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LOOKOUT 2010 |
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PLEASE NOTE THAT MAILBAG IS FOR THE USE OF MEMBERS ONLY YOU MAY CONTACT US AT: Owing to the large volume of spam mail that these email addresses now attract, which are automatically deleted by our security, please will you include in the subject line of your email one of the following, whichever is relevant to you. Either: 1.) The name of the ship, person and year relating to your enquiry - or 2.) The name of the shore department, person and year relating to your enquiry - or 3.) The name of the Manchester Liners Associated Company, person and year relating to your enquiry This information must be included in the subject line of your enquiry EMAILS SENT TO THIS ADDRESS WHOSE SUBJECT LINES DO NOT INCLUDE THE REQUESTED RELEVANT DETAILS WILL BE DELETED. Please be advised that the contents of emails sent to Lookout may be published within these pages after the removal of their contact details for data protection. If anyone remembers any of the people or can help with any item on this page, please
We regret that Manchester Liners Old Shipmates Association does not have access to any crew lists. However we will add your enquiries relating to past crew members to this page in the hope that someone will recognise a name and contact us. Any replies that we receive will be posted on this page in red, with, or linked to the relevant enquiry. An email will be sent to the enquirer notifying of such posting. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Currently, seafarers’ records are held in National Archives, at the Public Records Office in Kew. Looking for records of an officer in the Merchant Navyhttp://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/officermerchantnavy.htm?WT.lp=rg-3181 Looking for records of a merchant seaman serving between 1858 and 1917Looking for records of a merchant seaman serving after 1917http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/merchantseamanafter1917.htm
From: Lisa Dillon Hi, I have recently lost my husband and I am struggling to locate any records for him. He was a Merchant Seaman and I recall him working for the Manchester Liners in the late 1970's. I have old pictures but fear I may have thrown away old records as we have moved several times. He attended Fleetwood Nautical College prior to this. He was a Navigation Officer. His name was Russell Dillon As I am struggling any help would be gratefully received. Thanks Lisa Dillon.
From: R H Williams The first mate, W Owen of Nevin, mentioned in R A Lloyd’s article Manchester Commerce (II) encounters U39 was my great uncle. Would it be possible to purchase a copy of the painting of the sinking by Ossie Jones at the bottom of the article?
Hello Mr Williams Thank you for your enquiry and thank you for using our web site. As you will appreciate, we are entrusted with copyright material solely for use on our web site. However with your permission, which I require to comply with data protection law, I would like to forward your enquiry to Mr Ray Lloyd, who is both the author, and I understand the owner of the painting, whom I hope can help you. I shall also post your email on our Lookout 2010 page in order to come by any information regarding your great uncle. Regards Derrick Howarth ML Hon Webmaster webmaster@manchesterliners.co.uk
From: Peter Jones Dear Sir, I wonder if you could help me with some information regarding my great grandfather William James Henderson. I believe he was the Chief Engineer on SS Manchester Port when he died at sea on 3rd February 1904. I understand that the ship was under the command of Captain Acraman at that time. I would be grateful to receive any information you may have on William Henderson's service with Manchester Liners Limited and especially anything you may have regarding his death. Yours sincerely, Peter W Jones
From: James Peach Dear Sirs, My father was an Engineer at Manchester Docks in the sixties, and worked on many of the Manchester Liners vessels. I was wondering if you had any copies of old publications as we have been sat together for hours reading your website, which, by the way, we think is fantastic! If you do have back issues I would gladly pay for them. Many thanks and congratulations on the great website, keep it up! James Peach, Salford Hello James Unfortunately we do not have any copies of old publications that we could let you have, however if you go to the Acknowledgments page of our web site or follow this link: http://www.manchesterliners.co.uk/acknowledgments.htm#bsf you will see some books advertised that are by people who have kindly contributed material to help us to make this web site what it is today. Did your father work for either Manchester Liners or Morrell Mills? If he did and he can provide us with some details of his rank, ships that he sailed on or shore employment with Morrell Mills, then he would be eligible and welcome to join our Association. Please let us know and we will send him a joining pack with details, the annual subscription is only £8. You do not give your father's name and there are many of us in the Association that were with Manchester Liners in 1960's who may know him. Thank you for your using our web site and thank you for your kind comments about it. Regards Derrick Howarth ML Hon Webmaster
