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An old shipmate, Les Lewis, gave me your address and curiosity made me decide to look in to "Timelink". To say the least, I was most impressed. I intend having a look at each new issue and I would be pleased to learn how often you do this.

Quite a few names jogged my memory, but as it is so bad, there must have been many mentioned that I could not remember. I have a good excuse of course and that is that I will be eighty years old in March.

The name Empress of France certainly got the old grey matter churning as she was my first ship. I joined her as 6th Electrician with a guy I served my time with, Jack Ingleson, and we sailed from Liverpool in March 1949. When a couple of Beavers, the Cove and Dell, went over to Vancouver to try to pick up the silk trade, Jack, together with Johnny Maclachlan, Bren O'Connel and a few others, stayed on the west coast when the venture failed and the two ships returned to UK. Their names had been changed to Maplecove and Mapledell because "Beaver" translated to Japanese became "Rat".

After spending some time on E/Canada and a few SS and TEV Beavers, I rejoined the Empress of France in March 1960. Here I have to correct Geoff Pearson who wrote that he sailed on her last trip to Southern Ireland. I remember her last trip very well. In the breakers yard, to get ashore and back aboard, there being no gangway, necessitated being lifted, two at a time in a steam crane bucket. A very sad trip from beginning to the end when Captain Duck bid us all farewell as we boarded the coach for Liverpool. This was at Newport, not Ireland.

Like Geoff, my last trip for CPS was on Empress of England. That ended in January 1970. Since then I have sailed on a few other vessels but as a passenger now - a different story!

Thank you Marshall for making it possible to remember some good old times. I hope to be able to pick up the latest pages soon. It's a great site.

I was a Nursing Sister on the Empress of England and Canada, in '69 - '71. You were a Purser at that time, also Marjorie Wood.I was saddened to hear the passing of Joyce Evans. We worked many trips together.

How important communication is! So many shipmates, from George, the friendly Dispenser, Dr Paddy Walshe, Reg. Pitt-Brooke, Captain Bill Williams to Joyce. We are ships that have passed in the night, and I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to work with them. I know there are many more.

I am still working full-time, but would love to hang up my nursing shoes soon! I have worked in Victoria General Hospital, B.C. Canada, for 21 years. Stuck with the 'baby factory', but if I have to work, what better place can there be?? I truly love those babies.I have two little granddaughters, so life is good. As Jean Williams mentioned on her card this year."If I had known grandchildren could be so much fun, I'd have had them first!" Looking forward to continued updates from the website. I am in touch with Peter and Loraine Swift annually. Also Bill and Brenda McAllister. I refuse to let a most memorable and happy era of my life disappear into oblivion.I was so glad to learn that you have been kind enough to reinstate Timelink and I am sure many of your "old" pensioners will be happy to hear this news.I did miss it and it was nice hearing about old friends.Now that I am living in Bermuda you will know that we have two C.P. hotels here - The Princesses. C.P. has been part of my life since 1950 and even although John died in l984 it is a very important part of my very happy past.P.S. If you are sending Snail Mail - would you please put Bermuda as the country as otherwise Southampton goes to the U.K. and I may or may not get any correspondence. Thank you.Every good wish for the resurrection

READERS MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THE OCTOBER EDITION OF SHIPS MONTHLY WHERE THERE IS AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW WITH CAPT ALASTAIR MCFAYDEN MASTER OF THE PANDO FERRY PRIDE OF BILBAO. HE MENTIONS HIS TIME WITH CP.

Hi Marshall, have just visited the CP website and found it most interesting. You will remember working in the Purser's Office with me in 1970 along with Jane Carter. Tony and I married in 1974 and have three children Rachel (28) James (25) and Joel (21). We lived in Jersey in the Channel Isles for a while and then emigrated to Australia in l978. Currently living in Brisbane. Tony is in England as we speak visiting with Dave Ashcroft and Joe '90'. We still write to Babs and Bill Jones and have visited them on a few occasions on holidays in the UK. Will look out my memorabilia from CP days. Keep up the good work

I have (just) been able to catch up with Timelink. I am so pleased that contact is still being made. However, I was quite sad to read the obituaries - so many of Reg's old friends. I still keep in touch with Margery Wood and with Jean Williams, but only by Christmas cards and the occasional telephone conversation. I very much appreciate the effort put into the web site.

Great, finally someone has got it up and running, I'm in touch with John Arton, who said he was getting things off the ground, but never materialised. Well done Marshall. You are the guy that started me with C.P. Ships way back in 1974. Leaving said employment in 1987. Now working for the DIAGEO Group, (Whisky Distillery).

....I really enjoyed my first visit to the Timelink web site. By way of information I worked for CPS as an engineer from August 1959 to September of 1965. The first ship I worked on was the T.E.V Beavercove. I then did one trip on the S.S Beaverlodge which turned out to be her last one under the CPS flag. I think she was sold to Ben Line. I transferred then over to the Empress boats first of all working on the Empress of Britain for about fourteen months. I did the last trip on the Empress of France taking her from Liverpool to the breakers yard in Southern Ireland. Later I moved on to the new Empress of Canada and did my first series of Caribbean cruises on her during the 61/62 season. In 1965 I was transfered to the Empress Of England were I worked until I hung up my sea boots. I am still married to Ann who was the ships nurse on the Empress Of Canada,she was then known as Sister Dawson.

Nice website! Thanks! My name is Frank Biggin, (since changed to Champagne.) I joined the Empress of Canada in Nov. 1961 for her maiden cruises as a bellboy, then as a waiter, and stayed with her for nearly three years before a brief stint aboard the Carinthia prior to emigrating in 1964. I now live in Washington State, USA, and am interested in contacting anyone who served with me.

