Comments / Can You Help?
There is so much information and material available relating to Glasgow Docklands and the many vessels, big and small - the "Ships of the Clyde" - which used the river, wharves, quays and docks that it will take a very long time to input all the data onto this website.
And also :
If you have any material or information or memories or stories, or paintings or photographs.... or anything relevant to this website... which you would like to have on the site... please contact us. As a certain supermarket tells us... "Every little helps." BUT.... if you can supply images, please do not send originals.......this site can only accept images through e-mail. Why ? Simply because your originals are your own property and too valuable to part with. That's why we can only accept scanned images or digital photographs of them by e-mail. And any images supplied must be your own, or submitted with the permission of the copyright holder (this is to prevent any problems over copyright)
And lastly : A lot of information is gathered from old records and handwritten books. Sometimes the writing is not very clear, and it can be difficult to decipher the name or word involved. So in this "Can you help" section, there will be items shown which cannot easily be read. Perhaps you could look at them and give your thoughts on what the writer actually meant.
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AT PRINCE'S DOCK, GLASGOW ... WHAT WAS WRC
On 25 March 1966, RAVNEFJELL at 30 Prince's Dock, Glasgow loaded 2 lifts by WRC, total 48 tons 10 hundredweights. What was WRC ?????
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E-mail from Nelson (Liverpool) 16 June 2024
I am interested in your latest Clan Line item about CLAN ROSS at Birkenhead in 1958.
Does anyone know the address of the Cayzer Irvine and Clan Line office in Liverpool in 1958 ?
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Any information please on
motor launch / cruiser PIONEER at Glasgow Riverside Museum
and
the unknown workboat at Govan Pontoon, Glasgow
these vessels may have been involved in the construction of the new Govan Bridge in January 2024.
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CLAN MACKINNON at New York in March 1954
Yes, Clan Line's CLAN MACKINNON arrived in New York (USA) from London in March 1954. This is well outwith the usual Clan Line trading areas. Any suggestions as to why CLAN MACKINNON would be in New York ?
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Harrison Line memories : the song Matilda by Harry Belafonte
Contributed by Jim (Birkenhead) 28 April 2024
I spent many enjoyable years with Harrison Line of Liverpool.
One of the memories when on the West Indies run was when in the Caribbean and in the ship’s crew mess or over the ship’s loudspeakers music was played.
Harry Belafonte was always enjoyed, and when he sang Matilda, Coconut woman and island in the sun all over the ship the crew would accompany him, singing out loudly, especially the word Matilda . It it was amazing to hear everyone blasting out Matilda at the top of their voices.
A few years after leaving Harrison’s I was at Bidston Dock and met an old shipmate from TACTICIAN and ADVENTURER. He was walking his dog. It’s name was Matilda.
A question for everyone, for something that has puzzled me was in Belafonte's song Matilda, who was Matilda and what was her story. Does anyone know?
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AHMADU BELLO (1963-1981) of Nigerian National Line
Contributed by J. (Engineer, London) by e-mail 22 April 2024
Does anyone remember AHMADU BELLO (1963-1981) a general cargo ship of Nigerian National Line : a frequent visitor to London, Birkenhead, Glasgow and Tees Dock.
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Walter Runciman / Moor Line’s CRAGMOOR
E-mail received 26 August 2022
I was staggered to read about Moor Line’s CRAGMOOR in your Latest Entries. My father sailed in that ship in 1961-62. Mostly a Newcastle and Sunderland crew. Have you the details of those times.
Name is not shown, by request.
Douglas replies : Yes, I’ve got the details from the Chief Officers Log Books. There’s an awful lot in the books, maybe 100 large pages or so and masses of daily detail. Let me know on CONTACT US what you actually want and I’ll see what can be done. Thanks for your message.
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Does anyone remember Hogarth’s BARON FORBES which was
scrapped in 1953
and
Tracing a discharge book left aboard in 1959.
E-mail 13 November 2020
From Murdo MacPherson
Does anybody remember the rent boat BARON FORBES an old
ex-german ship the worst ship I sailed in she was scrapped
in 1953, forecastle accommodation one trip was enough
The captain Mcphail was strict
ps I left my discharge book on an Everard ship in Goole
in 1959 got any ideas how I can trace it
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Isthmian Steamship Lines of USA
E-mail October 10 2020
From Bobby Ford (USA)
Do you have anything about Isthmian Steamship Lines,
or anyone remember them, who did freighter service
from India and Far East in 1950 / 60’s.
Any memories of the "STEEL" boats ?
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What do you want (or not want) on this website ?
It is the time of year to ask you, the readers, what you want - or
do not want - on this website.
More of this, or less of that, or maybe something new ?
Please let us know what you want, so that we can try to provide the material which is of interest to YOU.
Also we are always interested in receiving material from our readers. So, wherever you are in the world, how about sending
stories, images or items to put in the website ?
Thank you. 11 August 2020
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Information needed on Cunard Line's ASCANIA (1911-1918)
10th August 2020 E-mail from a viewer.
Cunard Lines ASCANIA (1911-1918)
I am wondering if you might have more information and pictures
on the Vessel Ascania - Shipping line Cunard 1911-1918
Master - SGS Mihal.
This is a ship that my grandfather travelled from Southampton,
England to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1914.
Please any information would help.
Thank You
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Where did the Royal Navy families from H.M.S.MAIDSTONE stay in Rothesay ? |
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Where did the Royal Navy families stay in Rothesay ?
E-mail 03 June 2020 from Helen G (Glasgow)
As a young girl in 1960s my parents and I often visited my aunt in Rothesay …(Isle of Bute, Firth of Clyde,) It was exciting to see a big Royal Navy ship, I remember her name was MAIDSTONE, and she was anchored in the bay. There was always submarines about her and sailors in uniform in the town. My aunt used to tell that some sailors and their families stayed in “Navy Houses” in Rothesay. Does anyone know where the houses were ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
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Song about the Clyde and the musical band on Glasgow excursion steamers in 1950s / 60s
Email from Margaret Rose (nee Wilson) May 31 2020 Montreal
In the early 1960s my family emigrated from Scotland to Montreal(Canada).
Dad always used to tell of sailing down the Clyde from
Glasgow on excursion steamers and there was a musical
band aboard which played Scottish tunes to entertain
passengers.
A favourite song was something about the Clyde. I know
it’s a long shot but does anyone know the name of the
song and the band ?
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Lightship ALBATROSS built at Robbs Shipyard, Leith in 1927
E-Mail from a viewer 31 May 2020
Hello- I wonder if anyone can please help. I am researching a lightship built at Robbs shipyard in 1927. Her name is Albatross and I believe she was built in yard 30. I would dearly love to see her build plans but I know that is a massive ask. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
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Cruise ships may be laid up in the Clyde
22 May 2020
1353
From Jimmy Johnston (Paisley)
In the news they are talking about laying up idle cruise liners in the Clyde. Where in the Clyde or even in Scotland could be good places to put these big ships.
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e-mail from Tommy Robertson (Dumbarton)
21 May 2020
Elder Dempster / Blue Funnel ship scrapped at Dalmuir (Glasgow) around 1980
Does anyone know the name of the Alfred Holt Blue Funnel
ship that was scrapped at the Arnott Young yard at Dalmuir.
She was definitely a Blue Funnel job but had the Elder
Dempster buff funnel.
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Paddle Steamers at Pusser River, Chalna, Bangladesh
E-mail 23 March 2020 from N.L. of Cardiff, Wales
I was looking at your item on the WAVERLEY which calls herself the “Last seagoing paddle steamer in the World.”
It reminded me of the last time I was at Chalna (Pusser River, Bangladesh) in early 1980s where there were many largish paddle steamers about 300 feet (100 metres) long chugging around.
I never thought of what they were doing, maybe bringing the gangs of workers to the anchorage to load Jute (who remembers the biting Jute Flies) onto the ships, or maybe taking passengers to some place downriver.
But these were big working paddle steamers. Does anyone else remember them ?
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Why was Irish Lights Tender IERNE registered in Liverpool ?
19 March 2020 @ 1057
J R of Birkenhead e-mails :
I read your item about the IERNE, a lights tender owned by the Commissioners of Irish Lights, Dublin, Ireland.
Why was she registered in Liverpool and not Dublin ? and what was her eventual fate ?
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Maclay and McIntyre of Glasgow ships DOMIRA and KASSANGA and a ship LYNFIELD of Stockton on Tees
A viewer e-mails
I am particularly looking for some information about a Glasgow Tramp Shipping Co called Maclay and Mc intyre and 2 ships of there's Domira sold 1919 and Kassanga bought 1911 sunk 1917.
Also a ship called Lynfield belonging to a shipping co called Field from Stockton on Tees
Can anyone help ?
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Stewardesses and Nurse on Burns & Lairds IRISH COAST in 1966
2019-12-29
By e-mail
Does anyone remember the Stewardesses (usually student school-teachers who were working during the summer holidays) and the Nurse who worked on Burns & Lairds IRISH COAST in 1966.
Mary D.
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Old Mississippi – type passenger steamer in Sydney (Australia)
Jim Middleton (London) e-mails
29 December 2019
The BBC news today showed the wild fires at Sydney and the smoke at Sydney Harbour.
I was surprised to see in the news report, in the background, an old Mississippi type passenger steamer, with two tall abreast funnels (stacks) passing under the Harbour Bridge.
Can anyone give details of this vessel and its route and timetable ?
