BI Logbook

Quick reference - BI ships mentioned on this page: Abhona, Amra, Australia, Baghdad, Bamora, Bankura, Barjora, Barpeta, Bombala, Bulimba, Camorta, Carpentaria, Chakdina, Chakrata, Chanda, Chandpara, Chantala, Chilka, Chindwara, Chinkoa, Chupra, Chyebassa, Colaba, Dacca, Dara, Daressa, Devon, Devonia, Dilwara, Dunera, Dumra, Dunera, Durenda, Dwarka, Egra, Ekma, Ellenga, Ellora, Empire Trooper, Garbeta, Itaura, Itinda, Kampala, Karanja, Karoa, Kenya, Kwong Eng, Landaura, Linga, Madura, Mandala, Manela, Mashobra, Matiana, Merkara, Modasa, Morvada, Mulbera, Nerbudda, Nevasa, Neuralia, Nirvana, Nowshera, Nuddea, Okhla, Oolobaria, Orna, Queda, Quetta, Quiloa, Rajpootana, Rajula, Rewa, Rohilla, Rohna, Sangola, Santhia, Satara, Shirala, Sir Harvey Adamson, Sir Percivale, Sirdhana, Sofala, Tairea, Takliwa, Talamba, Talma, Tanfield, Taroba, Tilawa, Torilla, Uganda, Umaria, Umballa, Vasna, Virawa, Waipara, Warla, Waroonga, Warora, Woodarra, Yamuna, Zaida, Zira

...sign the logbook anywhere you see the icon

Christopher Armstrong, UK - Sunday, December 31, 2006 at 22:54:51
My great grandfather, John Nash, was a captain who died at sea in October 1907. I am hoping to find out more information about his ships and the circumstances of his death.

Brian Bannister, UK - Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 19:04:00
My dad sailed with BI, I am trying to trace a photo of the ss Itaura to complete a portfolio of his ships, can anybody help me please.

Sam Taylor, Canada - Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 09:33:48
My father made it off the HMS Rajputana [P&O vessel, see log entry May 23, 2006] when it was sunk. His name was Kenneth G Taylor, stoker, any one with crew pics or ship pics, i would really love it if you e-mailed me.

Ian Tew, UK - Friday, December 29, 2006 at 13:16:21
For Pete Jordan [re log entry Dec 14, 2006, and Dara] Joss Grimwood died two or three years ago in UK. Ian Tew is very much alive! Joss and I prepared the lifeboat and swung it out. As senior cadet he told me to get in and take charge of the lifeboat which i did. It capsized due to the passengers trying to get into an empty boat and I went for a swim with no lifejacket. I met Joss once during the Iran Iraq war in Dubai.

Armand Di Rienzo - Wednesday, December 27, 2006 15:30:21
Rohna was sunk on Thanksgiving day 1943 about four PM, I was on the HMS Banfora. very close to the Rohna , I saw three planes coming at us, the middle plane dropped what looked like a glider, our ship turned hard to port to miss the bomb, it passed us and hit Rohna I did not see any destroyers, all I saw was 4 English corvettes and one submarine, I still remember the sub firing their deck gun, it half submerged every time it fired.

Elder Justo, Brazil - Tuesday, December 26, 2006 at 13:26:30
Congratulations for the history lesson presented in your site.

Andy Sagar, UK - Sunday, December 24, 2006 at 16:05:05
I am trying to contact the family of a man called Frank A Bond who I believe was aboard the hospital ship Rohilla which went down off Whitby in 1914.

Alan Thompson, UK - Saturday, December 23, 2006 at 10:46:06
Sailed on Dunera, Chindwara, Chyebassa, Landaura between 1958 and 1962.

George Tayloir, Australia - Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 07:12:57
Peter Jordan, the cadet's name was Grimwood, from the book Last hours on Dara, those on board were: Captain C Elson, CO Peter Jordan (yourself), 2O Charles Alexander, 3O Patrick Charles Stonewall Jackson, X3O Heard, Cadets Grimwood & Tew, CEO George Cruikshank, 2EO Ramsey Birrell, 3EO Edgar, 4EO ?, 5EOs Peter Durham & Bhatterchajee, Snr Radio Officer Sinclair. I have read the book over and over many times and to be in such a situation must have been horrific, my personal opinion that you are all to be congratulated for the way in which you carried out your duties. I was 3EO on Bulimba and we were crossing the Bight when the news came through. Again congratulations. [The day after writing this log entry, George Taylor was taken ill and died. As well as being a keen reader of the BIship logbook and contributor, George was an avid contributor to the BI online staff forum. He is already missed - Editor]

Jim Lynch, Australia - Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 05:20:00
Cadets on the Dara. I think the cadets on the Dara were Ian Tew and Joss Grimwood. Grimwood was from East Africa and I seem to remember he did get a medal or some recommendation from the Maritime community in his East Africa for his efforts on the Dara.