From: Norman Wright Dear Sir, I am researching my family history and have found that my grandfather, Norman Phillips, worked as a seaman on Manchester Liners for a number of years culminating on the Manchester Commerce in 1939. I have found no record of him from that date until his death in 1974 in Manchester when he was noted as a ‘rigger – retired’. I assume that he left the sea and could have worked on the docks from that time. Could you tell me what a rigger would have done please as I associate the term with sailing ships? If you know of anywhere that holds records of dock workers from 1939 to the mid 60’s this would also be a great help. With thanks for any information you can provide, Norman Wright
Hello Norman Your assumption is correct., your grandfather would have given up going to sea and worked ashore for Manchester Liners. As Manchester was our home port it was the norm for crews to pay off or go on leave if they were staying with the ship. The shore-gang as we called them, were Riggers who were all ex-deck crew, and they would come aboard the ships as required to assist the remaining deck crews with Jumbo derricks etc and also to assist in shifting ship when moving between berths. We do not hold any records so I suggest that you try this link. It would help if you know your grandfather's discharge book number. http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/merchantseamanafter1917.htm Regards Derrick Howarth ML Hon Webmaster
From: Brian Winterton Dear Sir While scanning photographs I recently found 4 images of the Manchester Venture. The images are of the ship while in dry dock at Falmouth. I cannot remember the year they were taken; but probably in the month of September sometime in the late 70’s or early 80’s. I have always had a keen interest maritime matters, but never sailed with ML. I used the Internet to find out a little more about her and her fate. This is how I found this site. I hope you find the images of some use for your archives, and wish you well for the future. Kind regards Brian Winterton
Thank you for sending in these photographs to add to our archives ML Hon Webmaster
From: Neil Carter
Dear Sirs, I wonder if you can possibly help me. I am researching my family history, and in particular, I am trying to piece together my father’s life in the 1920s. His name was Archibald Raymond Carter (always known as Ray), born in Capel, Surrey on 15th July 1903. Some of the basic facts I know; he emigrated to Canada at the age of 21, and I can find his name on the passenger list of the Canadian Pacific ship Marburn docking in St. John, NB on 25th Jan. 1925. I know, also, that he returned to England in the autumn of 1929 from New York, (but I have been unable so far to trace his name on any passenger list) and that he spent the majority of the time between these two dates in the town of Cobourg, Ontario. However, the reason I am writing to you is that family legend has it that he returned home for a short visit at some point in his time in Canada, and that cattle boats were involved in his travels. As evidence that this may in fact be true is that, in a recently rediscovered photo album, there are five pictures of, or taken on board Manchester Line ships. These are attached to this e-mail in the order they appear in the album and the descriptions are those written against each picture by my father: Picture 1 – Cattle boat “Manchester Producer” Picture 2 – On board Picture 3 – “Manchester Corporation” Picture 4 – Some of the lads Picture 5 – Rough seas The photographs in the album immediately preceding the above are of Montreal and the St Lawrence River there. So, perhaps the photos were taken there prior to a crossing to England, or on the return. Unfortunately none of the pictures are dated, but my guess would be 1926. Do any crew records exist for this period, because I think, if he did cross the Atlantic in these vessels, he must have signed on as crew? If such records do exist, where and how can they be viewed? Any help you can give me in this research will be much appreciated. Yours sincerely, Neil Carter
Hello Neil Unfortunately we are unable to help you in your search for your ancestor as we do not have any records. You could try this link from the top of the page: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/merchantseamanafter1917.htm. Thank you also for sending us these excellent historical photographs. Regards Derrick Howarth ML Hon Webmaster
From: Terry Finegan Hi, I'm Terry Finegan, I was a steward with M/L in the first half of the sixties. I came to live in Chicago 1967 where fate took a hand and put me back with Liners. My wife was working for a local rag taking advertisements when she received a call from Furness Withy, they wanted to put an add in the paper for someone to handle their vessels in the port of Chicago, my wife asked which line and was told M/L, she said my husband sailed with them, he's from Manchester, Furness asked "does he want a job" and I became the agent for M/L in Chicago. I stumbled across the MLOSA site, looking for Alan Gunshon, we, along with Ray Camalliri were sent to Middlebrough for the Manchester City 3, we were up there for her fittings and sea trials. Manchester City 2, I was on her when she was taken to scrap in Scotland, I think Tommy Gee copped the ship's bell on her last trip. I was sorry to read of Ray's passing he will be dearly missed by all who knew him. I did 3 trips with Capt. Askew on M/c Faith in 1963, I believe the Faith was one of the two ships Liners considered as their submarine class vessels. As I said previously, I was looking for Alan Gunshon and found mention of both he and his wife on the MLOSA site, could you pass along my e-mail address to him or his to me. Any help you can afford will be greatly appreciated. Regards, Terry Finegan