Thanks, JM.
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CLAN FRASER and a rope across the dock at Glasgow
4 November 2019
Jim McGoogan e-mails :
Your article of CLAN FRASER of 8th January 1964 says a rope was put across King George V Dock, Glasgow while the ship was making an engine trial.
Why put a rope across the dock and where would the rope be attached to the ship and also attached to the dock ?
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Glasgow shipping line Maclay and Mcintyre and ship pictures of DOMIRA 2 and LYNFIELD. |
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A reader asks for any information on Glasgow shipping line Maclay and Mcintyre and ship pictures of DOMIRA 2 and LYNFIELD. Can anyone help ? 14 September 2019 ==================================================================== |
Where is the “Chapman Anchorage” ???
Robbie Keen (Carlisle, England) emails:
I see in the entry for BENWYVIS that she
was in “Chapman Anchorage.” Where is
Chapman Anchorage and what would she
be doing there ???
Robbie. 31 August 2019
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Teak fronts on the front of ship's bridges
By Eric S. 8th July 2019
Many cargo vessels and tankers built as late as the 1950s had
teak fronts to their bridges, even though the rest of their
superstructures was steel. Why was this so? Was the teak
front at these late dates merely a design feature, or an echo
of past practice, perhaps, or were there practical reasons?
All comments are welcome.
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Can anyone identify this cap badge ?
Samms of Nantwich e-mails: 07 July 2019
I saw this officer’s cap at a flea market. Can
anyone identify the cap badge ?
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What shipping Companies served Calcutta, Chalna, Chittagong and Rangoon and what problems did the Monsoon rains and storms cause to the ships ?
By e-mail from R.S. (London) 2 July 2019
There was a programme on television the other evening
about the Monsoon in the Bay of Bengal. I was a North
Atlantic man and never ventured to the Far East.
I wondered what difficulties would be experienced by
ships during the Monsoon season’s heavy rainfall and
swollen rivers and storms.
And also, I can only think of maybe 3 shipping
companies which regularly traded to the area – Calcutta,
Chalna, Chittagong, Rangoon. What other companies
were there ?
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Where did this ship come from in Sweden ???
Haltst…….. ?????
January 2020 and Bryn Wayt e-mails
A chap was asking where ship came from: the spelling was incorrect using Haltstwik on the 'docket'.
The origin of the ship must have been HALLSTAVIK in Sweden.
The place was/is famous for it paper-mill, hence the ships cargo bound for Belfast.
Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallstavik
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U.S. Navy supply ships calling at Fairlie (Firth of Clyde)
From Alan and Jean, (Fairlie, Firth of Clyde, Scotland)
20 May 2019 @ 1540
We were very interested in your mention of U.S.S. YELLOWSTONE
at Tail-of-the Bank.
It reminded us in 1960s, 1970s and 1980s when U.S. Navy
supply ships were common callers at the Navy jetty at Fairlie,
bringing stores for the Holy Loch vessels, and the stores
were taken from Fairlie to Holy Loch in the Ross & Marshall
lighters and small coasters.
The U.S. ships were quite colourful (colorful) with their
grey hulls and their funnels (stacks) painted grey with yellow
and blue bands.
Our favourite, her name began with M, not quite sure but
could be MARSHFIELD or MARSHLAND ….. or something like
that, was obviously a WW2 type but always immaculate
and a frequent caller.
Does anyone else remember these ships calling at
the Clyde ?
Alan and Jean.
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Clyde Navigation Trust launches NEWARK, GARMOYLE and DUNGLASS
14 March 2019 @ 1239
Richard Danielson e-mails
The Clyde Navigation Trust harbour launches: Newark, Garmoyle and Dunglass have had little written about them.
I have a photo showing two of them (which two I cannot tell) giving a tow to the Duchess of Hamilton to help her turn at Bridge Wharf in 1969.
Please ask anyone who knows about the work of the launches to get in touch with me by email.
THANK YOU.
Richard Danielson.
Admin Note :
For safety and security of our readers we do not normally show e-mail addresses. Any reply to this interesting question should be made to our “CONTACT US” and we will forward the message to Richard.
20 March 2019 @ 1604
Jim Howie (Partick, Glasgow)
I am replying to Richard’s query about the small boats at Glasgow.
Sorry to disappoint you Richard but there was a small but bulky booklet produced possibly about 50 years ago that described in great detail all the Clyde Navigation Trust / Clyde Port Authority vessels. I did have a copy but it’s been lost.
In 1960’s the Clyde Trust / Authority had quite a few vessels.
6 Dredgers : CESSNOCK, CRAIGIEHALL, ELDERSLIE, LENNOX 11, ROSSLYN and SIR WILLIAM H. RAEBURN.
12 Hopper Barges.
1 Dumb grab hopper barge.
1 Tug CLYDE.
4 high-level Vehicular Ferryboats : FINNIESTON, GOVAN and WHITEINCH. The remaining one was a spare in case of breakdowns.
3 chain-operated ferries : RENFREW and ERSKINE. The remaining one was a spare in case of breakdowns.
11 passenger ferryboats.
1 60-ton floating crane NEWSHOT.
1 Diving Bell barge.
2 Divers’ motor boats.
1 Oil Separating Barge PLOVER
3 motor launches NEWARK, GARMOYLE and DUNGLASS.
1 Hydrographic Survey launch CRANNOG.
And a number of very small rope boats which were used in the docks and piers to bring the mooring ropes from ships to the pawls on the dockside.
I think CRANNOG did an awful lot of the surveying for the placement for both Finnart and Hunterston jetties.
And around mid 1990s NEWARK was fitted with an A-frame at the stern and spent a week in Ardrossan Harbour dragging the bottom of Eglinton Dock to clear all debris prior to the construction of the Marina in the dock.
The motor launches normally berthed at the Trust / Authority workshops at Renfrew although at odd times they laid alongside the dredgers and hoppers in Queen’s Dock.
If you would care to put the photograph on this site I have a friend who may be able to identify the boats in question.
Jim Howie.
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Looking for images / photos of BALLYGALLY HEAD of 1950s
23 January 2019 1011
Joseph McGurk Jr. e-mails
Hi, I am looking for any photos of the tramp steam ship, BALLYGALLY HEAD, I think
there were two built, one in the late 1800s and the other in the mid 1950s
I would appreciate if you could find any as it would make my father very happy as
he sailed on her
Thank you, regards Joseph mc gurk jr
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Renfrew Harbour, Firth of Clyde, around 1980
January 2019 : Robert Orr contributed this image of Clyde Navigation Trust / Clyde Port Authority HOPPER No. 25 at their wharf at their workshops at Renfrew Harbour around 1980.
Does anyone have any idea what the other ships are ?
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The advert for paddle steamer EAGLE 111 in 1937
6th January 2019.
James Barrowman (Brighton, England) e-mails :
I am an enthusiast for paddle steamers and read your item on EAGLE 111.
The advertisement shows the ship departing from Glasgow (Bridge Wharf) s. s.
Assuming that s.s. does not mean Steam Ship, can anyone help with what s.s. means ?
Thanks, Jim Barrowman.
7th January 2019
J.S. (Pollokshaws, Glasgow) replies :
The River Clyde runs generally east to west through
the centre of Glasgow and essentially divides the city
into two halves, the “North Side” and the “South Side.”
In the past and even today people talk of coming
from or living in the South Side.
Up to around 1970’s passenger excursion steamers
and cross-channel to Ireland steamers left Broomielaw,
Anderston Quay and Lancefield Quay on the North Side
and in the summer months left Bridge Wharf on the
South Side (hence S.S.) on excursions “Doon the Watter”
= Down the Water = sailing down the River Clyde to
Clyde piers such as Dunoon and Rothesay and
Tighnabruaich.
The advert mentions the steamer calling at Govan
Wharf and Renfrew to pick up passengers.
Today Govan Wharf is only recognisable by a derelict
and ruined few baulks of timber. It was situated on the
South Bank essentially between the Govan Drydocks
(now also derelict) and the Bae Shipyard (formerly Fairfields
yard) and beside the playing field between Wanlock Street
and Dunvegan Street, Govan. Up to the 1960s the
small Govan Passenger Ferry used to ply from near
Govan Wharf across the river to the east end of Meadowside
Quay
It was news to me that excursion steamers stopped
at Renfrew. I have no idea where the stop was located.
Perhaps someone can help.
Ref The advert for paddle steamer EAGLE 111 in 1937.
12 January 2019 Robert Orr replies :
The steamer berth at Renfrew was on the river bank at 'The Green' in
Renfrew and as far as I'm aware was destroyed during the 'Clydebank
Blitz' in 1941, (this being air attacks on the town of Clydebank on the
opposite bank of the Clyde, home amongst other things to John Browns
shipyard). If you go to Google maps and search Clyde Street Renfrew
the bollards for mooring ropes are still visible at the edge of the Green.
The Scania Yard visible in street view was the start of the land
occupied by Simons and Lobnitz shipyards in Renfrew.
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Questions about Alfred Holt's Blue Funnel Line in 1960's
10 December 2018 Geoff in Australia e-mails :
I was on the Ulysses which traded between the Far East,mainly Indonesia and the East Coast and Gulf of the US.I understand it was a route which belonged to the Indra Line which Holts acquired in 1915. I believe that it may have been incorporated into a round the world service later.My time was during the late 50s and ended in 1960.
