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From Stephen Sargent - 11th August 2010

My name is Stephen Sargent trying to find crew lists for the HR Macmillian and Lord Mount Stephen; I also sailed Fort Steele and CP Explorer from 1971 to 1975 with a gap in between to get married to a shore sider; still married. I was an engineer 5th to 4th acted 3rd once solo watch keeper had the big T stamped on my file -  sailed the Lord Mount Stephen out of LISNAVE dry dock after so may breakdowns, it was ridiculous - never smoked so much in a 24 hour period; 2 cylinders down hardly any useable spares (ended up in Portland Maine) mid Atlantic going from Nigeria to the States the turbo geni. blew up. We had a Cat geni but it did not work; the dihatsu 6 cylinder blew up blew the explosion doors out the cheoif ecrapped new white metal bearings -  we also had a super chief doing his diesel ticket he rebuilt the turbine fire pump. Wwhat fun -  best days of my life. I am now 60 and I do miss those days at sea.

I now live in Western Australia.

From Mike Lovell-Smith - 10th August 2010

I only recently became aware of the CP newsletter from another ex CP employee, so I have been catching up, with great interest and some sadness too when I read the list of those who have passed away, many of whom I sailed with.
 I was with CP from January 1973 until March 1992. I look back on those years with great fondness and sailed with some great people and many memorable ‘characters’
The Pacific Logger was my first ship, what a happy ship that was, I learned my air guitar skills on the Logger jamming along to Deep Purple etc with the likes of Don Robertson, Jim Halliwell, whose impression of a CP seal was a sight to see, I also remember Peter Atkinson, Mike Shuker, Alasdair McCall, sorry about the spelling, Aussie Mcgrail etc.
I mostly sailed on the bulkers, but reluctantly did my time on some of the Tankers too. I remember joining the Hawksbury as 2nd Mate knowing very little about how to load or discharge a VLCC, I need not have worried though, Peter Woods was the Mate and he loaded the ship himself !! and didn’t need any help from this very green 2nd mate . My greatest memory of the Tankers in those days was the Sunday bar lunches, wow !! for those in the know, nothing more need be said on that subject !! The great Sid Bradley, another name to remember from my time on the  tankers, he was such a star, he would love to talk about his days as a butcher on the Queen Mary and we would all (in the bar of course, where else?) listen to his tales with great interest.
On the Bulkers I sailed with John Curry quite a few times I wonder where he is now, Paul Knapp too quite often, Peter Atkinson again., Bill Nelson, Bob Stanage, Dave Greenhalgh, the list goes on…..
The last 5 years of my time with CP were spent on that strange looking ship the Repap Enterprise, ex Canada Maritime, taking china clay slurry and coated paper to/from Port Royal SC/Newcastle NB. Once again I sailed with Peter Woods. Hugh Ross was one of the last Masters I sailed with, sad to read he passed away this year, he was another star, a very popular Master. Others I sailed with on the Repap were Trevor (Spurtle) Fisher, Dave Evans, Karl Prakel, John Rogers, Martin Coomber and Keith ‘Mcgoo’ Butler !! John Hooley also did a stint on the Repap.
In January 1992 the Repap was sold and that ended my time with CP, I then moved to OT Africa line on their 5 deck Roro’s, a real eye opener trading to West Africa, later I became one of their supercargoes which I enjoyed immensely , unfortunately the bubble burst when Delmas took OTAL over and the French decided that supercargoes were a luxury they did not need, so In January 2002, thanks to OTAL connections, I moved to port operations as a stevedore/ops manager in Lagos. My experience in Lagos was unique to say the least !!, perhaps I will write a book about it some day. In April 2007 I felt my time as an expat had run its course and indeed I felt blessed that I had actually survived Lagos !! So not wanting to push my luck any more, I returned to the UK and now work as a project manager for a publishing company in Deeside (WMT Ltd, plug, plug !!) near Chester producing marine operating manuals, so I am still very much involved in things nautical. Former CP hands Dave Ramsay and Colin Pickin also work with me.
I would love to hear from any of my old shipmates and hope to attend one of the  reunions.
Thanks Marshall for the work you do keeping the CP story ‘alive and kicking’ for us old hands.

From Richard Horth - 9th June 2010

Have just read  the letter from Jeff Partington about his time on The R B Angus. I joined the Angus as senior cadet  in September 66 and came home after 11 months on leave and instead of rejoining her I went to the Empress of England therefore missing the sinking of the Angus I think in December 1967. I too remember what a happy time I had for that year. The most memorable time was the trip out to join when we went as passengers on the Canada to Montreal and then 3 days by train to Vancouver, bus and ferry to Port Alberni and seaplane to Tahsis..........and we were paid for the whole trip. Jeff mentioned some of the people on board and I remember Don Tranter I think John Findley. I do have some photos which I will try to find. In the meantime does anybody know of the whereabouts of Dave Cartwright who introduced me to my wife Ann and was my best Man and then sailed on the NR Crump or the H R Macmillan. I still live in Surrey in Ewhurst near Cranleigh and would love to hear from anybody who remembers me although my memory is not as good as it was thanks. My name is Richard Horth known by some as Dickerage from the vicarage

From Stuart Roberts  9th June 2010

May I through you, report the sudden death of Norman Robinson, a dining room steward who worked onboard the Empress of Canada; joining the ship in Southampton back in the 1960s and remaining with her for the next ten years. The Empress was just one of many ships that he worked on, Union Castle and most of the Cunard liners aswell. Being five years younger and a bell boy when I first met Norman, we soon became best mates and have remained so to this day. Only last month, he, along with his wife Pat, travelled with my wife and I onboard the Orient Express on a day trip to Scotland where we spent the day visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia; this was to celebrate my wedding anniversary of forty two years. Norman was my best man ; we had a great day.
Norman passed away in his sleep on the 8th of June 2010. My sincere sympathy to his dear wife Pat, son Craig and daughter Sharron.

 

From Kevin Hargin - 4th June 2010

I sailed with your old man Albie; he was a gentleman; I was with him on Empress of Canada

From Albie Khan  31st May 2010

My name is Albie Khan; I am the youngest son of Albert (The AGA) Khan.
I have come to a time in my life, when I need to find as much information about my dad as I can, so that I can pass it on to my children and grandchildren. For most of my life, my dad was at sea, so I never really got to know him until he came ashore. He never spoke much about his life at sea and, being young, I never asked. Since his death in July 1992, any friends he had have drifted away or died, like Freddie Gregory, who used to visit us quite regularly. So if you could tell me anything about my dad's life at sea, I would be extremely grateful.
 

From Bill Stephens 12th May 2010

I was a CP engineering cadet at Plymouth RNC between 1977 - 79, you were looking after us then. I then did 3 trips at sea, I.D.Sinclair, W.M.Neal and CP Discoverer before going back to finish my apprenticeship at Liverpool during 1981. I went back to sea in August 81 on the Fort Walsh, followed by the Fort Hamilton later the same year.

In 1982 I was on the CP Ambassador for a few trips and then in 1983 I was on the Fort Fraser later that year I did a trip on the Fort Nelson. Then in 1984 I did the Fort Edmonton and the E.W.Beatty, both as Third Engineer. I left CP in June 1985 to come ashore. I look back with fondness on my time working and travelling with Canadian Pacific and wouldn't have missed the adventure for anything. The only person I keep in contact with from CP is Roger Quennel a radio officer who I sailed with on a few occasions. I would like to hear from anyone who remembers me and who may have sailed on the same ships.
 

From Robin Ramsey - 1st May 2010

Hello Marshall, My name is Robin Ramsey and I was a deck cadet in 1974. I would like to take the opportunity to apologise for my awful behaviour when I failed to turn up when joining my sixth ship which I believe was the D.C.Coleman. I can only put this down to falling for a South Shields girl who subsequently blew me out not long afterwards! I have often wondered about CP Ships because believe it or not I really enjoyed being at sea. I have many fond memories of my short time with CP and I noticed that Keith Gordon had passed away in 2001. Keith was my second skipper and I always remember playing golf with him in Trinidad in 1974, not bad for a first trip cadet! I came across the site when I googled R A Emerson (my first ship) which i joined in Curacao, ( i am going back there on holiday on 5 may 2010) i have never forgotten those exciting times. On a positive note, my brother Alan went from strength to strength and is currently working offshore in Angola as superintendent (i knew he was a born engineer). As for yours truly, spent some time in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and now at the age of fifty six run a successful Will writing business based in my native north east. I hope you are well and I look forward to continuing viewing your excellent site.  