I have viewed the website and I am impressed by its design and the ease in using the links. It's good to note that Alan Moat, Smithy and Eric Wilson have planted CP colours in the "Black Bull"

Delighted with the news that we are all going to be able to keep in touch in future - means a lot to us all. This is just to let you know my e-mail address i.e. alma@almacox.wanadoo'dot'co.uk

Hope you and Sarah are well - love to anyone who remembers me - am still living in Walmer, Kent with my two little Shih-tzus i.e. Charley 2 yrs and Zoe 5.1/2 yrs. I am inregular contact with David and Phoebe Smith, Mary Woodward, Edna Benfield and, of course, Carol Flisher and Anne Walker. We had a wonderful reunion last year with lots of other friends at Carol's house. Warmest regards

At last a truly good site for all ex.(and current) CP fellows. I did once in my innocence attempt to set up a site after a drunken meeting with Jeremy (the Rinapest) Rind in a hotel in Holland, where my present employees were having their annual Officers conference, but being totally ignorant of web sites etc. it was a dismal failure. Please keep up the good work and I will certainly pass on the address to all ex. CP chaps I come across, a considerable number of whom now work (like me) for Stolt Nielsen.

I can honestly say that the 22 years I spent with CP were some of the most enjoyable years of my life to date. I cannot think of any other shipping company that had such a mix of personalities, both afloat and ashore. It is sad to hear of the passing away of some of the old characters. Bill Williams I remember from my short sojourn on the Empress as being a pure martinet, but when I sailed with him later on VLCC's and Container Ships I realised what a fine seafarer he was. Cy Beck is remembered as being the perfect gentleman at all times. Charlie Thompson was, well he was Charlie Thompson, no need to say more. I still come across lots of ex CP fellows, all of whom I tell to sign up to Friends Reunited, I can now tell them to sign up to Timelink.

Good to hear that so many of you office wallahs are still going strong as well. I Believe Bob Balneaves has just taken retirement from Fred Everards; if you ever see him give him my regards. I well remember him for rescuing me when I fell foul of the big chiefs whom I told that, as a Chief Officer, I could do their job better and at half the salary - this when we were heavily involved in the taking over such magnificent vessels as the Fort Douglas etc.

When I have time, I will search my loft to dig out some of the old photos etc. I am sure I have got one of you looking very dapper in a uniform somewhere.

I go up to Montreal every fall to spend a weekend with Cully Keane. My wife, Anne, has accompanied me several times but I go solo more often than not in order to have a free rein!. Cully has not changed one whit and we had a great time when John Owen came over from Alberta.

Ray Moreau has for some time been in a nursing home and no longer recognises anyone.

I really miss having no contact with former shipmates. For some years I lived near Reg Lucas in Ormskirk and I still keep in touch with his widow Nell who will be 90 later this year.

I joined Duchess of Richmond in 1933 until war broke out when I volunteered for service in the Royal Navy serving on an aircraft carrier throughout the war ending up taking the Japanese surrender in Kobe.

Many thanks for your letter regarding the Timelink Website. I have had a good look through and must congratulate all involved on a job very well done. An excellent website, very easy to get around and I look forward to being a regular visitor. Sad to see that some colleagues have passed away so early on in their retirement. I remember sailing with both Keith "Bluto" Gordon and John "Wingnut" Hulland. Why is it nowadays nobody seems to have a nickname or did they pass out of fashion as the characters left the sea? I took early retirement from Vela International Marine (Saudi Aramco) in 2001 but found that retirement did not suit me. Like the CP Pension Plan I did not like what was happening to the market at the time either. I quickly took up a part time job as a Maritime Lecturer at Lairdside Maritime Centre, Birkenhead, part of Liverpool John Moores University. This soon evolved into full time and since September 2002 I have been Simulator Manager/Senior Lecturer at Lairdside.

At Lairdside we have the only 360-degree Full Mission Simulator in the UK and one of the most modern in Europe. The work is very interesting and satisfying dealing in Maritime Short Courses, Port Development, Pilot Training, Accident Investigation, Maritime Research and non-marine courses such as Team Management Training. Joy does say that she saw far more of me when I was at sea than now when I am ashore. She has yet to say whether or not that is a good or bad thing! If any of the old and bold would like to try their hand once again they can get in touch with me at Lairdside or visit the website at www.lairdside-maritime.com. They can have "a drive" on a large variety of ships but unfortunately I do not have a database for the St. Lawrence, so no trips up to Montreal and no ice either, at least not just yet.

I am attaching a photo showing myself on one of our smaller 120-degree bridges, recently refurbished as an active escort tug, another new venture at Lairdside.

It was both a surprise and a pleasure to hear from you again, please keep up the good work. Through my contacts here on Merseyside and membership of Merseyside Master Mariners and Liverpool Nautical Research Society I shall keep a look out for old CP hands and any information of interest.

Captain Peter A. Woods
RD* FNI MEI MRIN AMUSNI RNR (Retd)
Simulator Manager/Senior Lecturer
Lairdside Maritime Centre
(Liverpool John Moores University)
Tel: 0151 647 0494/6
Fax: 0151 647 0498
e-mail: p.a.woods@livjm'dot'ac.uk

Excellent idea to be "in touch" again. I will regularly make on-line contact and pass on any news from the (Dutch) Belgian "connection." The twice a year CP old Antwerp boys and girls still get together including Peter Buesink, Harry Sleven, Nico Giltay and their wives. Spoke to Louis Smet the other day - now 80!

My wife is recovering from a hip operation so I am now housekeeper and chauffeur. Sorry we cannot get to the reunion on 25th June.

Hurray to the Trustees and yourself in recognising that the magazine Timelink is missed by members. My husband has been dead some years now and I looked forward to each issue, reading letters from other pensioners and remembering some of them.

I am now 91 and try to keep up with the times. I took lessons to use a computer and was a passable student; I do not own a computer. I think the website is a great idea. Many thanks for your letter and I hope that sometimes I will be able to catch up on the news.

I was saddened to learn of the death of JAN Bezant. I first met JAN when he was appointed Master of the Beaverpine whilst being built at Burntisland and I was standing by her construction with Charles Porterfirld in 1964.

I next met JAN when he was appointed Master of the ill fated R B Angus - the first ship in the newly formed CP Bermuda. The ship was handed over from her Norwegian owner in Arctic conditions in the aptly named Grimstad in 1965. R B Angus suffered many technical problems before being lost in the North Pacific in 1967 when her cargo shifted during severe weather.