Roger Timms, Australia - Monday, December 18, 2006 at 10:14:44
Ramsay (Freddie) Fernandez, if you're the same fellow that sailed with Bobby Vaid and myself on Dwarka (68) would like to hear from you.

Terry Gardner, Canada - Monday, December 18, 2006 at 00:27:19
Re entry from Chris Wright [Dec 12, 2006], if you can find info re Lawrence Edwards C/E and George Bowie 3/E. I sailed with both on the Okhla, (1960 era) would love to hear about or from them.

Taj Mohammed, Canada - Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 05:48:49
I want to trace the village from where my grand father Amir Khan came to Fiji during the indentured system

Patrick Fox, Ireland - Friday, December 15, 2006 at 12:16:06
Great to see that the BI has not been forgotten

Peter Jordan, UK - Thursday, December 14, 2006 at 01:06:32
I was at sea with BI from 48-68 finally C/O on mv Dara the morning/night she blew up. 2/O Charlie?? (sorry, should remember, his wife was friends with my wife Ann in Bombay). Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me back then. I'm trying to remember the Cadet's name who did a geat job and should have been decorated for his bravery that night, he was only 17 or so, got the lifeboat down on his own and got alot of survivors off. I believe the small boat pulling up on the last photo on the Dara page was the boat I finally had to swim to after the oil tanks blew on the 9th after I'd been back on board - a sad day, after 20 years' service. Many thanks to the Norwegian crew and all their help. Wonderful memories of a time long now gone.

Chris Wright, UK - December 12, 2006 at 21:04:43
A brilliant web site. Really usefull and helpfull information. Proud to be an ex BI shipmate if only for a short time in the 60s. Made a few contacts with 3 old shipmates so far (September 06) but missed the Glasgow (Engineers') reunion owing to family commitments. Have a good Christmas and all the best for 2007 to all.
Ships sailed and shipmates remembered: Pinjarra 1961, self 5EO; Lawrence Edwards CEO, Alan Farley 2EO, John Agar 3EO, Alex Hepburn 4EO, Doug Christie EEO; Queda 1962, self 5EO; Tom Hide/A LeROY CEO's, Tom Rea 2EO, Linsay Robb 3EO, John Langley 3EO, George Bowie 3EO, Bill Shields 4EO, Jim Baxter 5EO, John Swinney 5EO, Tom O'Toole/Sandy Fowlis EEO's, also Bill Noble 2EO; Quiloa 1963, self 5EO/4EO/3EO; ? Buchanan/D E Rathbone CEO's, Doug Christie EEO; Ellora 1964, self 3EO; R S Howie CEO, Charlie Rowntree XCEO ?. The above are all the names I have beeen able to put together these last 4 months, from my own archives. Have made contact with Alex (Sandy) Fowlis EEO Queda 1962 and Bill Shields 4EO Queda 1962 within last 3 months.

David Ramsbottom, UK - Tuesday, December 12, 2006 at 19:12:02
Regarding recent logbook entry from Paddy Mawhirt I remember you on Chantala as 3rd or 4th Engineer when I was a deck cadet probably about 1962/3. I can also remember you in Singapore mid sixties when I was 3rd Mate on Bamora or Chandpara on the Australia trade. I believe you may have been on Bombala shortly sfter her collision in Singapore. I left the BI in 1967 but meet up with numerous ex colleagues at the BI reunions which are most enjoyable. Would be pleased to hear from you.

Somi Hazari, India - Friday, December 8, 2006 at 17:58:16
Sir Harvey Adamson - BI 1914-1947 I am looking for my great grandfather who was on the ss Sir Harvey Adamson which went down in 1947. A picture of the ship and if possible a passenger list.

Jane Armitage, UK - Thursday, December 7, 2006 at 18:47:36
My father was Walter Kerr who was the Finance Director at the time of Sir William Curry. I am anxious to trace any family of his. I noted a message from Colin Kerr and would like to get in touch if possible

Ian Turner, UK - Tuesday, December 5, 2006 at 20:27:27
My Grandfather, Thomas Mabe, served as a Captain until the early '50s. I'd be interested in finding out a little more of his career.

Donald Skipp, Canada - Friday, December 1, 2006 at 21:52:26
Returning RAF Police Corporal, I sailed on the Dilwara from Singapore, July 1st 1948. Very Exciting trip, including the rescue of a three year-old girl, who fell from her mother's arms (sitting on the ships rail). Would like to hear from anyone on that voyage. Have written a full account of the rescue in BI Logentries

Quentin Murphy, France - Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 20:32:37
To Jogarajah Appadurai. Yogi I spotted your message of Oct. 25th. I remember you very well, we sailed together on Sangola's last voyage 1963. I was 3/O. Capt. Bob Old, C/O Jan Sakolski, 2/O Ted Rowley. As I recall you had a great facility with the Japanese language. Great trip, great fun. Nice to hear from you.

