ASSOCIATION OF OLD WORCESTERS
NEWSLETTER
JULY 2007
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website: www..hms-worcester.co.uk
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ASSOCIATION OF OLD WORCESTERS
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2007
The Annual General Meeting was held on 11 April at the Farmers’ Club, Whitehall,
a venue much used by the O.W.Y.C. for their Annual Dinners. A total of thirty-seven members
attended the meeting and reports were submitted by the Honorary Secretary and the Honorary
Treasurer; the former report was read by the Honorary Treasurer due to the absence of the
Honorary Secretary, who had had to travel to Australia, at short notice, on urgent family
business. The Honorary Secretary of the O.W.Y.C. also submitted a short report.
The Honorary Treasurer reported that the Associations funds were in good order
with income exceeding expenditure in both the Association and Benevolent Funds. A copy of
the Summarised Accounts for 2006 is available, to members only, by application to the
Honorary Secretary, who would be grateful if a s.a.e. accompanies any such request.
The Honorary Secretary’s report included details of the Council’s activities during
the year with Council meetings held, as usual, in February and September; details of current
membership; details of official Association functions held during the year; progress with the
planning for the proposed function to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the foundation of the
College in 1862, to be held in 2012; research work being carried out into names of Old
Worcester' killed in both World Wars, whose names are missing from our War Memorials, to
date nine names have been found to be missing from the W.W.I memorial and ten from the
W.W.II memorial; management of the Association’s website and data-base which is the
responsibility of John ODELL (1952); the Honorary Secretary ended by thanking all those who
had assisted him in carrying out his responsibilities during the past year.
There followed the election of the Officers of the Association and members of
Council, as detailed hereunder:
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OFFICERS & COUNCIL 2007/8
Chairman
Vice-Chairman
Captain R.C. Little
J.D. Precious Esq.
Immediate Past Chairman
C.R.C. Bradbury Esq.
Council
Captain M.J. Borland(+); M.J. Brace Esq.(+);
Captain G.J. Dunster, R.D**; C.J. Farnfield Esq. F.C.I.T.;
M.A. Hedger Esq.(+); Commander A.K. Jones; A.J. Lansdale Esq.;
J.T. Marden Esq.; Captain C.P. Mendoza; R.H. Snape Esq.(+);
C.J. Steere Esq. F.C.A.(+); Commander R. L. Tallack, R.D*, F.N.I.;
I.L. Walker Esq.; W.I.R.. Ward Esq.(+) and Captain J. Watson.
Honorary Secretary
Honorary Treasurer
G.K.C. Smith, R.D**, M.N.I.
C.J. Steere Esq., F.C.A. (+)
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(+) = Past Chairman of the Association
OUR NEW CHAIRMAN
Captain R.C. LITTLE (1955—1957)
At this years Annual General Meeting Captain Ron LITTLE was elected to serve as the
Association’s Chairman for the next two years. He send the following message to members:
“I would like to thank members of Council in nominating me for the position of
Chairman for the next two years, it is an honour to be elected and hope I can do as well as Clive
Bradbury in bringing us all closer together.
I spent my whole working life at sea, starting as a Sea Scout on the River Thames in
Staines and the son of a sub-editor of Lloyds List who occasionally let me help him sort out mail
from all the worlds shipping agents and finding out all the movements from the major shipping
companies.
My life on the Worcester began in September 1955; what a shock to the system that was,
many of my term were from preparatory or boarding schools and were used to the system of
being away from home; Life in my first term was tough particularly as I caught Scarlet Fever
and was in the Sick Bay for the last two weeks before the Christmas Holidays.
When I returned for my second term I found life easier, I learned to steer clear of S.B.C's
who seem to be hell bent on making junior cadets life as awkward as possible, no scrubbing
lanyards for me! When I was in the Sea Scouts I used to love rowing and quickly found out that
boats crews were always required and I joined the 2nd.Gigs crew at the earliest opportunity that I
could. This lead to rowing for Fore starboard in the Houlders Oars cup then it was the starboard
crew for the Port versus Starboard race culminating in rowing for the ship and attaining my
rowing colours. I enjoyed most of all the other sports that were on offer except boxing.
I left the Worcester in July 1957, after two of the happiest years of my life where I met
so many great guys.
I joined my first ship the “City of Colchester” in Glasgow and was delighted to have
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with me on that first voyage Mike Barlett as a cabin mate. We sailed to Pakistan, India, East
Pakistan for a cargo of Jute which was destined for Dublin where we arrived on 2nd January 1958.
Mike had left the ship in Calcutta, transferring to the “City of Bath” and we didn't meet again for
many years. My apprenticeship with Ellermans was very exciting spending the first two years on
'Sam' boats running to the Persian Gulf with general cargoes mainly on a 'Strick' line charter. I was
even 'stoned' (not drunk) in Basrah by the local youths as we were walking to Basrah Airport to
enjoy a cold beer and appreciate the air conditioning, as well as looking at the B.O.A.C. air
hostesses. My last year was spent on the South Africa run on “City of Port Elizabeth”; what a
change, no chipping now but on regular Watch Keeping and chatting up the passengers, it was a
great year and I had just met Val (not on the ship) who was to become my wife in 1962.
I sat for my 2nd Mates Exam in 1960 and passed on my 3rd attempt (Principles of
Navigation being my downfall on the first two attempts), I then decided to change shipping
Companies as I didn't fancy going up the Gulf again. I joined Royal Mail and enjoyed all the
different routes that they had but during the seven years that I had with them I started to miss my
family; our first daughter was born in 1964 , therefore after getting my Masters F.G. (first time) at
the end of 1967 I joined the British Rail ferry fleet sailing out of Dover and Folkestone . What a
clever move that turned out to be as I was doing the job I loved, living at home with the family and
even earning more money than deep sea. Although I joined the ferry fleet as a 2nd Officer I
quickly climbed up the ranks until I eventually took my first command in 1979, retiring, as a senior
Master, in 1992. You may think that at 52 years of age it was early to retire but things were
changing within the ferry industry at Dover and I decided that it was time to go.
Apart from being on the Association council I have many other interests in life, I have been
on our local Parish Council for thirty plus years; I have taught Lifesaving and been a lifeguard (not
quite Bay Watch!). I was the first British Sea Captain to complete in the London Marathon, which
was a great experience running round the old Docklands where I had spent so much of my life.
In the next two years I will try and do my best for the Old Worcesters, including the Thanet
Luncheon which Mike Hedger and I organise, and we hope for next years function we can attract
some more of our colleagues who we haven't seen or heard from for many years.
Thank you once again for the honour of being your Chairman.
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THE SENIOR HAND
K.A.H. Cummings
Kenneth Alfred Hugo CUMMINS (1916 - 18), our Senior Hand since the year 2000, who
died on 11 December last year, was born on the 06 March 1900 in Richmond, the son of James
T. Cummins, a Purser. He has the distinction of being one of two Old Worcesters with a chapter
in Hunter Davis’s book “Born 1900”, which also contained a chapter devoted to the Late Queen
Mother; the other Old Worcester was A.L. MacMILLAN (1916) who proceeded Kenneth as our
Senior Hand.
Brought up in Southport, Lancashire, he joined the ship in the Lent term from the
Merchant Taylors’ School, Crosby, as a P & O Scholar. He left in the Lent term to join P & O S.
N. Co., the company he was to serve throughout his career, apart from war service in World War
I when he saw service in the Royal Naval Reserve. He served as a Midshipman on P & O’s
“Morea, an armed merchant cruiser on convoy escort duty between Liverpool and Sierra Leone.
Peace saw Kenneth returned to service with P & O on trooping duties. He was serving in s.s.
“Macedonia” on the voyage that Lord Carnarvon’s body was returned to the U.K. following his
mysterious death after the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb.
His favourite ship was the liner s.s. “Viceroy of India”, on which he served as Chief
Officer and was on board when the ship was torpedoed and sunk whilst participating in the North
Africa Campaign in November 1942. Following this experience he was appointed to the
commandeered French Line liner “Ile de France”, overseeing it’s conversion to a troop carrier
and serving on her for five voyages between Europe and America carrying 10,000 troops each
voyage.
Peace saw Captain Cummins promoted to command of the liner “Maloja” and he was to
serve on many ships of the P & O Fleet before retiring in 1960. He was regarded as a strict
disciplinarian of the old school, but fair; a perfectionist with the highest standards and moral
integrity and known as a “crusty old bachelor” by some of the younger officers he served with.
However he confounded those cynics when at the age of 55 he married Rosemary Byers who he
had met on m.v. “Chitral” in 1952, when that vessel was on passage from Australia to the U.K.
and Rosemary a passenger. In over fifty years of marriage Kenneth and Rosemary were to have
four children and four grand-children.
After his retirement Captain Cummins embarked on another career as a family man and
also becoming a pillar of his community and something of a father-figure to the villagers. For ten
years after his retirement he served as a Nautical Assessor for the Commissioner of Wrecks. A
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Younger Brother of Trinity House he was, for several years, their oldest Brother! He has the
distinction of having drawn his P & O pension for longer than he served that company.
At his well attended funeral in Great Bedwyn, Wiltshire, on 21 December last the
Association was represented by Council members G.J. DUNSTER (1953), G.K.C. SMITH (1960),
R.L. TALLACK (1961) and members A.P. MAYTHAM (1965) and R.M. SMITH (1962).
H. Venables
Following the death of our Senior Hand, K.A.H. CUMMINS (1918), the Association is
pleased to welcome our new Senior Hand: H. VENABLES (1925—28), known as Hal,
Hal originated in the Channel Islands and joined the ship from Victoria College, on the
Island of Jersey and left the ship to join Glen Line in the Christmas term of 1928, spending three
years on the Far East run, mainly on the “Carnaervonshire”.
In 1933 Hal began a trip out to Australia aboard the former fishing smack “Annie”, however
this ended up in him being ship wrecked off Contis Plage in the Bay of Biscay. Two years later he
successfully completed a voyage to Australia, aboard the “Jervis Bay”, to join his brother Stephen
(1925—27) horse trading in Victoria and marrying his wife Margaret the same year. During the
years up until the outbreak of World War II Hal worked in South East Australia travelling the
country in a horse and cart working on properties as a “jackaroo”.
On the outbreak of war Hal joined the Royal Australian Navy as an Able Seaman serving on
H.M.A.S. “HEROS”, rising to Signals Instructor and then receiving a Commission. He served in
command of an anti-submarine trawler on the Great Barrier Reef and later a Fairmile launch in the
New Guinea and New Britain area, where they were credited with shooting down a Zero fighter..
At wars end Hal purchased a property and farmed sheep in New South Wales until 1955
when he sold the property and brought a boatyard in the Sydney harbour-side suburb of Point Piper.
In 1972 he sold the boatyard and retired to Bermagui, a New South Wales south coast fishing port,
where he had built a retirement home.
The Association wishes him a continued happy and healthy retirement and enjoyment in his
role as our Senior Hand.