JAN Bezant was an outstanding Master and was poached from Canadian Pacific by Trinity House. I last met him at the pensioners' lunch in the Charing Cross Hotel in 2002.

I am still writing for the Nautical Magazine and Marine Engineers Review and I am still on Lloyds Register technical committee after being a member for over 20 years - I think they must have forgotten me!

The return of Timelink is a very pleasant surprise and it's great to be back in touch with CP pensioners again! Like many of us, I have missed the reunions and being able to meet old ship mates. I'm enjoying my retirement and keeping busy. I have an amateur radio licence and I also enjoy computing, video filming railways and, like many others, just getting under my wife's feet and being a general nuisance.

Congratulations on taking up this important task!.... When I have mastered the mobile, I will think of getting a computer.

Noting the letter from Hilda Acres, with particular reference to her comment that we still use "Rowland's heading," I realise, somewhat belatedly, that Rowland Acres' name should have been included in the tributes paid to the founders of "Timelink," when circulating details of the new website. Not only did Rowland design, in my view brilliantly, the logo which appears above, but he also produced many very amusing cartoons for the magazine. Rowland was a highly esteemed colleague of mine and was a gentleman in all senses of the word. Hilda kindly gave me his fine "Empress" painting, which has pride of place in my study.

Thank you for your letter with Rowland's heading still in use. I have certainly missed Timelink.....thank you for letting me know about Timelink on line

Congratulations. I have missed the Timelink publication as I am sure many others have. I now look forward to all the latest from the many pensioners still out there. We still have some up here in the North and I will update you as soon as I can.

Many thanks for your letter concerning the Timelink website. I think it will really take off once everyone gets to know about it,
Babes and I are up for a reunion this autumn likewise Denis Daniels (ex electrician CP Ships) and his wife are. I am sure Larry Summers & Willy Macalister would be. I also work with Jim Lennon (lucky ex Imp of Canada) & Stanley Black (ex AB Empress of Canada) and I am sure they would say yes.

From Paul Edwards Electrical Officer Empress Boats, Box Boats and dear old Lord Stretching 25th May 2004

Great idea setting up an internet site; I was beginning to think that CP was a long lost memory. I will dig out some of my CP memorabilia

The Black Bull is still frequented by Alan, Eric Wilson, Smithy and the Maltese Falcon

I certainly remember Empress of Britain well, although my only visit to the ship was to have a very good lunch on board once when she was berthed in Liverpool prior to a Montreal voyage. Sadly, my most abiding memory was of having to help organise alternative transportation to Montreal for passengers who were stranded due to one or other of those dreadful wildcat strikes, which were a feature of the 1960's!

I saw Robin Gillett recently at Jan Bezant's funeral. He seems to remain in robust health. I don't imagine that you expected your former watch mate to become Lord Mayor of London!

Just returned from a very good cruise to the Baltic on MV Discovery and had first to sort out the Sesser virus picked up just before we left. Thanks for the info on the Timelink website, I will certainly visit it. On the
cruise I picked up a bit of information which might be of interest to Timelink. The entertainments group were last year on the "Topaz" ex Empress of Britain. They all seemed to have a bit of a soft spot for the ship and were disappointed that the owner had sold the ship for scrap ( the present high price of steel no doubt). So goodbye Empress of Britain, I did the maiden voyage on her as 4th Officer, Robin Gillett who was 1st Officer.

I am still working as a Headhunter and HR consultant, I shall be 60 in October and intend to keep working. My son and daughter are both married, one grandson to date. Apart from work tend to be involved in clay pigeon shooting, golf, Freemasonry, an Ex-Round Tabler's Club and secretary for the local Conservative Party as well as other voluntary involvements.

I first met Bill Williams on Empress of France; he was third officer and tried to impress me by saying " may be the junior of the senior officers but do remember that I am also senior of the junior officers"!

I am now 75 and apparently in reasonable health, enjoy Ballroom Dancing and Sequence Dancing some three times a week. I think it helps keep the "old pump" going; I also act as a Disc Jockey using my own equipment for various charity dances and as I do not charge a fee I'm kept quite busy. I also enjoy my caravan holidays during Spring, Summer and Autumn; I find that there is so much of Britain that I have yet to see and enjoy.

Since commencing the CP Ships Heritage Project, we have managed to obtain an impressive collection of original paintings, posters, books, artefacts and ephemera relating to the CP passenger era. Several paintings are on loan from CP archives in Montreal and others have been bought at auctions. Ironically these were originally commissioned and owned by CP at some time! There is a permanent display or memorabilia at Canada Maritime Services offices at Horley, most of which has been donated by relatives of past sea going officers.

We would welcome donations of any memorabilia relating to CP passenger ships. Stan Byars made a great contribution to the project by acquiring donations from the relatives of Captain Basil Ford, Captain David Jeavons, Peggy Knox, Bert Grinyer and others.

I am still involved with CP memorabilia for Ray Miles and over the last few years we have been successful in obtaining over 50 paintings from CP archives, CP Hotels (now Fairmont) and various auction houses.

Most of the artwork is housed in Trafalgar Square, but now that the building has been sold, there is some uncertainty regarding relocation of the paintings. The new CP Ships headquarters at City Place Gatwick in an all glass building and lacks suitable wall space for artwork! You may recall that there are displays of CP memorabilia at Harley, which will also relocate to Gatwick in due course and there is a further concern on how the current displays will be housed. The subject of artwork and memorabilia is currently under discussion.

Dave Beedie has sent me the information on the new web site. I am not aware of all those who have contributed, apart from Denis and Marshall, to such a success. Could I ask you to please pass my congratulations onto all concerned as I think they have done a job to be proud of and have created a really useful site

Your comments are much appreciated and as you'll note, are being forwarded to those principally responsible for setting up the website. In this respect, I know that everyone will agree that being able to engage the entirely voluntary services and technical skills of Gene's colleague, Mike Tooke, has been a huge advantage for us.

As you know, Timelink was the creation of Stan Byars, with much support and many contributions from the late Bill Williams. It is most satisfying that modern technology will ensure that their legacy will be well preserved.