From: Rebecca Black Hi I was interested to see the plates commemorating the opening of the St Lawrence Seaway in 1957. My Dad's cousin, Albert Starmer was captain of one of the Manchester Liners and I remember when I was 10 years old being given a newspaper cutting about how he was the captain of the first ship through the new seaway to take to school and show the class. Is my memory correct? I believe Albert died at sea before he had a chance to retire. Rebecca Black (nee Starmer)
From: Ralph Murray I was looking at the website today and saw a new entry re a request dated Oct.14th from Rebecca Black inquiring about Captain Albert Starmer. I would suggest a look at the Scrapbook items I sent and look at items 8 & 49. Both have newsclips and photos of Capt.Starmer. Regards, Ralph Scrapbook item 8 & Scrapbook item 49
From: Peter Robson Dear Sir, I am writing to enquire if you could possibly give me any information on Charles Johnson, who was my uncles father. The only information we have is he was a fireman on S.S."Manchester Port". Placed in hospital with a stroke and died on 24th. Unfortunately the date is missing on the letter. His widow was Mrs F Johnson of Heywood. We believe that he was buried in British Columbia. Yours sincerely Paula Robson
From: S Litherland-Bailey Hello Hoping to find information regarding my wife's father - Peter Arthur Litherland who passed away as a result of an accident on shore leave in Liverpool. She remembers a vague clip of him on Granada TV on behalf of Manchester Liners - sometime in the 70's. We have photos of some very old cargo / container ships he had sailed with, a fair few of Manchester Liners, but no memory of his employment. Can anyone help please? Kind Regards S Litherland- Bailey
From: Ian Dale Good Morning I am researching my family history and I discover that at least one of my family was a seaman with Manchester Liners. There may have been up to three others, whose maritime history is less certain. The certain one is Michael Seton b.1931 in Manchester. The less certain ones are: Septimus Seton b.1895 (Michael's Father) Godfrey Raymond Seton b.1924 (Michael's brother) Peter George Dale b.1938 (Michael's nephew) All were Merchant Seamen and all were born the the Manchester area. Do you have any information to which I may gain access to learn more of their histories, please? I would be grateful for anything I can learn to further my family history. Regards Ian R Dale
Hello Ian Thank you for using our web site, but as we have no records of personnel I am sorry that other than referring you to the ancestry search links at the head of our Lookout pages I cannot help you . I will also post your enquiry on the Lookout page in the event that someone may recognise a name. Regards Derrick Howarth webmaster@manchesterliners.co.uk
From: John Dobson I am the son of Captain Herbert Dobson and trying to find any information you may have on my father who was active during tjhe second world war on the Atlantic and Russian Convoys. His ship was the "Lake View Park" of the Furness Withy Line and also with Manchester Liners. I would be obliged if you can help me. Many thanks regards Herbert John Dobson From: ML Hon Webmaster Hello Mr Dobson Thank you for using our web site, however I regret that I am unable to help you further with your search as our Association does not have these records. The only Park Steamship Co. Ltd (Government of Canada) ships that we know of as having been chartered to the Ministry of War Transport, and managed on their behalf by Manchester Liners 1943 - 1946 are the "Westmount Park", "Riverdale Park" and "Belwoods Park". I regret that the "Lake View Park" is unknown to us. Regards Derrick Howarth webmaster@manchesterliners.co.uk
From: Tom Martin Dear Mr Howarth Thank you for your quick response. I am delighted that you will accept my ML memorabilia. Hope they meet with your approval for the ML historical archives I did not realize that 52 years have gone by since I was a company officer. After ending my seagoing career in 1964 my wife, children and I emigrated to the USA. Thanks again Sincerely, Tom Martin
From: ML Hon Webmaster Hello Thomas I am very pleased to tell you that your package containing the books, memorabilia and photographs has arrived safely this morning. I see that it was posted airmail on 15th July, so it has taken 48 days to arriving! I presume that that is why they call it snail mail. However it is here safely and on behalf of MLOSA I thank you for your kind donation to our archives, much of which including the photos I shall post on the web site. Best wishes Derrick webmaster@manchesterliners.co.uk Tom kindly sent us two books, "The Saga of Manchester Liners" by Robert B Stoker and "Manchester Liners a Pictorial History" by Ted Grey. He also sent the following photographs of the Manchester Prospector in ice in the Lachine Canal, Montréal, and a 1958 menu also from the Prospector.