From Robert and Wendy Sugden - 16th March 2010

From John Arton - 1st March 2010

My apologies to Stuart Humphrey, could have sworn he was the lecky on the Clyne during the dock strike in Vancouver but looking back now I remember him correctly from the old CP Ambassador and her disastrous trip in 73. If my memory serves me correctly it was Good Friday when we abandoned her on the Grand Banks.
I was third mate at the time and it was my honour to put out the mayday call on the VHF. WE had a old sparky doing a relief trip, believe his name was something like De Friend (Fries?) who was deaf as a post but could still read morse quicker than anyone else. He had to wedge the emergency power supply with a piece of cardboard before he could get off the SOS. WE all assembled on the bridge waiting to be rescued with no power at all on board. We had extra rations and blankets up there; the weather was terrible with huge swells and a full force 10 but dying down. After an hour or so the Captain (George Gamblin), trying to keep us occupied as no one new if the old girl would sink or not, got us to do a head count where we discovered that the 5th Engineer was missing. Everyone thought he had gone back down the engine room (now well flooded) in a brave attempt to plug the leak. He was eventually discovered fast asleep curled up in the extra blankets we had brought to the bridge.
Eventually a couple of ships turned up to rescue us and the decision was made that half of us would go in the motor lifeboat to the German cargo ship, it would then return and get the rest of us off. Sods law ruled though and the lifeboat engine broke down. Apparantly the skipper of the German cargo ship manouvered his ship alongside the lifeboat and everyone got on board his ship safely, including the old purser (Tommy Cooper).
This left the rest of us staring at the other lifeboat (rowing one) and thinking that we would only get into that at the very last moment. Then we heard someone shouting in broken English and looking outside we saw the rescue boat of a German Fisheries research trawler alongside us. It ferried us across to the trawler in batches of three at a time and I was the last one to leave the ship after the Captain and Chief Engineer said they were staying on board. I didn't even get my feet wet as climbing down the pilot ladder to get into the rescue boat two huge hands just picked me off the ladder and dumped me in the bottom of the boat and when we got back to the trawler they just hoisted the boat back on board with me and the two German crew members in it, I just stepped out of it onto the deck of the trawler.
The trawler had been converted into a research ship and had loads of scientists on board looking for edible fish a very deep depths. They all made us tremendously welcome, doubling up and hot bedding so we could all get some kip and even sharing their beer ration with us!.
We eventually landed in Argentia Bay and were chased by a camera crew all the way across to St Johns where we were put up awaiting for the Ambassador to be towed in. CP did their usual trick and allowed us the princely sum of $100 each to rig ourselves out, but only when they could get a store to open late for us only as they had put a blackout on us from talking to any press. When the rest of the boys, who had been taken to Montreal, eventually joined us there was a bit of a ruckus as there we were in what $100  could buy (basically jeans, tee shirt and underwear) and they had been rigged out in leather coats etc. Apparently the German skipper who rescued them had kicked up such a fuss and threatened to go to the press over the way CP had treated them that the boys were given free run.
To cap it all, when we eventually all got home, Alec Duncan greeted us at Heathrow and told us we were all heroes and would we all like some cash to get home with. Of course we would, then he says it would be treated as a cash advance from our wages, which did not go down too well.
Happy days eh!. I still am signed on the CP Ambassador as none of us ever got signed off it due to the abandonment, wonder if I can claim back wages.
Best wishes to you all
 

From Stuart Humphrey - 28th February 2010

Have been reading the letters section and found one from John Arton, where he says that he remembers sailing with me on the J.V. Clyne. I'm afraid I was not on her then and was not affected by any strike in Canada.,My first voyage on her was 1970 and the next late 1971. During the "strike" I was on either the MacMillan or Crump, sailing from Europe to Japan, via USA, to Canada and back to Europe. I can, for certain, say that I definitely did not partake of any late night bathing, from the jetty, as John recalls.

From Val Leslie - 22nd February 2010

Could you please help me in finding out any info re my husband's grandfather, B L Leslie. I believe he worked for Canadian Pacific from the early 1900s and died in 1949, his pension died with him. We believe he was a Captain of The Beaverbrae, The Empress of Canada and or Australia, was a commodore during the war and took King George and his Queen on a royal tour just before war broke out.
I have tried to get grandfather's record of service from the National Archives but without his actual date/place of birth or MS no this is not possible.
Our information is very sketchy as you can see and I would be most grateful if you could provide me with any info or point me in the right direction
 

Ed: Has anyone any ideas?

From John Arton - 15th February 2010

So sorry to hear of Hugh Ross's demise. He was mate on the J.V.Clyne back in 71 when we were strike bound in Vancouver. I was one of the cadets then (trying to remember the other Cadets name) and our job was to run the lifeboats for the shore goers. We had some tremendous parties that went on till all hours. We were anchored in Indian Arm and every morning on the first run we were buzzed by one of the locals taking off in his seaplane!. I also vividly remember Stuart Humphries (the lecky) pushing the lifeboat off from our landing pier that we used in the local park, in the dark and fog and missing the end of the pier completely and ending up in the water. The old man was "Alley" Whyte, with whom we had any number of run ins over our late nights/early morning jaunts in the lifeboat. We also got done by the local fisheries protection people as the Spanish crew were catching mussels/crabs/lobster by the bucket load all the time illegally. I think we had around 6 weeks at anchor in that strike and we all had a great time. We even had our own football team and the mission organised matches against other ships' teams every Sunday. The first match I remember was against a Greek ship who scored virtually from the kick off before we had even time to put down our pre-match beers, but we prevailed and eventually ran out 5-1 winners. We had two star men. The sparky (Billy something) who had had trials as a school boy at Man City and the third? engineer, Jack Nolan who was our star striker. I was the useless goalie and I seem to remember that Hughie Ross what quite a decent full back. We were that much into it that we were training down the empty holds in between beers and we had our own ship's kit brought out of the bar funds. I managed to ruin my trainers by attempting to stop one of the Munck cranes with my foot that resulted in my heel being ripped off (ouch) and a 10 day spell in Hospital before being repatriated. I am trying to remember who the Chief Steward was, it could have been Roy Elwood. He came with me to the hospital in Van
I have suffered a mild stroke at the end of 2008 but am now fully recovered and hoping to get back to sea soon. Looking at the site brings back so many good memories of a fantastic company with people who were top notch, or if not they were at least interesting, like the third engineer who had three passports in three different names who, when I was 3rd Mate on the Strathcona, was terrified that the ship might go to Nigeria as the authorities there were after him for helping Biafran refugees escape from the civil war, or the third engineer who lived on top of the Crumps? funnel for a week whilst in Vancouver  as he had been married to a Canadian girl, divorced her and was then being chased by the Mounties for alimony.
Keep up the good work

From Bill Bonner - 9th February 2009

Just found this by chance. I sailed with CP from 1978 to 1985 as E/O & R/O. Sailed on Fort Steele, Port Quebec, Port Vancouver, Fort Yale, D C Coleman, G A Walker, Fort Kamloops, Andes Discoverer. Went ashore in 85 and moved to Norfolk Virginia in 87. Still here running Radio Holland Norfolk . Met my wife of 28 years here in drydock on G.A Walker. I had a lot of good trips in CP and it has been good to hear a lot of old names. The wife still wonders where Fred Maltby went as he was a great shipmate on D.C. Coleman. Was very sorry to hear about Jim Mantz as he was a class act. Sailed with him twice on Kamloops and Yale. Did last trip to Borneo with him on Kamloops

Ed: Anyone know whereabouts of Fred Maltby

From Stuart Humphrey -  8th February 2010

Have just read of the passing of Hugh Ross, 04/02/2010. I sailed with Hugh, as Mate, on the "Wood Boats" and on CP Ambassador on her disastrous voyage in 1973; he is in my photo in pictures section. I found Hugh to be a quiet but a knowledgeable and interesting person. Although I never met any of his family, I send them my condolonces.
 

From Michael Ireland - 28th January 2010

I am trying to establish, if there is anyone among your contributors who may remember my late Mum Josephine Sheila Royle. Sheila, as she was known to everyone, first entered service with Canadian Pacific when she signed on the Empress of England on 12 Jan 1962 as a laundress.
 
My Mum's discharge book indicates that she entered Merchant Navy service 4th Jan 1962 and the Empress of England was her first Ship. Sheila was discharged on 11th April 1962.

Sheila's second ship was the Empress of Canada which she joined on 20th December 1962. Sheila was discharged from this vessel on 2nd May 1963. I am trying to put together a time-line of where my old Mum was prior to my birth on 19th July 1963.

Sheila passed away in her sleep on the 25th June 2008 at the age of 74 years. Unfortunately Sheila had been diagnosed with the degenerative disease Alzheimers some 15 years earlier and so she was unable to communicate for many years

My Mum's career at sea was unusual for the time, as she was single & 39 years old when she entered service with Canadian Pacific. Sheila was an only child and so I am writing to enquire from friends and colleagues, with whom she may have served alongside, about her short career at sea while with Canadian Pacific

I would be most interested to make contact with anyone who may recall or even have come into contact with my old Mum, as I know so little about her life before she became a mum and wife to John(Johnny)Ireland, who was a Cook/Steward & merchant seaman for 40 years of his life and who passed on in 1998.