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THE DOG WATCH TITLE PAGE PAINTING
The sealed bid auction of the Worcester painting, advertised in the January newsletter, was
successfully completed at the end of February and safely despatched to it’s new owner who
wishes to remain anonymous. The photo shows the Honorary Treasurer exchanging the cheque
and painting with the paintings previous owner Mrs. N.E. Donner, widow of the late J.C. Donner,
(O.W. 1937) and staff member (1945 - 1958).
PAST EVENTS
Thanet Luncheon.
Saturday, 17 March 2007
Once again a splendid event organised by Mike HEDGER (1955) and Ron LITLE (1957),
whose forays into the French supermarkets, help defray the cost of this event. In the splendid
surroundings of the County Cricket Ground, in the process of being prepared for the cricket
season, a total of fifty-four members and their guests, including our Senior Hand for the day,
Gordon BLYTH (1940), and our newest Associate member Alan TURNER and his wife Eileen
enjoyed a fine luncheon in very convivial company. Next years function is scheduled for
Saturday, 15 March 2008.
West Country Luncheon.
Saturday, 24 March 2007.
For the fifth year running this event was located in the Lord Haldon Hotel in
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Dunchideock. A total of sixty members and their guests, which included three Old Conways,
enjoyed the excellent fare set in the rural setting of the red soil of Devon, once more on a fine
afternoon. As announced at last years function this was to be the last organised by Graham SMITH
(1960) and he confirmed his retirement as the South-West Branch Honorary Secretary after fifteen
years. His place has been taken by Paul ANDREWS (1965) of Stoke Gabriel whose first function
will be the luncheon booked for Saturday, 12 April 2008, which will be proceeded by the
Association’s 2008 Annual General Meeting.
The usual generosity of members present was shown in the remarkable number of prizes for
the traditional raffle, which produced the sum of £125 for the Associations Benevolent Fund, and
the farewell gift that was presented to Graham to mark his retirement.
Association A.G.M./London Luncheon.
Wednesday, 11 April 2007.
Forty-eight members and their guests attended the Annual General Meeting, the report of
which is to be found elsewhere, and luncheon. The function proved to be highly successful, with
an excellent luncheon which was followed by an interesting, and sometimes amusing speech, by the
Association’s guest Mr. Peter HORE, the Naval Obituary writer for the Daily Telegraph. The
furthest traveller, and newest member, was R.R. MacGREGOR (1967), who lives in
Athelstaneford, East Lothian and who joined the Association on the day of the meeting. Senior
Hand present was Gordon BLYTH (1940). The next Annual General Meeting will take place at
Dunchideock on Saturday, 12 April 2008.
Sunset Service, Trinity Gardens, Tower Hill.
Friday, 15 June 2007.
The Merchant Navy Association kindly invited our Association to attend the service
commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands. Council member
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M.J. BRACE (1956) and his wife represented the Association at the service and afterwards at the
reception held aboard the R.N.R. Headquarters H.M.S. PRESIDENT. Also present was member
C.G.R. SPENCER (1959).
Association Monthly Informal Reunions.
London
3rd Monday in the month.
These reunions take place at lunch-time at the J.D. Weatherspoon pub, “The Liberty
Bounds” (Tel: 020 7481 0513), 15. Trinity Square, Tower Hill, LONDON. The pub is to be
found almost opposite the church of All Hallows-by-the-Tower. This year has seen an
improvement in numbers attending and it is hoped that this will continue during 2008. Members
interested in attending, especially those travelling from afar, are advised to contact Roger
SNAPE (1948 (Tel: 020 8989 8962) prior to the meeting.
West Country (Devon)
1st Thursday in the month.
Meetings take place at the “Dartbridge Inn” (Tel: 01364 642 214), Old Totness Road,
Buckfastleigh just off the southbound junction of the A38 leading to Totnes. Those members
intending to attend are advised to contact Paul ANDREWS (1965) (Tel: 01803 782 345)(e-mail;
[email protected]) before attending.
The Conway, Conway, Pangbourne and Associated Clubs (North East)
Functions to date this year have included the inter-ship Bowling Challenge Cup at the
Hollywood Bowl Teesside on Wednesday, 14 March which was won by Worcester; this was
followed in April by lunch on H.M.S. “TRINCOMALEE”.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Merchant Navy Day Memorial Service
Sunday, 02 September 2007.
At this years service the Association will be represented by Wing Commander G.W.O’N.
FISHER (1938), O.B.E., D.F.C.*, R.A.F. (Ret’d) accompanied by our Council member W.I.R.
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WARD (1953). The Service will take place in the Trinity Gardens at Tower Hall, with the Parade
March Past entering the Memorial Grounds at 1230. The Salute will be taken by Admiral Sir Alan
West, G.C.B., D.S.C., DUniv and Commodore Bob Thornton, R.F.A. It is hoped that members and
their guests will also support this event.
Southampton Luncheon
Saturday, 22 September 2007
This combined function between the Association and the Yacht Club will be held aboard the
Cunard vessel “Queen Mary 2”, berthed at the Queen Elisabeth II Terminal, berths 38 & 29, in
Southampton Docks on Saturday, 22 September, The ticket price is £32.00 and it is hoped that
members will actively support this event as we have managed to obtain 200 tickets. The event is
being organised by R.N. ADAMS (1961) of 2 The Barn, Warren Farm Lane, CHICHESTER,
Sussex (Tel: 01243 528 644), who will only accept bookings with the enclosed booking form,
together with payment. Members are asked to read the Application Form carefully as more
information is required than was given last year. Due to the high demand expected applications for
additional guests will be placed on a stand-by list until it is considered that members basic
applications of one member and one guest, have been met. The provisional program for the visit is:
1000 Guests arrive at Mayflower Terminal, security passes issued Guests must produce
photographic evidence of identity, i.e. a passport
or driving licence with photo); guests check
through security and embark,
1100/1200 Escorted tour of the Ship’s public rooms or Refreshments..
1200/1300 Captain’s Reception.
1300/1500 Luncheon. Three Course meal with complimentary wine,
1500
tea/coffee.
Guests disembark.
Members who would prefer to enjoy some refreshment on boarding, rather than taking the
ship tour, or who have any special dietary requirements, are asked to advise Robert Adam with their
applications. Due to Port Security legislation it is most important that all applications must be with Bob
Adams by Monday, 20 August at the very latest, as we have to submit a full list of guests by the
following Friday. On the day it is most important that guests arrive with the same document
(Original, not copy) that they specified in their application.
Remembrance Day Service
Sunday, 11 November 2007.
Our traditional Service of Remembrance will be held in the crypt of All Hallows-by-theTower, Tower Hill. We shall for the fifth year running and at the kind invitation of the Honourable
Company of Master Mariners, be laying a wreath at the Merchant Navy War Memorial following
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our service in All Hallows.
The Conway Club (North-West)
Members are reminded that they are most welcome to attend events organised by this
branch. They meet for lunch on the third Wednesday of every odd month, excluding July, at
the Liner Hotel in Nelson Street, Liverpool, adjacent to Lime Street Station, at 1200. Any
members interested in attending any or all of these events should get in touch with Haydn
Lockwood (Tel: 0151 625 5727 or e-mail: [email protected]) for further details.
The Conway, Worcester, Pangbourne and Associated Clubs (North-East)
Future events include the Chairman’s Garden Party and “Ropey Trophy” challenge in
the grounds of his home at Hartlepool on Thursday, 28 June; The Inter-ship Model Boat sailing
challenge in Ward Jackson Park, Hartlepool, on Thursday, 17 July; a visit to the Edinburgh
Military Tattoo on Friday, 03 August; a Club meeting in the Chartroom at Hartlepool Historic
Quay, on Wednesday, 19 September; the traditional Trafalgar Night Dinner on H.M.S.
“TRINCOMALEE” on Saturday, 20 October and the Annual General Meeting and Luncheon
at the Tees and Hartlepool Yacht Club on Thursday, 29 November.
NEWS FROM THE YACHT CLUB
Membership has recently reached the milestone of two hundred members for the first
time, with sixty-seven members holding permits to fly the Worcester ensign.
The Annual General Meeting and Annual Dinner was held, once again, at the Farmers’
Club, Whitehall, London on Friday, 12 January, where over fifty members and their guests
enjoyed the usual excellent fare and companionship. In accordance with the Constitution
Commodore Stephen DUKE (1965) retired and the offices of Commodore and Vice
Commodore were taken by Simon RENDELL (1962) and Anthony WILCKEN (1952) with
Alan DEVINE (1955) being unanimously elected to the office of Rear Commodore.
Messrs. Geoffrey DUNSTER(1953) and Peter GORMLEY(1957) agreed to continue
serving as the Honorary Secretary and Honorary Social Secretary respectively with Messrs. Ian
WARD (1953), Ken McLEOD (1953) and Geoffrey Dunster (1953) agreeing continue serving
as Honorary Treasurer, Honorary Auditor and Honorary Permit Secretary respectively, for a
further year.
This years Commodore’s Rendezvous was held at the R.N.L.I. Headquarters in
Poole between 15 – 18 June. A total of fifteen craft made it to Poole, with one unable
to complete the passage due to mechanical failure and another forced to seek medical aid for a
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crew member. The festivities commenced with the Commodore’s reception on the Friday night
, followed by a buffet supper in the R.N.L.I. headquarters. Saturday saw members taking a boat
trip to Wareham, the trip was somewhat marred by the brother of J.D.M. COLLINGRIDGE
(1949) being taken seriously ill just prior to the boat leaving the quay in Poole. At the time of
writing this article it appears that Jim is making a good recovery and the Association wishes him
a speedy recovery to full health. Saturday night saw eighty-seven members and their guests,
including Senior Hand present Geoffrey FISHER (1938), who is also the Yacht Club Master and
furthest traveller Mike GAWAN-TAYLOR (1951) and his wife Anne from the A.C.T>,
Australia, gathered at the comfortable headquarters of the Royal Motor Yacht Club at
Sandbanks. after a wind swept passage by a Brownsea Island ferry. Cocktails were followed by
a superb meal with a delightful view of the setting sun over Poole harbour. The traditional raffle
followed and the Association is very grateful for the sum of £167 donated to the Benevolent
Fund. Sunday saw members waterborne once again for passage to and from Brownsea Island for
the traditional Church service at the small Church. The service was conducted for the first time
by Rob WATSON (1959), a lay reader who has now taken over as the Honorary Yacht Club
Padre; the sermon was given by the out-going Padre Gordon BLYTH (1940), who had been
presented with a painting by Roger MORRIS (1952) of the Worcester, Cutty Sark and Katrine on
the Saturday night, in recognition of his sixteen years of service as the Yacht Club’s Honorary
Padre. On return to the R.N.L.I. headquarters guests enjoyed a local produce Buffet Lunch
before departing to all points of the compass, after what is considered to have been one of the
most successful rendezvous.
The Annual General Meeting and Dinner will take place on Friday, 11 January 2008, ,at
the Farmers Club, Whitehall, London.
