Greetings from Canada

[Dennis McGuckin]

Hi Keith,
Some years back I was in contact with the Canadian and Allied Merchant Navy Association
The President back then was Roy Spry
316 Tweed street
Cobourg
Ontario
Canada
k9a 2r9.
Not sure if that helps?
Den.

[Keith at Tregenna]

It all helps, guess as said, will also enquire via MN National UK for all and more info etc. With the news: Sunday Aug 8th 2010 the New Zealand Government made a Declaration Sept 3rd to be MERCHANT NAVY DAY and knowing know that: The USA, Canada, UK. Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand now recognise the 3rd September each year as "Merchant Navy Day a Day of Remembrance". It is most important that we all link and communicate, possibly via this site and onwards. "LEST WE FORGET".

K.

[happy daze john in oz]

Apart from the Vindi association the only other close relative of any seamans collective is the missions here in Oz. There are still a good number with regular magazines available. Local one here in Melbourne,

Andrea C.E.O. andrea@missiontoseafarers.com.au

Andrea is a good lady with a keen interest in M.N. history and maybe of some assistance to you Keith.

[Brian Gannon]

Hi.

been doing some tracing of the name Gannon, and the Irish connection seems the most mumerous so far. My side is from Tyneside but a dissapearing breed it seems. Though I was born just short of the "Bow Bells", hence the "Cockney" title, though had more than afew others while afloat, cannot mention many, but one by a Lascar Bosun followed me around, called for no reason I ever got, "Charlie Harry" you tell me!!!!!.

Get many French spellings of Gannon as Gagnon, no idea if there is a connection, but have been told there was many Scots/Irish as merchenaries in France at one time.

Thats it from Vancouver, Bc for now.

Brian

[happy daze john in oz]

G'day Brian Gannon, most of the Irish names originated in France hence the variations in spelling. The French could not gain easy access to U.K. so went to Ireland instead.

[Keith at Tregenna]

When looking at Irish names there is much to take into consideration, my own family name has many variations in official records in Emerald Isles documents. You have to bear in mind that much become Anglaise, hence some names changed to what may have been deeply Irish to what to the English translator it may have sounded like. Many could not read or write and much came down to those that recorded.

When looking for Irish relatives you really do have to look at all deviations of name.

EG: Greenway, Greenaway, Grenaway, Grenway etc.

Does not make life easier, but truly is a fact, have found many spellings for the same person.

A fair few just signed with a cross or mark.

Often children that had been taught to read and write would sign for the parents, hence Mary aged four could be found as the head of the household.

Strange but true.

Even place names were changed to what it sounded like to the English, hence bi-lingual signs today.

Hope this helps. Many of the oldest European names integrated into Irish, apparently most invaded, but had such a crack, joined up and settled, rather than took over. Hence a huge melting pot that is Ireland today.

Most German internees at the Curragh, remained, married etc and settled after WW2, FOR EXAMPLE.

K.

[Dennis McGuckin]

Most of the McGuckins [my name] come from Moneymore in Northern Ireland.
Never met another outside of there.
My Wife was a Gannon from Kildare. She always thought her name was Spanish?
Brian. Mentioned previously that we have the Gannon crest if you would like a photo.
Didn't realise that you are in Vancouver.
Den.

[Brian Gannon]

Would love the Crest to compare, up the valley not in Vancouver but Langley. I have often run ito McGannon's, Gannons and Gagnons' but never heard of it being Spanish.However, we do know that many who survived the Spanish Armada, came ashore in Ireland, mainly the north I think. Makles for interesting reading. Was told by one relative, that we even had a "Pirate" in the family.

As far as I can tell, the only one to "runaway" to sea. Look forward to chatting more.

Brian R663632.