Crews during my time consisted of Europeans on deck and Chinese in the engine room, and catering,on ships trading from Liverpool. The Ulysses had Malays on deck and Chinese in the engine room,I cant remember who were the catering staff.
Gunung Djati was the name of the leading Javanese Haji and Islamic missionary.
With regards to crewing, the Dutch arm of Blue Funnel had all Chinese crews with Dutch officers, certainly in the 1950s.
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Ellerman’s CITY OF EXETER at Plymouth in 1958
I was quite surprised to read that CITY OF EXETER called
at Plymouth in 1958. Was Plymouth a normal call for Ellerman
African service passenger liners?
Jim Hesketh, Liverpool
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12 November 2018
TWEED, a 1959-built 112 foot water carrier of
Furness Withy, Port of Spain, Trinidad
James R. (Avonmouth, England) e-mails :
Looking at your list of ships I was surprised to see
TWEED of Furness Withy, a 112 foot water tanker at
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.
Anyone have information on this ship ?
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Can anyone name this British coaster ?
05 November 2018
Billy Fullarton writes :
I took this photograph in 1970s or 1980s at Ardrossan
Harbour, Scotland. Can anyone name this coaster. ?
I think her name ends in SOUND.
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British & Irish KILKENNY in 1935
Does anyone have details of this ship in 1935 ???
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Ben Line carried a Naval tug from Trincomali to Gan ???
I was with Brocklebank’s and sometimes called at
Gan Island in the Indian Ocean to discharge stores for
the RAF overside to landing craft in the lagoon.
Talking to someone he said that he was on a Ben ship
which carried a small naval tug from Trincomali in
Ceylon to Gan, around late 1960s.
Anyone know about this ?
J.S., (Wallasey)
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Questions about Alfred Holt's Blue Funnel Line in 1960's
Jim J. of Liverpool e-mails :
Around 1966 I was on a Royal Mail or Pacific Steam ship
in Houston / New Orleans area and saw an Alfred Holt Blue
Funnel ship there.
Can anyone enlighten me as to why a Blue Funnel would
be in the Gulf of Mexico ?
Also in conversation someone told of Blue Funnel having
Chinese crews on deck and catering. I had always thought
that Blueys had British crews. Someone please tell me
what is correct.
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Deck cadets Critchley and Doherty on RAMON DE LARRINAGA in 1965
22 May 2018
Alan Rutherford e-mails :
Interested in whereabouts of other deck cadet officers Critchley and Doherty from RAMON DE LARRINAGA in 1965 ?
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Looking for information on some British ships around 1950-1954
Ian Rae e-mails .... 4 March 2018 @ 1221
Great website.
I am trying to find information on some of the voyages my late brother -in-law made.
Blairdevon-this was his first trip, signed on 30 April paid off 12 June 1950.This was a fairly ancient coal burner.Dont know owner
Tahsinia-20Jun-13 Oct 1950-to Bombay
Saxon (?) Star-28 Sep -25 April 1952-(paid off Manchester)
Camerionia9 Jun to 10 Sep 1952
Empire Halladale-a troopship-23 Oct 1952 -paid off Birkenhead 22 Jan 1953
Retainer 6 Feb-31 Oct 1953-paid off Antwerp
Cortona 15 Dec 1953-19 Jan 1954
Thereafter he sailed out of London and latterly on Manchester Liners
When I tried your search the year 1951 was missing
Regards,
Ian Rae
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Can anyone identify this USN lapel badge ?
Dominique and her husband from Lyons (France) were on vacation in Spain and bought this lapel badge in a street market in Tarragona (near Barcelona).
Can anyone identify the badge ?
2018-02-18 @ 1320
19 May 2018
Hello Douglas,
It's Bryn (Wayt) here - you helped me with the Austerland cargo vessel last year. Thanks again.
This message is about the image of the USN "Anchor pin".
There are loads on eBay just type in "US Navy Petty Officer gold tie pin"
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First ship was CHARLTON MIRA of Charlton Steam Shipping Company, London
Bill Steel e-mails
Charlton Mira was my first ship. Built in Sunderland at Bartram's yard. Doxford 670LB4 diesel oil engine. She had two scotch boilers and steam auxiliaries. Lovely vessel but would roll on wet grass.
17 February 2018 @ 2307
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What is the difference between Agents / General Agents and Freight Brokers ?
Jim Harrison (Brighton, England) e-mails :
I am using the India Steamship Company sailing notice as a simple example, but my question actually can also relate to many other shipping companies.
The India Company shows that intending shippers can contact the U.K. General Agents Stelp & Leighton or the U.K. Freight Brokers J. H. Wackerbarth.
My question is : what is the difference between using Agents / General Agents and Freight Brokers ?
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German cargo ship MILLERNTOR in 1954
In January 1954 the cargo ship MILLERNTOR, registered in Hamburg, 2,787 nett tons and Master T. Goldsweer, arrived at Ardrossan Harbour, Scotland, with a cargo of Iron Ore from Narvik (Norway).
After unloading she left Ardrossan returning to Narvik.
Does anyone have any information or details of MILLERNTOR ?
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" If sufficient inducement "
James Bridges (Canterbury, England) e-mails –
Many of your sailing notices show that a ship will go to a port “if sufficient inducement.” What exactly is “if sufficient inducement ?”
“ If sufficient inducement “
23 January 2019 at 2113
Geoff (Australia) e-mails :
James Bridges (Canterbury, England) e-mails –
“Many of your sailing notices show that a ship will go to a port “if
sufficient inducement.” What exactly is “if sufficient inducement ? “
My understanding of "sufficient inducement" meant if there was
enough cargo to be lifted to be commercially viable. ”
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Was she “ LAIRDS OAK “ or “ LAIRDSOAK ” ?
Robert Bothwell (Glasgow) e-mails :
I have always had an affection for Burns & Laird Lines of Glasgow and refer to your entry of their coaster LAIRDS OAK in 1954.
The Ships in Focus book shows her name as LAIRDSOAK but the accompanying photograph clearly shows the name LAIRDS OAK.
I know it’s a bit pedantic but what was her name, LAIRDS OAK or was it LAIRDSOAK ?
Harbour oilers CLYDE ENTERPRISE and CLYDE VENTURE in late 1960’s
Does anyone have details of these two oilers which were working in the Clyde in late 1960’s ?
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Coaster BALLYCASTLE in 1953
In 1953 the coaster BALLYCASTLE of John Kelly, Belfast, was at Ardrossan Harbour loading a cargo of coke for Londonderry. Does anyone have details of this ship ?
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Carebeka's coaster RIAN in 1953
In December 1953 the Carebeka’s Groningen registered coaster RIAN arrived at Ardrossan Harbour from Hamburg.
The handwriting in the Harbour Log-book is not easy to read. The master’s name could be Cloinga or Eloinga : can any Netherlands reader tell what the name is ?
Also the cargo is shown as “M of Potash” …. What is “M of Potash” ???
Details needed of Van Nievelt, Goudriaan's ALPHERAT in 1954
When the Blue Star Line cargo ship PARAGUAY STAR was leaving Montevideo for Buenos Aires her docking bridge fouled the housed port anchor of the Dutch cargo ship ALPHERAT.
The docking bridge sustained displaced and buckled bridge rails and started deck plank caulking. Repairs at Buenos Aires cost 5,850 Argentinian Pesos.
PARAGUAY STAR. a passenger and cargo liner of 10,722 gross tons, was on passage from Liverpool for Buenos Aires and ALPHERAT is a passenger and cargo ship of Rotterdam South America Line (Rotterdam-Zuid Amerika Lijn) and operated by Van Nievelt, Goudriaan & Co. Stoomvaart Maatschappij, Rotterdam. ALPHERAT is well known for carrying Jewish emigrants from Rotterdam to South America.
Additional note :
Can anyone supply details of ALPHERAT ?
Norwegian Tanker RAILA in 1953
Does anyone have details of the Tanker RAILA, registered in Oslo, which was working around the British coast in 1953 ?
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Elder Dempster services from USA and Canada and Calcutta to Africa.
Fred from Formby (Merseyside, England, writes
“ I was surprised to read in the Elder Dempster Lines entry of 27th May 1957 that they did sailings from U.S.A. and Canada to West Africa, also Canada to South Africa and also Calcutta to West Africa.
Can someone tell something about these services ? ”
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CHANTALA (Worcester Park, Surrey) writes :
British India Steam Navigation handbook for Hindustani for Navigating Officers and Deck Cadets
In 1965 when joining BI as a Deck Cadet a necessary handbook was for issuing commands in the Hindustani Language.
All I can remember now is “Asti aria kurro”
Does anyone still have the book and can scan or photograph a few pages to show the commands ?
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Sailings from Glasgow Bridge Wharf in April, May and June 1968 to Rothesay and Tighnabruaich.
Thank you so very much for putting in the sailings from Bridge Wharf in Glasgow that I asked for. Anne G., Isle of Bute
British Army Tank Landing Craft LCT 4086 and her base at Cairnryan in 1954
Tank Landing Craft LCT 4086 of the British Army’s Royal Army Service Corps arrived at Ardrossan Dockyard in February 1954. Anyone have details of this vessel and of her life and also details of her base at Cairnryan (which is near Stranraer in south-west Scotland)
Anchor Line advertisement of 1871
I did laugh on seeing the wonderful Handyside and Henderson address of their office in Londonderry as 96 ½ Foyle Street.
If anyone is in Londonderry can they please, please take a photograph of that building and post it on this site.