THE CONWAY, WORCESTER, PANGBOURNE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA
Planning for the 2008 Reunion to be held in Christchurch, New Zealand between Friday,
28 November and Sunday 30 November is proceeding well, with the three main events now
decided upon and the organisers keen to hear from members who would like to attend. Details
are to found on their website: www.cwpreunion.org
The function will commence on Friday evening with a Cocktail Party, preceded by
Registration formalities, at the Copthorne Hotel. There will be a Dinner on the Saturday evening
at the Town Hall with the function ending with Lunch on the Sunday at the International
Antarctic Centre, preceded by a tour of the Centre.
Members interested in attending are asked to complete the enclosed “Expression of
Interest Form”, returning it, by the end of August this year, to the “Conway, Worcester and
Pangbourne Reunion 2008”, C/O The Solander Group, P.O. Box 5041, Port Nelson, New
Zealand (Tel: 0800 555 548 (Free in N.Z. only) or 00 64 (0)3 545 9650). Whilst attending
members are responsible for settling their own travel and hotel costs the Committee have
arranged a Bank Account, with Visa facilities, for payment of function costs. Further details will
be advised to those who submit an “Expression of Interest Form” as the plans are finalised and
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costings completed, nearer the event.
Following the Reunion function Old Worcesters may avail themselves of a week long
coach/train tour of the South Island, taking in Westport, Wanaka, possibly Queenstown and
Invercargill and then returning to Christchurch via Dunedin, Middlemarch and Mount Cook.
Those members who served in Port Line are advised that there will be a Vintage Port
Reunion to be held, also in Christchurch, on the week-end preceding the Conway, Worcester
and Pangbourne function. Members interested in attending this function should contact the
organisers at [email protected] or write to Captain R. Henshaw, 14 Woodside
Common, Westmorland, CHRISTCHURCH 8025, New Zealand.
NEW SOUTH WALES OLD WORCESTERS
Our man in New South Wales, David ROWDEN (1960) reports that their group has
met twice so far this year with the first event being the regular February meeting held in the
Top Deck of the Mosman R.S.L. on Wednesday the 21st. Eleven members gathered for a
successful and enjoyable lunch and were able to welcome David HAYES (1950) for the first
time following his recent move to Sydney. Present were Ken ROSS (1948), Clive WARD
(1954), Mike DOWNES (1939), Martin SKIPPER (1964), Chris HART (1966), Tony
DENTON (1956), Cyril COCKSEDGE (1952), Richard POCOCK (1958), Peter GRAINGER
((1961), David HAYES (1950) and David ROWDEN (1960.
Their second event was a “Regional” one hosted by Tony (1951) and Mary MASKELL at their
home in Medowie. This was the first of such events and another is planned for the South coast
of New South Wales on Saturday, 24 November. The aim of these regional meetings is to
allow participation in Association events by those who find it impractical to travel to Sydney
from afar.
The traditional Association Annual dinner for members and their ladies will be
held on Saturday, 04 August at the Royal Sydney Yacht Club and their regular informal
luncheon in Sydney will be held on Wednesday, 22 August. Any member wishing to attend
any of the these events should contact David ROWDEN (e-mail: [email protected],
Tel: 00 61 (0)2 9420 2839).
The Conway Club of N.S.W. and our Association branch are working on having a
number of shared functions in the future, following on the example set by their brethren in
Queensland.
QUEENSLAND OLD WORCESTERS
The years functions commenced with the Conway, Worcester and Pangbourne
Association (Queensland) “Happy Hour” held on Tuesday, 13 February at the Holiday Inn,
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Brisbane Transit Centre, amongst the twenty-one present were Old Worcesters Mike
BARTLETT (1959), Alan CARADINE (1952), Chris (1962 and Sandy LANGFORD and Loriol
(1953) and Carolyn WILLIAMSON,
Members might be aware that the Honorary Secretary travelled to Brisbane in April to
visit his sister who had been seriously injured in a road
traffic accident. He is extremely grateful for the concern extended by members and is happy to
report that she has made a remarkable recovery, confounding medical opinion, and is well on the
road to a full recovery. Whilst in Brisbane he took the opportunity to contact our man in
Queensland, Loriol WILLIAMSON (1953) and is extremely grateful for the hospitality extended
to him by Loriol and Carolyn and other members. The first break from the daily routine of
hospital visits was a lunch time meeting with John (1947) and Anne HOLLIER in their lovely
home on Bribie Island, north of Brisbane. This meeting had been arranged to allow John and
Loriol to fine tune details of the Annual Luncheon, hosted by the Holliers and scheduled for
Saturday, 14 July.
Further relaxation was provided by a meeting at the Brisbane Maritime Museum to meet
the authors, David JONES and Peter NUNAN, both of who are volunteers at the Maritime
Museum library, of a forth-coming book about the life of the late H.G. CHESTERMAN (1933),
a former resident of Brisbane and whose son still lives there; an impromptu luncheon meeting of
members on Friday, 20 April at the normal venue for the C.W.P. Happy Hour, the MJ Restaurant
at the Brisbane Transit Centre.
The luncheon was attended by sixteen members and their guests including David (1950)
and Josephine Camplejohn, Arthur CRIPPS(1946) and Kay RANKIN, David GREENHALGH
(1954) and Barbara HAZELTON, Chris LANGFORD (1962, Giles MARTIN (1962), David
ROWDEN (1960) and Loriol (1953) and Carolyn WILLIAMSON together with Old Conways
George HUNT (1932) and Charles LUNN (1962). Sadly Tony MASKELL (1951) was able to
travel up for the function but made up for it by making a private visit to Brisbane the next week
to enable the pair of them to discuss the research that Tony has been doing over, a period of
several years, into the Decorations and Awards made to Old Worcesters. The result of this
research, some 4Mb of information , was duly presented to the Honorary Secretary on one of
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those ubiquitous U.S.B.s,. This meeting was followed by a very pleasant lunch on Loriol and
Carolyn’s veranda before Tony flew home.
Intellectual entertainment for the Honorary Secretary’s visit was provided by
attendance at a hypothetical debate, jointly presented by the TC Beirne School of Law, the
Company of Master Mariners of Australia, the Nautical Institute and sponsored by the well
known and award winning law firm Blake Dawson Waldron, into the “Zim Mexico III”
incident. This was an incident, in the United State of America, where a vessel, whilst
manoeuvring off the berth to proceed to sea, struck the berth and toppled the container crane
located there-on resulting in the death of an electrician and the subsequent jailing of the ship’s
Captain. The participants, playing the role of the various personnel involved in the case,
portrayed the circumstances of the case as reported. After this presentation consideration was
given to how the case might have been handled in Australia, with a summing up by the Hon.
Justice Allsop. It was an extremely interesting and thought provoking presentation and left
many of the professional seamen amongst the audience feeling concern for the Master
involved, who seemed to have had no one looking after his interests!
The Old Worcesters 2007 Annual Luncheon will be held on Saturday, 14 July, hosted
by the Holliers, ,as previously mentioned. The 2008 Annual Luncheon will be hosted at the
new home of Alan (1952) and Judith CARADINE on a date to announced.
:
Functions for the Conway, Worcester and Pangbourne Association (Queensland) will
be as follows:
“Happy Hour” at the MJ Restaurant, Holiday Inn, Brisbane Transit Centre will be held
on: Tuesday, 14 August 2007 and in 2008 on every second Tuesday in the month in February,
May and August.
The Annual Dinner will be held on Friday, 16 November 2007, at the United Services
Club, Brisbane.
Any member wishing to attend any of these events is asked to contact:
Loriol WILLIAMSON (1953) (e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 00 61
(0)7 3367 1230
16
OLD WORCESTERS ON VANCOUVER ISLANDD
P.J. WHITEHEAD (1956), our man in Canada, reports with details of a small, but select,
gathering of members at the home of T.C.R. MILNE (1954) in Victoria to fete D.N.
GREENHALG (!954) who was visiting Terry from Brisbane. The highlight of the evening were
readings from the 1953/4 “Cabin Log” by R.F. CHUDLEY (1952). Chief Cadet Captain Lent
term. Remarkably all those present were mentioned in the good book which prompted
comments by the wives present that their husbands would still be “logged” for the same
offences, as they hadn’t changed one iota over the years!
ABSCONDING WITH MATILDA
A TALE OF CIRCUMNAVIGATION
(PART I)
(PART II WILL BE IN THE JANUARY 2008 NEWSLETTER)
Clive Bradbury (1957-61)
My wife, Sarah, treated the prospect of my impending retirement decidedly
unenthusiastically. Having had the home to herself for getting on for forty years whilst I
obsessively worked all hours running my own business she was not looking forward to my
constant presence and interruption of her very full daytime social calendar.
Planning retirement for November 2005 I decided that I must make an effort to fulfil
some of the dreams made over the years of work when the longest time off was usually only the
annual two weeks holiday. One of these dreams was to circumnavigate the UK and I resolved to
not only sail round Britain but also, as it coincided with one of my two years as Chairman of the
Association of Old Worcesters, to meet up whenever possible with Old Worcesters located in or
near ports of call.
The first task was to purchase the right boat. Strangely Sarah’s idea of a suitable boat
varied hugely from my own. Whilst I was looking at the underwater profile, the rigging, engine,
cut of the sails etc., she was admiring the gin and tonic holder in the cockpit and the entertaining
facilities below. However I have to concede that Sarah’s experience of Marina sailing is
awesome and I was won round to buying in to a life of comfort with a coastal cruising boat
rather than the harsher reality and cost of a blue water ocean yacht. Finally, we purchased a 36foot Beneteau Oceanis, which we named Matilda and the planning, commenced. Secretive
presents of a DSC Radio and a Chart Plotter were bought for my new mistress with whom I was
looking forward to living with for months on end. Despite my infidelity, I was finally re-assured
of my bond with Sarah (as her future source of income if nothing else) when she insisted on the
evening before departure that I go and buy a self-inflating life raft!
My plan was to sail from my homeport Levington, on the East Coast near Felixstowe, in
late April and go round Britain arriving back in Lowestoft for the OWYC Rendezvous in late
17
July. Crew recruitment leaflets were sent out far and wide and eventually a few misguided and
desperate souls agreed to crew on certain passages. Amongst the Old Worcesters our Honorary
Secretary, Graham SMITH (1960), whom I realize was probably only doing it out of kindness
to support his Chairman and Geoffrey FISHER (1938) a highly experienced veteran blue water
sailor who had done over 20,000 miles in his last boat, a Vancouver 28’.
With knotted stomach, I was up at 0500hrs on the 27 April to listen to the maritime
weather forecast before setting off to sail single handed across the Thames estuary and down to
Dover where I planned to pick up my first crew, Julia TWYMAN, the widow of George
TWYMAN (1936). All was well and with only NE3 winds I made good passage to Dover
where I anchored in the outer harbour (FOC). The following day alongside in the marina saw
the arrival of Julia with fresh provisions. She is strangely adverse to my usual fare based on
the remarkable variety of tinned food now available and said that she had no intention of
allowing her teeth and hair to fall out whilst on board. I have always found that appearing to
be totally incompetent in the domestic sphere pays dividends when sailing with women and the
old tactic worked again resulting in first class fare for the next three weeks.