From: Tom Grain Hi, I am a shipwreck diver and I believe we have located the Wreck of the Manchester Commerce (1890) off Tory Island Ireland. I am keen to find photos of the ship if you can help? I will of course keep you posted of any developments identifying the vessel. Regards, Tom Grain
Hello Tom Thank you for your enquiry about the first Manchester Commerce that was built in 1899. Mined off Tory Island in 1914, she was the first merchant ship to be sunk in this manner. For her full details see http://www.manchesterliners.co.uk/fleetlist1898to1919.htm. The camera link by her name will take you the relevant Photo Archive A - C page or to go directly to a photograph of her follow: http://www.manchesterliners.co.uk/photoarchive01.htm#commerce1. Further information about her loss is to be found on our War & Peace page: http://www.manchesterliners.co.uk/war.htm#ww1 All the photographs are strictly copyright and it is with regret that I am unable to send you a copy. She was also featured in a TV documentary called Deep Wreck Mysteries - "Death of a Battleship" that was shown on the History Channel on the 30th August 2009. I will look forward with interest to any updates on your dives that you may care to send me and particularly any photographs that we could reproduce with your kind permission Regards Derrick Howarth webmaster@manchesterliners.co.uk
From: Offcote Grange Cottage Holidays I own a Landrover which formerly belonged to and is still sign written Morrell Mills. It dates from around 1957 ish. Registration number NRX 16 Can you please tell me if there is someone or somewhere where I can obtain information on the vehicle If this e-mail manages to get through to you, I do have further information that I can supply such as photos of the vehicle. Many thanks Chris Walker
From: Alf Hello Manchester Liners I am very keen on ships, particularly old ships, at the moment I am putting my coloured photo's into albums and writing a small amount of the ships history, where she was built and name changes etc. I have already completed about 1200 photo's .Now I have came to Manchester Frontier I have been looking since 6'ocock this morning and it now 10:16, I have searched the 13 LLody's reg I have, and Manchester Frontier is not mentioned at all, I have searched the Internet and gleaned ( built 1972 -1979 Box Trader - 1984 Haris. & 1985 she was a fire and scrapped at Cartegena ) I wish to know where she was Built ? . Can you help me. I am very sorry if I have interrupted your routine and apologise. I thank you for your very kind consideration and Look forward to hearing from you. Take care , have a nice day Alf
Hello Alf Thank you for your enquiry. The Frontier sailed as a Manchester Liner, she was chartered from Condrons (Manchester Ltd) but never had the prefix Manchester appended to her name. She was launched on 16th March 1972 by Astilleros del Atlantico. Santandar, Spain (Yard No. 116) and completed in October 1972 for Condrons (Manchester) Ltd as the Frontier. For photographs of her go to: http://www.manchesterliners.co.uk/photoarchive02.htm Her details can be accessed by either clicking on one the photographs of her or by going to: http://www.manchesterliners.co.uk/fleetlist1960to1991.htm Then follow her name and the asterisks down the list for changes in her details. The monochrome photograph of the Frontier by John Slavin is available with his kind permission. If you would like further details of this please contact me. Regards Derrick Howarth webmaster@manchesterliners.co.uk
From: Elwyn Owen Dear shipmates, A question has been raised on our association website, PWSTS.org, as to how the topmasts were raised and lowered on Manchester Liners for transiting the Manchester Canal. I have searched the internet to no avail, can anyone please help. Regards E.Owen (MN RET.)