Thank you.
Still laughing
Fred of Formby, Merseyside, England.
11 June 2018 Bryn Wayt replies that the building has been demolished and modern housing has been built on its site
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German cargo ship RUHR in 1953
On 15th December 1953 the German cargo ship RUHR, registered in Hamburg and 1,725 nett tons, Captain Ekelman, brought a cargo of scrap metal from Halifax (Canada) to Ardrossan Harbour.
Has anyone got any details of this ship ?
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British coaster J B KEE in 1957
Fred of Formby (Merseyside, England) writes :
I have put in a short article about J B KEE making a distress call on 4th November 1957.
Anyone have details of this ship ?
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Which Donaldson Line ship collided with a Cunard Liner in 1960’s in Quebec or Montreal ?
Bas Buma (Rotterdam) e-mails ….. translated by Google
Does anyone remember in 1960’s when a Donaldson cargo ship collided with a Cunard passenger liner, maybe CARINTHIA or SYLVANIA at Quebec or Montreal? My memory is not good now.
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At what time did Union Castle mailships leave South Africa for U.K. ?
Jim Allbright (London) e-mails :
I thoroughly enjoy reading your “Conducting their business in Great Waters” articles as they remind me of places and ships of long, long ago.
Something which I have always pondered – Union Castle passenger liners left Southampton at 4pm on Thursdays for South Africa, --- but did they have a set time, say 4pm when sailing from, for example Cape Town or Durban, when returning to U.K. ?
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SUNBEAR of Saguenay Terminals.
In 1962 Saguenay had chartered a general cargo ship named SUNBEAR. Does anyone have details of this vessel ?
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Can anyone identify or help with a cargo ship AUSTERLAND around 1955-1960 ? === ship is now firmly believed to be AUSTRALIND
Captain Bryn Wayt writes :
My father fitted a T/V to a ship that visited the Clyde around the years 1955-60 and I accompanied my him to assist - I was young and have only a limited memory of the event.
The 'Master' invited us both to sail with him "around the world" - so my guess was it was a long-range merchant vessel. It was NOT a "liner" but more of an "ocean freighter".
The name that sticks in my limited memory bank is the "AUSTERLAND".
I've tried various sources to find her, but have not been successful.
I was born and bred in Glasgow, but I was not acquainted with the Dock in which the ship was anchored to narrow the search.
It was there for at least a week, as the "Master" visited my father's shop and asked for a T/V to be fitted in his vessel.
It took a little time to gather the required bits and bobs to accommodate the order that's why I say a week all told in dock.
Anybody who can give me a clue where to look would be thanked in customer fashion.
James Jeffries replies :
I saw the message from Captain Wayt and I don’t know off-hand of AUSTERLAND but the name makes me think of AUSTRALIND of the Australind Steam Shipping Company / Bethell, Gwyn & Trinder Anderson & Company, London.
AUSTRALIND was a 7,214 gross ton tramp cargo ship and was built in 1944 by William Denny & Brothers, Dumbarton, for Australind, and in 1959 was sold to Argus Steam Ship Company, Liberia and renamed PORTALON.
In 1972 she was scrapped in Santander, Spain.
However it’s an interesting problem and I’ll start looking for an AUSTERLAND
Billy MacAulay (Moderator and Senior Member) writes :
I have never heard of AUSTERLAND, but as Jim says AUSTRALIND is a possibility as Trinder Anderson vessels were visitors – though not too frequently – to Glasgow - and AUSTRALIND was in Govan Drydock, Glasgow around 1954.
But I will also look for AUSTERLAND and being a cargo ship will search at Queen’s and Prince’s Docks and surroundings. It will take some time as there is a lot to plough through.
Why was LADY McGOWAN IN Loch Riddon ?
The small I.C.I. explosives carrying coaster LADY McGOWAN was in Loch Riddon on 29 November 1953.
Loch Riddon is a small Loch situated near Tighnabruaich in the Kyles of Bute, a lonely and sparsely populated hilly area off the main area known as Firth of Clyde, Scotland.
Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions as to the reason why LADY McGOWAN would be in this unusual locality ?
John Kelly's coaster BALLYCLARE in late 1953.
In our entries for this ship it is difficult to read the Master's name... possibly Capt. Crab. Anyone know if this is correct ?
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Small boat sailor writes from Inverkip :
I see that motor launches P.D.1 and 8641 passed King George V Dock, Glasgow in January 1967. Their names vaguely ring a bell in my memory but I don’t remember anything about them.
Does anyone know anything of these two launches ?
Just a guess could P.D.1 refer to the launch being the mooring rope boat in Prince’s Dock ?
Sandy
Mystery of CVC in Prince’s Dock area of Glasgow
In 1958 the Clyde Shipping Company’s coaster PLADDA
was listed as berthed in CVC in Prince’s Dock
area in Glasgow.
Does anyone know where CVC was ?
Jim Sloan replies : CVC was Clyde Vila Crane on the quay around berth 81 Plantation Quay, Glasgow
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Pacific Steam Navigation’s KENUTA at Puna in 1957
Tom Hayworth e-mails :
Your homepage shows KENUTA at Puna in 1957. Where is Puna ?
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Ben Line’s Far-East coaster BENVEG in 1957
Leith Man e-mails
I was very surprised to see your entry for BENVEG in January 1957
for BENVEG as I had never heard of her.
Anyone have any more information please ?
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SPRINGFIELD QUAY, GLASGOW
Harry Cochrane e-mails :and conveniently close to the city centre. With restaurants, casino, bingo, bowling, cinema and hotel, everything you need is at The Quay.
For a good few years what was Springfield Quay in Glasgow has been redeveloped into an entertainment area with a cinema, hotel, casino and restaurants. There was always a big sign at the entrance reading "SPRINGFIELD QUAY" but now the sign has been removed and replaced with a much smaller and more modern one saying "THE QUAY"
It's sad to have the last of the great Glasgow dockside quayside names disappear from public view.
aand conveniently close to the city centre. With restaurants, casino, bingo, bowling, cinema and hotel, everything you need is at The Quay.nd conveniently close to the city centre. With restaurants, casino, bingo, bowling, cinema and hotel, everything you need is at The Quay.
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MYSTERY SHIP PORTHOLE From Michael Irwin (michaelj87836@gmail.com) I have a very short video posted on youtube of a porthole that I am trying to identify. It is more than likely WW1 era. Glass window is 14" in diameter and the entire assembly weighs 132 lbs. The name of the youtube video is Mystery Ship Porthole and I will leave a link. Thanks ............................................................................................................................................ |
LASHERCIA ..... A Spanish coaster in 1962
Does anyone have information on LASHERCIA which was trading around the Irish Sea and Liverpool in 1962 ?
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Clyde Navigation Trust launches GARMOYLE and DUNGLASS
Jim Allison writes : I see from arrivals and sailings that the Clyde Navigation Trust launches GARMOYLE and DUNGLASS were busy on the River, even in the middle of the night. What was their occupation ?
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Carrickfergus (Northern Ireland) in January 1963.
From Sean R (Larne, Northern Ireland)
Thanks very much for showing the ships bringing explosives from Irvine to Carrickfergus in January 1963. After 53 years I've now found out the two ships in the photographs, CASCADE the Dutch coaster and LADY ANSTRUTHER of ICI. Sean R.
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Please use the "Contact us" button and tell the team in as much detail as possible so that we can try to provide items which are of interest to you.
Thank you.
Netherlands coaster MADO in 1963
In January 1963 the Groningen registered coaster MADO was at Irvine, Scotland, having arrived with a cargo of 200 tons of fertilizer from Rotterdam. Does anyone have any information or details of this ship
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CARGOES FOR BEIRA BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT ONLY
I see from the sailing notices (such as in SYDNEY STAR) that cargoes for Beira in East Africa are often accepted by special arrangement only. Why by special arrangement ?
Charlie and Misty Fennelly, New Jersey. U.S.A.
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Holland America cargo ship DUIVENDYK
Holland America cargo ship DUIVENDYK was at Glasgow from August 27 1959 to September 2 1959 loading scrap metal for Japan. Does anyone have any information about this vessel.
Information needed on cargo ship KORBACH in 1958
KORBACH was closing for receiving cargo in Glasgow on 25 July 1958 and loading for the Great Lakes, Detroit and Chicago. She was probably on a charter by Anchor Line or Head Line or Cunard Line.
Does anyone have any information on KORBACH ?
“Conducting their business in Great Waters” series
Just to say how much we enjoy reading your “Conducting their business in Great Waters” series. Really good to read of BENDORAN at Zamboanga and DURBAN CASTLE at St. Helena Island and British India’s KENYA at Zanzibar. And Misty appreciates the diary of Donaldson Line's LETITIA that you included for her. This is the only website that brings the voyages to life. Even the kids read it and are sure learning their world geography. Charlie and Misty Fennelly, New Jersey. U.S.A (Misty was born in Canada and her family were Pilots on Saint Lawrence)
WHERE IS " PULO BOKOM "
On 5th January 1957 Alfred Holt's Blue Funnel CALCHAS was at Pulo Bokom. It's not on Wikipedia. Where is Pulo Bokom ?
"Hydatina" of Croydon, England, writes :
Pulau Bukom, also known as Pulau Bukum, is a small island belonging to Singapore that is located about five kilometres to the south of the main island of Singapore, off the Straits of Singapore. The size of Pulau Bukom is about 1.45 km². Royal Dutch Shell Group had a refinery there which I visited a number of times on Shell U.K. Tankers.