I am saddened to say that I know very little, if anything, about my Mum's life prior to the age of 39. Being an only child, Sheila had no living relatives I was aware of that I could contact and consult. My grandparents, Sheila's Mum & Dad, passed on in the mid 70's

The assistance of any Canadian Pacific associates, in shedding some light on Sheila's life at sea, would be most appreciated.

Ed. A long shot but any help?

From Clifford Anderson - 8th January 2010

I am the neighbour of an ex employee of C P who was a close family friend of my late wife's family, being ages with her uncles. Joe Wallace  ex  Chief Engineer aged 86 was in my flat last night going over your fantastic web site and recognising many of the names on it. Joe is very active and often makes trips to Japan for personal reasons. He  has not asked me to contact you but I'm sure there many friends of his out there, who will be glad to see he is still around in Glasgow. My own involvement with the MN was a short time as deck boy and sos in the Ben Line prior to joining the Royal Marines.
 

From John Bailey - 28th Decmber 2009

I'm John Bailey and I was with CP Ships as Electrician from 1974 to 1979, serving on GA Walker; T Akasaka; DC Coleman; W.A Mather; Fort Coulonge; Fort Steele.I was a bit of an 'unknown quantity' at the time, as I came out of the Royal Navy where I had done my training and served for 7 years. The problem, in those days, was that RN/Service qualifications were not recognised by the Board of Trade and other regulating bodies, so I was recruited simply on the basis of an interview with one of the engineering superintendents in the Trafalgar Square office. For the next 3 years, whilst at sea, I did correspondence courses with South Shields Marine and Tech College, followed by short periods of block release. At the final exams I was awarded the City & Guilds Technician's (now HNC?) silver medal for getting the highest exam score nationally. However, it was relatively easy for me, as almost all of the course was revision of what I had done before in the RN!
I got married in 1976, and I'm still with the same wife. With thoughts of starting a family, she didn't want me to be away at sea, although I did argue at the time that in the MN I would enjoy more 'quality time' at home (2 on; 1 off) than in most other occupations. Having gained a penchant for dark blue uniforms in the RN and MN, I then joined the West Yorkshire Police in 1979. Actually, I spent most of my career in the CID, and after 27 years, I retired in the rank of DCI 3 years ago. However, I did qualify for a full 30 year pension, as I put my CP Ships superann' into the police pension fund many years earlier. On reflection, I'm sure that I was right about the quality time at home, because in my police career I missed a lot of my kids' growing up due to the demands of the job. Too late to turn the clock back now!
Thanks for such an excellent website, which I have stumbled across whilst researching CP Ships. The only contributor whom I recognise though is Capt John Brook, who was the 'old man' on my first trip with CP on the GA Walker. I subsequently met him for a pint, in Bradford, about 1975, but I have not heard of him since.
Carry on the good work.
John B
I've got to say that

From Chris ? - 20th December 2009

I read with interest the contributions that mentioned John (Owen) Jones, purser on the Empress of France. My great grandfather, named John Owen Jones was a purser, based in Montreal in the 40s and 50s, and was known to be a gambler.
If anyone has any other details that would help me discover whether or not this is the same Owen Jones, it would be most appreciated. I know he was from Wales, was married in Liverpool and moved to Montreal after 1911.

ed: anyone got any ideas?
 

From Peter van den Heuvel - 15th December 2009

As a young man, I drove in the mid 80's several crewmembers from and to their ships in the port of Rotterdam. I can remember the Fort Garry/Assiniboine/Rouge. GA Walker at Matex Vlaardingen unloading palm oil. Also the months taking rebuilding of the Repap Enterprise at Boele Bolnes. When the ship left Rotterdam I was watching her going though the Maas bridges; (in fact Capt. Prakel? blew the horn for me as a goodbye)
Also good memories when I think of Les Lewis and the always cheerful Johnny Martin who had their home at the Parkhotel Rotterdam during the job.
Breakfast on board of the palm oil tankers when I had to pick up crewmembers for the airport.

A wonderful company compared to all those other shipping companies which used the port of Rotterdam.
 

From Les Gibson - 15th December 2009

Sad to say Tony Cusack passed away on December 9th. He was best man at our wedding in Japan in 1969. We were standing by the building of N.R.Crump in Hiroshima at the time. I had also sailed with him on the Beaverpine. He was 3rd Engineer and was one of those on the R.B.Angus when she went down.

From Clive Marsh - 5th December 2009

Well done for putting this site together! I was cadet on the Ash during 1966-67 and remember Ernie Ballard the Bosun and John the mate (who I have met several times recently). My cadet's pay was £3.90 per week so I couldn't run to a camera and film and as a consequence have no shots of the Ash at sea. If any one has a photo they can scan and post to the site that would be great.
I now live in Sussex and have 4 grandchildren! Seems a long time ago but only good memories

From Don Tranter - 5th December 2009

I am still alive and kicking in Vancouver BC. It is 0100 hrs local time and I have just found this web site and have enjoyed reading comments from old ship mates, I will be in touch at a later date.  My first ship was the R.B.Angus.  1966  a few others were  J.V.Clyne H/R MacMillan  W.C.Van Horne. Port Vancouver/ T.Aksaka. I left C.P. Ships 1982 Have since worked in Vancouver for the Canadain Coast Guard, BC Supercargoes Assoc. and Western Stevedoring and for the past 12 years run my own Marine Surveying Co.
I will be meeting up with another ex C.P. Master. Geoff Drewery  tomorrow at the Company of Master Mariners Canada Christmas Party.  Will pass on this web site.
 

From Patrick O'Keefe - 2nd December 2009

I served with CP Ships from January 1976 to May 1980 as Third and later as Second Engineer.  I served on the W.A.Mather, H.R.MacMillan (in Iraq), E.W.Beatty, Lord Mount Stephen, J.V.Clyne, CP Trader, CP Voyageur, G.A.Walker and Fort Steele.

If there is anyone out there who can remember sailing with me please feel free to contact me.

From Bernard Philip - 14th November 2009

Good evening. My name is Bernard Philip, ex CP sea staff
This looks like a very old web site, bit as an ex CP-er (Chief Officer & Master) I would be interested in joining the site
 

From Ernie Ballard - 12th November 2009

Hi Marshall  great site. I sailed on all of the Beaver boats between May 1964  March 1970 as bosun but I was surprised and saddened to see that quite a few of my old ship mates had dropped anchor and was wondering if you could tell me how you found out that John Martin  and Willy Elder had crossed the bar as we were good friends but lost contact when I left. I have some photos but not sure how to email them.            
 

From Martin Harvey - 11th November 2009

I was a radio/electronics Officer with CP between Feb 81 - May 87.
Joined as a junior RO.
Sailed on CP Discoverer, CP Voyageur, CP Trader (later San Lorenzo), Dart Boats,
Fort Nanaimo, Fort Calgary, Fort Edmonton,(Ascension), Port Vancouver, Lord Mount Stephen.
Worked in Marine Electronics industry since going shoreside in 87, living in West Country. Would like to hear from any ex-colleauges.
Was surprised to see a picture of me in the Fort Edmonton Football team, Ascension
Island 1983!
 

From Iain Mathieson - 4th November 2009

I shall start scanning some of the group photos from Beaverfir and T.Akasaka and send them later.

Strange to think it is nearly 40 years since those photos were taken, yet I
still remember the circumstances clearly. This was before I was married and
hence wardroom parties were the highlight of each port visit. At that time the
Beavers had all but ceased the Lakes trade and the Fir was on a peach of a run
between Port Alfred, PQ, and South America ( Venezuela and Colombia ).

Didn't do too badly on the T Akasaka either albeit we were hauling coal
trans-Pacific. Colin Chambers as Ch.Stwd and Bob Cumming as Master were tops at
arranging in-port entertainment.
Often wondered what happened to Colin although I met Bob many years later when I
was a pilot in Dubai. He was Master with UASC at that time I think....

I am now living in Malaysia and still working as a marine advisor to China
National Offshore Oil Corp. Moved here last year after 20 years in China as
Marine Superintendent with Phillips Petroleum Inc.

It would be good to get in contact with some of my old CP shipmates and those
shoreside staff I knew.......
 

Ed: Anyone know the whereabouts of Colin Chambers?

From Iain Mathieson - 4th November 2009

I was Mate in CP during late '60s early '70s and sailed on the White Beavers and later the T.Akasaka and CP Ambassador with a couple of Summer relief trips on the Canada.
Still got some photos and keen to know 'where are they now.....' although I have read that a number of those shipmates have sadly passed away ( Wingnut Hullock and Paul West )
My last contact with things CP was thru Dave Beedie in 2002 when he was supplying Celtic Pacific crews to a tanker I was operating in the South China Sea.
 

