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LookOut
2005 - 2007 |
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Owing to the large volume of spam mail that this email address now attracts, which is 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: A
ship name and year. Please note that our Mailbag email address is for the use of members only. Unless specifically requested for a reply, all enquiries for this page, or if anyone remembers any of the people who are listed, or can help with any item on this page, please contact our Hon.Sec. by email at: 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. Email and contact addresses have been removed for data protection.
Researching Merchant Navy history - how to obtain Discharge Book recordsCurrently, seafarers’ records between 1940 and 1973 are held in National Archives, at the Public Records Office in Kew. After 1973 the Registrar General was not required by legislation to keep these records. You may visit Kew personally, but it is often difficult to locate information due to the vast numbers of documents held. A simple and comparatively low cost option is to use a professional researcher such as Tim Hughes & Associates. They are very experienced in this field and can carry out this work for a small fee. Please visit their website for further information – www.timhughes.com. For other records, there are a number of excellent commercial publications which include seafarers’ records or use a genealogist.
From:
Brian West Hi My name is Brian West, I worked for Manchester Liners from 1956 untill 1969 as an Engineer. I was looking at the Manchester Liners Website and saw your article about the Commemorative Plate. I bought one of the Plate's in 1959, I think I paid £8 for it, I think they took orders for them but have no idea how many were made. The marking on the one I have is inscribed "Wedgewood" and underneath it is marked 10 X 60. I sailed on the "Manchester Pioneer" the ship on the Plate, on the first trip after she was extended in Manchester Dry Dock in 1959/60, we took a cargo of Whisky from Glasgow to Miami, the Capain was Dennis Millard and we got six Sundays at sea on the crossing due to technical difficulties, but we did have to go to the Azores and Bermuda so it was not to bad. I hope the information is of some help to you. Best Wishes Brian West.
Following our recent reunion at Didsbury the subject of the Manchester Liners plate by Wedgwood commemorating the opening of of the St Lawrence Seaway in 1959 arose and various questions were asked. To find the answers to some of these questions I sent the following email to Wedgwood. From: Derrick Howarth Hello Please can you help me? I am the Hon. Webmaster for Manchester Liners Old Shipmates Association www.manchesterliners.co.uk and at a reunion last Thursday questions were being asked about the commemorative plate that was produced by Wedgwood for Manchester Liners Ltd to mark the opening of the St Lawrence Seaway. These plates will be 50 years old in 2009. I attach photographs of both front and the back of the plate. Mine has WEDGWOOD embossed in the ceramic by the house flag on the back. The questions asked were: 1.) How many were were made? 2.) What does the 11 Y 59 denote? 3.) What was the original price? 4.) What are they worth now? Thank you Derrick Howarth
Not having received a reply from Wedgwood, I spoke to them on the telephone and they tell me that they do not keep records for items such as this. If anyone can help in supplying more information about these plates please will you contact me direct by email: webmaster@manchesterliners.co.uk Thank you Derrick Howarth
From: Sandra Kay Hi there, I don't know if you will be able to help me, but you may be able to point me in the right direction? My dad worked for Manchester Liners many years ago, he was a Chief steward. His name was Noel Foster. Whilst away on his final trip, he and some colleagues had attended a New Years eve party on land, whilst docked in port in Los Angeles. Unfortunately the taxi they took for the return journey back to the ship, went over a railway track and my dad was killed. It was either 1973 or 1974. I can check this if need be. Prior to his untimely death, one of the TV channels produced a short documentary about Manchester Liners and associated cargo ships. My dad appeared on the footage for a few seconds. I was wondering if it would be at all possible, to trace which TV company produced the short footage/documentary, to enable me to try to get a copy of it. I would appreciate any help or direction you were able to provide. Thanks Sandra Kay