Note : The event for CALCHAS has been amended accordingly.
A question about Alfred Holt and the King George V Dock in Glasgow
Jim Alison e-mails : Your event of 25th August 1958 tells that Blue Funnel's PELEUS loaded a 6-ton lift by "Holt's crane". Did Alfred Holt have a company crane at Glasgow, or could it be the ship's own derrick that was used. ?
CLAN MACINTOSH and help needed on the origin of three launches loaded at Glasgow.
On 9th July 1958 CLAN MACINTOSH loaded 3 launches by her own gear at Glasgow. The launches came from "Mechano / Medano. Please have a look at the image, which has been enlarged, 
Scottish motor coaster PIBROCH built in 1956 by Scott & Sons of Bowling
Does anyone have details of her owners and employment after being sold by Scottish Malt Distillers Company ?
CAN YOU HELP The oilers "Invertest, Apexity and Clanity" are noted as daily supplying bunker fuel oil to vessels. Have you any images or information on these three ships. ?
A. Manson replies: Apexity and Clanity were owned by F.T Everard later taken over by Fisher.
CAN YOU HELP Ore ships at General Terminus Quay .....when leaving, they left Terminus Quay astern.... where were they turned, to go downriver ahead. Did they turn in Princes Dock...or at Yorkhill Basin...or at King George V Dock ?
A. Manson replies "Ore carriers leaving General Terminus Quay were canted at Princes Dock ; the area inside the entrance was known as the Canting Basin."
CAN YOU HELP Glasgow fire-boat "St. Mungo" Billy and Terry Kelly noted that Glasgow had a fire-boat named "St. Mungo" operated by Glasgow Fire Service, moored at Yorkhill Quay at the entrance to Queens Dock, and crewed by firemen based in Yorkhill Fire Station (just across the road from Yorkhill Quay.) Does anyone have a photograph of "St. Mungo" ?
A. Manson replies :Photographs and history the early and latter St. Mungo Fireboats can be seen by going on website "St. Mungo Fireboat"
CAN YOU HELP Blue funnel liner "Pyrrhus" is shown as arriving on 16th July 1958 (see the image) at berth 3 King George V Dock, head South, bow 5 1/2 ...something...into berth 4. Any idea what the 5 1/2 something is ?
Ref. "Pyrrhus Berthing. The large timber or metal doors on the dockside of the cargo sheds are referred to as Blinds. There may six or seven of these so the bow or stern of a vessel may be sited in a position relative to the blinds.
CAN YOU HELP The coaster "Salling" arrived at KG5 on 16th July 1958 from " G.at ? " (see the image) Can anyone hazard a guess what the place "G....at" is ?
A Manson replies "Destination of "Salling" could possibly have Ghent, Belgium."
CAN YOU HELP. Princes Dock logbook shows these vessels arriving, but the writing is hard to read. Can you make out the names?
Click on these images to enlarge them
First is maybe.... Cruzeiro Do Sul
Below it is maybe.... Templar
Further down is maybe... Kaduna ...or Kadura
Further down maybe... La Manche
Just below that ......Barbanihalis (or something)
Still further down..... Prins W J or G Frerderick
And also on that page for 28th June at 2045 arrives "Somme" at berth 65 annexe. I had never heard of "65 annexe" Can anyone enlighten me?
A Manson replies "berth 65 Plantation was an Annex abutting on the West end of Mavisbank Quay." and Kaduna was owned by Paddy Henderson, vessels trading to Burma and associated areas.
Prinz Willem 1V and Prinz W J Fredrick were owned by Dutch Company Oranje Lijn and traded to, and spent some time in the Great Lakes.
CAN YOU HELP What is the name of this ship? Is it Sunnarhav or Sunnanhav. She arrived in Glasgow on 6th July 1965. Just to allow continuity of entering details, the ship is listed in events as being "Sunnanhav" unless otherwise corrected.
A Manson replies : "Sunnanhan" could possibly have been owned by Saguenay Terminals who prefixed several of their ships names by "Sun"
CAN YOU HELP The vessel "Mango" or "Manyo" arrived at Princes Dock from Ardrossan on 14th July 1965, draft 5' 10" forard and 12' 8" aft, which would be the draft of a coaster. But the logbook shows her sailing on 18th July for Three Rivers (Canada) draft forard 17' 07" and aft 19' 06" Any thoughts or information on this vessel would be welcome.
THANKS FOR THE MEMORY Mrs Margaret Buckner e-mails from Canada.
"I was browsing and chanced on your website, and was astonished to discover mention of the Donaldson ships taking passengers from Princes Dock to Montreal. I was a little girl in 1960 when my folks emigrated from Kirkintilloch to Canada on Laurentia, and it was a very rough crossing, but was calm when we passed Newfoundland. The mention of "Laurentia" brought the memories flooding back, having been forgotten for 50 years. Thanks for bringing back the memory.
CAN YOU HELP : This interesting little advert was in the 23rd June 1906 issue of "Largs and Millport Weekly News" Note the early start for the days sailing, and the unusual name "Bute 4" Any information on the firm or the vessels? Click on the image to enlarge it to full size.
A Manson replies: For full history on SS Bute suggest Logging on" SS Bute at Greenock" With information regarding builders of same and SS Kyle then follow Princess Alice Disaster where all will be revealed re ultimate fate of Vessel.
CAN YOU HELP : The vessel "Cedric" arrived at KG5 on 10th October 1967. It's difficult to decipher where she came from. Any suggestions? Click on the image to enlarge it.
A Manson writes :
The "Cedric" which arrived at KG5 dock 10th October 1967 would have come from Napier, New Zealand, where she would have loaded refrigerated cargo, e.g. lamb, butter, etc. This was a regular run for vessels belonging to the New Zealand Shipping Company.
A Manson writes :
Ref. the "Cedric" The port referred to is Napier New Zealand.
CAN YOU HELP This vessel "Stern" or "Stein" arrived KG5. Is the name "Stern" or "Stein" Click on the image to enlarge it.
CAN YOU HELP : What is the name of this 1967 arrival. Click on the image to enlarge it.
CAN YOU HELP : Falcon Reefer arrived from USA and Newfoundland. Which was the USA port concerned? Click on the image to enlarge it.
A MANSON replies: Gloucester Massachusetts USA is on of America's oldest Ports.
CAN YOU HELP : Harrison's "Statesman" in Jan 1968 at Shieldhall Riverside Quay conducted an engine test. What is the word after the test. Click on the image to enlarge it.
A Manson writes :
Ref. the engine test on "Statesman" at Riverside Shieldhall . The engines would have been run on slow speed. Vessels having such must be securely moored probably with insurance wires as an added precaution .
MANOEUVERING ON THE RIVER : Jim Allison e-mails that when a vessel was moving on the river Clyde and passing the entrances to Rivers Kelvin, Cart and Leven, after heavy rainfall, the amount of water coming off these rivers would hit any passing vessel on the side and tend to push her in the opposite direction. You needed a strong steady hand on the wheel at these points.
CAN YOU HELP : On 3rd May 1965 a vessel "DCV 401" arrived. Any information on that vessel ?
THE BIG EX-BP TANKER AT PLANTATION. : Jim Allison writes that a big ex-BP tanker which lay at Plantation for some time, around 1980, and was leaving for breaking in the far east, was towed astern downriver to Shieldhall and her stern put into KG5, and she was turned there to go downstream ahead. He doesn't remember the name.
SEAMEN'S MISSION AT YORKHILL/SCOTSTOUN ; Tam Thomson asks if anyone remembers the "Seamens Mission" at Yorkhill or Scotstoun in 1970s, run by pensioners/church, where seamen/retired sailors could get a hearty cooked meal at a reasonable price.
A Manson replies;
There once was a"Flying Angel " Seamens Club in York Street Glasgow long since gone. There is still a Stella Maris Club for seamen situated at 937 Dumbarton Road Yoker Glasgow open several days a week .It is affiliated to St. Brendans Church on Kelso Street close by.
Tam Thomson replies: Much appreciated for your answer Mr Manson. I didn't know about the Flying Angel but you have made me think. was there a seamens club beside the Clyde Shipping offices at the suspension bridge. The stella Maris, yes that is the very one. I had a dinner in there must be twenty years ago. the ladies had finished meals but made me one specially when i came in. Its great that you have brought back memory and i like all your ansers to the help bit as you really know your stuff about the clyde. Have a good new year mr Manson, and Douglas please keep up the internet site as it is great to read about the ships at Glasgow, and i hope you have a good new year to.
A Manson replies:Re the Stella Maris Club which may stir a memory of the subscriber. It was for many years situated in Carlton Place on the South side of the Upper Clyde close to the Suspension Bridge.
MEXICAN WARSHIPS IN PRINCE'S DOCK ; Joe Barrowman asks if anyone remembers some "Mexican ?" frigates which visited Princes Dock in early 1970s.
CAN YOU HELP Can you decipher the name of the ship Bleuersand? And she has come from Sfax via ????? Could it be Ayr? Click on the image to enlarge it.
Bill McKellar e-mails : I would say that it's Ayr for Bluersand.
CAN YOU HELP Can you clarify the ships names Jozina and Teun ? Click on the image to enlarge it.