Christopher Williams, UK - Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 13:59:36
My grandfather worked for BI until the early to mid-sixties. His name was Charles S Mundy. A partner in Gray Dawes in the 1930s and I believe on the board of BI in the 50s. I would be interested to hear of any recollections anybody may have of him.

Jitendra Bhardwa, UK - Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 18:56:54
My grandfather's passport has a visa stamp "SS Kampala to Porbandar"(India) and dated 6/11/31. He boarded at Dar-es-Salaam, and was travelling with my grandmother and their five children, aged 9 (my dad), 7, 5, 3 and 1. Does anyone have any more info about this ship, crew and passenger list or especially photos at or around this date.

Paul Hugill, Wednesday, November 29 2006, 12:34:15
I have uncovered some more details of Charles Hugill [reference the logentries of Mar 26, 2006 and Jul 3, 2006] from Lloyd's Captains' Registers 1851-1947. He received his master's certificate in Bombay on 25th April 1885 (No. 300 BOM) at the age of 27, and his first command was the Baghdad same year. The names of subsequent ships up to the Umballa in 1904 are hard to read, one looks like the Bulimba in 1886. There are some notes alongside the name Satara in 1910, but impossible to read unfortunately, except for a BB (Black Book?) reference number of 3023. However, Cathy Paul very kindly sent me all the press clippings from the time of the sinking, and these provide a very full and exciting story, including photos. I am trying to find out if he got his master's certificate back, as the court verdict certainly suggested that he would do so.
From the Lloyd's records, it seems that he was also a member of the Royal Naval Reserve, so it will be interesting to find out if he served in any capacity during WW1.

Mike Callaghan, Australia - Monday, November 27, 2006 at 19:45:34
Richard Sandeman Gay. Noted your recent entry - there can only be one with that name. We sailed together in USSCO in the early 1960s

...sign the logbook

Barr (Paddy) Mawhirt, UK - Monday, November 27, 2006 at 06:57:28
I sailed as an engieer for nine very happy years with BI 1961-1970. Any one who recognises me I will be happy to correspond with.Sailed on Busiris, Ellenga, Waroonga, Chantala on home line then Karanga Chakdina and Bombala out east.

Michael Callaghan, Australia Sunday, November 26, 2006 at 01:13:52
I have been compiling a family history and have been trying to trace my maternal grandfather Wilfred Baillie Arkle who served with BI as a marine engineer during World War 1. His daughter, my mother, was born in 1916 and there is no record of him since then.

Robert Jacobs , Australia - Friday, November 24, 2006 at 04:42:47
Very informative. A pity my late father Tom Jacobs (died 1986) who was in the BI 1937 to 1947 and survived the sinking of the Waroonga was able to access this site. He would have loved it.

Peter Dawson, UK - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 14:32:20
My Uncle Douglas Bell 3rd Engineer on Sir Harvey Adamson, was lost with all others in Indian Ocean 17th April 1947. Would like to hear from anybody who knows of living relatives of crew or knows of living persons who served on the ship.

Ramsay Fernandes, India - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 10:54:25
Sailed from 1965 to 1972. Bankura, Santhia, Dwarka, Sirdhana, Nuddea. Nick name in BI was Fred

Ashwin Hansrajh, Australia - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 04:43:40
Looking for passenger and crew list [including the band] of the ss Karanja--May-1968. If I do remember I think the Captain was a certain Capt. Raine. I travelled from Durban to Bombay.

Ben Evans, New Zealand - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 03:01:28
Pleased to hear from any of my mates who served on Karanja ...happy days !

Jean Tuckey, New Zealand - Monday, November 20, 2006 at 22:21:34
Looking for information on the Ming Sang - Percy Ware Grierson sailed on her until he was interned in Hong Kong 1945. Would like more information on this vessel. (The 1,650 tons gross cargoship Ming Sang was managed by BI for the British government as Kwong Eng from 1919 to 1921 - Editor)

Richard Sandeman-Gay, Australia - Sunday, November 12, 2006 at 05:26:07
Can Linda Spindloe please contact me on email. Would be great to hear from you.

Morris Bruce, Canada - Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 17:00:32S
My father William Bruce served on the VASNA as an Engineer sometime between 1935 & 1944. I'm interested to know if Jack Bond sailed with my father.

Puntambekar - Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 14:40:57
Travelled from Mombasa to Bombay on ss Kampala in February 1968

Ramsay Fernandes, India - Thursday, November 9, 2006 at 06:25:51
Would like to share and communicate with past shipmates.