Well, I've had a look at the webpage, what a wonderful idea! I'll certainly be checking it every now and then.

I have no news really. We're still here in Hong Kong, it's been over 5 years now, I'm not sure where the time has gone! I'm still working part-time at Alice's school, keeps me busy.

I haven't got any gossip either, what is the world coming to!!! I may have to make some up!

I was impressed with the site and think it is a good idea….Things are going OK with me; I took up golf when I retired. I enjoy playing but I have discovered that I have no natural talent! I have teamed up with three ex Chiefs

Congratulations…I think that Timelink has been sadly missed likewise the annual reunion lunches and I know that, although we in the North West may not be in the majority, there is strong support for a self-funding celebration amongst us.

I have just returned home from a Merseyside Master Mariners’ monthly luncheon and some readers may be interested to know that Graham Forster, Cy Beck and David Nutman are all hale and hearty (or seemed to be!)

Regarding the singing….back on 1968 Jack Britten (bandleader on Empress of England) got me started. I kind of took off from there once I got over extreme nerves. I did some crew shows and then went to a singing teacher! I found that I did have a voice and I started singing with bands and in working men’s clubs – became semi pro and got an Equity card. I’ve sung with some of the best over the years Joe Loss, Nelson Riddle Orchestra. They tell me I can put over a song like "Frank"! Passengers still ask me to sing.

When the Empress of Britain sailed from the Clyde on 7^th April 1931, it was estimated that over half a million people lined the banks to wish her Bon Voyage.

Her Majesty the Queen Mother, then Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by her husband joined the ship in St Johns Newfoundland on 16^th June 1939 for a voyage home to Southampton after their tour of Canada.

On the voyage, an incident happened to Cyril’s predecessor, who was then a young officer. He often recalled being asked by HM King George VI to repair his movie camera; he was busily engaged on this task alone, as he thought. HM The Queen approached him and asked if he would like a cigar and produced one from the King’s humidor and left the room.

A short time later, the King arrived and remarked “I see somebody else smokes the same cigars as I do” – little realising that a humble member of the ship’s company was that somebody who happened to be enjoying the Queen’s generosity.

A few month’s later the Empress of Britain lay at the bottom of the Atlantic after being torpedoed by the German submarine U32.