Telescopic top masts are housed in the lower masts and were were raised and lowered using a wire mast rope rove through a permanent sheave near the top of and leading into the lower mast, a sheave in the base of the top mast and back up to and out of the lower mast opposite the outer sheave where it was secured with a shackle. The mast rope was then lead to a winch. When the mast was in the raised position a fid was put in place through both the lower and upper masts and the weight released from the mast rope. Wedges were then placed in the top of the lower mast around the top mast to secure it and a canvas mast coat fitted around the upper and lower masts and wedges to make it weather proof. Derrick Howarth ML Hon Webmaster
From: G
VALENTINE Dear Sir or Madam, As a young boy in the 1950's, I worked for Morrell Mills as an apprentice marine engineer before going to sea with PSNC. I had the pleasure of working aboard the Manchester Venture with two very good engineers. Gerry Patchett and a Mr. Williams, (I forget his first name). They were really superb times for me and very enjoyable as I learned so much. I think the Venture was propelled by two diesel engines but cannot remeber the details. I do know she was sold and renamed Philomel and again sold in 1968 and renamed Bat Tiran by a company in Haifa. I felt very sad when reading about the passing of Gerry Patchett, did he still live in the Manchester area? Is Mr. Williams still living in the Manchester area? I think his name was Harry. I will always remember them both. Best Regards Geoff Valentine
From: abi
wareing Hi all, I had a meeting with Manchester Modernist Society today and they are currently working on a project concerning the old Stella Maris building which is now the Salvation Army. If anyone has any stories or information about the Stella Maris before it closed in 1981 please can you let me know so I can put you in touch with them Many thanks, Abi Abi Wareing HLF Project Administrator The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ T: +44(0)161 876 2019
From: Mr
I Eggleston Dear Sir, Are you able to help me with finding any information about the SS Manchester Division which sailed from Liverpool to Montreal on October 9th 1940. It is highly probable that my father -in-law sent his wife and two children to Canada on that ship. Any information about it would be helpful especially a passenger list. The Manchester Division obviously survived it's voyages in convoy across the Atlantic but I can find very little on the internet. It is needed for a family history.
Yours sincerely, Ian Eggleston, Australia Thank you for using our web site and for your email. Unfortunately, as we are only an association of old shipmates, we do not have any records of either crew or passenger lists. I am sorry sorry that we cannot help you further with your enquiry. If your relatives were emigrating, then it could be worth your while contacting the Canadian records office who may be able to help you further. Regards Derrick Howarth ML Hon Webmaster
From: Marianne I am the author of a historical romance novel , The Memoirs of Virginia Lord, that has been recently published here in the United States. It is based on the diaries of a woman in her early twenties who sailed on the SS Manchester City in 1937 and again in 1938, vacationing between Quebec, Canada and England. It is good reading and I thought it may be of interest to your group. The book contains lots of information about the layout of the ship, the accommodations, meals, and the activities during her two transatlantic voyages. It also includes her interactions and actual conversations with the captain and crew members. The book is available at Following is the latest press release. Thank you, Marianne Pilgrim
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE; May15, 2010 Amazon.com ISBN 978-1452802749 The Memoirs of Virginia Lord How was love pursued in the 1930’s? What were the courtships like when young ladies still lived at home and kissing on the first date was unheard of? What did they do when he went courting to her house and there was no TV, no internet, no cell phones, and no ipods. Where did a gentleman take a lady on a date and what was the proper behavior. “The Memoirs of Virginia Lord” answers these questions and more. This is a story about Virginia who not only is courted by men in the USA but is courted by Tom an Englishman she meets while traveling in England. The book begins with Virginia in the States, and while longing for something in her life she sets out with two girlfriends on a freighter to England for a vacation. “The Memoirs of Virginia Lord” draws the reader into the enticing world of love in the 1930’s, but it also enlightens them to the political climate of impending World War II and how it affects everyone’s lives. Through it all, the realistic complication of Virginia living in Boston and Tom living in London creeps into their worlds and sets their destiny. “The Memoirs of Virginia Lord” would interest audiences of any age or religious background. Anyone who ever wondered about a time when love was innocent and ladies were treated like ladies and men were gentleman would want to read this book. It is a story resembling Pride and Prejudice where readers read it over and over to gain the feeling of pure and innocent respect for love. The author Marianne Pilgrim based the book on the real diaries of Virginia Lord Bostick. Marianne is a