Ray McCrohon

[Ray McCrohon]

I wish to say HELLO to all my old seafaring colleagues especially the "North Sea Tigers" and hope that they are all well, during this trying period of our lives.
I miss all my colleagues ex Seaforth and Farstad. Even the "Grumpy" ones. Bless Em!

Keep Safe!

Ray mcCrohon

[Bill Morrison]

Hello Ray. Nice to see you are keeping well and still have an interest in things nautical. I look in to this site most days, it is far better than newspapers. The members post articles from far and wide, mainly with a sea-going theme. Do you still have a boat or have you given it up. Well Ray a lot of water has past under the bridge as they say since this photo was taken.
All the best,
Bill

[j.sabourn]

Hi Ray, hope I don’t come under the grumpy title. Good to see you , and a bit more sanity which is needed at times, as the older one gets the brain cells go out the window. Do you remember finding the Holland 1 off the Eddystone , think you were relieving John. Ritchie at the time. The same submarine was in the museum in Gosport a number of years ago.was in Aberdeen nearly 2 years ago , but was hard to visualise Seaforth Quay the way it used to be. Saw Peter Bloomer as normally make a point of doing so when back. Sorry to hear from him all the various deaths of various people of old. He gets to most of their funerals I think.I think Bill is the only other Seaforth man on here but could be wrong. Best Regards John Sabourn.

[j.sabourn]

#2.. Bill see you didn’t ask Ray if his beard was still as dark, JS
Assume the picture is on the Seaforth Conqueror , was Albert Whittles there then.
Cheers JS.

[Bill Morrison]

Hi john. Your are correct, I was given various photos and paraphernalia of the occasion from the company and I think Ray would have received the same.
I was a very good company to work for but nothing is for ever.
Bill

[j.sabourn]

#5 The most civilised 4 years of my life at sea was on the Seaforth Clansman,used to get a short sharp shock at various times when was sent to relieve someone in the North Sea for short periods during my leave periods from the Clansman , tried to keep unabtrusive as possible so people would forget I was there. They paid everything as far as I could see the 3 months wages in lieu of notice etc. apart from topping up the mnopf which even a lawyer couldn’t break down , as after the company broke up , according to the solicitor it was impossible to trace because the insurance companpays were continuously changing.. got nowhere and good job the solicitor was a friend and didn’t charge me. When John I. Jacobs folded, was similar regards the mnopf, 30 years later I got a cheque from an Insurance company covering my time as regards the pension, was only coppers as had only been there a couple of years on contract, but was the principle being upheld. I know others got from Seaforth as they told me , I was with them 8 years so the coppers should have been more than a few I got from Jacobs. Otherwise found them ok way above North Sea Shylocks I sailed with after. Cheers JS.

[Ray McCrohon]

Hello John.
Good to hear you. I remember well the Holland 1 and many other escapades with the "Clansman". Not my favourite period I must admit, working for the MOD, but met some good guys.
Working for Farstad was very good. I had a brilliant crew and once we had proved ourselves we were well respected by the Norwegians and given some great work. All history! The beard is a shade or three lighter. I put it down to the Cornish sun (or is that rain). Very best wishes Ray McCrohon

[Ray McCrohon]

Hello Bill good to hear you again. Good photograph to frighten the kids!! Not many of that gang left, sadly!
Carried on fishing until I was 80 then the wheels began to fall off rather quickly and became a frequent resident with our fabulous NHS. Fighting fit now if somewhat bionic. More of a farmer than a sailor!! Bless you and Good Luck. Ray McCrohon

[j.sabourn]

As we all get older we also tend to lose our inhibitions about certain aspects of our lives. This is not loose lips sink ships mentality , but is a realisation that mortality is with us all , and probably a desire to get on record before all is lost to antiquity. When we were younger wouldn’t ever think about discussing private things in life , but most realize this is probably their last chance to do so.. If you are a true Christian believer and have the privilege of receiving the last rites from a member of the cloth , it is a bit short of time to come out with all your misdeeds and good deeds hopefully of the past. So is best to get out ones version of the truth long beforehand , otherwise the truth will never reach daylight. Most seamen only remember the good times and the bad are pushed to one side, both sides of the equation should receive equal deliberations. Good luck to you. As well Ray, you are one of the many who can say been there done that. Cheers John S.