Colin Mountford, Australia - Wednesday, November 8, 2006 at 07:57:59
George Taylor's log book entry is of interest to me. We must know each other George, although your name does not ring a bell. We must have sailed together as I left Bulimba in Bombay on 26 May 1960. John Bolton and I were junior E/O's on board at that time. I do recall the C/E, and the 2/E, and Charlie the 3/E. Baldy Davis, Jackie Byers, and George Caie, were in Glasgow in 1958 when Bulimba was fitting out, along with John and myself. George, if you know the whereabouts of John Bolton would you let me know? Love to have a yarn with you some time George if you live in Oz.

Pamela Passmore, UK - Monday, November 6, 2006 at 16:30:14
My grandfather William Walton served in BI from about 1900 (probably before) until he died in 1921 in Karachi while Master of Nerbudda. I have names of his ships from 1906 till his death except for 1914 - 1918. If anyone has more info, or can tell perhaps where in Karachi he would have been buried, I would love to know. He died in the Epidemic Diseases Hospital so probably would not have been shipped home.

Colin Mountford, Australia - Friday, November 3, 2006 at 09:15:00
Sailed on maiden voyage on ms Bulimba ex Glasgow on her maiden voyage to Australia in 1958/9, as junior engineer. We had on board a Himalayan lion cub,en route to Sydney Taronga Zoo. In Sydney the local media were there in force to record the event.We were all given a case of "Bulimba" beer to celebrate the ship's arrival. This beer was brewed in Brisbane by a local brewery, long since taken over. A bottle of this beer was used to launch the Bulimba at Harland & Wolff, Govan Cross shipyard in Glasgow in 1958. Did anyone out there witness this event. My seagoing career has been a major highlight of my life. Love to hear from any of my shipmates of the time, especially John Bolton ex of Cheltenham (UK), now I believe living in NZ.

Terry Lilley, UK - Thursday, November 2, 2006 at 13:21:50
Those who knew Henry Severs and Bert Miller can read the appreciation and anecdotes submitted about these stalwarts of the BI cadetships Chindwara and Chantala at Paul Wood's website devoted to British Merchant Navy cadet ships. Click down to therecent PDF files to read the text.

Howard Bartley, UK Thursday, November 2, 2006 at 08:31:44
Devon BI 1934-1941 With reference to Hugh Hughes entry - Friday, December 12, 2003 ..... My father also served on both Madura and Devon [pictured] and was in Milag Nord. Sadly passed on, if anyone remembers Roland or has photos of this time, I would be very interested to hear.

Petrina Anderton, UK - Tuesday, October 31, 2006 at 21:36:05
My grandfather Percy Livesey worked for the company around 1900, also my great grandfather Peter Livesey reputedly died onboard a ship travelling from India to England and was buried at sea possibly between 1900 and 1910.

Jack Bond, UK - Monday, October 30, 2006 at 20:10:58
I served on Vasna 1942 to 1945, Interested in contact from old shipmates or their families who can assist with Historic research.

Roger Braga, UK - Monday, October 30, 2006 at 15:35:45
Having come across a small framed photo of Nevasa recently at a boot sale, it took me back to 1958/59 when my mother Dorothy and my younger sister Patricia sailed from Singapore to Bombay to visit my Grandmother. We were an army family, my father Dennis a Warrant Officer in the RAOC, stationed in Johore 1957 - 1959. We all went to the docks at Singapore to see them off and the sight of the Gurka band marching up an down playing all the usual military tunes was a sight one never forgets. I can't remember the date they travelled but if anyone has any knowledge of the troopship runs, or where to find passenger lists I would most appreciate it. I can send you an enlargement of the photo I have in return.

Ronald Knight, UK - Monday, October 30, 2006 at 11:45:02
My mother and myself was a passenger on the mv Dilwara 1957, sailing from Kingston, Jamaica to Southhampton UK. it was a great voyage for me as I had never been on a ship so large, the crew was fantastic and treated us well we stopped off at Bermuda to pickup some more troops, great trip indeed.

Lynne Turner, UK - Monday, October 30, 2006 at 00:40:48
I travelled on the Devonia in May 1964 on an educational cruise to Scandinavia. At the time I was living in the East end of London (Redbridge) and the experience of sailing up the fjords remains one of the most emotional experiences I have had.

Annette Taylor, UK - Saturday, October 28, 2006 at 12:27:06
My great Aunt went to Mombassa in 1934. She sailed on ss Matiana. If anyone can help me locate a picture of this ship, I would really love to hear from you.

George Pearce, UK - Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 14:16:38
Sailed on ss Dunera's last voyage as a troopship,to Aden in January 1961

Jogarajah Appadurai, UK - Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 10:33:38
1960 to 1972 was cadet, third, second officer with BI. 1972 to 1982 was chief officer with P&O GCD. Would like to hear from anyone who knows me. I was always known as "Yogi" in BI & P&O

Sybil Stewart, UK - Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at 20:55:49
Great Uncle died onboard the Modasa, on the River Thames, 1939, hoped to find out more about the Modasa's Sailings

Craig Murdoch, UK - Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at 19:02:18
My Grandfather Kazimierz Marian Knyszewski born 20/09/1918 Fled Poland during WW2 and somehow crewed on the Shirala. Ref: Sailed into Durban, South Africa 02 July 1946 from Bombay ( Family Diary input). I am hoping to find any information on him and the circumstances that led him to join this vessel.