From Ron Pearce - 2nd November 2009

Ron Pearce (electrician) ex Lord Mount Stephen  sailed with Peter Maden, I now live in Canada (New Brunswick) great to hear that some of us are still upright
 

From John Bowering - 2nd November 2009

I sailed as an engineer on CP Ambassador, CP Discoverer, Port Hawkesbury and  TG Shaughnessy.  I have only just found the site and would be pleased to hear from anyone with whom I sailed.

From Clive Marsh - 30th October 2009

Some great pictures and a few names and faces I remember.
I was the cadet on the Beaverash out of London river during 1966 and 1967

From Peter Maden - 6th October 2009

It's Pete Maden you probably can't remember me. I joined Canadian Pacific in 1968 until leaving in 1987 sailing on the Beaver boats in the early days and then all the other ships in the fleet as an engineer.
I've just logged on to the website for the first time and I'm very impressed. I hadn't heard of it until I managed to get in touch with Bill Nelson after 22 years.
I am now retired at the age of 62; after starting down the pit at 15 then going to sea and then ending up as chief engineer for a large textile firm in the Manchester area,

 

From David Farrell - 27th September 2009

A very interesting web site for myself with remote interest in the company.
My father spent his entire deep sea life with Canadian Pacific, from a boy of 15 on Allen Line's Melita in 1918 until he left just after the war to come nearer home to Cross Channel Ferries from Holyhead to Ireland. He swallowed the anchor in 1953 to go into business. His favourite ship was the famous Empress of Britain, in which he made every trip from the maiden voyage to the last fateful voyage being sunk by enemy action off the west coast of Ireland. He served as the 1st Class Barman in her. He had many interesting stories to tell, including the bombing of the Britain.
Before my own sea going career I went with him to Liverpool several times and visited the Empress boats in Gladstone Dock. His name was Tom Farrell. He passed away in 1986.
I am also a distant family relative of Capt Bill Williams. Although losing touch with his family many years ago, I was interested to read the account of his obituary as I remember him well. I believe it was the same family link and connection that caused both he and my father to chose Canadian Pacific for a seagoing career. Being a Conway boy also, I was saddened to learn on the web site of the passing of Samie Victor Coffman. I remember him from pre-sea training and last met him many years ago signing on the crew of the Canada on one of my visits to Liverpool with my father.
It is nice that good people take the trouble to form such web sites and record the halcyon days of British Shipping.
 

From Peter Druce -21st September 2009

HAVE REALLY ENJOYED READING / VIEWING REKINDLING ALL THE MEMORIES OF MY TIMES ON EMPRESS ENGLAND & CANADA 65/69 + ALL THE BOX BOATS 69/72 HAPPY DAYS INDEED.

SAD TO SEE THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED ON , BUT MOST WILL HAVE HAD A FEW HAPPY DAYS TOO !!

EXCELLENT LINK TO PAST & PRESENT YOUR DOING A GREAT JOB , A TYPICAL FORMBY BOY.

GOOD TO SEE FRANK GALWAY IS STILL CHATTERING ON. WHAT A MAN !
POOR OLD CREECHY A NICE GUY.

 

From Dave Tipping  15th September 2009

For David Donovan:
    Would you have been Cadet on "Fort Steele" in 1976, along with Bob Shepherd & John Cartwright? The Mate I relieved was Colin Webster (Rollerball). O/M was Jim Mantz & C/E was Rudi Henderson

Ed: I am sorry Dave but I can't find David Donovan's email address

From Ken Hughes  9th September 2009

Thank you for the reply to my E/M. The memories came flooding back after reading some of the letters. Billy Connor was the 2nd second bar keeper on the CANADA and, when I left, I handed him my keys; while I served with him he gave me a lot of good advice which I have followed.

Percy Hudson lived in Marina road in Formby; we lived further up from him and Derek Rigby lived on the corner opposite to us.

Thank you again for the website it seems to be the only one for CP Ships.

This weekend I was in Liverpool for the MN DAY, service St  Nicholas church, finishing at the PIER HEAD: it was a good day with seamen from a lot of other companies.
 

From Hugh Hutchinson   1st September 2009

Has anyone ever seen this? (I have)

MULTIPLICITY

A Crawley Film Production
26 minutes duration
First showing on BBC2 4th January 1972
Final showing 22nd August 1973
Transport by rail, road, sea and air across the length and breadth of Canada. A film showing the activities of the Canadian Pacific Railway plus all the other arms including ships, hence the title.
Music by Larry Crosley.
Made In 1969.

Or better still does anyone have a copy?

This big budget short (Crawley and Crosley have worldwide reputations) had no dialogue but the music and cinematography were quite stunning

ED: You probably saw it when I brought it round to the colleges. I don't have a copy and I have no idea if a copy still exists.

From Ken Hughes - 29th August 2009

I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS SORT OF CONNECTION TO THE C.P.R. FOR YEARS. 

  1ST SHIP   EMPRESS OF AUSTRAILIA [BELL BOY]

   LAST SHIP EMPRESS OF CANADA [3RD BARKEEPER] 1964

From David Donovan   - 15th August 2009

Hi Marshall

Been a long time since I have had contact with you. I understand from John Arton that you have been running  reunions in Liverpool. I was just trying to catch up with some old ship mates and wondered if you had a website which I could access.

While it does seem a while back, I am sorry that CP ships fell by the wayside; it was great company to work for and a brilliant stepping stone for my career.

I made Master, be it all on Middle Trade vessels, and now work as a river pilot on the umber with Clint Howard.

I hope that you are as busy in retirement as you were when shepherding us horrible cadets around.

From John Griffin - 20th August 2009

In looking through Timelink for any further information in regard to Denis Keast's Memorial service I was shocked to see that Dick King had died on the following day. I used to speak to Dick about once a year around Xmas/NY and whilst I knew he was having serious health problems I didn't perhaps realise how serious. Dick was my "Best Man" in April 1963. Our last chat was in January, we hadn't this time received the usual Xmas card so rang him in Thunder Bay, he was then awaiting further treatment but as usual was in good spirits on the phone.
  It was always very cold in Thunder Bay when I phoned  -40F . On the last call he told me how his car battery on the car he brought to Thunder Bay from Toronto just couldn't cope with the winters and quickly had to be replaced.
  Dick had a close friend in Thunder Bay, he was I believe an ex CP radio officer from Ireland ,they seemed to do a lot together, unfortunately I cannot remember his name.
  I wonder If you could advise how the information re Dick's death came to Timelink as would like to send a letter to his daughter Jane, but have no address.
 

From Hugh Hutchinson - 28th July 2009

Hi Marshall.
Was recruited in '74 by Bob, I think, but spent most of my cadetship under your understanding wing. Got married during this time, which caused no amount of problems to my seagoing career, however, on the plus side 35 years later I'm still married to the same person.

A year spent on the Trader ('79) (the scene of my proudest watch keeping moment when I found a two inch crack in the main engine's entablature - not easy under 20 layers of hammerite and waterfalls of oil that always seemed to come out of those vibrating engines - that lead to all three ships being investigated for tie rod loosening problems) and two years on the Strathcona ('80) did not help alleviate my shoreside leanings. Two months on the Coleman slow steaming from Sydney to Antwerp (with Christmas off Capetown) did not help either.

But even as early as '82 with Capt Swift setting up shop in Hong Kong the writing was on the wall for CP Ships. So I left the company and the sea. Not easy, I was conceived on the MV Laristan (Common Brothers?) in '57 and my father spent 40 years at sea (Eagle Oil – The Bank Line) so the Merchant Navy was well and truly in my blood – but hey ho...

A while spent building oil rigs in the Moray Firth (including the Conoco Hutton TLP Platform – Queen's Award for Innovation etc. - which rather depressingly has already been decommissioned and has returned to the Firth sans its deck, time just flies), four years at University (good luck with your studies Dave) and many years in education, lecturing (ironically including a spell at South Shields Marine) finds me today as a Director of a company supplying educational services to the public sector, NHS local authorities etc.)

Always tried to show the same understanding that you showed me, Marshall, to my more difficult students so thanks for that. CP Ships has been the only company I've ever worked for as I've been self employed since leaving, but it was a special time and one I look back on with affection and nostalgia.

Thanks for the site. Best wishes to all.

 

From Dave Tipping    23rd July 2009

Did you know - - - . Capt Billy Estill is now harbour Master at Whitby, (or he WAS, the last time I spent a day out there!)
             Also - - - . Capt. Paul Hill, who, after redundancy, moved to the Stolt-Nielsen coastal fleet, died of cancer about eight years ago. I realise you couldn't post this without proper confirmation, but I thought I'd give you a 'heads-up'.
             Quite a lot of old CP bods went to the Stolt coastal fleet: Dave West-Watson, John Arton, Clive Laverack, Fred Maltby, many others I can't think of right now. And I sailed with Ch/Eng Dave Hopkins (again) on 'Stolt Spirit'!
 