		Contributions Received In 2004
	Timelink - Canadian Pacific Ex-Employees : Members Site
»Home Page »Current Edition »»2004 Content »»2005 Content »»2006 Content »News »People »Regional News »Reunions »Letters »Your Pictures »Liverpool Reunion »2005 London Reunion »2006 London Reunion »Feedback Form »Links »Site Map »Contacts	Please use the feedback form to submit content Please be aware that we cannot post e-mail addresses directly on the website - you will be deluged with 'spam'. To contact someone please replace the 'dot' in the address with '.' From Ken Gilmour in Australia - 29th December 2004 Good evening Marshall, I would be very keen to attend a reunion, sadly I can’t justify the airfare from Australia, for what I am sure would be a tremendous weekend. I started my seagoing career in Liverpool and have many fond memories of the city. I am sure there are many like me scattered around the world who, given the opportunity, would come to the reunion but simply can’t make it for what ever reason. Would it be possible to list those like me as overseas staff unable to attend . I would be quite happy to put down a few details of the CP ships I sailed on and a present day contact address. I Joined CP Ships in late April early May 1974 having spent the previous three years with Ocean Fleets. I was signed up when they had the office in Trafalgar Square. My first ship was the JV Clyne in May 1974 to Sept. 74 TG Shaughnessy October 74 to Mar 75. promoted to third on voyage a position I held till I left in 1981. T. Akasaka was next in May 75 to Aug. 75 I have photographs of the collision in Flushing. TG Shaughnessy in October 75. to Feb 76 NR Crump May 76 to Oct 76 I D Sinclair in November 76 to Feb. 77 Fort St John (Pacific Logger) August 77 to Dec. 77 G A Walker March 78 to July 78 A voyage of discovery, discovering what could go wrong next. Fort Victoria October 78 paid off a month later with crushed Finger in Sydney Port Vancouver 21^st Dec. 1978 Longbeach to May 79. I took over from the third who was killed in an engine room accident. I D Sinclair August 79 to January 1980 Port Quebec April 1980 to Sept 1980 Fort Steele December 1980 to April 1981. I had a great seven years with CP and many happy memories. I had a look through my old sea statements and discharge book Unfortunately some of the signatures are nearly illegible, But I sailed with C/engs, Don , Bob , Brian Brown. G . Wilson, G Roberts, Tony Bannister , John Powel S. Hockenhull , A Stevenson, B Williams A Stenhouse, Frank Smurthwaite, H Nelson, John Olivant, A Peach Capts. Williams, Grice, Roberts, Atkinson, Fraser and many more. I now live in Australia (having immigrated here in 94) in a small seaside town called Yeppoon 43 km from Rockhampton. I am married with three children ageing in range from a son aged 11 to daughters aged 16 and 21. I work as a maintenance planner in a Large coal fired power station (Stanwell Power Station) and recently started a delicatessen business as a hobby. There little point in sending a photograph as I am now some thirty odd years older and fatter. It would be great to hear from some of the people I met and sailed with all those years ago, I am just sorry that I can’t be there. My e-mail address is :- kegilmour@bigpond'dot'com From Frank Galway - 23rd December 2004 `Ahoy there Marshall` Thank you for relaying Geoff Pearson's letters. I would like to reply to him as follows :- Thank you Geoff for confirming that the E/France's last trip was not to Ireland. My Discharge Book reads.... Engaged 19/12/60.... Discharged 20 December Newport H T Run. I accept your apologies, Geoff, but I must say that I wish you had told me that she was "leaking like a sieve" in September, then I may have been reluctant to make those transatlantic voyages from 5th October to 8th December. Somebody must have patched those holes up well. From Mike Friend - 21st December 2004 Hello there long time no see. Saw Capt Alan Whyte at our local shop yesterday and mentioned the reunion, both he and I would like to attend. He also mentioned that Bill Nelson would want to go but am assured that you have his Email address. Alan appears well and I feel pretty good to, though we both have less fit than hoped for wives, hence our meeting at the shops. Keep meaning to ask you and always forget when I see you, do B.P. still have their sailing club in Teddington, I used to go there nearly every Sunday morning when I was an apprentice to sail in the enterprise dinghys mainly with the old guys from the office, they were the days, about 1960. I know in the last century See you in April, I hope. Ed: I will enquire about the BP sailing club - the club house still exists but I do not know who owns it. From Geoff Pearson - 21st December 2004 Marshall..re my note on the Empress of France final journey. Look’s like I was wrong. I have no explanation as to why a bunch of engineers off the Empress of Britain were loaned to the France for two days i.e. 31^st to Sept 1^st 1960. I do know she was leaking like a sieve. Perhaps we were dropped off in Cobh after helping make temporary repairs for her next trip back to Montreal. I believe the word was out that she was going to be scrapped, that’s probably where I picked up the story from, indeed three months later she finished up in Avonmouth and that was the end of the Empress of France. I just checked my copy of "The Liners Of Liverpool" by Derek M Whale 1987. There is a chapter with several photographs about the Empress Of France(ex Duchess of Bedford) the article concludes with a photograph of the France apparently in December of 1960 making her way out of Gladstone dock. Reference is made to her heading to Avonmouth to be scrapped. So my apologies to Frank Galway - looks like somewhere between September and December she made her way from Southern Ireland to the River Severn in the UK. From Geoff Pearson - 19th December 2004 I have to take issue with Frank Galway's comment that I was wrong in naming Ireland as the last stop for the Empress of France. I still have my discharge book and it plainly says my "Engagement" date was 31st August 1960 and my "Discharged" date was September 1st in Cobh. I remember this for a couple of reasons. It was the only time I worked on The France and secondly it was the first time I'd ever been in a plane as we were flown back to Liverpool from Shannon airport.At the time I was working on the Empress of Britain and several of us were loaned to The Empress of France just for the purpose of getting her to Ireland. Are there any others out there who remember this event ??? Ed: The saga continues about the Empress of France! From Frank Galway 12th December 2004 `An old shipmate, Les Lewis, gave me your address and curiosity made me decide to look in to "Timelink". To say the least, I was most impressed. I intend having a look at each new issue and I would be pleased to learn how often you do this.` `Quite a few names jogged my memory, but as it is so bad, there must have been many mentioned that I could not remember. I have a good excuse of course and that is that I will be eighty years old in March.` The name Empress of France certainly got the old grey matter churning as she was my first ship. I joined her as 6th Electrician with a guy I served my time with, Jack Ingleson, and we sailed from Liverpool in March 1949. When a couple of Beavers, the Cove and Dell, went over to Vancouver to try to pick up the silk trade, Jack, together with Johnny Maclachlan, Bren O'Connel and a few others, stayed on the west coast when the venture failed and the two ships returned to UK. Their names had been changed to Maplecove and Mapledell because "Beaver" translated to Japanese became "Rat". After spending some time on E/Canada and a few SS and TEV Beavers, I rejoined the Empress of France in March 1960. Here I have to correct Geoff Pearson who wrote that he sailed on her last trip to Southern Ireland. I remember her last trip very well. In the breakers yard, to get ashore and back aboard, there being no gangway, necessitated being lifted, two at a time in a steam crane bucket. A very sad trip from beginning to the end when Captain Duck bid us all farewell as we boarded the coach for Liverpool. This was at Newport, not Ireland. `Like Geoff, my last trip for CPS was on Empress of England. That ended in January 1970. Since then I have sailed on a few other vessels but as a passenger now - a different story!