Ron Kerr, Australia - Friday, October 20, 2006 at 13:32:00
Was a JOS on the ss Somerset, (Federal Steam Navigation Co Ltd) on its last trip before coming ss Aden of BI in 1954. (This does not appear to be correct as Aden was never a BI name. It could be that Somerset went on short-term charter to BI - Editor)

Graham Allen, Australia - Monday, October 16, 2006 at 14:35:58
BI is very informative. Does anyone have a photo, drawing or painting of the Chyebassa commissioned 1874 and was on the London,Batavia, Brisbane Route.

...sign the logbook

Colin Kerr, UK - Thursday, October 12, 2006 at 18:28:30
My father Walter Kerr was the Financial Director when Sir William Curry was Chairman.

Mike Ellingham, UK - Sunday, October 8, 2006 at 14:38:15
Looking for information on Joseph Urwin Mann Chief Engineer on a number of BI ships in the 20s & 30s

Andrew Matheson, New Zealand - Thursday, October 5, 2006 at 11:51:59
I'd be grateful if Ron McDonald of Australia would contact me. Colin McDonald [re log entry Sep 30, 2005: Captain Colin McDonald, BI and Australian Currie Line], his great-grandfather, is my great-great-uncle, and I'd be interested in sharing family history.

Tony Lister, UK - Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at 14:47:54
If anyone is interested in BI memorabilia I have found www.maganstamps.co.uk has two sets of Dubai stamps on offer commemorating 60 years of postal service issued in 1969 which include pictures of BI ships Bombala, Chandpara, Sirdhana and Bamora

Peter Kirk, US - Tuesday, October 3, 2006 at 14:29:03
Looking for any info./photo's on S.S. Kenya

Lauren Taylor, Australia - Tuesday, October 3, 2006 at 06:32:10
Looking for Lothian and Goodall family immigrant entries into Queensland on Taroba in 1889-1890

Ron Evans, New Zealand - Tuesday, October 3, 2006 at 04:18:32
Sailed on Devonia 1962 to1965 as 5 eng and 4eng with Charlie Glen Willie Cameron George Harper Willie Grant Pete Durham Tony Kennedy Sam Penny C Eng was Ian Mackay.

Morley Prowse, UK - Sunday, October 1, 2006 at 17:04:11
Served 1959 to 1966

Patricia Whitley, Canada - Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 00:52:40
Could you please let me have if you can, the names of the crew of the steamship Colaba in December 1916. I have a letter from someone to my Great Uncle and I cannot make out the name. I would be very grateful.

James Cartlidge, US - Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 21:39:46
An excellent site and full of interesting information

John Leeson, UK -Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 15:03:15
For Quentin Murphy [re Aug 28, 2006 entry - Barney and Angela Leeson]. The assumption is correct. Mum and Dad still alive and kicking now living near Leeds. My only regret I was too young to remember all on MV Bamora. Think on one occassion managed to cut myself shaving. Sadly the industry I was introduced to is no longer. Certainly miss the classic lines. Nice to hear from you.

Marcelo Gomes, UK - Monday, September 25, 2006 at 19:06:13
I sailed on ss Kampala from Mombasa to Bombay via Seychelles in September 1968. I like to hear from anybody who were passengers on this voyage.

James Michael, UK - Sunday, September 24, 2006 at 10:41:1
Served with BI for about six years, mostly on Eastern Service, which included the Dara just before she blew up off Dubai. A very fine company, which I have many happy memories of.

Ron Evans, New Zealand - Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at 05:13:09
Great memories of a bygone era

Chris Hammond, UK - Sunday, September 17, 2006 at 18:43:31
I BI gold braid 've just come into posession of a BISN uniform jacket. From the information on your website, it belonged to a Senior Electrician. Being a uniform wearer in the same sort of trade (ex-Captain, British Airways, now with easyJet) I'm interested to find out what sort of era this is from. It's a double breasted 4 button jacket with BI Britannia buttons (by Gaunt), and it was made by 'Vashi's Custom Tailor' in Raffles Place Singapore, (which I also know well). There are three sets of numbers written in biro in the top pocket, 854, 523, 347, which are probably of no meaning but the rest is anonymous. It looks 1950's but that's only a guess. Any ideas?

Sam Bedi, US - Sunday, September 17, 2006 at 04:13:30
I sailed on June 10, 1972 on the ss Dwarka from Bombay to Korramshar, Iran. I am interested in contacting the crew members on this sailing/voyage for research purposes. Thank you so very much.