John TRELAWNEY (1951) came on board for tea and told us of a novel, ‘The
Islanders’, that he was writing about a Cornishman imprisoned for years in the late 1700’s on
the Mewstone, a barren rock off Plymouth. ‘A passionate tale of ripped bodices and heaving
bosoms’, I do not know but John has now told me that copies can be obtained directly on line at
www.lulu.com/johntre. He is currently in the middle of a full time MA Course in ‘Creative
Writing’ at Canterbury so we can expect more books to follow.
Later Clive GODDERIDGE (1961), Ron LITTLE (1957) and his son Mitchell came on
board for drinks. Clive and his wife Elizabeth later very kindly entertained us for a meal at his
house, a converted rectory. Clive and I joined and left Worcester, as well as signing up for
P&O, at the same time. Whereas I left the sea in the late ‘60s, Clive stayed on and amazingly,
considering the state of the industry, had over 40 years continuous full time employment with
P&O before retiring about four years ago. He now spends his time divided between his home
and a property in France as well Bee Keeping and being the local Church Warden.
Sailing on Westward we stopped over at the Royal Yacht Squadron for the
annual ‘Old Conway Lunch’, a splendid affair and also attended by John BUTTOLPH (1959)
and Peter GORMLEY (1957). From there we sailed on to Exmouth, all too often missed by
yachts cruising the West Country. With a shallow limited tidal entrance it has the feel,
friendliness and lower costs of the East Coast and I would thoroughly recommend a visit to
anyone cruising the West Country. Here we met up with David GLENNIE (1960) and June,
his new wife of one month. David is retired from the RAF and is now a RYA instructor in his
spare time. A member of the OWYC he currently has a motor boat (and he seemed such a nice
chap!). Later, in the evening, past Association Chairman Angus BABER (1940) and his wife
Joan came on board for drinks and the following day invited Julia and I for some pretty stiff
pre-lunch
18
Chairman Clive BRADBURY with David GLENNE & Angus BABER
drinks at their apartment in Exmouth. On the evening of our departure our Honorary Secretary
and his wife Carol very kindly entertained us to dinner at their home in Dunchideock. Graham
now joined us for the passage down to Falmouth.
Waking up to rain, a SW2 wind and overcast grey skies, we cast off at 5 a.m. and
navigated the tricky channel to the sea in the half-light making passage for our next port,
Salcombe. Here we met up with Peter HODGES (1959) who retired as Harbour Master a couple
of years ago and on the day of our visit was handing over to his successor as Commodore of the
Salcombe Y.C. He was in fine form and still retains his interest in local affairs as Honorary
Secretary of the Salcombe R.N.L.I. Our next port of call was Newton Ferrers arguably the most
scenic and atmospheric harbour in Britain where we came across Mark WILSON (1965), an old
Port Line shipmate of Grahams. Mark is closely involved in the local community, lays many of
the swinging moorings in the river and lives in the old 19th century Lifeboat House next to the
new Harbour Masters Office (which he built). He has an impressive collection of brass ships
artefacts, which he has obtained from breakers yards, and the view from his window allows him
to see all the movements in the harbour.
The passage from Newton Ferrers to Fowey was flat calm with clear blue skies and a
haze obscuring the horizon. We entered the heads, passing Readymoney Cove where Ann and
John PITHER (1946) have a house overlooking the harbour entrance and had hoped to wave to
them as we sailed by. John has had the house there for many years and had told me that he has
yet to see a yacht with a Worcester Ensign enter the harbour. We had hoped to rectify the
situation but regrettably John had not been too well and had returned to London. However we
managed to phone him and wish him a speedy recovery. Another Old Worcester in the area,
and Honorary Secretary of the OWYC, was Geoffrey DUNSTER (1953) who had told me that
he was reduced to living in a railway shed. Fearing that he had fallen on hard times I visited
him and his partner Maggie in Lostwithiel only to find that he was living in some style in a
converted Brunel designed quarried stone engine shed constructed for the Great Western
Railway. During our stay in Fowey the ‘Annual Daphne du Maurier Festival’ was taking place
with an impressive and terrifying line up of Amazon ladies (Kate Adie, Germaine Greer, Pam
Ayres, Shirley Williams etc.) It was clearly not safe to go ashore at night without protection!!
However we did enjoy the hospitality of the Royal Fowey YC where we were well entertained
by a number of ex-mariners who informed us that a few years previously their Commodore was
Mr. L.H. Robertson who had been headmaster of the Worcester (1959 - 64).
Since Exmouth the weather had not been brilliant but it now deteriorated into almost
19
continual driving rain lasting for the next week. We looked for the reason; an article of bad
luck; an albatross on deck; an umbrella stowed below but could find nothing. Only later did I
realize that it was Graham’s arrival that had heralded continuous fronts and proof of his jinx
was born out when later in the year he joined Ian Ward on ‘Spirit of Worcester’ for a rain
lashed storm bound cruise to Ireland. Julia, fed up by the weather and no doubt emboldened by
the presence of so many feisty women in Fowey, now jumped ship unconcerned by the
resulting collapse in catering standards on board.
Leaving Fowey in continuous drizzle we made for Penryn where we planned to meet up
with Martin TREGONING (1961) on ‘Sharifa’. Martin is a ‘live aboard’ and has been both a
Harbour Master and Pilot for Penzance as well as a Coastguard in Cornwall over the last 35
years. He was most hospitable and very kindly arranged a free offshore local mooring where,
both on board and ashore, we spent a number of convivial evenings together going over old
times. However the continual wind and rain finally broke our spirits and we succumbed to the
luxury of a paid pontoon berth in Pendennis Marina. Here we entertained and were invited
back to the house of Wendy HEYWOOD, the widow of the late Peter W.K. Heywood (1937)
who earlier in the year had very kindly left a bequest to the Association in his will. Time was
now running out and there was still no sign of a change in the weather so Graham headed off
for home whilst I attempted to catch the Not-So-Easy-Jet back to Stansted (Cancelled due to
winds and arrived home by taxi 12 hours late)
G.K.C. Smith (1960), Juliet Twyman & Chairman Brsdbury.
NEWS OF MEMBERS
MISSING MEMBERS
The January 2007 newsletter has been returned from: K.E. BANKS (1954) apparently
having moved to Tunbridge Wells about two years ago, R.J. BOSWELL (1965) who possibly
moved to Cornwall in October 20006, C.G. HANAGAN (1964), A.S. HOOD (1960), J.N.
JACKSON (1954), R.E.S. WALTON (1961). If any member knows of their current
whereabouts would they please advise the Honorary Secretary.
RETURNING MEMBERS
Your Honorary Secretary, ably assisted John ODELL (1952), Lorial WILLIAMSON
(1953) and Dave ROWDEN (1960) in Australia and David BARNES (1959) in New Zealand,
continues with his effort to locate members on the “Missing List”. Since the January 2007
20
newsletter the following members have been located.
P.B. ASHCROFT (1968), J.M. GULLIFORD (1961) & W.R. SLEE (19600
P.B. ASHCROFT (1968). Located in Kenilworth Pete advises that following the demise of
British and Commonwealth he moved to South Africa and took command of a small coastal
container vessel trading between Durban to Mogadishu, including the Seychelles and Mauritius
returning to Durban. In the 1980s he returned to the U.K. and became Manager of the
Commodore Ro-Ro Fleet Operation based in the Channel Islands. In the late 90s he returned to
his home in Warwickshire and set himself up in business as a General Factotum, from which he
has recently retired from full time work. He has dreams of sailing to New Zealand, meanwhile
he operates a small sideline of importing sea-food from East Africa. There is no doubt he has
inherited the Worcester ability to operate in myriad fields and we wish him well and welcome
him back to the Association.
NEW MEMBERS
We welcome the following to lifetime membership of the Association:
T.M. WILLIAMS (1956) & R.R. MacGREGOR (1967)
T.M. WILLIAMS (1956). Now living in retirement in Hemstead, near Holt in Norfolk after
returning from Damman in Saudi Arabia where he had been the Harbour master for a number of
years. Mike has written a fascinating letter about his varied career since leaving the ship. After
serving his time with Royal Mail Lines and obtaining his 2nd Mates certificate he transferred to
British India. In 1967 with the general run down of British shipping beginning Mike decided on
a further change and obtained command of a Fisheries Research vessel operating on the East
Coast of Africa. Sadly after seven idyllic, and sometimes exciting years, he was forced to seek
another berth as the organisation to which his vessel was attached collapsed and further funding
was not forthcoming.
With the oil industry booming in the early ‘70s Mike took command of the first Saudi
Arabian research vessel, organised by the University of North Wales, putting to good use some
of the hydrographic training he had received as a Naval Reservist. This was followed by a
period with Decca working in the North Sea and South China Seas. Union Oil then offered Mike
employment as one of two Logistic Co-ordinators looking after a fleet of twenty-four service
vessels and five helicopters in the Gulf of Thailand, the down side of which were the problems
21
associated with Vietnamese refugees.
Mike then went to Saudi Arabia, as Master of a Survey vessel before finally becoming
Hydrographer of Damman Port prior to the invasion of Kuwait, finally becoming Harbour
master of that port a post he was to occupy until his retirement.
We wish Mike a happy retirement and trust that he does not find life here too quiet after
the excitement off the Middle East. I was pleased to meet Mike at the O.W.Y.C. Dinner in
Poole, his first attendance at an Association function since his joining the Association and
Yacht Club in January this year; he was crew on the yacht “ASKA” owned by Henry
COLCHESTER (1959).
CURRENT MEMBERSHIP
The current membership of the Association stands at 1,120 with a further 319 members
for whom we hold no current address details.
We have heard of the following members:
A.M. DOWNES (1939), a letter from one of our more senior members living in Mosman,
New South Wales, enclosed an interesting collection of Worcester documentation: a copy of
the Worcester Prospectus, sometimes referred to as the “Blue Liar”, circa 1934/5; the Annual
Report and list of Prizes for 1938 and a copy of the Christmas 1932 Dog Watch, formerly
belonging to E.C. RHODES (1909).
Joining Shaw Savill & Albion on leaving the ship and was called for War Service a
week before hostilities commenced. He saw service on Q-Ships, which include a month ashore
in Berbera, British Somaliland providing protection against the Italian forces and in Home
waters and in the North Atlantic on Convoy duties and in the Far East, ending the war as
Navigator aboard one of the Woolworth (Escort) carriers. Obtaining his Masters certificate in
1946 he was engaged in trooping before returning to Shaw Savill and further service with a
variety of shipping companies.. In 1952 he transferred to the Royal Australian Navy serving in
a variety of postings, including Master Attendant and Senior Pilot at Garden Island in Sydney,
as well as command of a number of small ships.
In 1960 Mike changed direction and set himself up as a one man Marine Hull and
Cargo Surveyor, specialising in the last six years as a Compass Adjustor. He has finally, and
reluctantly, now retired at the age of 85 after sixty-nine years in the maritime industry.
