Does anyone remember Jumbo?

[Frank Appleford]

George walcroft that is. He was engineroom leading hand on the Reina Del Mar for some time. I think there is some story about him on the Capetown Castle after the explosion.

[Hickey Hickman]

I sailed on the Windsor Castle which was some time after the explosion. I was either the Junior 4th Engineer or Inter can't remember which.Our leading hand prior to Jumbo was Charlie Benson.Pete Lovell the first Engineer at the time Told/related/WARNED of some of the antics of what could happen with Jumbo.In his day he must have been one of the hardest men ever to set sail and I sailed with him in his twilight years. He couldn't stand the timid and I speak with affection and respect when I say you approached with a barrage of effs and blinds this Giant of a Man. Intimidating he could be but went to Jelly if you called him Pop or Pah on those lines.I used to have some playful spars with him on the Main Engine Control Platform and though a wee bit slow you still made sure you avoided the Hammer of the right. There was one morning the Greaser come down to inform us he was involved at his Old age in a fight during the night in the Pig and Whistle with two stewards who tried to take the P out of him. He simply grabbed with those massive hands the two of them together and cracked their heads together.He was actually asked about the Cape Town Castle but wouldn't really make any comment on it. My lasting memories of Jumbo was deep deep down you had a loveable,enormous character of a true Mans Man.

[happy daze john in oz]

Hi there Hickey, can you recall the exact date you were on the Windsor as I was officers steward for a number of trips and cannot recall any of the names you mention.

[Hickey Hickman]

Hi John and I apologise for the delay.The exact dates I'n not to sure but my total time on the Windsor was about three years but consisted of two stints. Commencing some time 1967-68.I can't really recollect you though with my fading memory doesn't mean we didn't meet. So I do obviously remember the following.Bob Ray Captains Tiger, The Ships bookmaker Geoff Quigley (Brilliant guy) Clive his mate and Frank Ratz I think from Capetown.Real Happy days so they were.Hope this has helped.

[happy daze john in oz]

Hi again Hickey, well remember Bob ray, he was officers steward in charge when i did a stint as officers steward up on the boat deck. He had a great liking for chief officer at the time, but then Bob was as gay as a row of tents but nice with it.