I was on the M V Ardglen in December 1960 when it returned to the UK after a summer on the East coast of Canada. It had been going from Sidney, Nova Scotia to Port Aux-Basques, Newfoundland, and had stopped in Pictou, NS to pick up a load of coal, where I joined it. From Pictou we went first to Cork to unload the coal, then unloaded to Swansea, where I and most of the crew left the ship. It then carried on to Oban, its home port.

Attached is a photo of the Ardglen from the Trawler Photos Gallery (not mine).

I was signed on as a Supernumerary for the voyage, and carried out a few minor tasks, although I was sick most of the voyage. I was signed off in Swansea, and received my pay less mess fees, etc. I was invited to spend Christmas in Newcastle by the Captain (Rigden?) and his family, and we went there by rail from Swansea.

I would like to know if this service would qualify me as part of the British Merchant Marine, or in some other category. I would be proud to have any status to which I am entitled. Any replies can be sent to my email address: robertcopithorne@hotmail.com.

Robert Copithorne