Tony Lister, UK - Friday, September 15, 2006 at 14:37:19
I am inerested to know if James Devine, 3/E/O Kenya sailed on the Uganda in 1965 as 3/E/O and then became 2/E/O on a Ministry of Transport war deparment vessel

Chris Allen, UK - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 16:21:15
Whilst researching our family history we came across a telegram dated 12 October 1926 which read: "Mother died Friday. Meet Nevasa tell Graftons. Dad" Obviously not a man of many words. He was in Secunderabad in India and the receipient lived in Southampton. We are assuming that our Great Grandmothers body was shipped back on the SS Nevasa and Graftons were Funeral Directors but have been unable to substantiate either theory. Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

Mike Holt, UK - Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 16:30:27
Fantastic - just found this site. I have cruised on Nevasa 1972/1973 and also Uganda 1975/ 1975 /1978 as a teenager with my parents

Tom Ball, Australia - Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 08:20:36
Found this site while researching my grandmother, Mary Ellen Merkara Mathews, who was born on board Merkara 11.03.1885. Very interesting site.

Kirti Patel, UK - Monday, September 4, 2006 at 11:11:26
For Gillian Hughes: You say your father was captain on ss Amra. Can you tell me what year! I am trying to find out more about the ship, who the doctor was on board etc. The reason behind this is I was born on the 24/05/1954 on Amra. My parents are dead now and I am hoping on this site I might be able to contact some one you can provide me more info!

Jim Devine, South Africa, Saturday, September 2, 2006 at 03:01:13
Hiya Sandy, Sailed with you on Kenya in 1962 when I was 3E/O and you were JE/O. Cannot remember who your "boss" was, John Pasco, or the recently deceased Alex Malcolm perhaps? but I do remember the unforgettable Derek Whittaker who I believe settled in Oz, and Jimmy Coyle. Other names I can offer from that magical ship are CE/Os Arnold Emery & Logie Buchan; X2E/O Alfie Luckhurst; 3E/O John Langley; 4E/Os Willie Murray and Jimmy Christie; 5E/Os Jim Meldrum & Ricky Maxwell. The deck guys were equally memorable amongst whom were Captains Cray (who didn't like junior officers attending 1st class functions) & J Bowerman (who did); Tom Kelso, Alistair Methven, Robin Knox-Johnstone, Keith Marks and R/O John Mennel who played the meanest game of deck quoits ever, on any BI ship! And did we not have the wonderful Nursing Sister Francis Reid on board, and Children's Hostess Tess Ralph - a class act, who sang Moon River accompanied by Buck Fernandes' resident band? That was one wonderful ship, Sandy! May I suggest you join the BI online staff group, Sandy, you will be blown away by the old shipmates you will meet there - there are some 450+ of us, and we talk the most amazing rubbish - just like the old days!

Harry Collins, UK - Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 21:02:39
To Shabia Alimohamed, Santhia sailed from Calcutta to Japan, carrying deck passengers only as far as Singapore. Your relatives probably sailed on Kenya, or Uganda, which at this time sailed between Bombay and East Africa

...sign the logbook

Alex (Sandy) Fowlis, Botswana - Monday, August 28, 2006 at 16:18:09
Sailed as Electrician 1962-1966 on Pinjarra, Queda, Kenya, Devonia, and finally Kampala.Since finding this site a few months ago I have been in touch with many people I had the pleasure of sailing with and who certainly enriched my life in some way. Still looking for Bob May 4E/O ex Kampala who was my best man at my wedding in Mombasa in September 1965. Would welcome contact from any of my old shipmates from the past. Anyone know of Derek Whittaker's whereabouts 5E/O Kenya 1963 and also Jimmy Coyle my Electrician mate about the same time? Salaams to John Prescott for such a great site.

Quentin Murphy, France - Monday, August 28, 2006 at 15:29:26
Noticed an entry from John Leeson on 17th Aug. Are you by any chance the son of Barney and Angela? I have very happy memories of being 3/O on Bamora when you were living in Fremantle in 1961 or 62.

Linda Spindloe, UK - Monday, August 28, 2006 at 08:42:58
I sailed with Dick Sandeman-Gay (ex-BI) when he was Master on the Forum Niugini. Noticed he'd posted here a number of years ago and hoped we might make contact again.

Jim Harvey, UK - Sunday, August 27, 2006 at 21:21:39
I have just seen Roger Timms (June 19th 2006) is looking for old shipmates. Well Roger you and I joined BI and Chantala at the same time, October 1966. As I recall you were in starboard dorm with Bob Hinton, Gordon McInnes, Ewan Robertson, and Robin Crossland. Whilst I was in port with Dave Knight, Dave Guest, Stuart Larcombe, and Harold Holmes. All first trippers together. It is a lomg time since I lost touch with my friends in BI, and like you have wondered about trying to find them. Get in touch with me and we can catch up.

