World Ship Society - ANNOUNCEMENTS - Enquiries Board
From time to time, we get enquiries of a general nature concerning ships or shipping companies. We seek knowledgeable members who can answer the questions posed. If you can help, please write directly to the enquirer, with a cc to the webmaster@worldshipsociety.org (Please add the words "WSS Web Enquiries Board + [subject no. i.e. 2009-001]" to the subject line.)
Latest enquiries are now posted at the start of the listings
2010-004. We received a request from Christine Cochran — Could anyone please tell me if it was common for the Portuguese Navigator ships to have figureheads on the prow/bow of the ships? Meaning, during the time of their empire. If you can help Christine, contact her at jccochran1411@yahoo.com
2010-003. I am looking for a photo of the ship SOUTHERNER. It departed from Liverpool arriving in NY on 21 April 1842 carrying immigrants from England, Scotland & Ireland. Alex S. Palmer ws the captain on this voyage. Thank you. Linda Radecki LRadecki@iinet.com
2010-002. I am researching the history of the West India & Pacific SS Co which I believe was sold to Leyland Line in 1900. I am particularly interested in the origins and ownership of the company. Are there any books which cover this company? Can anyone please help?
Apparently WI & P SS Co was an important concern pre-1900. Alfred Holt (Blue Funnel Line) sold a large part of the fleet to them in 1864 and they were a strong rival to Royal Mail Steam Packet Co in the West Indies trade. They sold out to Leyland Line in 1900.
Response 1. A response from our Chatham Librarian. I have been unable to find any books detailing the West India and Pacific SS Co's history at our Chatham Library. There are references to it in both of Duncan Haws' "Merchant Fleets in Profile" series covering Leyland Line and Blue Funnel Line as well as Noel Bonsor's epic "North Atlantic Seaway" but you have obviously found those for yourself, as nothing further about the company is mentioned in them.
As West India and Pacific was a Liverpool company perhaps the records of the Liverpool Nautical Research Society at the Merseyside Maritime Museum might be worth investigating. They are listed under "Maritime Archives and Library" on www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk Alan Watt, Chatham Librarian World Ship Society
2010-001. A member in the U.S.A. has posed the following question. Does anyone have the particular Yard List? In 1909, Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson at Wallsend-on-Tyne built a lighthouse tender named SIMCOE for use in Canada. It sank in 1917 in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. What was the hull number of this vessel? Grassyblue@aol.com
Response 1. A response from our Chatham Librarian. According to Lloyd's Register Appendix, Shipbuilder's Section, the yard number for your SIMCOE was 806. The WSS Yard Lists do include Swan Hunter, so an enquiry to that source as listed in January's Marine News should have given you the answer you wanted. Alan Watt, Chatham Librarian World Ship Society
2009-015. I am researching the life of my great-grandfather, specifically his experiences while working on the sailing vessel JOSEFA. She was a beautiful Hermaphrodite-Brig built in 1874 at Deering, Maine by George Russell. She was owned by the J.S. Winslow Shipping Co. and hailed from the port of Portland, Maine. Her official: #75697 Her dimensions: 133 x 30, 490 tons Last captain: Ephram R. Snow last seen leaving Sagua le Grande, Cuba bound for Philadelphia, PA, Mar-Apr 1889
Some of my findings so far: She had carried lumber from Portland, ME to New York City. She was used in the Caribbean trade, bringing Cuban sugar/ molasses to New York and most likely other NE ports as well. An 1877 reference shows she also hauled salt, still vital for the New England fisheries as well as other domestic and industrial uses.
On approximately May 1887 Arroyo, Puerto Rico she, her captain and crew were detained by the Spanish Gov’t. about some packages of cornstarch which were unaccounted for. There was an investigation and articles published in the NY Times; one: Dec. 28, 1888. Sometime in 1889 she departed from Philadelphia and set sail for Segua le Grande, Cuba. In April of that same year she departed from Cuba and headed for Philadelphia carrying her cargo of molasses and was never seen again.
I would like to ascertain when my great-grandfather worked on her and where she sailed to during that time. I would like to track her voyages and obtain crew lists and logbooks. I would like to find out what ultimately happened to JOSEFA – in the end.