From: Nigel Dear Sirs. I am currently working on a book concerning the worldwide revival of interest in the airship that has waxed and waned these past four decades. The airship case is somewhat unique given the high profile that individual projects invariably generate in the press with often very large sums of money being spent on research and development, with little in the way of tangible results to date. Hardly any airships have actually been built and flown, despite the enormous efforts of all those involved. My work will examine the general case of modern airship development, and present design details of the most interesting proposals. One of the projects that most fascinates me is Cargo AirshipsLtd., the offshoot of Manchester Liners in the early 1970's and I should be most grateful for any information or material pertaining to the company that your readers may be able to provide. Would anyone possibly retain any documents or material pertaining to Cargo Airships Ltd. that I may be able to borrow or copy at some stage? I would be extremely grateful for any information, however slight, given that practically nothing now remains to document the company's efforts to establish cargo transportation by airship. I contacted Furness Withy some time ago, and the company Secretary in the North could vividly remember going through a file specifically relating to the airships' programme when the files were in preparation for being sent to company HQ in London. Unfortunately the whole shipment of files appeared to have gone missing and no-one was able to hazard a guess as to where the airships file had fetched up. Perhaps an old shipmate of Manchester Liners may know the answer? I have spoken to Max Rynish, co-director and principle spokesman for Cargo Airships, but Max has unfortunately very little left from those days bar the cuttings from the national press. I have also been in touch with Peter White and Tom Donnelly, who were able to supply me with some material, but again little now remains at so many years distance. Finally, I would also be most grateful for any thoughts and impressions of Cargo Airships looking back now over the years. Thank you and best wishes, Nigel Caley.
From: Patrick Callaghan Hello I came across your site, whilst browsing. My grandfather, John Stobo, was, I believe, a Chief Engineer with Manchester Liners.He died in 1936. His brother, William Russell Stobo (my great-uncle) I believe won the DSC when the Manchester Trader was sunk in 1916. He died in 1959. I also think that my uncle, Bill Stobo, sailed with Manchester Liners as an Engineer, but I'm less sure about this. He died in the early 70's after working for BP post-war . My parents were also friendly with Jimmy Eccles, who I think was also involved with Manchester Liners. I believe he died in the mid 50's. Finally, I have childhood ( 1950's) memories of holidaying in the home of Captain Parry in Morfa Neffyn. I'm sure he was a Manchester Liners man. My mother, nee Grace Stobo , is still going strong at the age of 88. I would be grateful for any information you could let me have about any of the above mentioned. Regards Patrick Callaghan
From: ML Hon Treasurer Hello Patrick Interested to have your e-mail forwarded on to me by our Webmaster Derrick Howarth. I can certainly help you regarding Russell Stobo. Russell was the Chief Engineer on the Manchester Shipper in 1948 when that ship captured the Gold Headed cane for being the first ship into Montreal after the freeze up. This is an annual event and used to be a struggle to get through the ice and to beat your opponents. Nowadays it has lost a lot of interest due to global warming, Ships can get up the St Lawrence all year round so the presentation of the Gold Headed Cane is now awarded to the first ship to get to Montreal after midnight on the 31st of December. I was with Manchester Liners from 1947 through to 1987 and was a deck apprentice on the Shipper when she won the cane. Above my computer I have a photograph of all the officers of that ship taken on the boatdeck after arrival in Montreal. Captain James Barclay was the Master, and sat next to him is Russell Stobo the Chief Engineer. The four apprentices are sat cross legged in the front who were myself,
and lads called Samson, Coleman, and Charles. Albert Starmer Mate I hope you find this of some interest . Regards Captain Pete Cullen
From:
Karen Connor Dear Ray Just to let you know that I went onto the net for Tower Hill Memorial, it has a section called Debt of Honour, I put in my grandfather's name and it came up with the details, it is panel 67, and he was a Greaser? Karen Connor (Yankey)