CAN YOU HELP Joe Matthewson asks where Paddy Henderson's offices and the Ellerman City Line offices were in Glasgow and is looking for details from the Ellerman deck cadet recruiting brochure around 1965
A reply : Ellerman once had offices at City line, Managers George Smith and Sons 76 Bothwell Street Glasgow.
Clan Line offices were at Clan Line 109 hope Street Glasgow
CAN YOU HELP Joe Matthewson remembers that around 1980 an Ellerman vessel was a long time at Yorkhill Quay with bow damage. What was her name, and what was the story of the damage.
A Manson replies :
The Ellerman vessel was the City of Lancaster but renamed Lancaster by Greek owners who simply painted over the City of .She arrived in Glasgow having suffered severe bow damage in a collision. The forecastle was shored using two of the ship's derricks
She discharged a cargo Mediterranean potatoes at Merklands Quay. The cargo was in a severe state of rot due to exposure to the elements. Thereafter the vessel was berthed at Meadowside Quay and the entire crew, including the master, vanished overnight abandoning the vessel . There was difficulty in contacting agents
Subsequently I believe she was taken to a shipbreakers.
A photograph of her can be seen in ,I think, November or Decembers copy of Ships Monthly
CAN YOU HELP Tommy Campbell remembers the ore boats at General Terminus, and asks if anyone rememers Livanita, Vivita, Dapo Sky, Welsh something or other.
A Manson replies: The "Livanita" of Norwegian Registry was one of many iron ore carriers which discharged at General Terminal Quay Mavisbank. She did on one occasion run aground at Elderslie Dry Dock area Partial discharge to lighten the vessel was done by grab into Puffers which were of shallow draught and able to go alongside for that purpose. She was eventually re-floated and thereafter completed Discharge at General Terminus.
BILL McKELLAR WRITES : I really like reading about the old boats and think that todays boats don't have the good looks of the old ones. My favourites were the Blue funnel ones and the Palm boats, and I always thought that the newer Clan boats were too squat for my liking. The dredgers and hoppers had character and at new year time they were all tied up in KG5 and the top of the dock was jammed full of them. Ellerman had nice colours. My favourite was Scottish Coast.
A MANSON writes: At one time it was not uncommon for a vessel to conduct an engine trial while alongside a berth in port and prior to sailing probably after some engine repair or adjustment. Particular attention had to be given to secure mooring often meaning putting out "insurance wires" for added safety.
ADRIATIC COAST Jack Lennon writes "I was surfing and found your item on the Coast Line's Adriatic Coast at Glasgow. I was on her at the time. great site for detail and nostalgia. Can you do a forum on the site.
Douglas replies : I don't have plans for a Forum at present, but possibly in the future.
MEMORIES FROM THE ORE CARRIER DAYS Peter Best of Newcastle e-mails : I spent seven years on the ore carriers on the Glasgow run carrying ore for the steelworks at Ravenscraig. One of me mates and me were going to the pool office just across the river, and instead of taking the ferry boat from the pier just astern of the ship, me mate said we could go under the water on a tunnel. We hunted for the doorway but coudent find it. When we were leaving the pilot said that there was a tunnel but there was no way he would go through it. Strange thing was I gave up the sea and got work in the steelwork at Redcar. One time we left Glasgow along with one of the Glasgow liberty ship passenger boats that was going to Canada and we kept in company with her all the way over until we turned off to Seven Islands. We usually passed one of the empress or cunard boats, and the old man took us closer to give them a wave. Me mate and me were in a pub beside the boat and got talking to the barmaid. all the crews of the ore boats went in there and the barmaid said that she stayed just behind the big cranes and when a boat was being unloded the red dust covered all her washing and the windows had to be kept shut all the time to keep out the dust.
THE DERELICT BUILDING AT KG5 DOCK, BESIDE SAINSBURY'S PETROL STATION
Robert Stewart fills up his car with petrol at Sainsbury's at Braehead Retail Park, Glasgow, and tells of a derelict old building, which is falling to bits, which is just yards from the petrol station on the King George 5 Dock side of the fence. Does anyone know the history of the building
A Manson writes :
If they are still in existence, it is possible that the derelict premises at Shieldhall/ Braehead could the remains of house or outbuildings of the farm that once stood on that site, Remains of WW11 gun emplacements were also evident for some time before the new developments.
UNUSUAL STOP AT STOBCROSS CRANE FOR QUEEN MARY 11 ON SAIL TO TIGHNABRUAICH
On 24th August 1965 the Clyde passenger Excursion Steamer "Queen Mary 11" left her usual berth at Bridge Wharf, Glasgow, at 11am taking her passengers on a trip downriver to Tighnabruaich. But a few minutes later she berthed on the opposite side of the river - in the commercial shipping berth at Stobcross Quay just under the tall Stobcross Crane - and again boarded passengers for Tighnabruaich. This was a most unusual stop for an excursion steamer - just minutes after leaving her berth. Anyone have any idea why the special stop would have occurred ? Detail of the stop are in the "Events" for 24th August 1965.
30th January 2014
PLEASE KEEP YOUR COMMENTS RELEVANT TO SHIPS AND SHIPPING AT GLASGOW
Douglas writes : There have been seven e-mails recently received which comment or try to discuss Scottish Independence, Government "Bedroom Tax", Government lack of aid to flooded areas in South of England, Military forces being made redundant, Amount of rainfall this winter, Cost of living and electricity prices, and today, the closure of certain Fire Brigade Control Rooms in Scotland.
None of these messages have the slightest relevance to this website or to shipping, and I have deleted them all and advised the senders accordingly.
Please only post messages which have a connection to shipping, Glasgow or the Clyde or appropriate. Any other messages will be deleted, as this site will not become a platform for anyone to express their complaints or views or dis-satisfaction on Government policy or similar or anything unconnected to ships or shipping.
There are other sites and avenues where opinions can be posted .... but not on this site, thank you.
CUNARD LINE'S "BRESCIA" AT GLASGOW IN OCTOBER 1965
"Brescia" is listed as arriving from Aiyow via Belfast. Where on earth is Aiyow?
BERTH NUMBERS AT SHIELDHALL RIVERSIDE WHARF
The Riverside Wharf has two berths, numbers 1 and 2. Does anyone know how the berths are numbered, either berth 1 at the entrance to King George V Dock and berth 2 going upriver towards the city ?
Or, like the main docks in the city, are the berths numbered as coming from the city downriver, meaning berth 1 would be nearest the city and berth 2 being at the entrance to King George V Dock ?
NUMBERING OF BERTHS FROM BROOMIELAW AND BRIDGE WHARF TO PLANTATION
A Manson writes :
Previously, when standing on King George V Bridge looking down-river the Berthing positions on the North side from Broomielaw to Berth 85 Plantation were designated in even numbers while those on the south side were in odd numbers from Bridge Wharf to Berth 85 Plantation. Berth 83 was colloquially known as "Starvation Point" Berth 85 was separated from Berth 83 by the entrance to Princes Dock and was adjacent to Govan Dry Docks.
WHO OWNED OR OPERATED GENERAL TERMINUS AND ITS CRANES
Bill McKellar e-mails :
I've been looking at the replies about Kingston Dock and General Terminus, and got to thinking. Who actually owned or operated Terminus and the cranes, and when were the cranes demolished.
PORT CHALMERS
Liz Chalmers e-mails : I'm sending this message for my dad who worked in Connels Yard and worked on Port Chalmers. He was reading your stuff and remembers the day whem she went aground at Barclay Curles. The yard manager was going daft in case she was badly damaged and would be late in going to the owners. But it was all right and when she was going away all the yard men gave her a loud cheer as it went past. He says it was a huge tall ship and bigger than the ben boats.
DUMBARTON AND LOCH LOMOND AND "MAID OF THE LOCH"
Alaister McKenzie e-mails :
First time in years I was in dumbarton and at the river side. Got to thinking. Last time i was here there was Glenlight boats taking the remains of Dennys yard somewhere. Where did the stuff go to. And is there a way for boats to go from dumbarton to loch lomond. and how did the Maid of the Loch and the todays passenger boats on the loch get there as surely the maid is too deep to get up past dumbarton
STEAMSHIP "META"
On 14th October 1961 (the details are on site) a coaster steamship "Meta" arrived in Prince's Dock to load for Sweden, and during her stay loaded 270 tons of bunker coal. It was quite unusual to have a steam-ship in those days. Does anyone have any information on this ship ?
Vessel Meta was owned by Glen Line of Glasgow who operated between the U.K and Scandinavian Ports.Their inward cargo usually consisted of Matches and timber and allied products Exports from Scotland at one time were the chassis of the Volvo cars which were taken to Sweden for the final completion the exported from there. This was,as I recall the car driven by "The Saint" in the early detective series. The Meta was built in the early 1930,s
MAVISBANK QUAY AND PLANTATION QUAY, GLASGOW
Jim Hillhouse e-mails :
I find it very interesting how you show the berth numbers for the ships at Mavisbank and Plantation Quays. I was wondering what berths numbers were in Mavisbank and which berths were in Plantation, and was there any separation or dividing line between Mavisbank and Plantation quays.
NUMBERING OF BERTHS FROM BROOMIELAW AND BRIDGE WHARF TO PLANTATION
A Manson writes :
Previously, when standing on King George V Bridge looking down-river the Berthing positions on the North side from Broomielaw to Berth 85 Plantation were designated in even numbers while those on the south side were in odd numbers from Bridge Wharf to Berth 85 Plantation. Berth 83 was colloquially known as "Starvation Point" Berth 85 was separated from Berth 83 by the entrance to Princes Dock and was adjacent to Govan Dry Docks.