2009-014. The following enquiry was sent to us from a reader in Southampton. Can anybody help answer his question? "My grandfather was the captain of SS ARENDAL when it was sunk by a U-boat on 18th September 1917. I am trying to locate the owners of the ship. Can you help or point me in the right direction?" If you can help, please reply directly to Mike Beed at mikeandhilary@onetel.net
Response 1. Alan Watt, our Chatham Librarian sends in the following:- Mike — Your "Arendal" was owned by Roberts, Browning & Co. Ltd. of Liverpool when she was lost. She was an iron screw steamer of 1387 gross tons built in 1885 by Earle's Co. Ltd,, Hull, as the British "Eastwood". Later she became the "Arendal" under the Norwegian flag. In 1917 she came under British registry again, and according to Lloyds Register her master then was C. Vermulen. I know nothing about Roberts Browning, but as they were a Liverpool concern the Merseyside Maritime Museum http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime may be able to tell you more.
The World Ship Society library is mainly for Society members, but we do try and help non-members in return for a suitable donation.
2009-013. The following enquiry comes to us from Bill Tarbit via our website enquiries. "Am trying to trace a collier brig WILLIAMS whose Captain William Smith discovered the South Shetland Islands in 1819." If you can help Bill with his enquiry, write direct to him at btarbit@hotmail.co.uk
Response 1. This response comes from our Chatham Librarian, Alan Watt. Bill. I have checked our copies of Lloyds Registers (1816, 1821 and 1827-28) and found two possibilities which seem to be confused and maybe they are even the same ship!
"Williams" (or "William's" in 1827-28 edition!):- Brig, 216 tons, single deck with beams, built at Blythe 1812, 14 foot draft. In 1816 she was listed as "copper fastened", Master: Hdhough, Owner: Smith &C, surveyed at London for voyage to Lisbon. By 1821 she was "Sheathed Copper 1818", Master: Smith, "Some repairs 1818", Owner: W Smith. Surveyed at London for a voyage to "Ayr" 1818. By 1827 her Master was Jones, Owner: Kain, Surveyed at London for Coastal 1822.
"William":- Snow, 215 tons, built at Blythe 1811, 12 foot draft. By 1816 her Master was W. Smith, Owner: W. Strand. Surveyed at London for a voyage to Buenos Ayres. By 1821 she was a Ship, 216 tons, single deck with beams, "Sheathed Copper 1818", Master: W. Smith, Owner W.Strand. Surveyed at London for a voyage to Buenos Ayres. By 1826 her Master was Jones, Owner W. Strand. Surveyed at London for a voyage to Buenos Ayres 1826.
In those days the printer had to adjust the information to fit the columns (hence "Hdhough" for a much longer surname) and the abbreviation for the Survey Information column reads "Lo. B.Ayrs" meaning "At London for voyage to Buenos Ayres" (the spelling in those days). It might well be that the entry for "Williams" in the 1821 edition is a misprint for "B.Ayrs". It could also be that the two similar ships' details had become confused in the 1821 edition.
You may be able to get more information from any possible Blythe local Historical group - I presume it is the port in what was Northumberland. Hope the above has been of some use. Our facilities really exist only for our members' benefit although we do like to help others if we can and would appreciate a suitable donation in return. Best wishes Alan Watt Chatham Librarian (chatham.librarian@worldshipsociety.org) World Ship Society 274 Seven Sisters Road, Willingdon Eastbourne BN22 0QW
2009-012. I am trying to track down an image of the house flag of Haines Brothers house flag, the funnel of this Co. was black with a capital H in white. I would be truly appreciative if you can help me. One of their ships foundered in the English Channel about 1955. I think she was called the "Tressilian" but I'm not 100% sure about that. Thank you. Barry Howe, Retired A.B
Response 1. This response comes from J.L. Loughran, WSS Library and Archives - Ships' Liveries Section — Since the Hain flags are all fairly simple in design, I might as well tell you the whole story.