Married to Joan for the last fifty-four years they are now able to enjoy their five
children and three grand-children. At the time of writing in March Mike was recovering from
a broken leg but is determined to remain active.
22
R.H. WYLD (!939), Robert, whose lifetime membership was announced in the January 2007
newsletter and is living in retirement in Tauranga is thanked for his generous donation.
In the June edition of “Sea Breezes” Robert has written an interesting article about the
rescue of the “Robert H. Harrison”, an American Liberty ship, that lost her propeller when
fifteen hundred miles west of the southern tip of the south of Ireland. He was serving as 2nd
Mate on the salvage and rescue tug “Turmoil” at this time and was involved in her successful
rescue in appalling weather conditions.
N.R. KNOWLES (1943), a retired Trinity House pilot and Younger Brethren of Trinity House
Norman has recently moved from Alkham, near Dover to Bath and the Association is very
grateful for his generous donation, sent at the same time of his advising us of his change of
address, as if he didn’t have enough on his plate!.
B.R. OLIVER (1949), resident in Warsash, near Southampton, where he was a lecturer, from
1965 until retirement in 1997. He is thanked for his Standing Order to assist with our funds and
a collection of interesting photographs from his time on board.
Barry joined the Union Castle Line on leaving the ship and remained with them until
1965 when he went to the School of Navigation to study for his Extra Masters. He and his wife
Gillian, the daughter of a College lecturer, have now forsaken maritime adventures and now
spend a lot of their time touring around Europe and the U.K. in a campervan.
G.J. CLARKE (1950), Geoff, living in Avalon Beach, New South Wales, reports that he
recently met, after a period of fifty-seven years, with an old shipmate, H.M. WILLIAMSON
(1949). Hugh was on a visit to Australia with his wife Lynn and arranged to meet Geoff and his
wife Shan for a very convivial lunch at the Mosman R.S.L., the venue for N.S.W. Branch
luncheons. The lunch was followed by an interesting drive to some of the lovely parts of the
Sydney Harbour Federation Trust now accessible to members of the public, after many years in
the hands of various departments of the Armed Services.
P.R. DAY (1950), The January 2007 newsletter resulted in a Bravo Zulul for the editor and
included news of Peter’s career. Now living in peaceful retirement in Farndon, Nottinghamshire,
after many years service in the Universities of Nottingham and Hull as a lecturer. Peter reports
that on leaving the ship he joined Clan Line Steamers, however his sea-going career was cut
short by ill health. His forced career change saw him working for a farming company in
Somerset, followed by a period in insurance. He eventually qualified as a psychiatric social
worker at the London School of Economics and took up a position as Senior Psychiatric Social
worker at the Severall’s Hospital in N. Essex. He then became a Gulbenkian Fellow at the
National Institute for Social Work and tutor in charge of a new social work course at High
Wycombe. The remainder of his career was as a University lecturer, until he took early
retirement fro Hull University and spent some time working at St. Barnabas Hospice in Hull.
23
After travelling extensively in Europe and the U.S.A. ill health forced his early
retirement in the late nineties. He now has time to enjoy his wife’s company and visits by his
grand-children.
R.V. DUNCAN (1954), Rex, more usually known as “Vic” is thanked for his generous
donation to the Association’s funds. In an accompanying letter Vic relates details of his varied
career before retiring to Plymouth, Devon. On leaving the ship he joined Blue Funnel
following the mandatory Outward Bound Course at Aberdovey. His first spell of R.N.R.
training was spent as a Midshipman aboard H.M.S. EAGLE, which included service off Port
Said during the Suez crises.
In August of 1961 his career took a change as he joined Mullions of Hong Kong
followed three years later with a two year spell with World Wide Shipping. In 1966 he came
ashore to study for Extra Masters and in 1968 joined the Ministry of Fisheries and Food as a
Fisheries Officer, based for five years in Poole. He returned to deep sea employment in 1973
joining Scottish Ship Management and in 1975 transferred to Reardon Smiths of Cardiff where
he was promoted Master in 1984. Following the collapse of Reardon Smiths in 1985 Vic
transferred to the Mexican company Transportacion Maritime Mexicana (T.M.M.), a number
of whose vessels had previously been managed by Reardon Smiths. The Mexican company
formed a new company, Cardiff Ship Management, to operate their vessels and Vic remained
with that company in command of a variety of different types of vessel until ill health forced
his retirement in the mid eighties.
H.J.M. POUNTNEY (1954), recently relocated to Colyford, Devon, Henry and his wife
Wendy join the ever increasing number of Old Worcesters living in or around Sidmouth. The
Association is grateful for Henry’s generous donation.
Now retired Henry keeps himself
busy assisting in the running of the local yacht club, represents the River Axe Harbour at the
South West Harbour Masters Association and does a lot of sailing.
M.R. TOLMAN (1956), on a recent visit to Queensland Mike and his wife Christine enjoyed
a relaxed lunch at the St. Lucia Golf Club, with Malcolm CRAMB (1955), David
GREENHALGH (1954) and Loriol WILLIAMSON (1953), together with their partners.
During the course of the luncheon realised they had all been aboard H.M.S. “CONTEST” at the
Spithead Review in 1953.
C.S. BAUGH (1958), now living in happy retirement in Lincoln, near Christchurch, New
Zealand is thanked for his donation towards the newsletter publication costs.
J.M. BUBB (1960), a Younger Brother of Trinity House and a Fellow of the Nautical Institute
John is congratulated on his appointment, at the beginning of this year, as a Non-Executive
24
member of the Board of the Harwich Haven Authority.
P.J. MELSON (1960), the January 2007 newsletter prompted Peter to update the Association of
his current employment and forthcoming retirement plans. On leaving the ship Peter joined
Shell Tankers remaining with them for seven years before joining the Royal Navy in 1968. A
successful career in the Navy, spent mainly at sea, over the next twenty-two years, culminated in
his appointment as Deputy Commander British Forces, Hong Kong, in the rank of Commodore
in 1997. On leaving the Royal Navy Peter joined Trinity House as the Director of Operations
and Asset Management and is an Elder Brother. Peter advises that he retires in June this year
and shortly after will take delivery of his new Halberg Rassy 37, to be named “Isa Lei”, from
Sweden. His wife and he intend cruising the Baltic this Summer prior to returning to the Solent
in the Autumn and have plans to head south in 2008. Although retiring from an active role at
Trinity House he will remain the Rental Warden of Trinity House.
R.N. ADAMS (1961),
the Associations congratulations are extended to Bob following his appointment as General
Secretary of the British & International Sailors’ Society (B.I.S.S.), until 1995 known as the
British Sailors’ Society, at the end of last year.
Since leaving the ship Bob has pursued careers both at sea and ashore; initially he joined
Blue Funnel, remaining with that company until leaving, as Chief Officer, in 1969 to join
Hoverlloyd as a hovercraft navigator. He returned to deep sea service with the Fyffes group to
gain sea-time for his Masters certificate and in 1971 returned to hovercraft service as Flight
Commander and Training Captain. Bob moved ashore in 1981 to become Port Operations
Manager at Dover Hoverport. A member of the Chartered Management Institute and the
Chartered Institute of Marketing he subsequently held a number of management positions with
Hoverspeed and later Sea Container Ferries Inc. culminating in his appointment as General
Sales and Marketing Director at Sea Container Ferries. From 1993 to 1997 Bob was Group
Managing Director of Condor Ferries, followed by two years as Strategic Development Director
at Holvman (Europe) BV, assigned to Holvman Ferries (U.K.).
A change of emphasis in his management career saw Bob working as a Maritime
Transport and Travel consultant until he joined Marsh Ferriman, a firm of Solicitors, as their
Legal Practice Director for a period of three years before once again becoming an independent
consult advising City of London solicitors on legal practice management.
25
C.J. LANGFORD (1962),
communication recently received from Chris detail his career since leaving the ship and record
his family’s return to Australia after many years abroad in the Far East.
Leaving the ship he joined Ellerman and Bucknell , serving his time and remaining with
them he obtained his Mates certificate. When appointed to a run he did not fancy he decided
on a change and joined the China Navigation Company of Hong Kong. He returned to the U.K.
to obtain his Masters certificate and then decided to settle in Melbourne. In 1972 he took up a
shore appointment as a Unit Load Officer, basically a Supercargo, and remained in that
capacity for a number of years as Swires introduced containerisation into the trades.
Leaving Swires in 1976 Chris returned to sea with the Australian National Line,
however in 1977 he went ashore again as a Supervisor for Liner Services, a Terminal Operator
in Melbourne. From this company he once again returned to A.N.L. this time as Assistant
Terminals Manager in their Head Office., before appointment as Terminal Manager at their
Webb Dock. Further advancement was to follow with Chris moving to Brisbane in 1985, first
as Terminal Manager at the newly constructed Fisherman’s Island, called Amalgamated
Terminals, a joint venture with P & O. This was the beginning of his career with P & O and he
was to serve in a variety of appointments before being transferred overseas with P & O in
1995. He was to serve as a CEO in a variety of countries, including the Philippines, China, and
finally Thailand in 1998, where he was appointed as C.E.O. of Laem Chabang International
Terminal, a position he was to hold until retirement at the end of last year.
Chris has known his wife since his second trip to sea and they now live in retirement in
Camp Hill, Brisbane. They have three children, two of them living in Brisbane and one
working in Kathmandu as a V.S.O,
The Honorary Secretary was pleased to meet Chris during his short visit to Brisbane in
April and looks forward to working with him on Association matters as Chris has been
prevailed upon by Loriol Williamson (1953) to join him as Joint Secretary of the Queensland
Branch of the Association.
A.J. LANSDALE (1962), belated congratulations to Andrew, one of the younger members of
our Council and a successful journalist with the maritime magazine Fairplay International
Shipping Weekly, on the award of “Journalist of the Year 2006” by Seahorse Journalism
Awards.
26
M.S. BURGOINE (1966),
congratulations to Steve on his appointment as Commodore of P & O Cruises after a lifetime
career with P & O beginning with his first trip on m.v. “Soudan”. A Fellow of the Royal
Institute of Navigation, a Member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, he is also a
Freeman of the City of London. Sadly he is the last sea-going Old Worcester with P & O
Cruises, marking the end of a long line of service by Worcester cadets on ships of the P & O. At
present Steve is Senior Master on P & O Cruises m.v. “Arcadia”.
C.H. BOSTOCK (1969), congratulation to Christopher, who lives in Thorpe-Le-Soken, Essex,
and works at the V.T.S. Centre at Harwich, on being elected Chairman of the recently formed
U.K. Vessel Traffic Services Association, whose aim is to encourage and promote the highest
standards, knowledge,, competence and qualifications amongst personnel responsible for VTS
and port information.
R.S. RAWLINGS (1969), one of our younger members who had the distinction of serving on
both H.M.S. Worcester and t.s. Worcester, under the Red Ensign, with the Merchant Navy
College. On leaving he joined Ben Line and on obtaining his 2nd Mates certificate, in 1972,
transferred to John Swire & Sons in Hong Kong. Passing his Masters in 1978 he joined the
marine casualty department of Clyde & Co. Qualifying as a solicitor on 1991 he worked in their
Singapore office between 1993 and 1997 and returned to the U.K. in 1997 to become a partner
with Clyde & Co. In 2003 he joined Clyde’s Piraieus and has been resident in Greece to this
day.