From Dave Tipping    22nd July 2009

You recruited me in early Summer 1975 & sent me to the 'Pacific Logger'. 14 years later, almost to the day, after we'd sold 'Fort Steele' to Ceres Chemical Tankers, I was made redundant. In between, although I occasionally managed to 'broaden my experience' in the bulk fleet, I seem to have spent nearly all my time in Bermuda fleet tankers. The day I received my final redundancy letter I joined Stolt-Nielsen and, after 17 happy years, finally retired from them at the end of 2006.
 Now studying for an OU degree, with graduation in about 4 years' time.
 I'll root out some of the more interesting photos I have of those 14 years and send the best ones to you; regards to all who remember me; and condolences to the families of all those who have cast their anchors for the final time.      
 

From Barry Twigg     7th July 2009

HI Marshall - just came upon your web site. I was with CP Ships in the 70s as 5/4 Engineer. My first contact with the office was with you!  I have lost contact with John  Briston in the last two years; lots of names I can remember I will make a list of ships that I sailed on and as many names as I can remember and get back to you.

From James Cusack  3rd July 2009

Just found the site. I sailed on the R B Angus up until 17th Dec 1967.I had some wonderful times and great friends. Capt Jim Escolme died last year, C/E Keith Dancy died 1996 while working for ICI; we still keep in touch with Margaret. Would love to hear from any of  the lads.

From Dave Woods 30th June 2009

Hi . Marshall....found your website through a member of shipsnostalgia.com. I was surprised and pleased to find it. I sailed on box boats for 10 years or so until the Indians took over and redundancy kicked in. Sadly many of the guys I sailed with are on the obits list; the rest are probably surprised that I am still going. Could  you let me know when the next re-union will be. I would like to meet up with some of the guys again. 

From Gerry Segrave 6th June 2009

I was R/O during 1970's CP Trader WC Van Horne ID Sinclair WM Neal Fort Nelson and a couple of others but not sure. I would be keen to hear any news of Capt. John Currie as I and my wife remember him with great fondness. also sorry to read about Charlie Thompson.

From John Brooks 4th June 2009

Stumbled across this site from a link in Ships Nostalgia. Congratulations on the excellent work.
My name is John Brooks and I spent about 13 years with CP from 1973 onwards, mostly as Master. Have passed a pleasant hour or two here this afternoon, reading the letters, looking at the photos and taking a walk down memory lane. Sad to see the names of many people I knew in the obit. section, but pleased to see many others still going strong as indeed I still am.
After leaving CP I had a mixed bag of fortune, several good jobs followed by several redundancies. Had a very pleasant 4 years ashore on Ascension Island, before going back to sea again. Finally ended up being ENG 3'd after heart surgery (CABG x3). Now live in semi retirement in beautiful Somerset, where I spend most of my "free" time with grandchildren and doberman dog.
Once again, congratulations on your site. It's been a pleasure to visit

From Stuart Humphrey 27th April 2009

From Mike Burke 16th April 2009

My name is Mike Burke and I served on the Empress of Canada from 1968-1971 but those who recognise the name would know my father better. MICK BURKE. He was a glory hole steward for some years; having joined her from her first sailing as a greaser. He was one of the last crew to leave her when she went  to Southampton to be handed over to Shaw Savill. which never happened. You might also remember a character named PERCY THOMPSON another glory hole steward, who, when he had had a couple of rums would get dressed up in all sorts of costumes and cause havok. He always dressed up for the Atlantic cup games and, believe me, he put the wind up the opposition goal keepers with his antics. Sadly both have passed away, but I have some great memories of those West Indies cruises.

Ed: I remember Percy Thompson. I am not sure that you have got your facts right. The Empress of Canada was handed over in Tilbury!

From Randolph Magri-Overend  ex Purser Empress Boats 13th April 2009

Hi Marshall- Thought you might be interested in the enclosed which is a fair representation of what I look like nowadays and how I while away the time after retiring from the business world in 1997.

http://www.2mbs.com/Content_Common/pg-our-presenters.seo

I am currently living in Sydney, Australia and am devoted to music and writing about it.  If you're interested in hearing how I sound these days, double-click on the treble-clef icon on 2mbs.com and listen to the live broadcast.  For those interested in knowing when I'm next on air please drop me a line and I'll get in touch.

From Les Gibson 9th April 2009

When I was in Japan, there was a lad called Keith Banks who I think worked for CP for a short time, but mainly as a contractor with Jimmy Edgar on the steelwork construction of the ships built there. He died on Feb. 9th .

 

From Stuart Humphrey 13th March 2009

Have just found your website. There are a number of people mentioned that I know.
My name is Stuart Humphrey, I sailed on CP Ships from Jan. 1970 to May 1973 as Electrician. If your site is still running and you want new contacts I would like to contribute (words & pictures)

Ed: Let me have all your news comments etc!

From Paul Ellis 13th March 2009

I am hoping you can help me or send me in the right direction.  I am trying to trace a crew member called Frank Eley who served on the Empress of Canada possibly in 1961-62

Ed: Can anyone help?

From Mike Tooke 11th March 2009

Thought it worth mentioning, I was in Quinto books on Charing Cross Road at the weekend and they have just extended into the basement.   Currently have a very large collection of nautical books (fills two rooms) available.

 

From Norman Wilkinson 6th March 2009

Regarding query from Samantha Bradbury for information on ss Grecian. I dont know where the archives for this ship are or if they still exist. However the following may be of interest. The ss Grecian was built in 1879 for Allan Line anf operated initially on the sevice between Glasgow and Montreal and later by Wilson Furness Leyland Line on the service between London and New York. She sank in 1902 off Halifax. Canadian Pacific purchased Allan Line in 1915. A drawing of the ship appears on Ellisisland.org/shipping website. There is also a video of scuba divers diving the wreck on Youtube.com/watch.

Ed: Thanks Norman I will pass on your information

From Samantha Bradbury 24th February 2009

Rather than a comment or contribution, I have a question that I hope you may be able to help me with.
My g.g.grandfather Charles Edward Le Gallais was the Master of the SS Grecian, which I understand was built by William Doxford and sons in 1879 for the Allan Line.
I would love to find an image of this ship, be it a photograph, plan or whatever.
I have seen a photograph on The Ships List website that is apparantly of her when wrecked near Halifax, Nova Scotia some years after CELeG died but what I'd realy like to see is what she looked like before then.
I have tried the Museum in Tyneside and the Transport Museum in Glasgow but with no joy.  I have also been in touch with a very nice gentleman at Hapaag Lloyd in Hamburg who told me that unfortunately they were never in receipt of any archived plans or photographs when they bought out CP Ships and so I thought I'd work my way backwards to try and find out where any archived material relating to Allan Line ships is now held.  I do hope you can help.
Kind regards
 

ED:Can anyone help on this one???

From Colleen Fry  2nd February 2009

I attended the last reunion at the Adelphi Hotel  (I hope there will be a future reunion - enjoyed 2007 one so
 much) Anyway, I'm contacting you again because I'm wondering whether my meeting with
 George Hamilton 1V will be of any interest to the website.  The song
 'Canadian Pacific' was made famous by this singer in the late 60s and when
I was working on the 'Empress of England' this song was played every time
 Fluff Alley were invited to the Officers Mess. It was one of the ship's
 favourites, along with Roger Whittaker's 'The Last Farewell'  When I met
 George Hamilton 1V, I told him how much his song was enjoyed and what it
 meant to us all on the Empress ships.  He was really surprised, delighted
 I think judging by his broad grin, and told me that in all the years he
 had been touring he has never been told this before. That evening when he
entertained us at our church - he's also a gospel singer - he sang our
 song 'Canadian Pacific.'  I have a had a photograph taken with him if you
 would like me to send it to you?
 It is good to be able to contact you this way and let you know little bits
 and pieces of info that might be of interest. I do go on the website from
 time to time checking on any new information, photos, etc. 

Ed. Thanks Colleen, of course I remember the song, please do send a photo.

I am not sure about another Liverpool Reunion but several have asked for one!