The Hain family bought their first vessel, the lugger "Dasher" in 1816, the company being founded eventually as Edward Hain & Son in 1878. The flag was plain red with white EH, the letters being a sans serif style. This lasted until 1937, by which time the firm had become Hain S.S. Co. Ltd.. The flag was still plain red, but the letter had become a single H. From 1948, the H was placed in a solid black square at the centre of the flag, replicating the funnel design, which had been black with a large white H throughout. In November1964, when Hain's had been a subsidiary of the P&O group for some time, it was merged within the group with James Nourse Ltd. to combine the group's tramping activities, as Hain-Nourse Management Ltd.. The funnel became a dark blue, the H being replaced by a HN monogram. The general pattern of the house flag was retained, but the colours changed: the flag was white, with a broad blue border all round, and the HN logo in red. This in turn ceased with the formation of the P&O Bulk Shipping division in 1973.
This may be more information than you asked for, but at least it covers the period when the "Tresillian" foundered.
Refer to http://worldshipsociety.org/2995.html for details of the ninth edition of "Brown's Flags and Funnels" which has been completely revised by WSS member Louis Loughran.
2009-011. Can anyone advise where information re: ship's numbers can be obtained? My Dad was on various fishing boats with PW (Padstow) numbers. I would like to put a name to the vessels. Please reply direct to John Billing herald1@tadaust.org.au
2009-010. Photos wanted. WSS member Mike West writes "I am looking for photographs of the following WWII built ships. HARLESDEN, 1942, HARPALYCE, 1943, HARDINGHAM, 1942 - all three owned by J & C Harrison, London. Also the EASTGATE, 1944 (ex-TREVIDER)." No e-mail address - Write: Mike West, 15 West Mount, Decoy, Newton Abbot, S Devon TQ12 1DL, United Kingdom. (make sure that your response to Mr. West includes a note that you are responding to a listing on the WSS website's Enquiries Board)
2009-009. Another enquiry from Allan Smith. Does anyone have access to the Mercantile Navy List and Maritime Directory ? (the following editions are in the library at the Maritime History Museum, Albert Docks, Liverpool) or the appendices giving crew details possibly Joseph Horobin, master, Middlesbrough. I am looking for info on the following vessel, and have some info from various editions of the list as follows:-
¤ 1937 No 106013 Lady Magdalen reg Middlesbrough 1919, Build Port of Glasgow 1896, formerly Clutha 11 (that's eleven) 45 tons net, 82 tons gross,
¤ 1914 ditto but reg Beaumaris 1904, still Lady Magdalen formerly Clutha 11
¤ 1947 and 49 Ditto reg Newport, Monmouthshire
¤ 1955 ditto reg Milford 1949
¤ 1971 not found in register
Can anyone fill in any gaps, when her name changed or when she was sold overseas or decommissioned? When she left Middlesbrough between 1937 and 47. My father in law says he went on board her when he was about 10 (1936) with his grandfather who was her captain, or is that the eyes of a proud grandson promoting him? (see previous enquiry 2008 -011)
In the 1901 Census 1. Joseph Horobin snr, Engineman Dredger no4, Tees CC age 64 2. Son - Joseph Horobin jnr, Tugboat engine man, Tees CC, age 48, reputed later to be master on ‘Lady Magdalene’ river ferry 3. Grand son John T Horobin Tugboat fire man, ‘Gilbertson’ of Preston moored in Midddlesbrough, Tees CC, age 25, 4. Grand son Joseph B Horobin Tugboat engine man, Tees CC, age 21,
1 & 3 found both at home and in vessels returns “ashore” 2 & 4 found at home but not on vessels returns
In 1891 census 5. Son - Alfred Horobin, Tugboat engine man, mate, age 31, died 1897 6. Son – William Horobin, Tugboat labourer, Tees CC, age 24, unknown in 1901 AT home with no1 above
Response 1. Apr 30, 2009 from our own Chatham Librarian "Lady Magdalen" was originally the Clyde passenger ferry "Clutha No. 11". From various sources I have found out the following, mainly additional to your information:-
Built by Russell & Co., Port Glasgow, Yard No. 398, for The Trustees of the Clyde Navigation, Glasgow, 1896. Steel, screw steamer. Two 2-cylinder compound engines by Muir & Houston, Glasgow
1904 sold to The Mayor, Aldermen & Burgesses of the City of Bangor, Carnarvonshire, Registered at Beaumaris as "Lady Magdalen"
1919 sold to The Mayor, Aldermen & Burgesses of the Borough of Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, registered at Middlesbrough. Still thus in 1930
By 1934 , managing owner Frederick R. Less, Pembroke Dock, but still registered at Middlesbrough. Still thus in 1939
By 1947 still registered at Middlesbrough, Owners: British Conveyances Ltd., Newport Monmouthshire, Manager: John Freeguard, Newport Mon.