Nicholas Tash, UK - Saturday, August 26, 2006 at 14:41:01
I sailed aged 14 on the Dunera in August 1961 on Cruise K, 13 days from 22nd. August-4th. September. Leaving Southampton and calling at Corunna, Gibraltar, Lisbon, Lorient and returning to Tilbury. I was in Blake dormitory on E deck. I still have some BI advertising material, some photographs of the Dunera and a complete deck plan of the ship. After leaving school I worked for a short time at BI's head office in Leadenhall Street, London.

Susan Hamilton, Australia - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 10:52:58
I am looking for more information on the Quetta. I know the history of its sinking because my great grandfather Thomas John Brooks died in the wreck. He was listed as Steward and Butcher on the ships list. I am wanting to find out how long he had been employed by BI and if so what other voyages on the Quetta or other ships he made and in which years if possible. Also what other information would the company still have regarding his personal service which may be of interest to my family research?

Ralph Larbey, China - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 09:11:49
I have enjoyed perusing your web site as my father was at sea (Master) with BI for many years and I spent my a childhood days on BI vessels growing up.

John Callander, Australia - Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 22:03:28
Re log entry of August 23, are there any references where I could get an image of this wartime livery on any of the HMT BI ships - and excuse my ignorance but what colour is 'buff'? Seems that the ship itself didn't change colour after the war when it became a passenger liner and later an educational ship. [Buff is a slightly brownish yellow. Colour photos of wartime ships are almost non-existent. A colour photo of Nevasa in trooping livery has been posted on the home page of this site (for a limited period). Until the early 1950s there was a big difference in appearance between HM transports and BI passengerships, as the latter then still had black hull with a narrow white band. When BI changed the passengerships to white hull with narrow black band, the main differences were then the broad blue band and buff funnel of the troopships. It could be argued that in the transition to educational cruising their appearance was altered quite markedly - Editor]

Wendy Mills, Australia - Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 05:34:03
My grandfather Ernest Daniel Pratt was Master of several vessels in the BI company. I have photos of him with his crew on Umaria in 1915, and another on Oolobaria circa 1919. Are there any photos available of either of these vessels? Would love to hear of any other vessels he is known to have commanded. [E D Pratt is listed on the BI commanders' page of this site]

John Callander, Australia - Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 00:57:26
Hi, great website. I've just returned from Hay in New South Wales, where the Dunera internees ended up. I'm trying to establish the correct livery for the wartime Dunera when it was HMT Dunera. Was it the black hull? Where can I find an image of the wartime Dunera? [It is very regretable that Dunera's name has become attached to these unfortunate people; they were government internees who happened to be carried by Dunera, that is all. As far as is known, Dunera had the standard trooping livery of white hull and upperworks, with navy blue band at the sheer strake, and buff funnel - Editor]

Vicky McKenzie, UK - Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 16:39:48
Hello Cris Dawson. Thanks for replying to my message re James Calam. He was my father's great uncle though of course he never knew him. What connection do you think we have? I didn't realise until last year that James emigrated along with a brother and two sisters. Where James settled in now called Calamvale - a suburb of Brisbane.

John Leeson, UK - Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 16:15:09
As a young lad walking at least one pace behind my Father I can recall many happy memories on board the ships. Saturday mornings in the Dock Office then onboard for a quick curry. SS Uganda not to be forgotten having travelled both as a student and a passenger. Since then I have not had any inclination to cruise. Fond memories of a company sadly missed.

Cris Dawson, Canada - Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 05:05:28
Message for Vicky McKenzie re message left Sep 2, 2005, about Bulimba carrying Uncle James Calam and family. Please contact me. I think we may have a connection.

Christine Wright, US - Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 07:06:02
My father, James W Smith - Seaman, was on the Dunera from Southampton to China, 1942 WW2. I want to find more information as he is now deceased

David Davies, UK - Friday, August 11, 2006 at 20:28:47
I did two spells on Eastern Service 1956 to 1962 as 3rd and 2nd Mate. I left the Merchant Navy in 1963 after 14 years at sea when I married and settled down in Suffolk and retired in 1984.

Peter Fielding, UK - Tuesday, August 8, 2006 at 09:42:35
Salaams, Tony. Nice to make contact again. You are probably right about us sailing together in Nevasa, but I think I was probably 4th then. I quite like the "dashing" bit, though. I trust that all has gone well for you over the years, and you're enjoying life. Keep in touch, and if you're in contact with anyone else from BI days, pass on my salaams. All the best.

Tony Brooke, UK - Monday, August 7, 2006 at 21:52:51
Peter Fielding. I just picked up your message from 13th June. I remember you very well. Or at least you as you were in the role of the dashing young officer, sometime in the late 60's. I think you were 3rd Engineer on Nevasa, where I did a couple of cruises as a very anti-social 2nd Electrician, before escaping back to cargo ships. I hope all is well in your world Peter. Best regards.

