Booth line amazon 1957-1959

[corrientes]

As mentioned in earlier post, I was on her a bit earlier - early '60's. Loved it.

[Bob Hay]

Getting a bit confused (Seniors moments) jumping about on this site, but thanks Glyn for the replies to my Search query.

Confusion as well by originally saying that David Neilson was third officer on the Valiente when in fact it was a Jim Dobson (1961-3). I think the Old Man was Captain Griffiths and the chief was Stan ? an old half nutty Polish bloke (ex ww2 Stefan Batori). I was 3rd then 2nd Engineer. Maybe Corrientes remembers these names.

I don't remember ever meeting a David Neilson Booth Engineer in Iquitos although we must have done about sixteen trips up there between time on the Viajero and Valiente. The shore gang was managed by a big ancient muscular German who claimed to have fought for Pancho Villa.

Those little Lamport ships used to tie up beside us in Belem after coming down from New York like the Booth boats.

Aye, great times which I'll never forget.

[corrientes]

I do remember Stan the Polish chief. He was on Viajero when I was there. However, I don't remember his surname. He came out of the engine room one day after a long repair job and came out with an expression I never forgot - "Geez, hot like cake down there".

[Chris Allman]

Hi Bob,

I was 3rd Mate of the Sheridan in 1967.

Chris

[Bob Hay]

Yes Corrientes. Stan was like that with the English language. Used to come out with some classics. 'Biscwits' and having on his 'battling dress' come to mind. And when puzzled about anything, 'Oh the Jesus Christ, what is this?' (Like when he found one of the spare engine liners filled with flip flops and Yardley's talcum powder en route from New york to Brazil. Even I didn't know about it. Crew's 'business')
Did he still lock himself in his cabin for two and three days at a time if 'in a shitty' when you sailed with him?

[corrientes]

Yep, that was him. All coming back now. We were stuck in Savannah for 6 weeks in a Longshoreman's strike and I don't think he moved from his armchair in front of the TV the entire time. I liked him.

[Bob Hay]

Just rememberd it was Stan Witkowski. Yes great wee Chief to sail with.

[James Cafferty]

Hi David,
I served as 3rd Mate,(then acting 2nd Mate) on the Crispin.
Was on her from May,1960 to Oct,1961. We only went once
up to Iquitos but frequently went to Belem & Manaus.
Jim Cafferty

[Chris Hartley]

Joined RMS Hubert at the age of 18 as Junior Assistant Purser in November 1962 and left when it was transferred to Australasia Lines at the end of 1964.
Captain was Commodore Jackson Whayman, Purser was Alfie Boyce.
Had a great time with them.

[Bob Hay]

Hi Mike. Did you end up working for a Perth WA company installing a big diesel engine in a powerhouse in Port Hedland? If so, you'll be the same Mike Williamson I met in New York with a shipmate of mine from Liverpool we called Smed (ley)