1947 registered at Newport, Monmouthshire
1949 registered at Milford
By 1957 owner Pembrokeshire County Council, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.
? 1965 scrapped ?
The above is mainly taken from Mercantile Navy Lists of 1911, 1924, 1934, 1935, 1939, 1947, 1957 which are the only ones we have available at Chatham. It seems strange that although owned in Pembroke Dock you say she was still in Middlesbrough in 1936. The fact that she remained registered at Middlesbrough is not unusual, Mr. Lee problably didn't think it necessary to re-register her.
The World Ship Society deals with ships rather than people so we can't really help you with your ancestors.
Clearly from the ‘Lady Magdalen’ looks more like ‘Clutha 9’ than ‘Clutha 11’ The books quote 45 tons net, 82 tons gross – I am no judge – can anyone tell from looking at these 2 pics which vessel is more nearly that tonnage. I suspect an error in the first edition of the list that mentions her, which is propagated though the years. Or maybe an error in original documentation in transfer of ownership – who knows!
2009-008. MONIKA MUNKSHOLM. A question comes to us from Marcin Jaworek "I am looking for information for the Danish ship MONIKA MUNKSHOLM vel WEST STAR, especially details of building, technical data and information about crew and captain." marcin.jaworek@wp.pl
Response 1. Apr 27, 2009 from our own Chatham Librarian The vessel you are interested in is "Monica Munksholm".There is a lot of information (in Danish) on http://www.arminius-schiffe.de/bilder2.html including details of her building, ownership and loss. However from Lloyds Register she was 534grt, 1 hold, 2 hatches, 2 3-ton derricks. As "West Star" her grt was given as 500. The World Ship Society researches ships, not people, so I have no details of the crew nor her captain.
2009-007. NORONIC and HAMONIC. A member in the U.K. is looking for detail concerning the above mentioned ships. "I am looking for a reliable figure for the numbers of passengers which the two Canadian excursion steamers were certified to carry." Both were built in the early 1930s for the Canada Steamship Line. contact David at wildiow@talktalk.net
Response 1. Mar 28, 2009 from Skip Gillham. "HAMONIC which was built at Collingwood in 1909, is listed at 475 passenger capacity in my notes".
Response 2. Mar 29, 2009 from Gordon Turner "I have looked at about half a dozen reference books and have not gleaned much at all. However, Dana Thomas Bowen in "Love of the Lakes" (page 253) writes "the NORONIC has stateroom for five hundred and sixty-two passengers." This is confirmed in the company's 1921 brochure. The same brochure says that HAMONIC has acommodation for 332 passengers. I have studied several brochures from the years between the two World Wars and they all give the figures for berthed accommodation only."
2009-006. The webmaster is looking for your help. A member of the WSS handed me a lapel pin that he claimed was used some 30 years ago, but I had not seen one before, and I know of no one who has. I am aware of two different lapel pins that we have sold over the years, but this new-found one is quite unique. Instead of the usual 'pin' on the back, this one has a "C"-shaped claw that I presume would be inserted sideways into a button hole. Does anyone have any details of when this pin was in use, or who used it. Any information on lapel pins would be appreciated. webmaster@worldshipsociety.org
This is the pin in question. It appears to be made of a gold-coloured pot metal, ¾ inches wide by 1 inch high, blue and gold enamel, with "C" configuration on the reverse.
This traditional pin was sold by the Society through its Shop for many years. Blue and gold enamel on gold-coloured backing with pin clasp.
This unusual pin has surfaced, but again it is not widely known to exist. Blue enamel on silver base. It appears to be made of silver, or silver plate (this copy now badly tarnished).
I would like to write up the history of such items as our 3-ship logo, the various lapel pins, blazer badges, house flags and other merchandise items that have been offered to members over the years, and am asking for your help. See also the section HOME - Society History http://worldshipsociety.org/30322.html
I am aware that some branches may have produced similar items for their own members, and I would like to include these as well. Contact the webmaster@worldshipsociety.org if you can help.