From: Ray Lloyd Hello Karen, You will have noticed that Trevor Platt is seeking similar information on the above as yourself, as I have replied to him direct I will try to fill in some blanks for you here. Firstly Manchester Liners Ltd., did not run a liner service as we understand (i.e. carrying almost exclusively passengers) but carried goods to and from Canada & the USA in the main, with a few passengers briefly in the latter years. "Manchester Brigade" was en-route Liverpool - Halifax N.S. - Montreal with 1147 tons of government and general cargo, and would have returned with a much larger load of vital supplies for the U.K. She was part of convoy OB 218 and had the Convoy Commander (a R.N. Vice Admiral in command of the convoy aboard). Her Captain was Frederick Clough. At 00-50 on the 26 September 1940 she was hit by a torpedo from the German submarine U-137 and sank as a result. Her Captain, the Commodore, 6 R.N. staff, a gunner and 47 crew were lost (56 in total) 4 survivors were picked up by a French Hospital ship and landed at Gibraltar. The dead will all be commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial in London, and I am currently enquiring as to which panel their names appear on, and if lucky enough obtain a print out of names and rank, so check this site out from time to time. If you click the 'Ships Photo Archives' A-C on this site you will see two pictures of the ship. Hope this information adds to your knowledge of your relative's life. Kind regards, Ray . Hon Webmaster
From: Ray Lloyd Hello Trevor, I carried out a similar research project on my wife's grandfather who was a Captain with Manchester Liners a few years ago, he was torpedoed twice in WW1 so I might be able to help in some little way. If you care to e-mail me we could correspond direct. I am going on holiday for a fortnight sometime next week, but if you make contact I will reply when I return home. Kind regards, Ray Lloyd. For data protection Ray Lloyd's email address has been removed from the above and the original email has been forwarded to Trevor Pratt. Hon Webmaster
From: Karen Connor Hi, looking for any details for a Augustus Samuel Yankey who was on this liner and died when sunk. Rank, job, how many years with the liners etc. Also would like to know what this ship was doing, going etc; any info to build a picture. Thank You so much Karen Connor (Yankey)
From: Trevor Pratt
Thanks and regards Trevor Pratt
From: ML Hon Treasurer Hi Ian, Thank you for your very interesting e-mail re your mother Gabriel Mary Barker, passenger in the SS Manchester Progress December 1962. I see Gabriel was a nurse, for confirmation do you know if she was travelling to Canada alone or with two or three other nurses ? The information you have given me certainly seems to tie in with an incident I well remember. My name is Captain Pete and at the time you are talking about I was Chief Officer. During the outward passage, my attention was drawn to the fact one of the seaman was injured. His name was Dennis Horrey and he was a junior ordinary seaman. What had happened was he had got hold of one of the lifeboat axes struck himself over the head and sustained serious injuries. The nurses took over, treated him and looked after him until we arrived in Halifax N.S. where he was hospitalized. I can see him now laid out in the ships hospital me holding an inspection lamp and one of the nurses picking bits of bone from his skull, and pointing out his brain to me. I had to hold the lamp for the girl as the lighting was not good, only two port holes to allow daylight in, and limited electric lighting. As far as I can remember the patient had a plate fitted to his skull and made a good recovery. You are talking about in incident 42 years ago, a long time. Regards Captain Pete
From: Ian Hughes Hello I am writing this email because I am wanting as much information as I can get about a journey that the Mancester Progress did from Mancester to Canada in December 1962. The reason is that my mother was on board and I am subsequently writing a play based on her adventures. The name at the time was Gabriel Mary Barker. During the course of the journey one of the seamen had a major accident and my mother who was a nurse help him for four or five days before he was of loaded in Canada. I am want to to get as much information as I possibly can. It would be fantastic to get the names of the passengers, the names of the crew, any sort of written reports that you may have on file, even just a copy of the manifest may reveal something that could be useful. It would be great to find out the name of a sailor who had the accident and if at all possible find out what became of him. I would love to also get the name of the captain. I thank you in advance. Ian Hughes
From: Eric Walter Good morning, If you have any details or knowledge of
Brian I would appreciate information and would be pleased for you to
put him in touch with me if that is an option.
Ted Boden would like to hear from anyone who knows the whereabouts of GERRY MILLS.