published and award winning author and artist. She received the President Club award from the International Reading Association and she is the author of So You Want To Be A Teacher?, So You Want to Be A Nurse?, So You Want To Be A Lawyer? and So You Want To Be An Engineer? Fells Official Know It All Guides, Frederic Fells Publishing. She has expanded her writing of career books with this novel of love in the 1930’s. Marianne appeared on WNYW-TV Fox 5 Good Day New York, on News 12 Long Island, NY, and on KNTV Channel 11 in San Jose, CA to promote her books. Articles also appeared in Newsday, the Rockville Centre Herald, and the Milpitas Post. She was on WCBS-FM 101.1, the Sue Evans News show. She did book signings at Barnes & Noble and colleges in the New York City area. You can get your must have copy of the book, “The Memoirs of Virginia Lord”, $14.95 at amazon.com. If you want a signed copy or to arrange a book signing or interview contact Marianne Pilgrim at. http://home.earthlink.net/~pilgrim28/
From: Robins
Family Dear Sir I wonder if any of your members could tell me if and when the Manchester Port (1935), Manchester City (1937), Manchester Progress (1938) and Manchester Trader (1941) were converted from burning automatic fed granulated coal to burning oil? I can find no record of any conversions either in the published literature, or indeed in the company records. The company was very pleased with the performance of the Manchester Shipper as the first oil burner (or was the first oil-burner the Manchester Merchant (1940) lost in 1943?) and would surely have converted the earlier coal-fired ships of the Manchester Port-class postwar. May I congratulate MLOSA in maintaining a first class web site. Best regards Dr Nick Robins Maritime Historian
From: Kerridge Stone To all the friends who had kept in touch with my father Arthur passed away on Monday evening the 3rd May following a short illness. I do not have any contact details for the old colleagues who visited him and wondered if you could pass this sad news onto your members in the hope that I can contact them in this way. His funeral will be at 3.20pm on Thursday 20th May at Macclesfield crematorium and all will be welcome and to join the family afterwards for refreshments. Regards Jayne
From: Jennie Wells Hi Derrick, I came across the attached postcard whilst clearing out, postmark dated Aug 1935, but I've been unable to identify exactly whether it's the Commerce or Citizen. Are you able to help? many thanks Jennie
Can anyone help please? I have studied the photos that we have of both of these ships and cannot see any difference. This is a typical ML trick with post cards of twin sister ships that has been used a few times as for example with the Manchester Faith and the Manchester Fame and others. Both ships were built and came into service in 1925, so if they were named in alphabetical order the Manchester Citizen would have been the first of the two ships and therefore possibly the one in the photograph as these photographs were usually taken during their sea trials. The Manchester Citizen was torpedoed and sunk by U508 off Lagos, West Africa with the loss of 15 lives on 09 July 1943, but the Manchester Commerce continued in service until 1952 when she was sold to Camel Lines UK and renamed Corbita, then re-sold to East and West Steamship Co..Karachi and renamed Fakifee Cowasjee. She was broken up at Karachi in 1967. So there could be someone out there that notices a particular idiosyncrasy. Derrick Howarth webmaster@manchesterliners.co.uk
From: Kevin
Mercer Hi Steve, Thanks for your recent membership acceptance and enclosed info. Since applying for membership I discovered that my old friend Harry Siddall died last October. We sailed together on the Mariner and Quest and were due to go to a Navy "do" tomorrow ( 23rd ). I have some detail which I would like to contribute regarding Harry and wondered where best on the site to upload it. Best Regards Kevin Harry Siddall died at Fairfield Hospital on 2nd October 2009, following a sudden heart attack. Until then he had been in fine health and enjoyed a long and happy life. He was 85 years old. He was married for 48 years to Kathleen and widowed in 1993 and leaves a daughter, two grandchildren and two new great-grandsons. For the past 15 years he shared his life with Monica and had just left her house when he suffered his heart attack and she would like to express her gratitude to the good Samaritans who stopped to help when they saw him fall. When Harry was younger, he was a fine swimmer and perhaps it was this that influenced his decision, at the age of 17, to enlist in the Royal Navy at the outbreak of World War 2. He was at the battle of the Barents Sea whilst sailing Arctic convoys. He was on HMS Jamaica in pursuit of the Scharnhorst in this key naval action on 26th December 1943, three torpedoes fired byJamaica from 2 miles away dealt the final, crippling blow to the Scharnhorst. Unable to get the sea out of his blood he bacame a merchant seaman after the war and worked his way through all the exams to become second engineer. As well as regular trips to Canada, he has seen the world with Manchester Liners. He was a leading member of The British Legion and never missed a Remembrance Day service. In retirement Harry became an encycloædia of sporting and political knowledge, always up to date with current affairs and ready to debate the situation with all corners.