2009-005. Your webmaster again - looking for historical details about various branches of the WSS. I have just added a well-written 'potted' history of the New South Wales Branch, and would like to include similar stories from other branches. If you know of any existing histories, please forward a copy on to me so that I can add the history to that branch listing — even if the branch no longer exists.
2009-004. An enquiry from the Simon's Town Museum in South Africa "I am trying to help one of our visitors with information on a ship called HARRIET which disappeared off the Southern Coast of South Africa around 1848. The captain was W. Messum. Any information or advice would be appreciated." Please respond direct to Ms. Cathy Salter-Jansen at stmuseum@mweb.co.za
2009-003. An enquiry about the schoonerCRISPIN. "My ancestor George Denyer came to Australia on the small schooner CRISPIN - leaving England 1852, arriving Port Philip in 1853. Do you have a listing for such a vessel and if so would you be able to provide info re same and/or illustrations or advice on where to look? I would appreciate any help given. Jenny Little" jenanloz@hotmail.com
Response 1. Mar 14, 2009 - a response from our WSS Chatham Librarian. I have found a CRISPIN in Lloyds Register which is possibly the ship you ask about. In the 1852 edition:- "CRISPIN", Schooner. Master: J. Walker. Tonnages: 123/114. Built 1841 at Bracehaven, Fife. Some repairs carried out in 1848 & 1850. Owner: R. Spence. Port: Dundee. Class A1 (8+3), surveyed 1849. Destined voyage: Leith to Baltic. The 1853, 1854 & 1855 editions show additional information. She is not listed in the 1856 edition. It therefore seems possible that she was sold in 1852 to J. Borrie for the voyage to Australia you mention and then disappeared from Lloyd's records.
2009-002. The following enquiry was sent to us in hopes of an answer. "An ancestor, William Donald Clark, was First Engineer on S Laureldene. His final voyage left Cardiff 27 April 1899 and he died on board 10 miles SE of Malta on 11 July 1900 with suspected typhoid nearing the end of an extensive journey. I have been told that there may be an obituary within your archives. Do any readers have further information? I have obtained records of the voyage from Newfoundland. I would be most grateful for any help you can give me. Mrs J.M. Wade" j.mwade@tiscali.co.uk
2009-001. A reader from Kent is looking for some information about a relative. Steve Glover steve@sjglover.co.uk is asking for help in locating any information on Captain Thomas Glover, who died on the SS PACIFIC in Smyrna, Asia Minor in 1868.
Response 1. Jan 18, 2009 - a response from our WSS Chatham Librarian. The World Ship Society is for those interested in ships rather than people, and so we don't have much information on the latter. However, Lloyds Register used to note the Master's name against each ship's entry. I tried to check your SS PACIFIC for the only steamship mentioned in the 1867 edition (1467 tons, built 1854 at London) has no mention her Master nor any owners! There is a useful publication available which would give you various avenues of research into your relative, covering such areas as ship's logbooks and Lloyd's Captain's Registers. It is "Maritime Information" by Roy Fenton, Nuala Briody and Mike Macdonald, published by the Maritime Information Association, 2004, ISBN 1 901703 62 2. I would assume your local library would be able to locate a copy for your to borrow. Alternately, as I see you live in Kent, perhaps it would be convenient for you to visit the World Ship Society's Library and Archive located in the Chatham Historic Dockyard, where, for a suitable donation (as you are not a WSS member) you could view our copy of "Maritime Information" and obtain some more specific information about the "PACIFIC" (if it is in fact the one mentioned above). The WSS Library & Archives is not necessarily open every day so you would need to arrange to visit at an agreed date and time.
To make it easier for readers, the order of posting has been changed effective January 1, 2009. The newest postings will now appear at the beginning of the page.