 

From John Thompson 27th January 2009

Greetings from Nova Scotia .
Very nice to be remembered by "Empress" shipmates. I decided to contact you again after
several years as I came across an excellent DVD which should be viewed by any or all
who sailed on the "Empress" ships during 1950s & 1960s in any capacity!
The DVD features on-board as well as splendid views of the vessels at sea.
Some of those who sailed on these ships may be surprised to recognize others or indeed
themselves all those years ago!
My Wife Patricia & I both sailed on these vessels & were moved to see again the sights
of what were such well run & I think happy ships.
The DVD is obtainable from Transport Diversions Website & is entitled  The Great Port
 of Liverpool Part 1  which is Ep 26 of The Great Liners series. Best Wishes

From Derek Rigby 9th January 2009

Have only just been made aware of your website having been given it by Marjorie Nash nee Woods, and have enjoyed reading the letters, comments and sadly the obituaries - far too many old friends and colleagues. The photos taken at your Reunions have unfortunately thrown me as I can hardly recognise anyone. I still don't really know what happened to the great CP after over a 100 years promoting itself as the greatest travel company, how did it ever disappear so quickly and with so little fuss? .
Now that I have your website I shall check it every now and again to update myself

Submitted by Denis Keast

Extract from "The Oldie" magazine, January, 2009 (page 27) 

             THERE WAS A SHIP QUOTH HE                         

                                              by Kit Wright    

When I was on the rolling main in 1969

From Montreal to Liverpool bound on the dear old CP line,

No finer liner took the flood than ours of the Empress class,

But everyone knew, ourselves and the crew, sea-travel was on its arse.

So a sort of pall hung over the decks, a doomy sense of loss,

The kind you get when somebody's died or bagged an albatross,

And on and on, till it made you want to plunge into the sea,

A Scouse ship's band played Lily the Pink in the ballroom (nbg).

At least, I say it was nbg.  Perhaps it was OK,

For superhumanly we contrived to dance the night away,

Nor did I neglect to attend by day those mariners in their prime

At the fixed and normative, highly informative Nautical Question Time.

Well, once I made it.  For most of the time I concede that I was drunk

And nearly killed myself  by falling backwards out of my bunk.

But also I was sweetly involved where sweetness  shouldn't have been,

Which I regret though almost forty summers intervene. 

So maybe it tastes like vinegar and maybe it tastes like wine,

That time upon the rolling main in 1969.

From Rob Banks 25th December 2008

This is 'Robbie' Rob Banks e-mailing you.  I retired as managing director of a Dubai based shipbuilding and ship repair company on December 18th 2008. Must say, I am finding the weather quite cold. My wife and I still have the house in Feet, Hampshire although we will be leaving same to go over to France on January 2nd. Met with Paul Carroll in Fujairah, U.A.E in November which gave us time to reflect on our working days with CP ships. Paul is now in America working for a US based shipping company. He very kindly e-mailed me the Timelink web site.
As he stated, the obituary page makes for very sober reading and reminds me of my own mortality. I will be in touch from France with more news, but my wife is calling me to do some housework.

From Peter Embleton  25th December 2008

Just thought that I would let you know that Ella Parsons, widow of the Late
Captain Derry Parsons celebrated her 101st Birthday on 22 December.

I telephoned her and wished her a Happy Birthday, unfortunately she is a little
hard of hearing, however, a friend that was with her passed on my greetings
and advised me that he and his wife were enjoying a "Wee dram"  with Ella
to celebrate her birthday!
 
What a great celebration, which made me think how many Centenarians
are there amongst the CP Pensioners?
 

From Ken Edwards  4th December 2008

Hi Marshall,
Great to see your name again when I was given the web address to get into the Timelink information. Wonderful to see all the old names mentioned but very sad to read the obituaries, so many names I knew having passed on. I have been retired 18 months now having worked as a health, safety, environmental and quality supt. in the Barber group. I latterly worked for the Norwegian company Wilhelmsen in the Southampton office, in charge of HSEQ for the 14 car carriers from where I retired. Now retired I hope to be able to attend any reunions if and when they happen. Have kept in contact with Robin Ebsworth and Dave Beedie who in fact gave me the info on Timelink.  

From Richard Brittlebank 25th November 2008  

Came upon your website by chance. Was on board visiting the new nuclear waste carrier, 'Pacific Heron' last week in Barrow - C/E is Ross Garth and E/O John Shennan, both ex. CP.

If I recall correctly, it was you who employed me!!

Great company, saw me through all my training and a great bunch of people (with the odd exception here & there!!) - no complaints 

From Mike Hulme 24th November 2008

I would like to attend any reunions in the future. I was with CP Ships 1976 to 1986 I was 3rd engineer The only people whom I have kept in touch with are Alan Graveson and Brin Jones who died a few years ago, also Bill Jameson who was director of a local firm.


From Jeff Partington 10th October 2008 in reply to Robin Mallam 29.11.2007

Captain James Escombe

Mate Paddy McDermott

 2/0 Robin Mallam
 3/0 Simon ? (I think)
 Chief Engineer Keith Dancey
 2/E Jeff Partington
 3/E Jim Cusack
 4/E John Hulland (Wing Nut)
  5/E Roy Challoner (First Trip)
  Electrician Stan Jones (Ale House Jones)
  Radio Officer, I cannot remember
  Excellent Chinese crew   Excellent food
  Best ship I ever sailed on (Would have still been on her if she had not
    sunk!!!)I had been on her for a year with no leave when she sank.
    Can anyone fill in the missing names please?
    Has anyone got the photograph of the ship taken (I think) in Chemainus prior to
    her last voyage, sent to us by Canadian Pacific on our return?
    I have movie film of us in the Silk Hotel Yokohama where we were taken after
    the rescue, first by a Japanese fishing vessel then by a Japanese Coastguard ship.
   I had previously sailed as 4th Eng. on the Beaverelm. After the Angus I sailed
   on the Beaverfir and the HR Macmillan, leaving C.P's (and the Navy) in mid 1969.

     Thanks to Les Gibson for supplying some missing names in the past.

 

From Louis Smet 24th Sedptember 2008

Had not opened Timelink for a long time but by doing so today and going through the letters, I notice that Capt. Bryan Brown's handicap is 20 and that he still manages 4 games of golf a week. I was really glad to learn Bryan that you are in  good shape.
Keep it like that for many years to come.
Hope you will remember your Continental friends in Antwerp and Rotterdam
 

From John Dunn     29th August 2008

From Bill Wilson  28th August 2008

The Naval Museum Society has received a Merchant Navy jacket similar to a WW11 battle dress.  The jacket has CP Ships buttons and the medal ribbons indicate the owner served in WW1 and WW11.  The ribbons also indicate that the owner was decorated with an OBE.  There can't be too many former members of CP Ships or BCCS that were of that age in WW11 and were awarded an OBE.  It is entirely possible of course that the owner may have joined CPS/BCCS after the war, but that is unlikely at that age.  The uniform is currently on a mannequin in the new Naval Museum and I will check again today to see if the owner received a CVSM, if not he served during the war as a Brit, possibly CPS, or RNR.

Can anyone help?

From Stan Waters   19th August 2008

Hi Marshall.
You may or may not remember me. My name is Stanley Waters.
I joined Empress of Canada on her maiden voyage and was still with her when she was withdrawn from service.
I remember well Mr Crump's statement to the crew. He was as I recall the CEO of the company

We will never sell this ship.
Anyway, came across this site by accident. I remember you very well. You were always a nice guy especially to the little people. I was a bedroom steward for most of the years. Seeing pictures of Reg Pitt Brooke and Capt Jeavons brought back memories.

Anyway I went on to move to Florida and retired a few years ago. Having worked for Norwegian cruise lines, I guess they must have liked me. I retired as hotel director! Would never have happened in the old days.
Anyway thought it would be nice to say hello.

Ed: Of course I remember you as well as many of the other Bedroom Stewards - Joe Bright, Percy Hudson, etc

From Kev  1st August 2008

Hello Bryan were you first officer on Empress of Canada  1964 65? I was QM on her for a long time big Jock Wylie was Chief Officer; sadly I see on here that he has crossed the bar - a real gentleman regards Kev

From Bryan Brown 21st July 2008

From Bill Mills - 15th July 2008

Hi I was "Lecky" on the WC Van Horne around 1973 (Japan -Aussie run) anyone with any pics of the vessel? I would be most grateful (2nd Engineer was Carl Brisbane from Newcastle NSW married to a girl from South Shields I think)Chief Eng was Tom Gallagher from Blackpool I think.
Thanks and best Regards to anyone who remembers me 
 

From Martin Hill - Freelance Maritime Adviser  10th June 2008

I am writing to advise on behalf of the Glasgow Consortium and the Empress of Britain Foundation that a major initiative is under way to acquire the cruise liner SS Topaz (formerly Empress of Britain) and return her to the UK to become a hotel and conference centre in the City of Glasgow

From Brian Hirst 8th June 2008

Is this site still active? I sailed with CP for not enough years way back in the eighties, Port Hawkesbury, I.D.Sinclair, W.A.Mather, Fort Coulonge, R.A.Emerson, Fort Walsh, E.W.Beatty, Fort Toronto, Fort Rouge.( not in that order, and some repeat trips) did the cadet thing via Riversdale from 1979. would like to keep in touch with the excellent people I met in those years. by the way.