From: Erwan Guegueniat Hello I'm chief engineer in french merchant navy, and also shiplover In my collection I've an unknown Manchester Liners cargoship, do you have an idea of her name? If you need a HD copy of this vessel, tell me best regards Erwan Guéguéniat, Brest, France
Hello Erwen Thank you for your enquiry, the ship in question is either the Manchester Faith or the Manchester Fame. These two ships were virtually identical and built especially for the Manchester Liners Great Lakes service when the St Lawrence Seaway opened. I am inclined to think that the photograph is of the Manchester Fame though, as in all the time that I was in the Faith I never saw the house flag flown from the top of the mast as in the photograph. The Faith was the first foreign cargo ship to pass through the then new St Lawrence Seaway. I sailed for 17 voyages on the Faith, as Deck Apprentice, 3rd Mate and then as 2nd Mate when she was transferred to Cairn Thompson Line of Newcastle as the Cairnesk. The Fame was also transferred and became the Cairnglen. See Manchester Faith http://www.manchesterliners.co.uk/photoarchive02.htm#faith1 See Manchester Fame http://www.manchesterliners.co.uk/photoarchive02.htm#fame See for service details of both ships http://www.manchesterliners.co.uk/fleetlist1940to1959.htm The hulls were painted pale green with dark green boot topping for the Great Lakes service and black hulls with red boot topping when elsewhere. I hope that this helps you and I thank you for using our web site. Regards Derrick Howarth ML Hon Webmaster
From: Erwan Guegueniat Hello Sir Great great thanks for your prompt answer. please find herewith a better scan of this vessel. Photograph is dated 1963 june the 10 th, but I don't know location and photographer As shiplover, I send also a lot of photographs to french website www.marine-marchande.net , on pages "au jour le jour" and "petits reportages". You can also visit my vessel, at Brest and in drydock at Saint Nazaire, on pages "petits reportages" and "visites complètes de navires" you look for dredger "Samuel de Champlain", I'm chief engienner on her. Congratulations for your website about Manchester Liners, its particulary interesting. So its a great pleasure to offer you this photograph See you an other day, best regards Erwan Guéguéniat, Brest
From: Robert Blythe Dear Captain Pete, Further to my request regarding information regarding the final call to Manchester by one of Manchester Liners' large container ships, I have found the following information, which I am sure you will find of interest...
This information is from Manchester Ship Canal Co. records. Have scouted around on the internet, but have yet to find any photographs of the ships on these notable dates. With best regards, Rob Blythe. Manchester Liners - Manchester Container Terminal 1979?
From: Matthew Shorrock Sirs
From: Peer My Father William Walter Perrin born 21/06/1921 lived in Salford, was an engineering officer with Manchester Liners. He is now deceased but I would like any information you have in particular any records concerning his wartime service. Best Peer Unfortunately we cannot help as we do not have any records.
From: Jacqueline Hamilton Dear Sirs
From: John Dobson Having found your web site I am trying to locate any information your members might have on my father Bert Dobson who was Captain of the "Lake View Park" during WW2. I think he was 1st Mate on the "Manchester Regiment" when in collision with the "Orepesa" in 1939. If you are able to help me I would be very much obliged. Best regards John Dobson
From: Nigel Briggs Hello I was an apprentice working for the BP Tanker Co.Ltd. at Cammell
Lairds' shipyard in Birkenhead between January & July 1969 and can
remember a fire-damaged ship belonging to Manchester Liners being towed
in for repairs. I can remember she had a distinctive funnel(s)
but cannot be certain of the name after more than 40 years. Can you confirm
if the ship was, as I suspect, the Manchester Miller and would you
be able to give me some information on the cause of the fire, the
rescue and towing operation and the repair plan. I retired from
BP after 36 years service in 2002 and continue to have a great interest
in ships of all types, shapes and sizes. Hello Nigel Thank you for using our web site. I can confirm the the ship in question was the second S.S. Manchester Miller built in 1959. She was the first ship of the Company that had no funnel as such using twin samson posts aft instead. Initially these were painted in the buff mast colour and later in the traditional red and black Company funnel colours. I do not know the exact details of the incident other than that whilst in New York there was a chemical fire in the cargo which resulted in the New York Fire Department having to sink her to extinguish it. We do not have any details of her salvage or return to the UK. She was subsequently refitted as cellular container ship and renamed S.S. Manchester Quest, resuming service with in 1970. She remained in the Company's service until 1976 when she was broken up in Kaohsiung Taiwan. Photographs of her can be found at: http://www.manchesterliners.co.uk/photoarchive3.htm#miller2 http://www.manchesterliners.co.uk/photoarchive4.htm#quest Clicking on either of the photographs of her will take you to the relevant fleet list that contains her details. A close up photograph of her "funnels" can be found at: http://www.manchesterliners.co.uk/scrapbook47.htm Maybe someone reading this post has more detailed information that I could add for you. Derrick Howarth