2008-001. Clipper ship CLARISSA. I am seeking any records of a clipper ship sailed by my great grandfather. The ship was named 'Clarissa' and the only information I have was that it was lost at sea about 1872. My great grandfather, Captain Stephen Black was the ship's master. He was injured in the shipwreck and when he eventually returned to England some months later he found that his cousin had claimed the insurance money for the loss of the ship and its cargo. Stephen Black was living at Great Yarmouth at the time of the accident and I assume the 'Clarissa' sailed from there but could be wrong. This enquiry comes to us from Edna Harvey in Queensland, Australia. If you can help, please send your response directly toedna_harvey@hotmail.com
Response 1. Sep 23, 2008 - Once again, a response from the WSS's Chatham Librarian. It looks as if your "Clarissa" might have been a lot smaller than a Clipper. On checking Lloyd's Register for 1871-72 I have found the brig "Clarissa" of 256 tons owned by Cargill & Co., built at Sunderland in 1867 and was surveyed ready for a voyage from Dundee to the West Indies in November 1870. At that time her Master was J. Martin. She is not mentioned at all in the 1873-74 volume but she is back in the 1875-76 one owned by G. C. Wear, port of Newcastle, Master G. Burt, with the notation "damage repaired 1875". So if it is the correct "Clarissa" she wasn't completely "lost at sea" but met with some disaster and was eventually salved, repaired and returned to service. Unfortunately we don't have the 1872-3 Lloyd's Register at Chatham which might have had your great-grandfather's name as Master. I have no idea of her movements after leaving Dundee. I don't know the size of ships that could use Great Yarmouth in those days (local Museums, etc., may be able to tell you) but I would think 256 tons is more likely than a large Clipper, if she did in fact use that port.
If you wish to do further research I suggest the Guildhall Library (website:- www.cityoflondon.gov.uk They have Lloyd's Registers for all years, Lloyd's Lists (which contains details of casualties), and also Lloyd's Captains Registers which should show your great-grandfather. Some or all of these documents are available at other locations but the Guildhall Library is probably your best bet.
2008-002. Container ship OSPREY. I am trying to obtain any information on a US Flag Ro-Ro Container ship carrying the name OSPREY in the 1980's. She is a possible conversion and similar to WESTWARD VENTURE which is still operating. Anyinfo would be appreciated. This enquiry comes to us from Bryan Shankland in New Zealand. If you have any information, please send your response directly to bryan.shankland@xtra.co.nz
Response 1. Sep 23, 2008 - Another response from the WSS's Chatham Librarian. Are you sure your "Osprey" was around in the 1980's? I can find no trace of such a vessel in either Lloyd's Registers or the American Bureau of Shipping's Record. However the "Ponce", ex "Ponce de Leon"-77, became "Osprey" in 1996. Details when she was "Osprey":- Built by Sun SB & DD Co., Chester PA, (yard no 647) 1968. Lengthened in 1981. 31517grt, 20612nrt, 18725dwt. Turbine steamer, Ro-Ro Cargo with 3 stern door/ramp & TEU of 776. Owners Osprey Shipholding Corp, managers Osprey-Acomarit Ship Management Inc., Bethesda MD, PoR Wilmington DE. She was broken up (as "Osprey") in 2000. Your "Westward Venture" was also built by Sun SB & DD (Yard no 675), and would seem to have been a similar ship.
2008-003. Query about PENTRIDGE HILL. I am making enquiries about a ship named the PENTRIDGE HILL. It was also known as the GLENNEVIS when it was first bult and then the AFRICAN PRINCE. My husband was on the PENTRIDGE HILL in 1938 when it caught fire on the way back to the Continent in 1938. He was picked up along with one of the wives who was on board. They were taken to Brema Germany. My husband would like to know what happened to the PENTRIDGE HILL - if it went down at sea or if it made it back to port or was badly damaged, or if it was scrapped afterwards. I know from records in Lloyd's Register they built a new PENTRIDGE HILL in 1941.
If you can provide this reader with any information about the ship after the fire on board in 1938, please contact K. Carol Merino-Carress at longhillkinship@yahoo.co.uk
Response 1. Aug 30, 2008 - Response from the WSS's Chatham Librarian. The PENTRIDGE HILL must have been repaired. In 1939 she became the BOTLEA owned by the Miinstry of Shipping, London, being managed by Sir Wm. Reardon Smith & Sons Ltd. From 9/1939 to 12/1941 she was the LAMBRIDGE of the Royal Navy, commissioned as a decoy ship, and from 2/1941 she was an Armed Merchant Cruiser. In 1941 she reverted to BOTLEA of what had become the Ministry of War Transport. She survived the war and was scuttled with hazardous (gas shells) in 55-30N 11W on 30th December 1945.