From Jon Jeffrey 21st May 2008

I joined CP in 1969 as a cadet, my first voyage being on the Port Hawkesbury in 1971.
I served on most types of ships CP built in that era. The happiest ships were the forestproduct ships and the geared bulkies - probably because they spent the most time in port! I was made redundant around 1986 or 7 without so much as a thank you which upset me. In 1989 I moved to the Middle East to serve on the Sultan of Oman's Royal Yacht Squadron where I still am to this day. I didn't know this website existed until this morning and recognise many names (including your own!).It will be nice to chat with them

From Ernie (Taffy) Barrow 9th March 2008

I served on the Empress of Britain in 1956 and 1962/1963, Empress of England, 1957 and Empress of Canada 1963/64/65 and 1969
I was a first class waiter and enjoyed my days on Canadian Pacific Ships.
Some readers might remember me; during our cruises out of New York on the Canada, Dr Thomas and I used to produce shows that were put on in the large mess on the lower deck. These shows would involve some of the entertainers who were on board to entertain the passengers, plus many of our own fine artists from the ships company - they were always a big hit.

In 1969 I rejoined the Empress of Canada for the cruise out of New York, during this period I formed the ships football team and became the manager/coach, I picked green as our colours so as not to have any conflicts between the many Everton and Liverpool supporters that were on board, plus we had green on our funnel so it became a natural choice.

After playing some friendly games, I became aware that we had some quality players on the Canada and so I entered the ship into the competition for the famed "Atlantic Cup"

A competition that was organised by the YMCA in New York between all liners that used the port of New York.

The game that many will remember, for we had several busses to take fans, was the big game against the holders of the Atlantic Cup the "France".
It was played in March 1969, the France scoring the first goal, but I am proud to say we went on to beat the France 4-1, and win the coveted Atlantic Cup for Canadian Pacific .

The Atlantic Cup was competed for annually since 1925 by ships which visited the port of New York. They included all the great Trans Atlantic liners of this period, and bears such illustrious names as the liners "Rex", "Conti-Di-Savoia", "Herengaria", "Queen Mary", "Ocean Monarch" and the "France" along with many other famous ships, of course our famous and proud ship "Empress of Canada " was added with it's name engraved on the cup in 1969.

Ships had to play up to eight games in a type of league to determine the winner.

The cup itself reflected the prestige and importance of the competition. Jointly subscribed  by American and British interests with the seal of both countries emblazoned on the face; it is of solid sterling silver, and was made by the famous "Tiffany's in New York", and back in 1969 was reported to be insured for $5,000.

Ed. I wonder what happened to the cup - see the photo of the victorious Canada 

From Ernie (Taffy) Barrow 9th March 2008

On a trans-atlantic trip, a deck boy found a pigeon with a hurt wing, so he put it in one of the animal kennels, fed it and looked after it. Then about a day from Liverpool, there was a falcon on the ships mast; a brave deck hand went up the mast and got the bird and he put the falcon into the same kennel as the pigeon.
Later the deck boy went up to feed his pigeon only to find pigeon feathers and a very grateful falcon.
The ship radioed ashore that we had a falcon, so there was a zoo representative to meet the ship and take the falcon.The zoo people said that the falcon must have got blown out to see in a gale and had landed on our ship because it was exhausted.

I later wrote this story in our ship's newspaper, and then I read my same story in the Liverpool Echo; someone had given it to the newspaper in Liverpool. I was amused at the time that the Echo had got hold of my story, (never did find out who sent it in to the Echo).
 

From Alan Thompson 8th January 2008

In late 1958 I was sitting my Master's in Liverpool when the word got round that CP were on the verge of a huge expansion programme and were looking for new officers. Having been 9 years in Clan Line and with no prospect of a command before the age of 40 I hot footed it down to the Liver Building for an interview, was suitably impressed, signed on the "Britain" as 4/O and sailed just before Christmas. Unfortunately the expansion programme was postponed and on the "Empresses" it became fashionable for uniform sleeve seams to be left open to accommodate frequent changes in rank. I decided on a career change and joined Ford Motor Company in 1960. As you know the expansion programme did eventually take place some years later by which time I had the good luck to be well advanced in my new employment. Later I became a Shipbroker specialising in the bulk movement of cars and sold my business to NYK in 1991.
I read Bill Williams obituary with great interest especially as I had never seen him as anything but an "Empress" officer and I was delighted to see how he was lauded as a good seaman on his various non passenger commands

From Alan Thompson 7th January 2008

Is Timelink still in production? Would love to obtain back copies if available. CP service was 1959 and 1960 "Empress of Britain" as 4/O (Dobson,Gillett,Williams,Holmes,and Moran)also "Beaverford" as 2/O
Retired and living in Isle of Man

Ed: Sorry Alan, Timelink ceased publication several years ago and I know of no available back copies

From Julian Griffith-Jones - 5th January 2008

I have scanned some photos for inclusion on your website for ex CP Ships
employees. Good memories indeed. (All can be viewed in the "pictures" section)

I was a deck cadet with CP from 1981-1985 and left after gaining my 2nd
mates ticket.

The following pictures show before and after an incident which befell the MV
W.M Neal on the Mississippi in early 1983 while loading grain. 


This is what I remember....

The berth was in a poor place, being situated on a bend in the river. Flood
water flowing downstream would catch the vessel and attempt to force the
vessel from its berth. Extra ropes and wires were employed to secure the
vessel and a number (up to 5 I recall) tugs were used to keep the vessel
alongside. She had to be hauled back alongside at least twice using all
winches. Just to complicate matters a diver was down freeing a rope which
had earlier got wrapped around the propeller.
I had just finished a watch on deck just after 0800hrs and was in my cabin
preparing to rest. I had closed the blind on my forward facing porthole.
Feeling a lateral movement of the vessel. I re-opened the blind to see the
vessel moving quite quickly from the berth. I ran down aft to see the crew
trying to haul her back alongside using the winches. This time it was futile
and everybody was ordered to take cover as all the ropes and wires parted
I repositioned up to the bridge to help out there. The scene outside was
chaos.....A Hatch cover was lifted up by a grain loading arm and slammed
down. All tugs were easily pushed aside and the ship proceeded sideways
downstream. Some of the the Indian crew, forseeing imminent doom, proceeded
to lifeboat stations with packed suitcases!!
Captain Bob Headrick was forced to wait until the diver was seen to be clear before
using the engines and then contact other ships in the vicinity for pilotage
information.
I have never forgotten his quote during the height of the action "Well I
have come off some berths in my time, but this takes the (expletive)
biscuit!"


 

Ode to the Beaverlodge

This is the tale of the Beaverlodge

The pride of the CPR

Refitted and bright, she sailed one Wednesday night

For Canada’s land afar.

Llandudno passed, the pilot dropped,

We sailed we’re on our way, but before the dawn,

On Thursday morn,

We were back in Liverpool Bay.

A tug full of men worked all day long

“The trouble is found” they claim,

But sure as fate, Friday night at eight

We were homeward bound again.

A tug full of men were at it again

They left us bright and merry

Hope was reborn, but on Saturday Morn

Saw us anchored off Wallasey ferry.

And all weekend we lived on board

And were fed like fighting cocks

So we never complained

When on Monday it rained,

As we rested in Gladstone Docks.

Tuesday was bright with a theatrical night

As guests of the CPR

For they said without fail, on the morning we’d sail

For Canada’s lands afar.

On Wednesday morn the sun shone forth,

The gulls wheeled around in flocks,

And nobody quailed as the Beaverlodge sailed

So proudly through the locks.

So give three cheers for the Beaverlodge

The pride of the CPR

Refitted and bright, she sailed Wednesday night

Hoping to reach the Liverpool Bar

And what if she did sail a week late

It’s always grand to recall

The passengers seven

Vote the food straight from Heaven

And the officers good fellows all.

Post Script

‘Tis now that we think of that extended weekend

And we smile as we think of the trouble

But we hope she is mended

And our worries are ended

And she doesn’t go down in a bubble

Anon

A Passenger

This was sent to me by Harold S Scott an ex Engineer Officer

and lecturer at Riversdale College.

Have a look at the Photograph pages for paintings by Harold - a regular at the Liverpool Reunions

From Robin Mallam 29th November 2007

I was a deck officer with CP during the period 1967 to 1970, including serving as 2/0 on the R.B.Angus on her final voyage in December 1967.

It's now coming up to the 40th anniversary (December 17th) of the loss of the ship happily known in the B.C. ports as "The Toast of the Coast" for her parties.

The Angus was a happy ship - does anyone know what happened to "Eskimo" - Capt. Jimmy Escolme? - Or anyone else who served on her?