From: Robert Blythe Dear Sirs, I have been doing research into the Manchester Ship Canal and have been looking at your excellent website. I was wondering if you could tell me when the last deep-sea (Montreal Service) ship called at Manchester. I think it could have been during the summer of 1979. I have also heard that following the transfer of the service to Liverpool, that "Manchester Reward" did call to Manchester during 1981, but only for drydocking - is this true? With regards, Rob Blythe From: ML
Hon Treasurer Good Afternoon Rob. In answer to your enquiry the timing you are referring to coincided with the introduction of the St Lawrence Co-ordinated service with Felixstowe being the home based port. The new service was well established by 1981. During the years 1980/81 it could well be that the odd ship continued to use Manchester but I would not like to say exactly which one. Regards Captain Pete From: Robert Blythe Thank you for your reply, Captain Pete. Your theory that there were odd calls is substantiated by two books. A book I have regarding Salford Quays has a copy of an ML sailing schedule, which shows a sailing from Manchester in April 1979 but with the next two sailings from Liverpool. However, in another book regarding the history of ML, there is an excellent photo by a Mr. John Slavin showing one of the two R-class ships inward-bound at Warburton in the summer of 1979. I could be mistaken, but I think that the last ever ML sailing from Manchester Docks (the med service) was made by "Royal Prince" on 13/7/1983. Thanks once again for your help. Rob
From: Ian Hughes Hello, I am looking for photos of Captain Peter Cullen. The reason I ask is that I have written a play called Ship Songs about my mother ( Gabrielle Barker) adventure aboard the Manchester progress in December 1962 as a young 22 old emigrating from the UK to Canada and i know Peter Cullen was on board. It will be performed in Wellington New Zealand this year as part of the Wellington Arts festival ( see the link http://www.nzfestival.nzpost.co.nz/festival-club/ship-songs ) and i would dearly love to have an image of him as part of the show at the end when i do a summing up of where everyone is and got to. I would love to tell you and your members more
about the show also. Ian Hughes From: ML
Hon Webmaster Hello Ian As you will see, I have forwarded your request to Peter as requested. Regards
From: Ron McVey Hello there, Just stumbled upon your site and the photo of the officers of the Manchester Merchant. I sailed on the Merchant from 1954 to 1956 as an engineer. I can help you with the name of the Radio Officer it being A.S.J. Broadbent ( Arnold Sydney John ) I recognised Jerry Patchett but I can't help you any further........Regards, Ron McVey (Toronto, Canada.) Hello Ron Thank you for identifying another one of the people pictured on the Manchester Merchant Gold Cane 1952 photograph in Old News 2009. I am pleased that you have found our web site and hope that you will gain much pleasure and happy memories as you browse its pages. Regards Derrick howarth webmaster@manchesterliners.co.uk
From: Dee McCarron Dear Sir I am writing to you to see if you could help me find any of my late fathers friends. My dad was William (Bill) Hall and served on the Manchester Division as a cook. He served in the fifties but came out to get married. I have the small book about about Manchester Liners with pics of the Division in it. It would be great to hear from any one who knew him. Thanks Gary Hall Bill’s son
From: JOHN WATSON DEAR SIR Please excuse me for writing to you out of the blue like this , we in the family "WATSON" are researching our family tree, and in the family there is a story that one of my uncle's was on the famed Manchester Liners, doing the Manchester to Montreal run, I am not sure if this is true or not , his name was we think, Robert Todd Watson, serving sometime circa 1920 onwards, we know no more than that, no rank or rate, any help would be gratefully appreciated, thanking you in anticipation and for your kind attentions. Yours Faithfully PAM & JOHN WATSON
We do not invent these enquiries – honest. But between us all we manage to answer most of the enquiries which the website brings in. If anyone remembers any of the people listed or can help with any item on this page, please contact: info@manchesterliners.co.uk
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