` `Thank you Marshall for making it possible to remember some good old times. I hope to be able to pick up the latest pages soon. It's a great site.` `Regards, Frank Galway.` From Sylvia MacMahon (Prentice) 5th December 2004 I was a Nursing Sister on the Empress of England and Canada, in '69 - '71. You were a Purser at that time, also Marjorie Wood.I was saddened to hear the passing of Joyce Evans. We worked many trips together. How important communication is! So many shipmates, from George, the friendly Dispenser, Dr Paddy Walshe, Reg. Pitt-Brooke, Captain Bill Williams to Joyce. We are ships that have passed in the night, and I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to work with them. I know there are many more. I am still working full-time, but would love to hang up my nursing shoes soon! I have worked in Victoria General Hospital, B.C. Canada, for 21 years. Stuck with the 'baby factory', but if I have to work, what better place can there be?? I truly love those babies.I have two little granddaughters, so life is good. As Jean Williams mentioned on her card this year."If I had known grandchildren could be so much fun, I'd have had them first!" Looking forward to continued updates from the website. I am in touch with Peter and Loraine Swift annually. Also Bill and Brenda McAllister. I refuse to let a most memorable and happy era of my life disappear into oblivion.I was so glad to learn that you have been kind enough to reinstate Timelink and I am sure many of your "old" pensioners will be happy to hear this news.I did miss it and it was nice hearing about old friends.Now that I am living in Bermuda you will know that we have two C.P. hotels here - The Princesses. C.P. has been part of my life since 1950 and even although John died in l984 it is a very important part of my very happy past.P.S. If you are sending Snail Mail - would you please put Bermuda as the country as otherwise Southampton goes to the U.K. and I may or may not get any correspondence. Thank you.Every good wish for the resurrection From Brian Williams 5th October 2004 `READERS MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THE OCTOBER EDITION OF SHIPS MONTHLY WHERE THERE IS AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW WITH CAPT ALASTAIR MCFAYDEN MASTER OF THE PANDO FERRY PRIDE OF BILBAO. HE MENTIONS HIS TIME WITH CP.` From Christine and Tony Smith - 17th September 2004 Hi Marshall, have just visited the CP website and found it most interesting. You will remember working in the Purser's Office with me in 1970 along with Jane Carter. Tony and I married in 1974 and have three children Rachel (28) James (25) and Joel (21). We lived in Jersey in the Channel Isles for a while and then emigrated to Australia in l978. Currently living in Brisbane. Tony is in England as we speak visiting with Dave Ashcroft and Joe '90'. We still write to Babs and Bill Jones and have visited them on a few occasions on holidays in the UK. Will look out my memorabilia from CP days. Keep up the good work From Hilda Pitt-Brooke 6th September 2004 I have (just) been able to catch up with Timelink. I am so pleased that contact is still being made. However, I was quite sad to read the obituaries - so many of Reg's old friends. I still keep in touch with Margery Wood and with Jean Williams, but only by Christmas cards and the occasional telephone conversation. I very much appreciate the effort put into the web site. From Bobby Evans - 5th September 2004 `Great, finally someone has got it up and running, I'm in touch with John Arton, who said he was getting things off the ground, but never materialised. Well done Marshall. You are the guy that started me with C.P. Ships way back in 1974. Leaving said employment in 1987. Now working for the DIAGEO Group, (Whisky Distillery).` Geoff Pearson - 3rd September 2004 ....I really enjoyed my first visit to the Timelink web site. By way of information I worked for CPS as an engineer from August 1959 to September of 1965. The first ship I worked on was the T.E.V Beavercove. I then did one trip on the S.S Beaverlodge which turned out to be her last one under the CPS flag. I think she was sold to Ben Line. I transferred then over to the Empress boats first of all working on the Empress of Britain for about fourteen months. I did the last trip on the Empress of France taking her from Liverpool to the breakers yard in Southern Ireland. Later I moved on to the new Empress of Canada and did my first series of Caribbean cruises on her during the 61/62 season. In 1965 I was transfered to the Empress Of England were I worked until I hung up my sea boots. I am still married to Ann who was the ships nurse on the Empress Of Canada,she was then known as Sister Dawson. 2nd September 2004 `Nice website! Thanks! My name is Frank Biggin, (since changed to Champagne.) I joined the Empress of Canada in Nov. 1961 for her maiden cruises as a bellboy, then as a waiter, and stayed with her for nearly three years before a brief stint aboard the Carinthia prior to emigrating in 1964. I now live in Washington State, USA, and am interested in contacting anyone who served with me.` From Peter Slatter 15th August 2004 I have viewed the website and I am impressed by its design and the ease in using the links. It's good to note that Alan Moat, Smithy and Eric Wilson have planted CP colours in the "Black Bull" From Alma Cox - 27th July 2004 Delighted with the news that we are all going to be able to keep in touch in future - means a lot to us all. This is just to let you know my e-mail address i.e. alma@almacox.wanadoo'dot'co.uk Hope you and Sarah are well - love to anyone who remembers me - am still living in Walmer, Kent with my two little Shih-tzus i.e. Charley 2 yrs and Zoe 5.1/2 yrs. I am inregular contact with David and Phoebe Smith, Mary Woodward, Edna Benfield and, of course, Carol Flisher and Anne Walker. We had a wonderful reunion last year with lots of other friends at Carol's house. Warmest regards From Captain John Arton 4th July 2004 At last a truly good site for all ex.(and current) CP fellows. I did once in my innocence attempt to set up a site after a drunken meeting with Jeremy (the Rinapest) Rind in a hotel in Holland, where my present employees were having their annual Officers conference, but being totally ignorant of web sites etc. it was a dismal failure. Please keep up the good work and I will certainly pass on the address to all ex. CP chaps I come across, a considerable number of whom now work (like me) for Stolt Nielsen. I can honestly say that the 22 years I spent with CP were some of the most enjoyable years of my life to date. I cannot think of any other shipping company that had such a mix of personalities, both afloat and ashore. It is sad to hear of the passing away of some of the old characters. Bill Williams I remember from my short sojourn on the Empress as being a pure martinet, but when I sailed with him later on VLCC's and Container Ships I realised what a fine seafarer he was. Cy Beck is remembered as being the perfect gentleman at all times. Charlie Thompson was, well he was Charlie Thompson, no need to say more. I still come across lots of ex CP fellows, all of whom I tell to sign up to Friends Reunited, I can now tell them to sign up to Timelink. `Good to hear that so many of you office wallahs are still going strong as well. I Believe Bob Balneaves has just taken retirement from Fred Everards; if you ever see him give him my regards. I well remember him for rescuing me when I fell foul of the big chiefs whom I told that, as a Chief Officer, I could do their job better and at half the salary - this when we were heavily involved in the taking over such magnificent vessels as the Fort Douglas etc.