2008-004. Dredgers off Nigeria. The following question was submitted to us. Can anyone respond?
Do you know of any books or other information that I can get hold of on dredgers that worked off the Nigerian coast during the 1970s? Any help will be appreciated. Mike Hall kefs@blueyonder.co.uk
2008-005. I am trying to find out info on the STAR OF TASMANIA built 1856 at Alexander Hall in Aberdeen and lost off the coast of New Zealand Feb 1868. I am now in possession of a ships cannon believed to have been from the ship and I wish to authenticate the provenance of the cannon. My father purchased the cannon sometime before 1968 in New Zealand. Thank you. Elaine Jamieson w4water@xtra.co.nz
Response 1. Sep 23, 2008 - Once again, a response from the WSS's Chatham Librarian. I am not sure what you mean by authenticating the provenance of the cannon off the "Star of Tasmania". However I have found reference to the shipwreck in "New Zealand Shipwrecks 1795-1975" by C.W.N. Ingram, published by A.H. & A.W. Reed, Wellington, Sydney and London, 5th edition, revised & enlarged 1977. ISBN 0 589 01047 6. The reference gives a description of her loss off Oamaru in Feb 1868, without giving much technical detail or later information about the wreck. If you have not seen this, no doubt you could find a copy in a local library. As everything seems to point to NZ sources, I would suggest that the New Zealand Ship and Marine Society would be the best place to enquire. Their website is http://www.nzshipmarine.com Thier Secreaty, Capt. M.H. Pryce, is also the NZ representative of the World Ship Society.
2008-006. I would like to know how to find further information about the shipwreck of the BEN RHYDDING off Aberdeen in March 1811, on which a relative of mine (Michael Carroll) was probably the sail-maker. If you can help, please contact Kevin Doran at kevin.doran@dublindiocese.ie
2008-007. Tom Burke writes — On January the 9th 1930 a steamship called ss PORTHMEOR (No. 145721), beached at Ardglass, Co Down, Northern Ireland, all hands were saved. I am looking for a photo of the ship and information on that event. thomburke@hotmail.com
2008-009. A request for help from your webmaster. I am looking for scans of any of the books that have been listed in the WSS Member Publication sections, that presently do not show an image.
Check your library collection and see if you own any of the books that I want to add images to. Maybe you know of a website that has already posted a cover scan that I could use.
In addition, I would like to hear from any member who has written a book that is not listed in our WSS Member Publication sections. I would be delighted to consider any posting of a currently available — or out-of-print book that you have authored, or published. A scan would be helpful, but not necessary. Just send the details (similar to what you would find on any of the listings) to me at webmaster@worldshipsociety.org
2008-010. We are trying to find out about a ship named INDEPENDENCE that was dismantled on the Tyne in Newcastle at Vickers. A relative worked on the breakup of the vessel, we believe after the turn of 1900. It would be greatly appreciated if you could provide any information on the ship. Please send your response to ronnie.christine@ntlworld.com
2008-012. Member searching for Chadburns telegraphs WSS member D. Midhage Dickmidhage@aol.com looking to borrow slides or prints and short stories about these well-designed and solid brass telegraphs, including later acquisitions such as Bloctube, Robinson, etc. from 1900 to about 1970. This sad period in the company's history lead me to carry out research and make effort to trace hidden documents. Mailing address for those without e-mail: D. Midhage, 1, Lumley Road, Clifton, YORK, YO30 6DB, United Kingdom. Dick is the Hon. Secretary of "Chadburns Ship Telegraph Society" http://www.chadburntelegraphs.com
2008-013. An enquiry from Michael Willoughby mikewilloughby672@btinternet.com One of my hobbies is collecting postcards of merchant ships, and I wonder whether you could put me in touch with anyone sharing this interest.
2008-014. A enquiry from Lynton Trahern of Durban. lynton@netralink.com The ARVINGTON COURT ran aground off Durban, South Africa around 1942. Does anyone know any history of this vessel. I live in Durban and have the ships bell that came off the wreck but is it engraved AMBLESTONE CARDIFF. I would really like some history of this story. By the way parts of the ship are still visible at a very low tide.