He is in regular contact with P.B. DAVIES (1967), a Marine Manager with Holman
Fenwick & Willan; C.H. BLIAULT (1969) a partner with marine surveyors Brooks Bell; M.
FAULKNER (1969) who works in I.T. with solicitors Allen & Overy and M.N. WATSON
(1969), a partner with solicitors Berrymans Lace Mawer and the son of Captain T.A. WATSON
(1936), a retired sea pilot living in Gravesend; Martin has the distinction of being the last cadet
to have been awarded a Worcester Leaving Certificate. Russell would be interest to hear from
any of his contemporaries who might remember him and can contacted via his e-mail address:
[email protected]
WORCESTERS OF YORE
Research by the Honorary Secretary and descendents of Old Worcester continue to
produce a mine of information about fellow cadets. A recent enquiry from the Great-Nephew of
27
W.J. RUSACK (1893 - 95) is perhaps worthy of note.. Willim Johanness RUSACK was the
son of a German émigré and changed his name to William McNeilage Rusack just prior to the
start of World War I due to the anti-German feeling that existed at that time. William joined the
ship from the Madras College in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Leaving the ship he joined Henry
Fernie & Sons of Liverpool sailing on his first trip on the “Pythomene”. He remained at sea
until, qualifying as a Master Mariner, before going ashore and setting himself up in business.
William was a poet and published books of poetry, one of which, “Voyaging Canvas”, contains a
poem about the "Worcester” :
For the golfers amongst our readers William’s Father built, between 1886/91, the
famous Rusack’s Marine Hotel, located close by the 18th hole of the St. Andres Golf Course.
William RUSACK died in 1962.
OBITUARIES
News of the “Crossing of the Bar” of the following Old Worcesters has been received
since our last issue. We mourn, with sadness and with those they leave behind; may they rest in
peace. The Editor wishes to point out that some of these cadets died several years ago.
H.W. White
1932
V.A.J.B. Marchesi
1930
J.R.C. Young
1933
R.N. Atkinson
1940
J.W.D. Cook
1940
S.W.. Lees
1940
G.D. Habesch
1941
S.E. Rothwell
1941
W.A. Trathen
1941
R.S. Luly
1943
G.W.A. Smith
1949
W.M. Fieldhouse
1951
J.E. Frost
1951
I.J. Randall
1953
R.G. Brown
1954
B.E.F. Pittar
1954
J.Q. Lees
1958
P.J. Corney
1959
T.N. Foulkes
1964
Rear Admiral J.W.D. Cook, C.B., D.L.
James William Dunbar COOK (1938 - 40) who died on 26 January this year was born
on 01 December 1921 in Pluscarden, near Elgin in Scotland. He joined the ship in the
Michaelmas term from Bedford School leaving two years later in the Summer term, having
represented the College in cricket and swimming and was the winner of the P & O Gold Watch
in the King’s Gold Medal contest . He joined the Royal Naval Reserve for war service and was
first appointed to cruiser H.M.S. “Shropshire” as a Midshipman. He had a lucky escape when
he survived the sinking of H.M.S. “Martin” whilst taking part in Operation Torch landings in
North Africa on 10 November 1942; he was fortunate to have been the Second Officer of the
Watch when the ship was almost simultaneously struck by three torpedoes and blew up, he was
blown overboard.
After the war he transferred to the Royal Navy, with a permanent commission, as a
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Lieutenant serving on H.M. ships “Cheviot”, “Mull of Kintyre” and “Indomitable” before
promotion to Lieutenant Commander. In 1956 he took command of H.M.S. “Venus” of the
Dartmouth Training Squadron, visiting the “Worcester” between the 18 and 20 January 1957.
He was to have two further sea-going commands, H.M.S. “Dido”, a new Leander Class frigate
on which he served on it’s first commission between 1963 and 1965 and H.M.S. “Norfolk” on
which he served in 1971, during which time H.R.H. Prince Charles served as one of his officers.
He was appointed A.D.C. to the Queen in n1972.
Shore appointments included service as Commodore in command of H.M.S. Afrikander
and Senior Naval Officer South Africa; This was a particularly busy period as it coincided with
the closure of the Suez Canal and the resulting redirection of both naval and merchant ships
around the Cape. Returning to the U.K. he became Director of the Royal Naval War College, and
finally on promotion to Rear Admiral appointed as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operations),
following his period of command of H.M.S. Norfolk. During this period at the Ministry of
Defence he conducted a study, known as the Cook Report, on the future command structure of
the submarine service.
Rear Admiral Cook was appointed C.B. in 1975 and Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey in
1989. On retiring from the Royal Navy in 1975 Admiral Cook served as Head of Personnel
with Ocean Inchcape for five years before devoting himself to the Royal Star and Garter home in
Richmond as a fund raiser.
Outside his service life Admiral Cook contributed much to his local community, he was a
Churchwarden for twenty years and involved with the Royal Naval School and Age Concern and
Chairman of the Surrey Branch of S.S.F.A. He much enjoyed a round of golf and achieved a
notable first in 1992 when he “holed in one” , followed three weeks later by not only repeating
the event but doing so using the same club and on the same hole!
Admiral Cook married Edith Williams in 1949, Edith sadly pre-deceasing him after
nearly fifty years of marriage and he married his second wife Elisabeth at the beginning of this
decade and they were to have six happy and loving years together. Admiral Cook leaves his
wife, Elisabeth, son Bill and daughters Helen and Mary, to whom the Association extends it’s
deepest sympathy.
At his funeral the Association was represented by Admiral Cook’s life-long friend and
fellow cadet A.G.F. DITCHAM (1940).
V.A.J.B. Marchesi
Victor Aloyius John Baptist Marchesi (1927-30) who died on 27th December 2006 was
born on 25th January 1914 and joined the ship in the Michaelmas term 1927 from St. Josephs
College, Norwood. He left in the Summer term of 1930 as a Midshipman R.N.R. to join T & J.
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Brocklebank Line. Obtaining his Second Mates Ticket in 1933 during the Great Depression
he found it impossible to get a posting as a deck officer and went back to sea as a
Quartermaster but felt lucky that he was not forced to go back as a deck hand as many of his
friends. Later on finishing his initial R.N.R. course he managed to obtain a position as 4th
Officer on the R.R.S.”Discovery” going south to Antarctica to do survey work. Whilst in
Antarctica the “Discovery” rescued the American airman, Lincoln Ellsworth, who had come
down on the Ross Ice Shelf. Ellsworth was the first person to transit by air both the North and
South Poles.
On return from Antarctica he successfully applied to join the Navy and served in
Norway (1940) as well as on convoy duty in the Red Sea and Mediterranean. Transferring to
the Navy’s Hydrographic Department, he had a chance meeting with H.M.S.”Endevour” whilst
serving on the survey vessel H.M.S.”Arthur” and was reacquainted with many of his old
chums from the Discovery. It was not by co-incidence then, that on return to the UK in ’43,
that he was called up to the Admiralty and told that he was to be second in command of a top
secret mission to Antarctica where he would be involved with setting up permanent manned
bases. Known as “Operation Taberin”, its real purpose is still subject to the Official Secrets
Act and was featured in an article published in a previous newsletter. When the vessel of
which he had command, H.M.S. “William Scoresby”, finally paid off in July 1946, it was one
of the last vessels to return from W.W. II.
His post war years were spent in Destroyers, as Trials Officer at Portadown; as
Admiralty Careers Lecturer to Public Schools and for two years, during the Korean War, as 1st
Lieutenant on the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Unicorn. His final posting was as Staff Officer in
charge of H.M.S Caroline, the RNVR Headquarters in Belfast. Retiring as a LieutenantCommander he was employed in marketing by Bass Brewery and later duty officer on board
the “Cutty Sark” at Greenwich as well as a Port Relief Officer for Port Line.
Finally retiring at the age of 72, he went to live in Minorca with his wife Nancy whom
he had met at the British Embassy in Montevideo and had married in Port Stanley in 1946.
When his wife died he returned to the UK and in 1986 went to live in Merton College on
Blackheath where he finally died.
Victor was an active, sociable and great raconteur. He was interviewed only a year
before his death at the age of 92 and featured highly in the BBC Radio 4 programme
“Operation Taberin”. Even towards the end of his life he would make trips to the Scott Polar
Research Institute in Cambridge and regularly attend the annual dinner of the “James Caird
Society” in Dulwich to celebrate Shackleton’s heroic voyage from Elephant Is. to South
Georgia. He is survived by his daughter Anne and his son Robin to which the Association
extend our sincere condolences.
At his Service of Remembrance in Merton College on Thursday 11th January, the
Association was represented by Chairman C.R.C.Bradbury (1961) and P.R.L.Gormley (1957).
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C.F. Vine
Colin Frank VINE (1928 - 32), who died on 09 May this year was born on 09 November
1915 and joined the ship in the Christmas term, with his twin brother, the late P.D.VINE, from
the Mount Pleasant School, Southbourne. The brothers left in the Summer term to join British
Tankers. Coilin served in the Merchant Navy until the outbreak of war and served in the Royal
Navy until 1944, being awarded the D.S.C. in the New Years Honours List of 1945 for his
actions whilst serving as 1st Lieutenant on the frigate H.M.S. CHELMER Colin became a Suez
Canal Pilot in 1945, putting to good use his experience whilst serving on a Minesweeper in the
Canal. Colin was promoted to 1st Class Pilot in 1949 and remained with that service until the
Canal was nationalised in 1956 by Colonel Abdul Nasser.
Retuning to the U.K. Colin underwent an extended period of Reserve training before
becoming a North Sea Pilot in 1958, continuing in that service until 1964 when he became the
much respected Captain Superintendent of the Prince of Wales Sea Training School in Dover
until 1975 when the school was closed, after which Colin returned to North Sea pilotage until
retiring in 1985.
Colin was a member of the Honourable Company of Master Marines, being their Master
in 1985/6, A Member of the Institute of Navigation and one-time underwriting member of
Lloyds.
At his funeral the Association was represented by J.R. ODELL (1952), G.K.C. SMITH
(1960) & W.M. MARSHALL (1956). Also present was Ann VINE , the widow of the late P.D.
VINE, the daughter of the 1909 King’s Gold Medallist, G.E.G. SANDERCOCK (1909). The
Association sends it’s deepest sympathy to Colin’s two sons, Michael and Simon and to Colin’s
companion, Mrs Moira ANDREWS.
