Where were you on your 21st Birthday?

[Neil Morris]

Anchored off Nagoya in a (Thankfully small) Typhoon!

[Charles Webb Cooper]

My 21st birthday was on the day we rounded Cape Horn on the way to B.A. to deliver a mob of stud Romney sheep from N.Z. We had provided for the event when loading ships stores in Timaru prior to sailing. With some cooperation from the Baker we diverted several cases of Timaru Bitter into the bakehouse and they were duly opened that evening with several of the catering crew assisting in disposing of the evidence. As each bottle was emptied it was ceremonially broken by hurling it into a corner. There was quite a clean up next morning!

[Malcolm Bennington]

I was just starting my 2 year National Service in the RAF, looking back it was not too bad, pity they stopped it, would sort out todays hoodlums!!

[Tony Draycott]

I cannot remember where I was but it was somewhere in the Pacific near Australia. I was on my first ship, SS Oronsay as Junior RO and we were doing 10 day cruises from Sydney. My very small claim to fame is that both my Uncle and my Dad had their 21st birthdays at sea and both were on a ship called Oronsay. Claim to fame because I wrote to P&O's newsletter who published my letter!! Like I say, only a very minor claim to fame.
Pete Laurie

I also had my 21st on the Oronsay 23/01 1969 somewhere in the Pacific.

[Derek Chadburn]

My 21st Birthday was spent enroute from KG5 to Le Havre on the Shaftesbury as uncert 3/0. Came out inot the Thames at midnight and the old man said well you're a man now! The next morning he left me to cross the TSS on my own. I'm sure he was stood at his port though. Rex Leach a great Master I learned a lot on the 2 trips I did with him. 2nd as 2/0.

[William Waterson]

Hi
I had my 21st Birthday onboard the M/V Piako when on the MANZ run
Had a few in the crew bar in the evening
I also remember the pool at Caracas Bay
Happy days
Willie

[Ravenglass]

I was still an Electrical apprentice at Silley Cox Falmouth, with three months to go to the end of it, looking forward to becoming an Electrician at sea. Due to unforeseen circumstances I didn't make it until the middle of the next year, but I got there in the end.

[Terry Foskett]

Birthday coming up, always makes me think about birthdays at sea or in port.
My 21st was on the Pinemore, in the Bay of Biscay. As usual in the Bay, blowing a gale.
Took a couple of cases of beer to the mess, but most hands had turned in. Had one beer, wished myself a happy birthday, then hit the sack. Didn't know that my folks had planned a bash for me when I got back,and invited a few girls I knew. Instead of going home,went to Workington[ had met a friendly girl there homeward bound]. Then shipped out again. Do recall having trouble finding a date when I finally did get home.
Den.

I was on board Empress of Canada crossing the Atlantic.

[Doc Vernon]

I was just starting my 2 year National Service in the RAF, looking back it was not too bad, pity they stopped it, would sort out todays hoodlums!!

What Year was that as i too served in the RAF, 1959 Squarebashing at Bridgenorth , then on to Compton Basset for Wireless Operators Course, then on the Innsworth awaiting Shipment to Aden during the small wars!
Cheers

[Keith Adams]

Hi. Chas of NZ. Guess I am back again after sorting out life stuff after loosing family and a couple of friends. Will message you. My 21st was actually my first UK at home birthday and actually in Liverpool. Arrived at the house just as my Mother, her guy, my brother and sister leaving for the Dog Track in Liverpool. Not my cup of tea but hadn’t much choice. The pub across the road from the track was where I had to push the boat out with a round for all hands (About 30 people) I had just paid off that morning and everyone eager to pay but hands kept getting stuck in their pockets. Anyway, the publican took my money without charging for or pouring me a Lager and Lime. He said I was too young even though my 18 year old sister had a Shandy. Still had discharge book in pocket which he wouldn’t look at. Family thought it was hilarious and wouldn’t help as I was ordered out. A passing constable went back in with me and I got my drink.
Think I was 23 when appointed 4th Mate on the Empress of Scotland about to shift ship from Gladstone Dock to the Pier Head to load passengers and Mail when Capt Kaye appeared in the wheelhouse. I introduced myself and his response was “Does your mother know you are away from home ?” Explains why I couldn’t get a date with any girl older than “Jail bait” ! Keith aka Snowy.