Response 1. Nov 20, 2008 - A response from our resident Chatham Librarian The correct name of the ship is OVINGTON COURT, 4742 grt. She was wrecked at Durban on 26th November 1940. She was built as AMBLESTONE of Cardiff in 1924 and sold to Court Line and renamed in 1927.
2008-015. A WSS member is hoping someone can help him with his search for information about crew aboard the RMS ATHLONE CASTLE. Alan Brooke writes — My father 'Ernie' Brooke was a crew member of R.M.S. ATHLONE CASTLE thoughout W.W. 2. From his Seaman Certificate of Discharge Books, Voyage Record Cards and a series of sheets discovered in the Public Record Office which detail some of the movements of troop ships including the ATHLONE CASTLE, I have started to prepare a record of the voyages made by her during the war. Whilst I now have the "bones" which I need, from names of ports visited, with dates of when arrived and then sailed, I now would like to add some "flesh" to them. For example I would like to know which voyages she made in convoy and which she made as an independent, that is, sailing as a fast troop carrier. It would also be good to know who or what she carried. The ship also spent a lot of time in and out of New York including one voyage which commenced on 30th January 1943 after several days in dry dock and finished in Casablanca on 19th February 1943. Through e-mail, I would be willing to answer any queries regarding my research, which does include photos of Dad, with other members of the 6" gun crew. Alan Brooke alan.brooke@ntlworld.com
2008-016. I'm interested in the reason the "Mimosa" vessel did receive such name. Mimosa was a clipper ship best known for carrying the first Welsh emigrants to South America in 1865. By the time Mimosa made the voyage she was already past her prime, having been built in 1853 at Alexander Hall&Sons in Aberdeen, Scotland, for R. Vining and W. Killey. It is said that the name Mimosa came after a plant: Mimosa tenuiflora (Jurema, Tepezcohuite) is a perennial evergreen tree or shrub native to the north-eastern region of Brazil (Bahia, Minas Gerais, Pernambuco) and found as far north as southern Mexico (Oaxaca and coast of Chiapas). It is most often found in lower altitudes, but it can be found as high as 1000 m. Mimosa tenuiflora does very well after a forest fire, or other major ecological disturbance. It is a prolific pioneer plant.
But I believe it had more to do with the star Mimosa (Beta Crucis) of the Southern Cross constellation. Few are the first magnitude stars, as their apparent brightness requires either great luminosity, closeness, or both. Mimosa satisfies the first requirement. Tied for apparent brightness at number 19 in the sky with Deneb (apparent magnitude 1.25), and the second brightest star of Crux, the Southern Cross, Mimosa is too far south to have a traditional proper name, one assigned by the ancients. But very specially because the Southern Cross constellation is eagerly sought by travellers from the North, when visiting the Southern Hemisphere.
If anyone knows or could help any way, please use raine@speedy.com.ar Thanks a lot, Raine Golab
2008-017. MS SUNMOUNT and MS VANANGMALM. Can you help? I am trying to obtain photographs of the ships, so far with no luck. I sailed on the ships in the mid 1960's. The MS Sunmont was chartered by Saugney lines and the MS Vanangmalm (oil/iron ore bulk carrier) was registered in Kirknes, Norway. Hoping you can help. Best regards Mike Davis MDavis@rfdbeaufort.com
2008-018. My ancestors arrived in Australia in May 1888 on the TAIYUAN. They disembarked in Palmerston Port Darwin. I would like to know more about this ship and what happened to it. Christine Sandquest christine.sandquest@spc.nsw.edu.au
Response 1. Nov 26, 2008 - a response from our WSS Chatham Librarian. You will find the full history of the TAIYUAN in "Beancaker to Boxboat", by H.W. Dick and S.A. Kentwell, published by Nautical Association of Australia Inc. in 1988, ISBN 0 9599079 3 9, with an excellent photo of her on page 119. The book is now out of print but is presumably available in libraries or in secondhand bookshops.
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This is the pin in question. It appears to be made of a gold-coloured pot metal, ¾ inches wide by 1 inch high, blue and gold enamel, with "C" configuration on the reverse.
This traditional pin was sold by the Society through its Shop for many years. Blue and gold enamel on gold-coloured backing with pin clasp.
This unusual pin has surfaced, but again it is not widely known to exist. Blue enamel on silver base. It appears to be made of silver, or silver plate (this copy now badly tarnished).