William Burrell phoned in after finding the web site. He has requested any information about his father WILLIAM (BILLY) BURRELL who was THIRD ENGINEER on the CITY and MERCHANT during the 1960’s. Please contact Steve Worthington if you can help.
Chris Davies - He too is looking for a photograph – does anyone have a colour photo of the Manchester Spinner? Address & telephone numbers were supplied – now available through the members list as Chris is now also a member.
From: Les.Bashford@ctcplc.com Manchester Commerce 1967 / Manchester Shipper 1968 Dear Sirs, My name is Les Bashford I'm an "Old Worcester" and served my time with Bristol City Line out of Avonmouth, on the same American / Canadian runs as the Manchester Liners fleet. I am employed by Charles Taylor & Co Ltd. Managers for the Standard Steamship Owners' P&I Club where I look after the occupational disease claim. These as you will appreciate are mostly asbestos related I am presently handling two separate claim for deck hands from Manchester Liners with asbestos related diseases, however the allegations regarding the circumstances of their exposure do not ring quite true. I would like to talk to a Mate or Master who sailed on the above ships during this period regarding shipboard operations and who may be willing to making a statement. I appreciate that this can be an emotive subject, I am not asking for anyone to be disloyal to their shipmates, but I would like to ensure that in paying out on a claim that the facts of the matter are correct. I look forward to your reply P.S Congratulations on the web-site Les Bashford. For: -------------------------------------------------------------- If any member can help with information, please contact Mr Les Bashford directly as above and not Hon. Sec as is the norm.
From: Ian Rae I am trying to get some photographs and maybe some
crew lists for my brother-in law John MacLean who served on the following
from about 1958-1963 and would be grateful if you have anything you can
pass on to me. Regards, With the exception of the Southern Prince, photographs of the above ships are to be found on the PHOTO ARCHIVE pages of this web site. However, because of copyright, they are not available for copying or downloading. The Association does not have access to any Crew Lists. Derrick Howarth, Hon Webmaster
From: Mr Cope I obtained a set of binoculars belonging to Captain W H Downing, SS Manchester Regiment. Do you hold any information on the man and if you do how could I obtain it. Regards MR COPE
8.12.1929. Manchester Regiment (Capt.Philip.Linton) steamed 60 miles through a gale to reach sinking Glasgow steamer Volumnia. A lifeboat was launched manned by Second Officer (now Captain) W. H. Downing, Third Officer now Captain) E. W. Espley, Bo'sun J. Bromage, Able Seamen J. Stringer, Patrick Kearns, H. Childlow, J. Manins and Mr. R. P. Ziegler, passenger, and saved the crew of 45. On returning home the King awarded the Silver Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea to officers and crew of the lifeboat. Manchester Exporter first under Capt. G.Ronald was also on the North Atlantic run. Under Capt. W.H.Downing she was hit by a tanker in Belfast Lough in Dec 1942, and so much damage was done that only good seamanship saved her. Later under Capt. F.Downing* she took supplies to Syracuse for the Sicilian invasion and later supplies for Naples, which had just been captured. *Ed: Capt. Frederick Downing was the brother of Capt. William Henry Downing. These entries are to be found on the WAR & PEACE pages of the MLOSA web site.
From: P Moorwood I was an apprentice and 4th Mate on the Manchester Progress from 1946
/ 51 alongside Bryon Hancock, Stan Garside and Derek
Woodall. Wonder where the last two are?
From: Thomas Martin Sincerely Tom Martin Windsor, Connecticut USA. There are two photographs of the "Prospector" in the Photo Archives, however because of copyright these cannot be downloaded or printed.
From: Jim Coulson
I would be extremely grateful if anyone in your association could provide any information on these vessels and the voyages they undertook, and whether it is possible to access the crew lists for each voyage. Yours Faithfully Jim Coulson
From: James Loftus Hi, I am trying to locate any information about a Mr George Woods, he was a stoker on the Manchester Merchant 1904 – 1933. If you could help or, point me in the right direction it would be a big help. Many thanks James Loftus
From: Griffith Jones Dear Sir My father was a firemen with Manchester Liners from 1944 to 1954 and I wonder if anyone can remember him. His name is Robert (Bob) Jones from North Wales, although he also lived in Bury Lancs. He served on the Manchester Merchant and the Regiment along with several other ships. He also had a very good friend by the name of Atkinson, nicknamed 'Acky'. The information is a bit thin but I would very much appreciate any
reply.
