I went to sea as a Midshipman in the Blue Funnel Line of Alfred Holt & Co. in 1959. In fact, looking at my Apprentice's Indenture, apparently I signed up on April 14th so I guess that was probably more or less the date I sailed on my first trip. So if I was born November 1941 - I must have been 17 and nearly a half years old. Anyway I loved it - every minute! Looking further at my Indentures I see that I was paid £60 for the first 6 months, £168 for the first year after that and in my third and last year of Indentures the vast sum of £228! Riches indeed - can't complain tho' because that was all-in with full board and lodging whilst at sea - including fantastic 3 star hotel food! Just turned the Indentures over (they are printed on canvas!) and typed on the back are the voyages I did as a Midshipman and my first voyage was on M.V. Laomedon starting 24th April, so now I know!We had various names for the company - Alfies, Blueys, Blue Flue, 'the China Boats', sometimes even 'the Welsh Navy'! -- Anyway Blue Flue were the only company in the Merchant Navy who called their apprentices Midshipmen - other companies had Cadets or Apprentices - we were special!
Talking of 'special', There used to be a saying somewhere that you had 'The Gentlemen of the P&O, The Officers of the Blue Funnel Line, and the Men of the Merchant Navy!!' We were proud to be Officers!
Anyway - I have to get to the Sailing Club now to chew some fat with 'the lads'.
2 comments:
G'day. Haven't seen you for a looong time. What happened to Barry Gouldthorpe? Barry Evans last spotted as Mngr of Steelwood Carriers in Singapore. Taff Pritchard and George Hogg are still around.
Hiya Atreus - This is the first time since writing this bit that I've looked at it and was totally surprised to find someone had commented!! Christ it was nearly two years ago.
I'd forgotten Goldie Gouldthorpe's name was Barry - he was a great friend. Don't remember Barry Evans or George Hogg but Glyn Pritchard crops up in Blue Funnel Association Newsletters a lot.
I'm wondering who you are as well - I'll have a look on the Ships Nostalgia stuff and see if I can find you.
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