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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