From: Tony Wood Dear Sirs, I was wondering if anyone knew or has information on JACK SMART who served as a Fireman on "Manchester Liners" in or around 1923. Any information would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks in anticipation Tony Wood
From: GAVIN WIGHT Hi my name is Gavin Wight and
I worked for Morrel Mills and Co. ship repairers and worked on Manchester
Liners for most of my apprenticeship before sailing on the Manchester
Pioneer and several of the other vessels shown on your web site.
From: Sharon
Hughes We are trying to find an old friend that worked
for Manchester Liners in the late 60's and early 70's. My friend
and I corresponded with him for several years and then somehow lost
touch. I have his name and his address from that time period. Terry
Merrick from Hale Liverpool. Now we do have another name
of a fellow shipmate that may know his whereabouts his name is John
Thorpe Ramwell from New Mills. If you know or can reach
either my friend Gail and I would be most grateful. Sharon Hughes (maiden name Wittorp) Illinois U.S.A.
From: Robert
McCall Dear Manchester Liners,
From: Mark Nichol My father Bill Nichol sailed as 4th engineer in the 50s and 60s, now lives in Davyhulme, Manchester. I was accepted as an engineer cadet in 1979 but was transferred to Furness Withy group when the takeover came . Mark Nichol HND Mar Eng Ch Eng
From: Glenys Croston Dear Sir, I am the grandaughter of Frederick Quick who worked for Manchester Liners in the 1920 -1930's. He died in 1939 and I have been trying without success to get some information about his history and the ships he sailed on. I have managed to obtain documents relating to the issue of his mercantile marine war medals for 1914-15. I also know that he was a merchant seaman when he married in 1903. I would be very grateful if you can point me in the right direction for future research or tell me how to obtain any information about his time with Manchester liners. Many thanks, Glenys Croston.
From: Roy Jones Dear Sir I am enquiring on behalf of my mothering law Alma Sant, whose late husband Geoffrey Sant was a seaman with Manchester Liners starting as a deck hand in 1937 and served on the several ships during the war. For further information Geoffrey was born on the 26th May 1918 and died in 1967, unfortunately a lot of his old papers are missing, but we do have a seaman’s number R202222 could this have been a union membership number?. We would be grateful for any information regarding his service with the merchant navy, and would be willing to reimburse any expense. Regards Roy Jones
From: Micky Gilmore Hello, my name is Michael Gilmore and I am trying to find out a little of my father's life in the Merchant Navy. I think he was in the navy between the late fifties and late sixties. His name was Peter Joseph Gilmore, DOB 02/07/1933. Sadly to say he passed away a few years ago. All I knew of his life in the navy was Mum would say "dad's off to sea again boys". As my parents split up I never got the chance to ask him about his time as a crew man (I think one of his jobs was a greaser on the engines). He sailed to Montreal, Chicago, New York and possibly Japan. I would be most grateful for any help you could give me or if you could point me in the right direction. Many thanks, Regards, Mike Gilmore
From: Ray Lloyd Can anyone in your Association tell me where the Company
Records are held, and if they are available for inspection
by anyone researching former staff members? Thanking you in anticipation
of a reply. We regret that we do not hold any Company records.
From: Josie
Cocking Hello
From: Ken Russell Dear Sir Derrick Howarth forwarded a photo of the Mariner that had been sent in by Bill Moss. The icon for the War and Peace page is from the painting "Convoy" by Ken Russell.