Robert Vaughan, UK - Sunday, August 6, 2006 at 18:48:36
re the log entry from Mary Watson dated July 30th 2005. i was on Dumra during 1969/70. I certainly remember Tony Henley, he was 2/O at the time. I think I may have a photo of you when we were anchored off Muscat.

Julie Spencer, Australia - Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at 11:17:41
Wishing to contact Christopher Rickman, who mentions his great grandfather Harry Robbins, who was lost on the Rohilla [see log entry of Nov 27, 2002] . Harry was my great grandmother's brother.

David Ramsbottom, UK - Tuesday, August 1, 2006 at 20:44:48
Noted entry 25th July from Alun Williams ex Chantala cadet 1959-1961. I was a Chantala Cadet 196 -1964 and cetainly remember you. I attend the BI reunions and next one in September at Glasgow. Peter Jennings and Glyn Williams both attended the last reunion in Portsmouth two years ago. Numerous other ex cadets also attend and they are most pleasant weekends. Would be pleased to hear from you.

Terry Lilley, UK - Sunday, July 30, 2006 at 19:21:24
Calling all Chindwara and Chantala cadets and anyone else who sailed with Henry Severs. Brian Agnew and I have been asked to compile an appreciation of Henry Severs for the BI cadetship section of Paul Wood's website dealing with British Merchant Navy cadetships. (www.rakaia.co.uk). A visit is recommended. Both of us met Henry Severs as first trippers aboard Chindwara on her maiden voyage. We both left BI after 2nd Mates, but in recent years met Henry for an annual lunch in London. To do justice to the task, we need YOUR help. We have in mind an introductory section and an ending paragraph but we believe the main part of the appreciation should be made up of as many memories and comments Paul Wood will allow. (He is usually very generous). So, please help us with your thoughts about this kind and dedicated man, whose life had BI Cadetships as a constant theme and whom we believe, contributed to the formative years of many of us. We have the support of his son Robert. Send them via BIship (this site) or direct to my email address tdlilley@tiscali.co.uk. Include your name, the ship on which you served with Henry and the dates. There has to be a closing date of 30th August please.

Robert Vaughan, UK - Sunday, July 30, 2006 at 11:54:18
A wonderful 8 years at sea, especially at the end of the "Golden Era" Many fond memories wish I could turn back the clock.

Alun Williams, UK - Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at 18:14:51
Was a cadet on board Chantala from 1959-1961 - would love to hear from any old colleague. Does anyone know contact details of Jumbo Jennings or Glyn Williams?

Bob Tween - Friday, July 21, 2006 at 14:32:00
My father sailed on the Morvada as a steward,1920 -1925 approx.

Neil Winnan, Thailand - Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 14:56:58
Delighted to find the site. Would wecome an email from any of the ex MS Dunera's officers and crew.

Jane Harding, UK - Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 01:51:22
I am researching my family tree and I have come across a postcard which has my grandmother's writing on the back. The postcard has ss Mandala under the picture of the ship. I think my grandmother went sometime between 1930-1934 to India and lived in Bombay. Is there any way of researching the passenger list for the vessel? Her name was Alice Mirriam Drew and her son was Frank Edward Drew. On the reverse she writes about sitting near the captain etc. There is no date on the card. [Passenger lists for all vessels are quite difficult to find; they occasionally come up for sale. Considering she was a war-built passengership, Mandala had a long career. Having been delivered in 1915, Mandala sailed on until 1934, becoming one of the last of the nine-ship M class to survive - Editor]

Geoff Warren-Smith, Australia - July 18, 2006 at 08:12:05
I have a photo taken of me in the late 1940s/50s of cadets Lott, Cosoor and Scott on the fore deck of ss Talma in Fremantle harbour and am wondering where those chaps are today, if in fact are still with us.

Arthur Sweeney, UK - Monday, July 17, 2006 at 17:46:50
I travelled on ms Dunera on an educational cruise in July 1965. We sailed from Greenock in Scotland on a two week cruise calling at Vigo in Spain, Lisbon in Portugal, Funchal in Maderia, and finally Brest in France.

Peter Glass, France - Monday, July 17, 2006 at 15:03:17
Very pleased to have made contact through the logbook with Phil (Nibs) Penn after 55 years. Well done.

Keith Heesom, UK - Monday, July 17, 2006 at 13:46:23
Chakdina in pre-World War II days Looking for information on Chakdina which was sunk off Tobruk 1941. My uncle Private Harry Blears, Kings Own Royal Lancashire Regiment, lost his life in the action. Any information would be most helpful, particularly a photograph. Excellent site! [Among the many print and web references to the Chakdina incident, is a complete chapter in the biography of Johann von Ravenstein, a German general in World War II, by Rowland

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