watts watts

[Keith Tindell]

Brian, if your post is for Tony Wilding, unfortunately Tony has gone to Fiddlers Green a few years ago, kt

[Gulliver]

Brian, if your post is for Tony Wilding, unfortunately Tony has gone to Fiddlers Green a few years ago, kt

Yes,poor Tony. He was passionate about Watts Watts,and like many here he was a good researcher,especially of photos.
He had a year or two of happiness towards the end of his life with his lady living in the Phillippines.
Poppy 2.gif

[Julia Wharton]

My father Arthur John Martin Wharton (known as John) was on the Wanstead from 1950 onwards. I know he went to Suez and I remember him telling me a story that he jumped into the water and knocked himself out and had to be rescued! I am going to the National Archives soon to get hold of his Seamans Pouch so I will know more soon.

He died when I was 16 so I have not ever really talked to him about it sadly. But I do have a postcard of the ship that he sent to his parents about how excited he was to join the ship (after leaving Pangbourne Naval College). I also have a few photos of him aboard with friends.

He is the the one standing at the top in this photo.

John Arthur Martin Wharton on S S Wanstead circa 1950 (2).jpg

[Julia Wharton]

Oh thank you Marian. His date of birth was 16 June 1932 and he was born in Ingoldisthorpe, Norfolk.

[Ivan Cloherty]

Marian, he would not be the trimmer, the lads in the photo are wearing deck cadets (budding navigators) uniform, so if he followed the usual path you would be looking at 3rd mate, 2nd mate, 1st mate and then Master, but not all followed that path, as some after serving their time went onto AB, then Bosun as 3rd mates wages would not support a family if an individual had decided to get married, hope this helps

[Ivan Cloherty]

Thank you Ivan, as you can see still learning!

As are we all Marian, that's what makes life interesting, good luck in your endeavours

[Julia Wharton]

Hi Marian

Thank you so much for trying, I have no idea what rank he was Im afraid. Plan on getting hold of his seamans pouch shortly as Kew is just down the road from me so I will know a bit more then and let you know. Those could have been him if they put Arthur down on his official papers. Always confusing because he was always called John later in life!

Thank you so much, it was so kind of you to try.