Jim Hillhouse e-mails : Thank you Mr Manson for explaining about berth 85. Can I ask what that berth was used for? and you tell that from Broomielaw to berth 85 plantation were designated even numbers...... should that read broomielaw to berth something at stobcross were even numbers??
NEGOTIATING CITY BRIDGES TO REACH CUSTOM HOUSE QUAY
"puffer fan of Scotstoun" e-mails : My favourite book is Dan McDonalds "The Clyde Puffer" but I'm a wee bit sceptical about a caption in it. On page 30 he has a photo of puffer "Stormlight" passing downriver before 1959, and the caption is that she was returning from custom house quay and had to negotiate five city bridges. Surely it would be four bridges or would coasters at chq have to under the suspension bridge at south portland street also. any ideas?
HISTORY OF PUFFERS
For a history of Puffers Go on "Puffers-The supreme Marine achievement of man's invention".
KELVIN
On 19th February 1962 (the item is on site) the coaster WOLFGANG VOGELSANG left "Kelvin" and berthed in Prince's Dock. Can anyone hazard a guess what she would be doing in the Kelvin and where she would be berthed there ?
CLYDE SHIPPING TUG AT ARDROSSAN
Alan Brown writes that he remembers a Clyde Shipping tug helping a Steel and Bennie tug to dock a big tanker at Ardrossan in early 1960's. Any information would be appreciated.
Douglas replies : The tanker was SOUTHERN CLIPPER and docked at Ardrossan on 7th August 1962 assisted by the tugs CAMPAIGNER and FLYING WITCH. Details will be put on site soon.
END OF GLASGOW's ANCHOR LINE, GLEN LINE AND DONALDSON LINE
Andy Hiddleston writes : Following on to the thing about Paddy Henderson Line, I never understood why Anchor and Glen and Donaldson Lines all shut down. Somebody please tell me why.
MEMORIES
Jim Muir writes : I really like this website as it brings a lot of memories back. When I was a boy and sailing doon the watter we passed a French ship in one of the riverside berths and me being silly and learning French at school shouted across to the French ship "Bonjour" as we passed. Only now I realise it might not have been the French crew I shouted at but could have been the Glasgow dockers on the ship.
Another time on going doon the watter we were passing the Lang Dyke near Dumbarton Rock and we met a Lamport & Holt ship inward bound for Glasgow. I think her name began with R... maybe Ronsard, but she was beautiful and immaculate with a massive black, white and blue funnel. as we passed her the officer at the bow raised his white cap and waved it above his head, and the crowd on the Queen Mary 11 gave him a big cheer.
This is a great site and I enjoy looking up the visiting ships that I remember.
K HADJIPATERAS
"Volturno" of Italy e-mails (this is a rough translation of the message in Italian
I am overjoyed to read about the Liberty ship K HADJIPATERAS as I saw her many times in Napoli (Naples) and went on ship with my papa who was agent. Good ship site. Volturno
BLUE FUNNEL''S "GUNUNG DJATI" IN 1960'S IN GLASGOW
David Hall asks if there is any information on Blue Funnel's passenger ship GUNUNG DJATI in Glasgow in 1960's as he remembers seeing it at Shieldhall.
Douglas replies : I've now put details on site for you.
Norman Horrocks e-mails Historical information :
The ship was actually built in 1936 by Blohm & Voss, Hamburg, for Deutsche Ost-Afrika linie, and named PRETORIA. She was employed on passenger service from German and continental ports to East Africa.
At the end of World War 11 the ship was taken as taken from the Germans as a British war prize and renamed EMPIRE DOON and used as a Troopship and managed by Orient Line for the British Ministry of War Transport. In 1948 - 1949 she was reconditioned, again as a Troopship, and renamed EMPIRE ORWELL.
In 1958 she was chartered to Pan Islamic Steam Ship Company of Karachi, Pakistan, for pilgrim service.
November 1958 saw her sold to Blue Funnel Line of Liverpool (Ocean Steam Ship Company) and was refitted for the carriage of pilgrims from Indonesia to Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and was renamed GUNUNG DJATI
In 1962 Blue Funnel sold her to the Indonesian Government who continued to use her for carrying pilgrims.
1979 saw a change of use, when the Indonesian Government transferred her to the Indonesian Navy as a Naval accommodation ship and renamed her KRI TANJUNG PANDAN
Her end came in 1987 when she was sold for scrap, and arrived at Kaosiung, Taiwan, for demolition
Andy Miller writes : Blue Funnel boats were all named after Greek Gods? What did GUNUNG DJATI refer or relate to ?
Geoff in Australia e-mails :
Questions about Alfred Holt's Blue Funnel Line in 1960's
I was on the Ulysses which traded between the Far East,mainly Indonesia
and the East Coast and Gulf of the US. I understand it was a route
which belonged to the Indra Line which Holts acquired in 1915.
I believe that it may have been incorporated into a round the world
service later .My time was during the late 50s and ended in 1960.
Crews during my time consisted of Europeans on deck and Chinese in
the engine room, and catering,on ships trading from Liverpool. The Ulysses
had Malays on deck and Chinese in the engine room, I cant remember
who were the catering staff.
Gunung Djati was the name of the leading Javanese Haji and
Islamic missionary.
KING GEORGE V DOCK, GLASGOW
Roy Twigg of Liverpool writes " What an amazing site that brings back memories of coming to Glasgow. We always docked in King George V Dock and it always seemed to be crammed full of Blue Funnels and Clans with a Shaw Savill and Palm boat thrown in for good measure. The dock was a long way from the town centre but there were always tramcars and buses to take us. Thanks for such a good site. Roy Twigg
VENTILATOR KNOCKED OVER THE SIDE IN CARGO HANDLING
David Stevenson remembers being on a ship in King George V Dock and when loading or unloading cargo a cargo net caught the ships ventilator and knocked it clean off and the unhappy ventilator went over the side into the drink. David thinks the ventilator was brought back up by the port diver
EX-LONDON RIVER FLAT-IRON COLLIER ARRESTED AT SHIELDHALL RIVERSIDE QUAY
Frank McManus asks if anyone remembers an ex-London river flat-iron collier which had come to Glasgow and berthed at Shieldhall Riverside Quay maybe 30 years ago, and the Admiralty Marshal arrested the ship for non-payment of the crew's wages. there was a crew's banner at the gangway saying "We are not prisoners" Anyone remember this ?
METCALF'S COASTAL TANKER "EILEEN M"
James Gallagher e-mails:
I am looking for information on a metcalf motor coaster the EILEEN M. Me and my brother Tony sailed on her late 1950s from Stanlow to the Scottish islands. Has anyone got info or photos of her. or know how I can find info of her thanks jim gallagher
CLYDE STEAMERS AND THE "THREE LOCHS" CRUISE
When I was a boy and spent my summers on the Clyde steamers from Gourock and Largs I remember going on cruises to the "Three Lochs" I can't remember what were the three lochs involved. Can anyone tell me ? Sam McNaughton
BLUE FUNNEL SHIP AGROUND NEAR JAMES WATT DOCK, GREENOCK
Sam mcNaughton e-mails :
I remember there was a Blue Funnel ship inbound to Glasgow that went aground near James Watt Dock around 1960's. Anyone remember this ?
PALM LINER JUST OFF GOUROCK PIER
Jim Hall writes: One of my earliest memories of Gourock pier was around 1960 when my parents and I were at the pier and literally just maybe a hundred yards off the pier was a new Palm liner stopped in the water, I think it was LOBITO or LAGOS PALM. She was waiting for the Gourock pilot who was late for her, and Palm had come just off the pier to wait for the pilot. Soon a pilot appeared and climbed down to the pilot boat and went off to the Palm.
CABLE SHIP "ALERT"
Robert Wotherspoon asks : Does anyone remember the cable ship ALERT that used to frequent Rothesay Dock and the Gare Loch
ELDERSLIE DRY-DOCKS
Harry Roy writes : Thanks very much for starting the entries for Elderslie Dry-Docks that I asked for. There were 3 dry-docks there, numbers 1,2 and 3. What docks had the numbers, what I mean is what dock was number1, and what dock was number 2 and what dock was number 3
ELLERMAN'S "CITY OF PRETORIA"
Hugh Fagan e-mails :
My father recently passed and I have his papers from his time on the City of Pretoria and a couple of pictures of the ship. I would like to find out more about her ,my father served from 1955 to 1957 when an injury forced an end to his service.
"KENILWORTH" THREATENED BY U.S. WARSHIP
Alan-Kirkintilloch writes :
I was today reminded that, a few years ago, a visiting U.S. warship threatened to open fire on the small Gourock passenger ferry KENILWORTH. Does anyone know what the circumstances were ?
=============================================
EVERARD'S COASTERS AT ROTHESAY DOCK
Tom Menzies writes :
Reading the previous letters about Rothesay Dock reminds me of the 1960's when the Dock was always full of Everard coasters carrying clinker. It seemed that every berth was an Everard boat. And there were the big ore carriers unloaded there, as well as going upstream to General Terminus. I never knew what clinker was used for, and still don't know - 50 years on.
SHIPS AT ELDERSLIE DRY-DOCKS
Liz Chalmers writes : I see from the entries that many of the ships, like the Blue Funnel ships, coming to Elderslie Dry-Docks only stay for 2 or 3 days. What work would they be having done in that short time ?