` `When I have time, I will search my loft to dig out some of the old photos etc. I am sure I have got one of you looking very dapper in a uniform somewhere.` From Bill Connor, New Brunswick 19th June 2004 I go up to Montreal every fall to spend a weekend with Cully Keane. My wife, Anne, has accompanied me several times but I go solo more often than not in order to have a free rein!. Cully has not changed one whit and we had a great time when John Owen came over from Alberta. Ray Moreau has for some time been in a nursing home and no longer recognises anyone. I really miss having no contact with former shipmates. For some years I lived near Reg Lucas in Ormskirk and I still keep in touch with his widow Nell who will be 90 later this year. I joined Duchess of Richmond in 1933 until war broke out when I volunteered for service in the Royal Navy serving on an aircraft carrier throughout the war ending up taking the Japanese surrender in Kobe. From Peter Woods 27th June 2004 Many thanks for your letter regarding the Timelink Website. I have had a good look through and must congratulate all involved on a job very well done. An excellent website, very easy to get around and I look forward to being a regular visitor. Sad to see that some colleagues have passed away so early on in their retirement. I remember sailing with both Keith "Bluto" Gordon and John "Wingnut" Hulland. Why is it nowadays nobody seems to have a nickname or did they pass out of fashion as the characters left the sea? I took early retirement from Vela International Marine (Saudi Aramco) in 2001 but found that retirement did not suit me. Like the CP Pension Plan I did not like what was happening to the market at the time either. I quickly took up a part time job as a Maritime Lecturer at Lairdside Maritime Centre, Birkenhead, part of Liverpool John Moores University. This soon evolved into full time and since September 2002 I have been Simulator Manager/Senior Lecturer at Lairdside. At Lairdside we have the only 360-degree Full Mission Simulator in the UK and one of the most modern in Europe. The work is very interesting and satisfying dealing in Maritime Short Courses, Port Development, Pilot Training, Accident Investigation, Maritime Research and non-marine courses such as Team Management Training. Joy does say that she saw far more of me when I was at sea than now when I am ashore. She has yet to say whether or not that is a good or bad thing! If any of the old and bold would like to try their hand once again they can get in touch with me at Lairdside or visit the website at www.lairdside-maritime.com. They can have "a drive" on a large variety of ships but unfortunately I do not have a database for the St. Lawrence, so no trips up to Montreal and no ice either, at least not just yet. I am attaching a photo showing myself on one of our smaller 120-degree bridges, recently refurbished as an active escort tug, another new venture at Lairdside. It was both a surprise and a pleasure to hear from you again, please keep up the good work. Through my contacts here on Merseyside and membership of Merseyside Master Mariners and Liverpool Nautical Research Society I shall keep a look out for old CP hands and any information of interest. With best regards to you and yours Peter Woods Captain Peter A. Woods RD* FNI MEI MRIN AMUSNI RNR (Retd) Simulator Manager/Senior Lecturer Lairdside Maritime Centre (Liverpool John Moores University) Tel: 0151 647 0494/6 Fax: 0151 647 0498 e-mail: p.a.woods@livjm'dot'ac.uk 3 Vanguard Way Campbeltown Road Birkenhead Wirral CH41 9HX From Rinus Welman - one time Manager Belgium 22nd June 2004 Excellent idea to be "in touch" again. I will regularly make on-line contact and pass on any news from the (Dutch) Belgian "connection." The twice a year CP old Antwerp boys and girls still get together including Peter Buesink, Harry Sleven, Nico Giltay and their wives. Spoke to Louis Smet the other day - now 80! My wife is recovering from a hip operation so I am now housekeeper and chauffeur. Sorry we cannot get to the reunion on 25th June. From Phyllis Jane Smith - Australia Hurray to the Trustees and yourself in recognising that the magazine Timelink is missed by members. My husband has been dead some years now and I looked forward to each issue, reading letters from other pensioners and remembering some of them. I am now 91 and try to keep up with the times. I took lessons to use a computer and was a passable student; I do not own a computer. I think the website is a great idea. Many thanks for your letter and I hope that sometimes I will be able to catch up on the news. From Cyril Hughes 21st June 2004 I was saddened to learn of the death of JAN Bezant. I first met JAN when he was appointed Master of the Beaverpine whilst being built at Burntisland and I was standing by her construction with Charles Porterfirld in 1964. I next met JAN when he was appointed Master of the ill fated R B Angus - the first ship in the newly formed CP Bermuda. The ship was handed over from her Norwegian owner in Arctic conditions in the aptly named Grimstad in 1965. R B Angus suffered many technical problems before being lost in the North Pacific in 1967 when her cargo shifted during severe weather. JAN Bezant was an outstanding Master and was poached from Canadian Pacific by Trinity House. I last met him at the pensioners' lunch in the Charing Cross Hotel in 2002. I am still writing for the Nautical Magazine and Marine Engineers Review and I am still on Lloyds Register technical committee after being a member for over 20 years - I think they must have forgotten me! From Arthur Jones ex Chief Engineer 21st June 2004 The return of Timelink is a very pleasant surprise and it's great to be back in touch with CP pensioners again! Like many of us, I have missed the reunions and being able to meet old ship mates. I'm enjoying my retirement and keeping busy. I have an amateur radio licence and I also enjoy computing, video filming railways and, like many others, just getting under my wife's feet and being a general nuisance. Ed. Where have I heard that before!!! From Len Charlton 15th June 2004 Congratulations on taking up this important task!.... When I have mastered the mobile, I will think of getting a computer. From Denis Keast 29th June 2004 Noting the letter from Hilda Acres, with particular reference to her comment that we still use "Rowland's heading," I realise, somewhat belatedly, that Rowland Acres' name should have been included in the tributes paid to the founders of "Timelink," when circulating details of the new website. Not only did Rowland design, in my view brilliantly, the logo which appears above, but he also produced many very amusing cartoons for the magazine. Rowland was a highly esteemed colleague of mine and was a gentleman in all senses of the word. Hilda kindly gave me his fine "Empress" painting, which has pride of place in my study. From Hilda Acres June 2004 Thank you for your letter with Rowland's heading still in use. I have certainly missed Timelink.....thank you for letting me know about Timelink on line From Bryan Brown 14th June 2004 Congratulations. I have missed the Timelink publication as I am sure many others have. I now look forward to all the latest from the many pensioners still out there. We still have some up here in the North and I will update you as soon as I can. From Bill and Babs Jones 7th June 2004 Many thanks for your letter concerning the Timelink website. I think it will really take off once everyone gets to know about it, Babes and I are up for a reunion this autumn likewise Denis Daniels (ex electrician CP Ships) and his wife are. I am sure Larry Summers & Willy Macalister would be. I also work with Jim Lennon (lucky ex Imp of Canada) & Stanley Black (ex AB Empress of Canada) and I am sure they would say yes. From Paul Edwards Electrical Officer Empress Boats, Box Boats and dear old Lord Stretching 25th May 2004 Great idea setting up an internet site; I was beginning to think that CP was a long lost memory. I will dig out some of my CP memorabilia From Alan Moat The Black Bull is still frequented by Alan, Eric Wilson, Smithy and the Maltese Falcon