J.R.C. Young
John Reginald Cass YOUNG (1932 - 33) who died on 20 February this year was born on
19 July 1915. He joined the ship in the Lent term from Christ’s College, Blackheath and left, as
a 1st Class Cadet Captain, in the Michaelmas term to join the Royal Navy. Whilst at the
B.R.N.C. Dartmouth he was taken ill and had to leave the Navy, undeterred he joined an Ocean
Weather ship as an observer and then joined the Royal Air Force as a Probationary Acting Pilot
Officer in 1937 and rose to the rank (War Service) of Wing Commander, being released in 1953
whilst retaining the rank of Flight Lieutenant. His war service saw him serving in many
different squadrons and commanded 289 Squadron, 153 Squadron (Algeria) and 108 Squadron
(Mediterranean Night-fighting Force). He also served at H.Q. Fighter Command (Teaching
flight operation to fighter squadron flight commanders) and served with 29 Squadron (Mosquito
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training). He won the Air Force Cross in 1942 and was twice Mentioned in Despatches whilst
serving as a Squadron Leader..
After the war John joined B.O.A.C. rising to be their Senior Pilot before retiring in
1970 to teach meteorology and allied aviation subjects. This was followed by a period with the
Royal Air Force working as Private Pilots Licence instructor and examiner at the R.A.F.
stations surrounding his home in Oxford, a role he was still carrying out until shortly before his
death. A.M.M. HILL (1963) remembers examining John at R.A.F. Brize Norton for the
renewal of his Private Pilots Licence, when John had over 18,000 flying hours in his log-book!
At the funeral of this remarkable gentleman, held at St. Michael’s Church, Cumnor,
Oxford, the Association was represented by B.N. ASHER-RELF (1954) and T.C. WHITE
(1952). To his daughter, Charlotte, the Association extends it’s condolences at the loss of such
a fine man.
E.G.A. Smith
Edward George Alan SMITH (1937—40) who died on 13 November last year was born
28 May 1924 in London, the son of Captain Edward Smith an Aden pilot. He joined the ship in
the Michaelmas term from the Franklin House School, Isle of Wight and left in the Michaelmas
term to join the Ellerman & Bucknall Line, having represented the College at rugby football.
Wartime experience was spent mainly in the North Atlantic and Pacific, with long periods
spent away from home, as was common in those far off days. After the war Alan, as he was
known to family and friends alike, continued serving at sea until being appointed a Trinity
House pilot in Southampton, where he was to remain until retirement.
A much admired
pilot with an easy going manner he became choice pilot for the Queen Mary and Queen
Elizabeth, as well the Shaw Savill ships and those of Esso Tankers. Alan was a member of the
Honourable Company of Master Mariners.
Alan’s passions in life were his support of Spurs, his large collection of records,
predominately jazz, and his general interest in sport, particularly soccer, cricket and rugby. His
sister Audrey described Alan as a man with the expansiveness and wisdom of a man of the
world and the sea. He will be sorely missed by his family and all those who knew him.
The Association was represented at his funeral in Ryde, Isle of Wight by D. ROBSON
(1947—49) and J.A. Le BRECHT (1947—49).
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G.D. Habesch
Geoffrey David HABESCH (1939 - 41) who died on 07 March this year was born on 05
April 1924, in Bridlington and moved to Rhyl in his first year. He joined the ship in the Summer
term from Epworth College, Rhyl, leaving two years later in the Summer term to join T & J
HArrisons of Liverpool to begin a varied and interesting career in the maritime industry all over
the world. He was also to become a book reviewer and author, in his own right, beginning with
articles in the Nautical Magazine in 11988 and Ships Monthly in 1991 culminating in the
publication of his book, “The Army’s Navy, British military Vessels and their History since
Henry VIII “ in 2001.
After gaining his 2nd Mates certificate Geoffrey joined the Merchant Navy Officers
Reserve Pool and the “Empire Prowess” on the Russian convoy “JW 67”. He saw further
service in a variety of wartime theatres from North Atlantic convoys to support of the North
African campaign and Far East and the Pacific. After the war he had a short period with the
Royal Army Service Corps before transferring to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service where he
saw further conflict during the Korean War. He remained with the R.F.A. until 1960 when he
took up the first of his shore appointments with H.M. Colonial Service, employed as a Senior
Marine Officer with the Hong Kong Marine Department; his responsibilities over the years were
many and varied ranging from being the government representative aboard a water tanker that
sought it’s cargo in the waters of mainland China, a task requiring on occasion a deal of
diplomatic skill to responsibility for controlling the thousands of local craft operating throughout
the Colony. He served in the local Royal Naval Reserve and was a Government representative
on the Management of the Hong Kong Sea School. He was at one time responsible for directing
the Search and Rescue Operations in the South China Sea and received several commendations
for his participation in dealing with typhoons, ship fires and other maritime emergencies.
Retiring from Hong Kong in 1972 he returned to the U.K. he became the Manager of the
Crew Department of a shipping company followed by a two stint as Nautical Advisor to the U.K.
Trawlers Insurance Company during which time he was involved in the search for the trawler
“Gaul” and the Icelandic Cod War. Further employment over the next few years included
Operations Manager for an American Company in Dubai, Marine and Port Consultant for the
Venezuelan Government, advisor to the Port of Shuaiba in Kuwait. Archivist at the Museum of
Army Transport at Beverley, followed by a short, but very successful, period as Director of
Mariitme Affairs to the Government of the Bahamas. In semi retirement back home in North
Humberside he became involved, as Information Officer, with the British Maritime League until
it’s dissolution in 1991, as President of the North-East area British Korean Veterans’
Association, as a member of the Russian Convoy Club, the Eight Army Veterans’ Association,.
He was also Chairman of the Management Committee of the Hull Sea Cadets Corps, t.s. “Iron
Duke”.
33
Captain Habesch is survived by his wife Eileen and their son Simon and daughter Shan
to whom the Association extends its deepest sympathy.
At his funeral at the Church of Our Lady of Lordes, Hessle, the Association was
represented by M.A. MORRILL (1952).
S.E. Rothwell
Stanley Ernest ROTHWELL (1939 - 41) who died on 27 February this year was born
on 16 December 1923. He joined the ship in the Lent term from Gravesend County School
leaving in the Summer term, as a 1st Class Cadet Captain and the College organist (1939 - 41),
to join the R.N.R. for War Service. After wartime service in many areas of the world, which
included the evacuation of the Eighth Army from Tobruk and the invasion of Sicily whilst
serving on H.M.S. BROADWAY and service on H.M.S. PETARD, which ship was famous for
the sinking of a U-Boat and subsequent capture of an Enigma code machine, Stanley changed
career and joined the Bank of England for what was to become a long and successful career
culminating in service as Assistant to the Chief Cashier until his retirement in 1980s. His
planned retirement was brought to an early end when a legal firm sought his Bank of England
knowledge of computers and employed him as a consultant on installing and operating
computer systems, this was followed by a series of projects which were to last for seven years
before his final retirement.
Stanley was blessed with musical talent and skill, beginning to play the play the piano
at a very early age and becoming an Associate of the Victorian College of Music at the age of
15. Together with his brother Ken he played the organ at his local church for sixty-eight years,
with Ken playing in the morning service and Stanley at Evensong. It was at this church that he
married his wife, Monica, also an employee of the Bank of England, in 1945 and they
celebrated their sixty-second wedding anniversary shortly before his death.
P.D.F. Cruickshank
Peter Denys Frosdick CRUICKSHANK (1941—43) who died on 13 November last
year was born on 28 October 1925. He joined the ship in the Michaelmass term from Dulwich
College as a Fishmongers Scholar and left in the Summer term to join Alfred Holt & Co He
represented the College at Crickets and Rugby and was the band Drum Major. He was to spend
34
his sea-going career with company, including a period as Instructor at the Outward Bound Sea
School at Aberdovey in 1949, before joining the company ashore, first as Assistant Marine
Superintendent (1956), then returning to sea and command in 1965. He became Deputy
Container Ship Manager in 1974 and Fleet Manager in 1978. He transferred to Overseas
Containers Ltd. As Fleet Operations Manager in 1981 and then Nautical Advisor before retiring
in 1988.
A member of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners he was their Master in
1986/7; an early member of the then Parliamentary Marine Association Nautical Assessor,
Court of Appeal; a member of the UK SON Committee and a U.K. delegate to the I.M.O. and
later on an I.F.S.M.A. delegate to I.M.O..
Peter was also a keen supporter of the Sea Cadet Corps and was Chairman of the
Glasgow and S.W. Scotland Sea Cadet Committee between 1967 to 1970 and Vice Chairman
and Scottish representative of the Sea Cadet Committee during the same period; He was also a
Church Warden at his local church, All Saints Theydon Garnon in Essex between 1986 & 2001
and briefly Lay Chairman of the Epping District Team of Churches.
At his funeral the Association was represented by Council members M.J. Borland (1951)
and members G.P. Blyth (1940), D.A. Dornom (1951), B.J. Sillince (1957) and P.A. Furneaux
(1961).
Following the recent sad events aboard the “Cutty Sark” at Greenwich it is perhaps
appropriate to insert a poem written by Peter as a young cadet.
S.V. “CUTTY SARK”
By Cadet P.D.F. CRUICKSHANK
Reminder of fast dying age,
When she was sold to Portugal
She rides the water yet,
As a barquentine she sailed;
A ship that sailed through calm and storm,
She disappeared from British eves,
What hazards she has met!
But few her loss bewailed.
She saw the ice from Southern Pole,
Brought back to England by a man
The dreaded Horn she cleared,
Who knew of the work she’d done,
She ran her stormy Easting down,
She lies in London River now,
And homeward courses steered.
And rests from the fight she’s won.
She carried tea from China,
We are watching the end of the square-rigged ships
Wool from the Antipodes,
And the men they used to rear
Flying the British Merchant Flag
They served us well, they served us long,
She crossed the hungry seas.
Why must they disappear?
35
S.D. Hasted
Stewart Derek HASTED (1944 - 46) who died on 19 October last year was born on 18
February 1928 in Barnet and entered the College in the Summer term from the Queen
Elizabeth’s School. Known as “The Prof” on the ship he left two years later in the Lent term to
join Clan Line. After gaining his 2nd Mates Certificate he emigrated to New Zealand and went
into a heavy plant business with F.J. COTTRELL (1906—08). He returned to England and
joined Unilever in advertising for a number of years before setting himself as an independent
adviser. Stewart was an accomplished artist and also an author who had been working on a
very large history of Napoleon. He leaves his widow, Valerie, a son Edward and daughter
Vickie and three grand-children to all of whom the Association members extend their
sympathy.
G.W.A. Smith
Gerald William Alexander SMITH (1947—49) who died on 24 April this year in
Meopham, Kent where he was living in retirement, joined the ship in the Summer term and left
two years later to join Clan Line where he remained for twelve years before becoming an Aden
pilot for five years. Returning to the U.K. he became a Trinity House River Thames pilot at
Gravesend. He joined the Association in 1998, ten years after retiring to Meopham. He leaves
a son and daughter-in-law and two grand-daughters and will be greatly missed by all who knew
him.
