Anybody about from the fifties?

[terry white]

Hi All

My first ship was Chusan June "1953", ready for the med cruises, then stayed for 2 hong kong runs. then on to "Rangitiki" for two Kiwi runs. I loved my time on the McAndrew "Valdivia" I soppose I must be one of the few nearing my four score years, but someone of that era must still be around somewhere.

Best regards to all Terry

[Neville Roberts]

Hi Terry , I,m not to far behind you my first trip was 55 on a harrison boat the forester , and I also was on a mc andrews boat the vives 1200 tons round the coast of spain and back home a great run , but we ran into a massive storm coming out of the medi ,and that was nearly the end of me Ha, Ha, decided that the big ships were for me

[steve malthouse]

ref post #1
Hi Terry
My first ship was the NZS co MV HAURAKI joined august 1953, so still a few old timers around,
i also sailed with McAndrews the VIVES and the VELAZQUES as you say great boats.
Regards Steve.............

[Captain Kong]

Hi Terry I was on the VALDIVIA in 1957 as AB,a good job running to Spain and Majorca, had to leave to stop meself becoming a plonky.

My mate Harry King,from London area, catering dept. was also on her He died of Cancer last year, did you know him?

[Doc Vernon]

A bit later but still in the 50's (1958) first trip old Dunnottar Castle from Cape Town to KG5, also being her last Voyage as Dunnottar!
What an experiece for a first timer! Kept so busy the trip went so fast!
Oh joys of the past!
Cheers

[Rodney Mills]

Hey from South Carolina.

First trip 9-2-54 - 6-6-54 Port Jackson, last Athlone Castle 5-2-58 - 21-3-58.

Good sailing, Rodney Mills.

[Doc Vernon]

Hi Rodney
Did my last Trip back Home to SA on the Athlone Castle 1964 Passenger ,gee what a treat to just sit and relax! haha!
Luxury personified i called it then!
Cheers

[Richard Quartermaine]

Welcome Terry

There are quite a few of us go further back and are still sparking on most of our cylinders.

My first ship was the Port Line operated MV LOWLANDER - formerly the Navigazione Libera Triestina LEME. I signed on at Newcastle Australia and replaced the saloon boy who jumped ship in 21 January 1947.

We carried cargo and 24 Australian war brides to New York. Some of them must have made fantastic wives by the extent of their practice en route. Crikey they could be pushing ninety now and have American accents!

It was a great trip and the pressure of the war years was still very evident and at 15 I was looked after like a kid brother. The initiation at the Dog House Bar in Cristobal, Panama was when I grew up.

Here is a picture in Times Square in March 1947. I am 2nd from the left - 16 by this time.

[tsell]

G'day Terry!

Just a pup at almost 76. First trip 'Sheaf Arrow' 50/51. Did a few rough trips on her, finally leaving after limping home on my 17th birthday, 29th December 1951, barely surviving the same storm which put paid to the 'Flying Enterprise'. No doubt you will well remember the saga.

[tsell]

Richard,

Your post #9 - "Crikey they could be pushing ninety now' - made me giggle. Then I cast my mind back to Falmouth just before my 19th birthday. Ashore with the lads we ended up at a birthday party for a very glamorous woman. Although she was much older than me, she 'took me under her wing' as it were, for a couple of days. It wasn't until we sailed that I discovered her nephew was our uncertified 3rd mate who gave me hell for the rest of the trip. The party had been for her 43rd!
I wonder if she got a telegram from the Queen last week?