From Denis Keast I certainly remember Empress of Britain well, although my only visit to the ship was to have a very good lunch on board once when she was berthed in Liverpool prior to a Montreal voyage. Sadly, my most abiding memory was of having to help organise alternative transportation to Montreal for passengers who were stranded due to one or other of those dreadful wildcat strikes, which were a feature of the 1960's! I saw Robin Gillett recently at Jan Bezant's funeral. He seems to remain in robust health. I don't imagine that you expected your former watch mate to become Lord Mayor of London! From John Griffin Just returned from a very good cruise to the Baltic on MV Discovery and had first to sort out the Sesser virus picked up just before we left. Thanks for the info on the Timelink website, I will certainly visit it. On the cruise I picked up a bit of information which might be of interest to Timelink. The entertainments group were last year on the "Topaz" ex Empress of Britain. They all seemed to have a bit of a soft spot for the ship and were disappointed that the owner had sold the ship for scrap ( the present high price of steel no doubt). So goodbye Empress of Britain, I did the maiden voyage on her as 4th Officer, Robin Gillett who was 1st Officer. From Andrew Scott Priestley I am still working as a Headhunter and HR consultant, I shall be 60 in October and intend to keep working. My son and daughter are both married, one grandson to date. Apart from work tend to be involved in clay pigeon shooting, golf, Freemasonry, an Ex-Round Tabler's Club and secretary for the local Conservative Party as well as other voluntary involvements. From Jack Richardson I first met Bill Williams on Empress of France; he was third officer and tried to impress me by saying " may be the junior of the senior officers but do remember that I am also senior of the junior officers"! I am now 75 and apparently in reasonable health, enjoy Ballroom Dancing and Sequence Dancing some three times a week. I think it helps keep the "old pump" going; I also act as a Disc Jockey using my own equipment for various charity dances and as I do not charge a fee I'm kept quite busy. I also enjoy my caravan holidays during Spring, Summer and Autumn; I find that there is so much of Britain that I have yet to see and enjoy. I certainly miss Timelink From Tony Pickard Since commencing the CP Ships Heritage Project, we have managed to obtain an impressive collection of original paintings, posters, books, artefacts and ephemera relating to the CP passenger era. Several paintings are on loan from CP archives in Montreal and others have been bought at auctions. Ironically these were originally commissioned and owned by CP at some time! There is a permanent display or memorabilia at Canada Maritime Services offices at Horley, most of which has been donated by relatives of past sea going officers. We would welcome donations of any memorabilia relating to CP passenger ships. Stan Byars made a great contribution to the project by acquiring donations from the relatives of Captain Basil Ford, Captain David Jeavons, Peggy Knox, Bert Grinyer and others. A more recent letter from Tony Pickard 15th April 2004 I am pleased that Timelink will continue in the form of a website. I am still involved with CP memorabilia for Ray Miles and over the last few years we have been successful in obtaining over 50 paintings from CP archives, CP Hotels (now Fairmont) and various auction houses. Most of the artwork is housed in Trafalgar Square, but now that the building has been sold, there is some uncertainty regarding relocation of the paintings. The new CP Ships headquarters at City Place Gatwick in an all glass building and lacks suitable wall space for artwork! You may recall that there are displays of CP memorabilia at Harley, which will also relocate to Gatwick in due course and there is a further concern on how the current displays will be housed. The subject of artwork and memorabilia is currently under discussion. Editor: If anyone has any CP memorabilia, don't throw it away! From Robin Ebsworth Dave Beedie has sent me the information on the new web site. I am not aware of all those who have contributed, apart from Denis and Marshall, to such a success. Could I ask you to please pass my congratulations onto all concerned as I think they have done a job to be proud of and have created a really useful site Well done and thank you Denis Keast's reply Your comments are much appreciated and as you'll note, are being forwarded to those principally responsible for setting up the website. In this respect, I know that everyone will agree that being able to engage the entirely voluntary services and technical skills of Gene's colleague, Mike Tooke, has been a huge advantage for us. As you know, Timelink was the creation of Stan Byars, with much support and many contributions from the late Bill Williams. It is most satisfying that modern technology will ensure that their legacy will be well preserved. From Ruth Haslett (Maran) Well, I've had a look at the webpage, what a wonderful idea! I'll certainly be checking it every now and then. I have no news really. We're still here in Hong Kong, it's been over 5 years now, I'm not sure where the time has gone! I'm still working part-time at Alice's school, keeps me busy. I haven't got any gossip either, what is the world coming to!!! I may have to make some up! From Ken Anderson 11th June 2004 I was impressed with the site and think it is a good idea….Things are going OK with me; I took up golf when I retired. I enjoy playing but I have discovered that I have no natural talent! I have teamed up with three ex Chiefs Editor: Are they CP ex Chiefs? From Ted Morris, Chester 26th May 2004 Congratulations…I think that Timelink has been sadly missed likewise the annual reunion lunches and I know that, although we in the North West may not be in the majority, there is strong support for a self-funding celebration amongst us. I have just returned home from a Merseyside Master Mariners’ monthly luncheon and some readers may be interested to know that Graham Forster, Cy Beck and David Nutman are all hale and hearty (or seemed to be!) From Terry Foskett, Charlotte, USA 22nd May 2004 Many thanks for putting the photo of me and Randolph on the CP website. Regarding the singing….back on 1968 Jack Britten (bandleader on Empress of England) got me started. I kind of took off from there once I got over extreme nerves. I did some crew shows and then went to a singing teacher! I found that I did have a voice and I started singing with bands and in working men’s clubs – became semi pro and got an Equity card. I’ve sung with some of the best over the years Joe Loss, Nelson Riddle Orchestra. They tell me I can put over a song like "Frank"! Passengers still ask me to sing. Editor: Well, well and we all thought that Terry was 007 EMPRESS OF BRITAIN From Cyril Hughes When the Empress of Britain sailed from the Clyde on 7^th April 1931, it was estimated that over half a million people lined the banks to wish her Bon Voyage. Her Majesty the Queen Mother, then Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by her husband joined the ship in St Johns Newfoundland on 16^th June 1939 for a voyage home to Southampton after their tour of Canada. On the voyage, an incident happened to Cyril’s predecessor, who was then a young officer. He often recalled being asked by HM King George VI to repair his movie camera; he was busily engaged on this task alone, as he thought. HM The Queen approached him and asked if he would like a cigar and produced one from the King’s humidor and left the room. A short time later, the King arrived and remarked “I see somebody else smokes the same cigars as I do” – little realising that a humble member of the ship’s company was that somebody who happened to be enjoying the Queen’s generosity. A few month’s later the Empress of Britain lay at the bottom of the Atlantic after being torpedoed by the German submarine U32.

Contributions Received In 2004

Timelink - Canadian Pacific Ex-Employees : Members Site