His son Nicholas has recently found some of his diaries and is in the process of
transcribing them and quotes from the entry of Friday, 22 July 1949, his Father’s last day on
board: “Prize Day. Goodbye Worcester! I said goodbye to all the officers and my pals and
buggered off! Tally Ho!!” A seemingly strange comment on the usual formal activities of
Prize Day and trip up river on the G.S.N.Co. vessel “Royal Eagle”!. An entry in the January
2002 Newsletter explains all; for reasons not stated Gerald had obtained permission to travel
home by train, on making his way to Greenhithe Station he was passed by the Prize Giving
Guest of Honour, Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, who offered him a lift. So Gerald travelled in
comfort and style, if not a trifle uncomfortable in such august presence, all the way to Charing
Cross!
At his Memorial Service held at Hartley Parish Church, Kent the Association was
represented by W.T. RICHARDSON (1943).
P.B. Hollands
Peter Borthwick HOLLANDS (1948 - 50) who died on 01 December last year was born
on 14 March 1935 in Croydon. He joined the ship in the Michaelmas term from Ardingley
36
College, Sussex and left two years later in the Summer term to return to Ardingly College having
failed his eye-sight test. Peter joined Cable & Wireless, which company his Father had worked
for many years, as an engineer trainee and was then selected as a Management trainee remaining
with company for forty-one years before retiring in 1992. He travelled extensively and served in
Indonesia,, Singapore, Brazil, the West Indies and Botswana. Peter was an avid golfer and a
lifelong dedicated Rotarian; he was responsible for founding clubs in many of the areas he
served in.
Peter leaves his wife Elza and two daughters, Fiona and Carolyn and son, Michael and
their fourteen grand-Children to whom we extend our sincere condolences on the loss of such a
much loved person.
J.Q. Lees
Jeremy Quintin LEES (1955—58) who died on 10 February this year was born on 03
February 1941 in Lincoln, the son of an engineer working in Nairobi, Kenya. Jerry joined the
ship in the Michaelmas term from the Prince of Wales School, Nairobi and left in the Lent term
to join Houlder Bros, a member of the Furness Withy Shipping group. He remained at sea with
companies within the group before moving ashore to join the Furness Withy management team..
He left Furness Withy in 1989 and joined V Ships and became Managing Director of their
Technical Department in Southampton. A family tragedy led to Jerry taking early retirement in
1999. In retirement Jerry occupied his time with the renovation of a cottage in France and
relaxing on his beloved steam launch which in due course was replaced with a motor launch.
Sadly fate was not very kind for Jerry and he suffered a long and debilitating illness
which distressed his family and friends alike but was stoically born by the Jerry that many of his
contemporaries will remember. At his well attended funeral the Association was represented by
M.A. FALKNER (1948), M.H.F. SMITH (1948), A.J. DEVINE (1955), J.C.E. EASTWOOD
(1958), P.J. LE CAER (1958), and D.R. MOUNTFORD (1959).
T.N. Foulkes
Thomas Nicholas FOULKES (1962 - 64) who died on 04 January this year was born on
20 August 1946 in Rochford, the son of an internationally known yacht chandler. He joined the
ship in the Michaelmas term from Beal Grammar School and left three years later in the Summer
term to join Lyle Shipping. He remained with Lyles until he came ashore to join his Father in
the family yacht chandlery business.
Tom is survived by his Mother, Olivia, and his three sons Thomas, Nicholas and Samuel
37
to whom the Association extends it’s sympathy at the loss of a son and Father at such a young
age.
At Tom’s funeral the Association was represented by M.R.B. SKIMIN (1958), B. K.
PEACE (1960) and R.H. BOATMAN (!964).
“THE DOG WATCH” - THE WORCESTER’S MAGAZINE
The following individual numbers are missing from the Association collection, and
Old Worcesters are asked to consider bequeathing or gifting their precious copies to the
Association:
Volume I – No. 1 - 8 (Easter 1924 -Summer 1926); No.22 -32
1931 - Summer 1934.
(Easter
Volume II – No. 1 & 2 (Easter & Summer 1935); Nos. 10 –
15 (Easter 1938 to Christmas 1939).
The following members are thanked for the donation of their copies of the Dog Watch
magazine:
F.M. PENWARDEN (1950), for Volume III, Nos. 7 - 33, 35 & 36 (Easter 1948 to
Christmas 1956, Summer & Christmas 1957); Volume IV Nos. 1 - 3 & 8 (Easter to
Michaelmas 1958 and Summer 1960).
N.E. UPHAM (1944), for Volume II, Nos. 20 - 26, 28 - 30 & 32 (Christmas 1941 to
Christmas 1943, Summer 1944 to Easter 1945 and Christmas 1945; Volume III, Nos. 1 - 8, 10
and 11, 14, 16, 18 - 22, 26, 28, 30 & 31 (Easter 1946 to Summer 1948, Easter & Summer 1949,
Summer 1950, Easter 1951, Christmas 1951 to Easter 1953, Summer 1954, Easter 1957,
Christmas 1955 and Easter 1956).
THE WORCESTERSHIRE REGIMENTS SILVER BUGLE.
Replace complete text with:
Following on from the article in the January 2007 newsletter the Honorary Secretary is happy to report
that the bugle has been located to the Royal Naval Trophy Store in Portsmouth. It would appear that the bugle
was indeed returned to the Worcestershire Regiment and on its amalgamation with the Sherwood Foresters
Regiment in 1970 the bugle was returned to the Royal Navy.
The face of the bugle bears the Regimental Crest, an eight-pointed star, oblong of shape, surmounted by
the Naval Crown. In the centre of the star is the lion of the Royal Crest upon a pedestal inscribed “FIRM”, the
Regimental motto, which is surrounded by the Garter, bearing the motto “Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense” translatable
as “Shame Be to Him Who Evil Thinks”. The bugle is also marked with the maker’s name: “Henry Potter & Co.
36 – 38 West Street, Charing Cross Road, London”, a well known company of Military Musical Instrument
38
manufacturers and bears the inscription “Presented to H.M.S. “Worcester” by 1st Battalion, Worcestershire
Regiment – Christmas 1923.”
SOON TO BE PUBLISHED
Our member B.M.S. BEALE (1954) spent much of the last three years editing a
publication to be called:
H.M.S. “Worcester” - A Photographic History.
This publication contains a great number of photographs, both colour and monochrome,
together with explanatory text, covering the life that we experienced in all three ships. The front
page has the well remembered water-colour of Worcester II, painted by the renowned marine
artist Norman Wilkinson (1878—1971), who was the inventor of the Dazzle Camouflage system
for ships in 1917; the back page, shown on the back page of this newsletter, will have the
traditional Dog Watch magazine back page featuring an oil painting of Greenhithe and the
Everard shipyard by the marine artist Frank H. Mason (1876—1965). The book has a total of
110 pages and we are hoping for a publication date towards the end of this year.
A draft copy of the book has been shown to members attending our recent functions and
has met with a very positive response. In order to have some ideas on how much of a print run
to order the Honorary Secretary would be grateful if members would contact him
CONTACT WITH THE ASSOCIATION
Members are encouraged to make contact with the Association, either through E-mail,
using 12 Point “Times New Roman” Font, if possible, or direct to the Honorary Secretary/Editor
at:
Mr. G.K.C. Smith
5 Tower Court
DUNCHIDEOCK
Near Exeter
Devon
EX6 7YD
Tel: 01392 832 975
Mobile Tel: 07768 047 359
E-mail: [email protected]
39
ASSOCIATION SALES GOODS
Payment, in favour of: (1) “Association of Old Worcesters” or (2) “The Old Worcesters
Yacht Club” (Sterling on U.K. Banks only or double signed Travellers Cheques, in Sterling), to
include P & P. Following major changes in the U.K. Postal Service charges have been
changed, please note the revised P & P charges hereunder.
From: G K C Smith, 5 Tower Court, Dunchideock, EXETER, Devon. EX6 7YD
Cost
P&P
Inland Europe Zones 1 & 2
O.W.. Ties (Striped):
£10.00
£1.25 £1.50 £1.75
O.W. Ties (Crown and “W” logo):
£11.50
£1.25 £1.50 £1.75
O.W. Ties (Bow):
£10.00
£0.75 £1.50 £1.75
O.W. Blazer badges:
£10.00
£0.75 £1.00 £1.50
O.W. T – Shirts (XXL, L, M & S):
£ 7.50
£1.50 £2.00 £2.75
Tie Clips with “Worcester” crest:
£ 3.50
£0.75 £1.50 £1.75
Cuff links with “Worcester” crest:
£ 6.50
£0.75 £1.50 £1.75
Worcester bookmarks:
£ 0.60
£0.50 £1.50 £1.75
“The Worcester Cadet” – The Story of a life-boat: £ 1.00
£0.50 £1.00 £1.50
“For Valour” – The V.C.s of Conway & Worcester:£ 1.00
£0.50 £1.00
Members address list, printed copy
£1.00 £1.75 £3.00
£ 5.00
Members address list, available in PDF Format by e-mail:
£1.50
£ 5.
“H.M.S. Worcester” – by W.M. Birchall print:
£ 1.00
£0.50 £1.00 £1.50
“H.M.S. Worcester” – Coloured side elevation:
£ 5.00
£1.50 £1.50 £2.00
“Worcester” – by Spurling. Print - Unmounted:
£12.00
£5.00 £2.50 £3.50
“Ingress Abbey” – by K. Martin; copy of lithograph:£ 0.50
£0.50 £1.00 £1.50
“H.M.S. Worcester”
£0.50 £1.00 £1.50
Tea towels:
£ 1.50
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Cost
P&P
Inland Europe Zones 1 & 2
“H.M.S. Worcester” – Wall shields, standard logo: £32.50
£2.00 £3.00 £4.50
Wall shields, personalised logos:
£32.50
£2.00 £3.00 £4.50
“H.M.S. Worcester” - Note lets (Packets of ten):
£ 3.00
£0.75 £1.50 £2.00
From: A J Devine, Stowe Castle, BUCKINGHAM, Buckinghamshire. MK18 5AB
O.W. Yachting caps – Plain:
£12.00
£1.50 £2.00
O.W. Yachting caps – Braided peak:
£14.00
£1.50 £2.00
Worcester Ensigns – 48” x 24” Bunting
£36.00
£1.50 £2.00
48” x 24” Nylon
£20.00
£1.50 £2.00
36” x 18” Bunting
£30.00
£1.50 £2.00
36” x 18” Nylon
£15.00
£1.50 £2.00
O.W.Y.C. Burgees – Various sizes and material
See O.W.Y.C. Yellow Pages
N.B. Whilst ensigns are available for sale to members of the O.W.Y.C. and A.O.W. a permit,
obtainable from Captain G J Dunster, is required to allow a member of the O.W.Y.C. to fly the
ensign on a vessel. Non-members of the O.W.Y.C. are not permitted to fly the ensign on a vessel.
EGO MOTIFS of Oaklands Village, St. Sampsons,
Guernsey, GY2 4YT
(Tel. No: 01481 248 846 Fax. No: 01481 242 381)
Hold a comprehensive stock of Tee shirts, sweaters, and clothing on which the
Worcester logo (Naval Crown over a “W”) can be attractively worked in
Yellow and black. Normal despatch is within 24 Hours..
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