Transvaal Castle/ S.A.Vaal

[Peter Dougla Japp]

Spent 3 years on this ship, any other crew remember her?

[happy daze john in oz]

G'day peter and welcome to the site. Do you have any dates for your time on the Transvaal? Recall seeing her arrive in CapeTown on her maiden voyage, a rather grey morning at that. If you can post the dates you will I am sure hear from some others who sailed on her.
So sit back with a cold one and enjoy the voyage.

[Doc Vernon]

Hi Peter
Would just like to give you a warm Welcome to this very good Merchant Navy site!
Here you will find lots of info,a good Crew and with luck also find a few old Shipmates!
So sit back grab a Tinny,relax and just enjoy the trip!
Hope we will have you here for a long time! Have a happy stay!
A site truly worthy of the British Merchant Navy!
Cheers

I was also with the Union Castle but i think a bit before you?
Hope you will get some replies fromthose who may have served on her with you!

If you would like to join in and have your Full name R Number included then Please join the Crew List and leave full details on the Registration Form.

This form can be found at the following Link for your convience!

http://www.merchant-navy.net/forum/m...?do=form&fid=1

Thank you
Vernon (castleman)

[Ian Warren]

Hi Peter,

I used to see SA Vaal in Cape Town when I worked on Pendennis Castle as a 16 year old bell boy, back in 1972.

Although I never worked on her when she was the Vaal, I did actually cruise on her in 1997 when she was sailing under the guise of Island Breeze. By then she was owned by Festivale but charted out to Thomson Cruises. It was my first cruise and it wasn't until I was visiting the bridge and they gave us a 'fact and figures' sheet, that I realised she used to be the Vaal. It was quite a shock I can tell you.

I now sell cruises, so still have that link with the sea, and have just returned from a very enjoyable Nile river cruise.

Ian

[Peter Dougla Japp]

Was with Union Castle from July 1964 till May 1974

[Patrick Collins]

HI Peter, Patrick Collins here, I was on the Vaal 69 to 70, met my wife on the ship she was also crew (telephonist) had an accedent whiles on leave and decided not to return to sea got married instead,41 years this time, still happy but cant get rid of the salt in my blood, have my own fishing boat and out on the water as often as I can,hope to hear from you, Regards Patrick.

[Tim Atherton]

Hi

I joined Union Castle in May of 1974 and after a short time ashore, I joined the Vaal as Junior Purser (Catering). After 4 trips I was promoted to 3rd Purser (Catering) and mnoved to the S.A. Oranje. I was on her when she sailed for Durban on her last voyage and after flying back to the UK with most of the crew rejoined the Vaal until I left the company in June of 1976. Very happy times that I fondly remember. The Vaal was one of the true liners - beautiul lines and grace not like some of the monsters about today.

[adrianvare]

Was on Transvaal Castle in 1965, and when she went to SA VAAL, left about 1970. On her when the stewardess went over the side. Captain Lloyed was there.Was saloon boy at time, then promoted to Bell boy...happy days

[vic mcclymont]

Was on Transvaal Castle in 1965, and when she went to SA VAAL, left about 1970. On her when the stewardess went over the side. Captain Lloyed was there.Was saloon boy at time, then promoted to Bell boy...happy days

I sailed on the SA VAAL November 69 until December 70. Started as 4th Leckie, eventually second Leckie.
Wasn't a Stewardess who went over the side, it was a passenger.

[GaryP]

I don't suppose you would remember a young South African stowaway on board the SA Vaal at the end of 1970?