To Start this!

[Bryan Portwig]

drakensberg castle- named after the biggest mountain range in south africa

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safmarine was independent from union castle line

[Captain Kong]

he Drakensberg was an EMPIRE BOAT the same as the Good Hope Castle, built in 1945. sometimes known as the Bob Hope Castle or No Hope Castle.
She was a good job on deck, a happy ship and a good crowd of comedians on deck. the crowd stayed on for three trips before we went to the breakers in Hong Kong. Had many adventures on her,
We paid off there and flew home in an old Dakota, a three and a half day flight on one engine.
SAF MARINE offered us jobs in their company next but no one took it.

[vic mcclymont]

In the 1950's Clan Line owned 50% of Safmarine.
In the late 70's early 80's B&C owned over 30% of Safmarine.
In fact both companies enjoyed a good working relationship, with Cayzer, Irvine Shipping managing many Safmarine ships.
In the CI-SAF Shipping operated for a brief spell before being restyled as London Ship Managers.
Vic

[happy daze john in oz]

The Pretoria Castle, and one other was passed over to Safmarine in the late 60's early 70's.
The UCL run then was reduced from 8 ships to 5.
Until in the later 70's the Jumbo jet killed off sea travel.

[vic mcclymont]

Container ships killed the mail ships off. Mail ships weren't viable as passenger only.
Vic

[Chris Isaac]

The Pretoria Castle, and one other was passed over to Safmarine in the late 60's early 70's.
The UCL run then was reduced from 8 ships to 5.
Until in the later 70's the Jumbo jet killed off sea travel.

Reduced from 8 to 7, not 5
Don’t forget Southampton and Good Hope Castles

[happy daze john in oz]

Reduced from 8 to 7, not 5
Don’t forget Southampton and Good Hope Castles

Thanks for that Chris.
Was looking at the front cover of the book,
'Every Thursday at 4 o'clock' which shows only five ships there, Windsor, Edinburgh, Pendennis, Oranjie and Vaal in Safmarine colors.