I'd be very pleased to hear from anyone

Ed: Who remembers Robin from R B Angus days

From Tony Quinn 24th November 2007

My name is Tony Quinn, I received an email earlier from Mike Tiernan after he read a message on another website I put reference my Grandad, Martin Quinn.
He had sailed with my Grandad and gave me your web address and mentioned that I should get in touch with you and maybe I would get more details about Martin. I started tracing my family tree a while ago that is why I have tried to contact as many Ex Seamen sites as possible to try and get as much info as I can about my Grandad.
I hope you don't mind me contacting you like this and would like to thank you in advance for any help and info you can give me.

Ed: Does anyone remember Martin Quinn - I remember him as bosun on Empress of Canada

 

From Keith Adams 13th October 2007

I served on "Empress of Britain" November 1956 - early August 1957 as 5th Mate and, as 4th Mate, saw service on "Empress of Scotland", "Empress of France" and Beaverburn" through December 1957 when I left the company.  I am living in the United States and would like to be notified of further White Empress reunions with view to attending.  I understand they take place every other year and that I just missed Liverpool 2007.

From Jonathan Clark 4th October 2007

I came across your website recently. I wondered whether you could put me in touch with Kevin Rennison  who, I saw, contributed to your website a while back.  I sailed with Kevin for many months on  " T. Akasaka " in late summer and through the autumn of 1981. He was Chief Officer and I was Radio Officer. The Master was Barry Duncan,  who came from Wisbech . We were stuck anchored off Riga for months and months and I am sure Kevin would remember that . The 3rd Engineer was Norman Middleton, who, sadly, I saw from your obituary column, passed away a few years ago. From the info on this site, Kevin Rennison is now out in the Middle East somewhere.  I would be pleased to hear from other ex shipmates and colleagues in CP ships. I was ER/O on Fort Macleod , CP Voyageur, Fort Kamloops, T.Akasaka,  CP Ambassador , Andes Voyager, Dart Americana , then Dart Atlantica for some years,  and also, my last trip with CP, on her round the world voyage when she became Singapore Senator in late 1987.  The Captain on the Dart Atlantica was Captain Peter Denham, the Chiefs were Arthur Jones, and Bill Nelson (who had  been the Chief Engineer on the Empresses).

Ed: I have sent you Kevin's email address
 

From Stuart Roberts - 28th May 2007

As an ex CPS employee, I enjoy reading the website but I am disappointed that after many attempts to contact you via the "contact form" there is still no mention of the death of Alf Leonard. Alf passed away peacefully after a long illness in Ramsey Hospital Isle of Man on 26th of February. His funeral was held in the same church at which he married Rose.

As a young lad of 15 joining Empress of Canada on her second voyage in 1961 as a bell boy and leaving home for the first time and not knowing what to expect, I was soon put wise and made welcome when I met Alf, who was a first class dining room steward. Alf was a smart man in his uniform and his photograph was often used in company brochures. I eventually became a first class dining room steward following Alf's advice and encouragement.

I have many memories of my time at sea and there was a saying that mates at sea were only Board of Trade Acquaintances but for me Alf Leonard was a true friend who will be sadly missed.

EDITOR: I am sorry that no mention was made of Alf's death, but I never received the emails. I have now made mention of him in the obituaries. I remember Alf and I do have some of the brochures in which he is featured

From John Thompson 5th March 2007

From Peter Jeavons - 31st October 2006

My name is Peter Jeavons, eldest son of Capt J D Jeavons, and have just chanced upon the site. Reading some of the letters I chanced upon a contribution from Geoff Leather dated 31st December 2005 asking for information about my father. I have tried the email address given but it bounced back.  I would be pleased to help if anyone can guide me to contact Geoff

From Paul Hansell - 27th October 2006

I sailed with Canadian Pacific from 1954 to 1965 and with some of the contributors to this site. In 1966 I emigrated to Canada, where I still live. The last twenty-one years of my working life was as Supervisor of Pilots for the Great Lakes Pilotage Authority at their Welland Canal Office, in St. Catharines, Ontario

From Kevin Rennison - 6th September 2006 from Dubai

I have just found the CP website today and it brought back many happy memories. It was sad to see so many of the people I knew who had passed away but I guess age gets to us all eventually.

I sailed with CP for two terms 1969-1973 and 1978-1985 before going ashore with Canada Maritime. Now I am working with UASC in Dubai.

I hope I can use timelink to find out about two people from the organisation one shore based and one from the sea.  Has anybody got the latest on Lyn Baxter or Lyne Davis when she married with whom I lost touch with in 1990 and Lucy Knight a radio officer around 1983/1984.

Thanks for a great site

From Bill Ross 12th August 2006 Auckland NZ

Greetings to you from Auckland NZ.

Have enjoyed a good hour trawling thru your site and reading the various letters etc..
In 1953 I was short of sea time for my 1st Mates ticket so the "pool" sent me to join the "Empress of France" as 5th Mate for the sea time I needed. During arrivals and departures I was sent to the radar shack out of the way as my uniform didn't comply and no doubt was a bit smelly as my previous ship had been a whaling transport carrying whale products.
Question...Wasn't the "Empress of France" the ex "De Grasse" 2nd Question... Would anybody in your site know the name of the nursing sister on the ship at the time in question. I have a feeling she lived in Blackpool.

Thanks Bill - the France was ex Duchess of Bedford. Her first sailing as Empress of France was 1st September 1948 and she left Liverpool to be broken up in December 1960. The De Grasse was renamed Empress of Australia on 24th April 1953 - apparently there was press speculation that she was to be named Empress of France
 

Does anyone remember the nursing sister mentioned in Bill's letter?

From Les Gibson - 20th April 2006

I was with CP from 1968 to 1978 as Electrical officer, mainly with the Bermuda bulkers.

Stood by in Japan for several years and sailed on Pacific Logger and WC Van Horne.
Still happily married to Kyoko with 3 children and 4 grandchildren.

Would love to contact old friends; John Watkins, Eric Wilson, Alan
Moat etc.

From Jim Cullen 6th April 2006 (poppythe one@hotmail'dot'com)

My Father John Cullen was a crew member of The Duchess of Atholl when torpedoed 10/10/1942. He is on a visit to Australia to see his family; a young 85 year old lives in Glasgow and I am seeking information about the Duchess in particular hoping to get a copy of deck plans. Also information about Captain Henry A. Moore, Master at the time.

Anyone know of Henry Moore!

From Jo Davis in Canada 13th March 2006

I'm not a former CP employee, just a lowly passenger on the Empress of Canada of C, 1967, immigrating to Canada.  What fun I just had going 

through Timelink.  

I lived near Liverpool for several years and loved watching the White Empresses off of Formby beach. Congratulations on a wonderfully nostalgic 

site.  I found you while surfing for a good photo of the Empress of Canada to show my grandchildren.  Too bad we lost all our photos many years 

back, or I could have provided you with quite a few of the ship, passengers and crew.  In your picture of the ship's 1966 Pursers, that looks 

very much like our Chief Purser, Terry Foskett, three in from the right, back row.  I would love to know if I'm correct because, as I said, we 

lost all our keepsakes of that voyage.  I remember him because he was so helpful, and had a terrific singing voice.  Better not publish this 

in case I'm wrong.  It was over 38 years ago! I wish you continued success with this endeavour. 

Ed: Third from the right back row is Ian Browne now in Australia. Second from the left back row is Terry 

Foskett who was never Chief Purser although he did go to QE11 as a senior purser!

From Alma Cox - 22nd February 2006

I am very sad to read of the passing of Tom Hughes on 15th February,2006. for those wishing to know, the Thanksgiving Service will be held at St. Clements Church, Sandwich, Kent on 24th February at 2.30 p.m.  Family flowers only but donations, if wanted, to St. Clements Church appeal. My heart goes out to his beloved wife, Sheila and his daughters, Karen and Sara and their families at this very sad time.

Warmest regards, Alma Cox
 

From Kevin -  harginka@aol'dot'com 5th February 2006

I was on Empress of Canada 1963/64; Does anyone remember the catering super who used to come aboard at the landing stage I think he was Scottish.

From Mike Tiernan (Western Australia) 5th February 2006

Good day Marshall, hope this finds you well and not too cold in Merry England. I would be grateful if you would include my brother-in-law in the departed column.

He was an Engineer on the Beavercove and Empress of France along with characters like Fred Priest and Flood Saunders in the early 50s. His name is Gordon Leslie White, still residing in Liverpool at his home facing the Mersey; he used to watch the Greyhounds of the Atlantic sail in and out until they finished. He passed away on the 3rd of February 06. He was not only an ex C.P man and my Brother-in-law but my best friend. I enjoyed my last small pub crawl with him when I was last in U.K in November 03.  I, along with my sister Eileen and their son Andrew and his grandchildren will sorely miss him. Gone to join their eldest son Ian who died suddenly in 1984.

From Dave Townson 6th January 2006