NUMBER 1 RECESS BERTH AT ROTHESAY DOCK
Harry Sharkey writes : Reading some entries for Rothesay Dock I see that some ships were berthed in Number 1 recess berth. I didn't know there was such a place. Anybody enlighten me please?
INDIAN DREDGER AJOY COLLIDES WITH THE RENFREW FERRY
Harry Sharkey writes : I'm astonished. Being brought up and still living in Renfrew this is the first time I heard about the colliding with the Renfrew Ferry. When I was a boy I knew all the dredgers and hoppers and workboats that used the Pudzeoch and the Navigation trust workshops there.
ELLERMAN'S "ARCADIAN"
Colin Hosken writes : In 1965/66 I served as a cadet on the African Coasters "Bulwark" 2219 ton which I believe was formerly the Ellerman Line Anglian. Does anybody have any photographic details of her earlier history which they would like to share with me.
ANCHOR LINE'S "CIRCASSIA"
I am currently looking to construct a scale model of
Anchor Lines Vessel 'Circassia' and would greatly value any
information that would assist me in this venture. Ken Perrins
Tommy MacLean writes : I knew Anchor Line well. Are you referring to the CIRCASSIA which was sold in 1966, and if so what information are you actually needing?
CREW MEMBERS OF PUFFER "RAYLIGHT" IN AUGUST 1975
John Gallagher asks if anyone knows any crew names when the puffer RAYLIGHT foundered off Larne 4th August 1975
Hugh Tait replies : I don't know any of the names but assuming they were local to Greenock area and as it was a Greenock ship. there would certainly be a full report of the matter in the local newspaper, the Greenock Telegraph, and it is very likely that the Inverclyde District Council library archives will have back copies of the newspapers going back to the year dot.
Jim Muir writes Extra to what Hugh says the Glasgow Herald paper likely has details, and back copies are kept in the Archives at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow.:
OLD KILPATRICK OIL JETTIES
Robert Banks writes :
I was on WAVERLEY at the weekend and passed the derelict Old Kilpatrick piers. a thought struck me that the ocean tankers around 600 feet long berthed there, but the channel is not very wide. So when the tankers were leaving the jetties and going downriver where did they turn around when they left the piers.
DONALDSON LINE'S COLINA PASSES TIGHNABRUAICH
On 9th August 1965 COLINA was recorded as arriving at Prince's Dock, Glasgow, from the Great Lakes via TIGHNABRUAICH. Why would COLINA be in the Kyles of BUTE ?
LOSS OF THE PUFFER "DRUID"
Last night I watched David Hayman's documentary about "Puffers" on BBC2 and was shocked to hear that "Druid" was lost with all hands while working out of Liverpool. As a youngster I sailed on her from 1953, plying from the Clyde to Stornoway with liquid bitchumen, for a couple of seasons, but had never heard of this tragedy. Can you provide any details please?
Ian Cooper.
Sean Hollywood replies :
DRUID was an unlucky ship in having a battering against the quayside at Stranraer and a collision with MacBraynes CLAYMORE at Tobermory.
She capsized and sank just outside Preston and three crew were drowned. A fuller story and photos are in the gallery of www.shipsnostalgia.com
TOO MANY BURNS LAIRD, HOPPERS AND TUGS
Robert Walkinshaw e-mails : I really love reading your site but think there are too many entries for Burns Laird, hoppers and tugs.
Margaret, volunteer administrator replies : I'm so sorry that you feel there are too many listings for the local ships, When the site was started it had to be decided whether to include entries for all, or some, or none - of the local vessels. We decided on including all of them. Why ? We felt that we had no right to decide whether to omit any or all entries of Burns Laird, dredgers, hoppers, tugs, puffers, Everards, MacBraynes, Caledonian Steam Packet ....... Clan, Anchor, Blue Funnel.........
Many readers have a vivid interest in the local ships. Indeed, only a week ago, an expat in South Africa e-mailed saying how much the entries for passing Bowling Watch House reminded him of his home in Old Kilpatrick when he watched all the ships go past.
And someone asks for the 1960's entries for Govan Wharf Watch House be added, as he was wanting to be reminded of the ships passing his home in Water Row, Govan.
Also, my own grandfather and father worked on the hoppers out of Queen's Dock, and my first job on leaving school was with Burns Laird in Robertson Street. So I have my family's fresh and salt water in my veins, and I, when keying in the listings do take a very keen interest in the historical data, and I can thrill at following my family's daily work on the hoppers.
This site is, in it's own way, a valuable resource for Modern Clyde Shipping history - and also for family history. You would not believe how many people contact us for details of their ships' coming to the Clyde to allow them to construct or add to their own personal life history or family research.
Other than this site, where else will you find the daily work of the tugs, dredgers, hoppers, puffers, MacBraynes cargo and Burns Lairds and ordinary quayside goings-on, free-to-use and in so accessible a form and in such wonderful detail.
Hope this explains our thinking and reasoning. Margaret.
Andy Armstrong writes: I am "boat daft" and always have been "boat daft" and am not ashamed to admit it. I'm really happy with all the information on the site and have no problem with the details for Burns Laird etc. As Margaret points out, where else can you get such a wonderful amount of within living memory of shipping movements on the Clyde. Nowhere else. Keep it going just as it is. Andy
Martin Hannah e-mails : If Andy is "daft" then I'm a Burns Laird "lunatic" because to me Burns Laird is still alive and kicking in my memory and I can remember them and the ships as if they were yesterday. It's amazing to read of the arrivals and sailings as they happened and also of the heavy lifts and steel cargoes they carried. When I look in the laptop in the morning this site is the first I will look at. Keep up the great work. It's the best and most informative. Martin Hannah
Jim Thompson writes : Robert you should get real. Lots of folk, including me find this website really good and it brings back the time when there were docks and quays and piers and lots of ships. So what if there are lots of details of tugs and Burns & Laird and what else. These ships were to be seen everyday and were part of the scenery. I for one am a Tug enthusiast and love to read about their daily jobs. This great site is the only one to provide me with what I want. Jim.
"Puffer Fan of Scotstoun" writes : there isn't a better site for reading about the voyages and cargos of the puffers, and I wouldn't change it for anyone, Staying close to the filled-in Queen's Dock I was totally surprised to read here how many puffers loaded coal here for Dunoon and Campbeltown and other far-flung places. I love this site. As Margaret says you won't find these shipping details and information anywhere else.
WHERE IS PORT RIVALS
On 7th November 1962 the Dutch coaster GRIETJE was shown in the Ardrossan Harbour log-book as leaving for Portroyal, but this was scored out and corrected to Port Rivals.
There is no Port Rivals listed in the internet. Does anyone have any idea where this mysterious port can be?
HAMINA in 1965
Eric Kay e-mails
I served on the MS Hamina in 1965.
Position: Maskingut (oiler) but performed the duties of 4th Engineer.
Trip: Montreal Canada (Offloading nitrates) - Souris, Prince Edward Island (loading pulpwood) - Vlessing(Flushing) Holland.
I have some photos taken aboard ship and one long shot @ Souris.
I have also 2 photos at dockside by others.
I also have my papers and my payslips.
At 20yrs of age, in 1965 I wanted to travel (go walkabout) on a minimal budget.
I lived in Courtenay, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CANADA.
I hitched truck rides and train from Vancouver across Canada to Montreal.
Stayed with a relative in Westmount, and I spent 2 weeks visiting the docks every morning, looking for a ship for England to be able to work my passage.
The MS Hamina was short 1 crewman, and was asked "can you change the oil in a car?" My answer was yes having worked in an automotive garage. I was signed on by the Captain after receiving a medical examination.
England(born in Keswick, Cumbria)
I would appreciate any photographs of the ship
and would appreciate any history.
DWT: 3,016t 304ft long 1954 Bergen Norway
Owner: SKIBS A/S
PADDY HENDERSONS TO BURMA
Is there anyone can describe the voyages from UK to Burma on Paddy Henderson's ships, to do a surprise for my father on his 94th birthday. Jim Scott
WHERE IS THE HARBOUR OF TREVOR ?
On 18 August 1962 the Gardner's coaster SAINT BEDAN left Ardrossan light-ship for "Trevor" Where is Trevor ?
WHAT CARGO COMES FROM LOCHALINE IN THE SOUND OF MULL AND BONAWE BOTH IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS ?
Dwight Washington (Detroit U.S.A) writes : I see from your entries that many coasters (such as Gardner's SAINT RULE) leave Ardrossan Harbor light-ship for Lochaline and Bonawe. What cargo do they load there and where did they take it ?
BERTHS IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND ELSEWHERE
Sammy McVeigh e-mails : I've never been in Northern Ireland and read all your details of ships PALM, SAINT KENTIGERN, POINTER, SPANIEL, ELISA CLIPPER, DEVERON, ANTRIM COAST, GRIETJE, the Puffers and the Burns Laird boats going to Belfast, Larne and Londonderry. What berths did they use at these ports, as it would be interesting to have this on your site, as well as the berths for other ships in other ports and worldwide too
Douglas replies ; I don't have the berths for other ports and am happy to put them on site. You will see that there are lots of sailing notices and entries for other ports already on site. So it's up to viewers to send details - just use the contact us button at the top of the page.
DAVID MACBRAYNES ADVERT FOR MAY 1960
Hugh McLean writes : Loved the advert, Reminds me of all the places of my youth