From: Dave Bull I don’t suppose any of your members have got, or know the whereabouts of a picture of the original Manchester Merchant built 1900, wrecked 1903? My grandfather was transported to the Boer war on her, and I have never seen a photo, and would appreciate it if anyone can let me have a copy or scan.Dave Bull Secretary Derbyshire F.H.S
From: Kevin Hargin Hi. Does anyone remember Dave Perry deck officer I sailed with him on Denholm's container ships? Regards Kevin.
From: Ray Lloyd Sirs, I have consulted your site on several occasions whilst researching a family members maritime history as it revealed he was for 20+ years an employee of the company. I personally have no connection with Manchester Liners, but the person I have researched was torpedoed twice in the company ships, and I have uncovered all the facts surrounding the events. If you think there would be any interest I would be prepared to write an article for your web site. As a matter of accuracy I have noticed that the caption for" Manchester Commerce ll" in the photograph section is incorrect, as the vessel depicted is "Manchester Commerce IV" and you may wish to rectify this.
Ray Lloyd Thank you, photo caption now corrected. I should have known better as I have sailed as 3rd Mate in her. Derrick Howarth.
From: Joyce Hilton (was Joyce Banks) I worked for Liners for nearly six years from 1969
starting as a humble post girl. From there I worked on the reception
desk at the new offices where we had to wear bottle green Crimplene
dresses with the ML logo embroidered in red, which were made to measure
at a high class tailor's in St Anne's Square! However, I spent the
majority of my M.L.career in the CATT Department with
some great people and to this day my time spent at Liners was the
happiest of all my working life, a combination of working for a forward
thinking company and the carefree atmosphere of the 60's and 70's.
From: Peter Almond Could you please help me. I am trying to find an image of the Manchester Vangaurd 2 for my father's collection. Could please tell me where i could locate an image of this ship. Many Thanks. Capt Peter Cullen who brought the Manchester Vanguard out new from Smith's Dock has supplied pictures of the vessel.
From: Andrea Skelton I am trying to find out any information on my Grandad: Harold Richard Smith.He was a Chief Engineer but I do not know precise dates or which ships he was on.It would have been after 1950. Hope you can help. Re your enquiry regarding Harold Smith, the only one that springs to mind is one Chief Engineer known as Belfast Smith. I wonder if we are talking about the same person. Date wise it fits in. Captain
Pete Cullen
From: John
Wilson Ref the message from Andrea Skelton sent 20th August, 2005 16:07.on your "Look-out" site. I was an Engineer Apprentice
with Harry Smith on the Manchester Renown in 1971. Masters and Chief Engineers were God and Apprentices did not talk to the Chief in those days. However, I clearly remember standing next to Harry after finish-with-engines on the very last voyage to Salford Docks. He wished me all the very best for my future, told me to stay with the job, wished me luck on the "magic boats" and told me he was now going to retire. I hope I have the right person. I remember he came from Huddersfield. I am still involved with shipping. I joined Manchester Liners in 1968 as Engine Cadet and was Second Engineer in 1981 when Y.C.Tung took over. I took redundancy and joined Fred. Olsen. This is the first time I have looked through the web site and will do so again to see who else I can remember. Regards, John Wilson
From: Ray Lloyd Sir, I have been aware of the existence of your organisation for some time as a result of research into the maritime career of my Wife's Grandfather who was a Captain with Manchester Liners for twenty years at the early part of the 20th century. He was torpedoed twice during World War 1, surviving both times and I have uncovered quite a lot of interesting information about him and the early history of the Company. The purpose of the enquiry to the Association is to ask if any member may know of the whereabouts of the old staff records etc; and possibly if it is known if photographs of the Captains exist in storage as I have seen some published in magazines etc;? I trust you do not think it impertinent of me to trouble you in this manner, but I felt that your members might know more about the company than anyone else. Kind Regards, R.A.Lloyd.
From: Anthony Cookney Dear sir, Regards Anthony Cookney, our WebMaster Derrick was able to point him in the direction of the book "Manchester Liners A Pictorial History" by Ted Gray (ISBN 1 899181 05 9) which has a photograph of the "Manchester Division" on its front cover.
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 our Hon.Sec. by email at: info@manchesterliners.co.uk
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