense of relief.

quote of the trip`What`s wong wiv all the officers on this ship?all they do is play cwib and dwink wum`

[Robbo]

Hello Shipmate, I sailed on just about all the "Crystal Boats" from 1962 - 1965, with a 6mth. stint at South Shields, Middle Docks, as overseer fo the repair crew in the engine rooms, some of the engines were in really bad shape and poorly looked after, so had quite an experience, as fot the Company itself, I can honestly say, I was well treated and fairly paid + expenses, the ships were good feeders, especially the Crystal Saphire, any of my old shipmates out there, give me a shout, love to hear from you, also any mates from Shaw Saville, Ulster Steamship Co. or the Head Line. Have a good voyage & Fair winds. Jim (Robbo) Robinson.

[David Mitchell]

I started my career as a "Vindi Boy" (catering),R 883074, and first sailed on the Dominion Monarch in late December 1961. Did just the one trip, then a couple on Rhodesia Castle, then fancied getting away from "bloods".

I joined the Gem in late '62 as a Pantry Boy, then moved to the Sugar Transporter until Easter '64.

The skipper on the Transporter was Andrew Lunn - a great guy, who joined us on deck with the seawater hoses when it was stinking hot !

He would also join us ashore in Trinidad when we'd anchor off - using the diesel lifeboat to run ashore. He insisted that we stopped caling him "Sir" while ashore - every time we did, the drinks rounds increased in price !!

"Friday Lunn" he was known as - he'd do his best to make sure that we arrived at Silvertown to discharge cargo on a Friday, giving us the full weekend for turnround and run ashore.

Loads of memories, obviously - including the pungent smell of semi-refined sugar..........and loading the ship a sack at a time in Port of Spain.

Best shipmate was the Second Cook and Baker, Bill Brimming. We both played guitar, and would get invited by Andrew Lunn to entertain the Plantation Managers at his "Cocktail Parties" up on the Bridge.

I'll drag out a photo sometime...

David J Mitchell

[happy daze john in oz]

G'day David and welcome to the site. Sounds as if you had some good times, do you have alist of the ships you sailed on and maybe some dates? If so and you care to list them on site you may well get replies from some who knew you. So sit back with a cold one and enjoy the voyage.

[Ron Wilson]

I must b e the oldest Ex Sugar Line crew member. When I joined Sugar Line In the fifties in was only the Crystal Boats, I started as Chief Cook when they only had The Bell and the Cube and was promoted Chief Steward as they added ships.Stood by the Crystal Diamond in Hebburn on Tyne and took her out brand new. They all had the black and green funnel at the time.Joined April 1956 and left when I finally went ashore in 1960. Without doubt the best years of my life. I am 76 now and still have fond memories of my 10 years at sea.Good luck to you all.

Ron

[Brian Galloway]

I done 3 months on the Crystal Diamond in '68. Will never forget the "Golden Bucket" in Savannah la Mar & the barbeques ashore on the beach. Anyone remember 'Eardley Walker' (frequent visitor in Savannah L.M.) buying & selling stuff? Or did he actually work for the company?
Great 3 months.
Brian

"Fluttering Flag Avatars"
http://flags.co.nr

[Ron Wilson]

I remember Savanah La Mar.and always had a good time there Lying at anchor was a bind though
Ron Wilson

[David Amos]

Hi Eric I remember you. Think it was the Saphire. 3rd mate made a joke when you joined about you not being popular because there was a "War on Want". I was Aprentice. Think the trip was Rotterdam, Chiba (Japan), Cairns, UK.

[Eric Wilson]

I Served on the above ships going to jamaica . Belfast, Canada, japan & Australia Between 13/11/68 & 29/5/69