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DECEMBER 1978 Issue No. 20
erry ~ristmas '!And a
Happy 8?Prosperous §Vew~ar
Dick Perry Sam Greedy Roy Hayward Alan Ditchfield Russell Peters Vic Whiteley
TEAMWORK HAS BEEN THE THEME FOR 1978 AND IT HAS BEEN A SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR FYFFES LINE. AS A TEAM WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY OF THANKING EVERYONE ASHORE AND AFLOAT FOR THE EFFORTS THEY HAVE MADE DURING THE YEAR AND TO WISH THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES A HAPPY CHRISTMAS, A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR AND ALL GOOD FORTUNE FOR THE FUTURE.
A Christmas to Remember
I was one of 200 raw recruits in a 'Young Soldiers' battalion of the Royal Warwicks - Monty's old mob - we were subjected to frequent reminders that there may be a Field Marshal's baton in any private's rucksack and plenty of other bull beside.
Early in Christmas week our number one hate, the C.S.M. got us all together to advise that 10 lucky lads would be drawn from the hat for kitchen fatigues on Christmas Day.
First name out of the hat was Perrya 200 to 1 shot, me - who couldn't pick the winner in a 2 horse race; the omens for my first Christmas in the Forces were, to put it mildly, unfavourable.
At 0900 on Christmas morning the 10 unfortunate paraded outside the cookhouse for the sergeant cook, who introduced us to a veritable Everest of sacks of spuds - get that lot peeled and then off for your dinner!
Discipline was strict and we looked at each other in despair; after 3 hours without a break the mountain looked pretty much the same as when we came in, but the Sarge seemed Quite happyon reflection we decided that was a weeks supply he showed us, he certainly had us sized up for green.
'Off you go, lads; you've.half hour to smarten yourselves up and'get into your number ones for Christmas dinner look you r best as the Officers and N.C.Os. will be serving you - and you won't get that very often.
There was no need to tell us that twice, we were gone: And right enough when we did parade for dinner, the place looked a bit festive and there was a flattish pint of ale in each place.
As we went to sit down the bloke opposite me knocked his pint forward, which cannoned onto mine resulting in my no. ones receiving the best part of 2 pints; externally speaking one of the wettest dinners I ever had.
Just not my day, I guess.
DICK PERRY
Miscellaneous Items of Interest via M.V. Magdalena Albany - Panama - Puerto Armuelles
and return to Albany
Miss Doris Mae Sprague 650 W. Harrison Avenue Claremont, Cal if. 91711
WEATHER Hot in the sun but cool in the shade. One shower, otherwise balmy weather.
ACCOMMODATIONS Modern cabins, tile bath, comfortable beds, closets, cupboards, refrigerator, vanity chair, good lighting, drapes, air conditioning, music, news, dinner chimes, public address and alert, lifeguard equipment.
LOUNGE Bar, comfortable seating, tables, cards, magazines, radio, T.V., movies, T.V. tape shows and games, darts and ship affairs. Coffee break at 10 a.m. - Tea and cookie break at 4 p.m.
PASTIMES-Visits to the "Bridge" or Pilot House, tours of the ship, passing ships, whales, flying fish, dolphins, sharks, sea gulls, Island shores, lighthouses, spectacular New York City, Statue of Liberty, World Trade Center, towers, Staten Island ferries, Hudson River shores, West Point, bridges, special pilots boarding and leaving while ship continues moving. Docking at Cristobal for "bunkering", reboarding at Balboa C.Z. via launch, going through customs and immigration - life boat and fire drills.
Captain J. Masson gave a delightful cocktail party with special punch made by Clive Heywood, purser. A bottle of Bristol Cream Sherry, a gift presented to Clara and myself from Captain J. Masson - very welcomed.
Captain J. Masson, the officers and the crew went out of their way to see that interesting happenings were pointed out.
MEALS-Top quality, too much and too good, especially enjoyed the homemade bread, green salads and fresh fruit every day. London menu, listings promptly explained by waiters, served well in dining room with Captain Masson and officers - endless variety. The "Galley"
PANAMA STOPOVER United Brands managers at Colon and Balboa cooperated with advice and assistance. Took train from Colon to Balboa - a very interesting trip. Checked in at the "Granada" Hotel in the heart of Panama City's new Business and Shopping Center - Casino, swimming pool, cocktail lounge - a good Coffee Shop (open 24 hrs.). You feel at home at the Granada Hotel, Balboa. Reboarded at Balboa via United Brands' launch while the "Magdalena" was slowly moving on its way to Puerto Armuelles, Panama where we loaded green Chiquita bananas on the ship by conveyors.
PANAMA CANAL-Returned to Balboa with a full load of bananas and two passengers waiting our turn through the Canal. Everyone should transit the Canal at least once in their life time. It was a thrilling experience and of great historic interest.
ALBANY, NEW YORK The highlights of the trip were the spacious quarters, very clean, well organized and well run ship - Puerto Armuelles, Panama Canal and the kindness of the ship's staff, Captain J. Masson was more than accommodating in every way. Clive Heywood, Purser, helpful and efficient. This was truly a wonderful rewarding trip, and we hope that some time in the future we can take a United Brand's trip again.
HOW NICE TO SEE YOU On Friday the 1st of September 1978 "Barranca" sailed from Cortes bound, inevitably, for Gulfport, Mississippi.
Later the same night Third Officer John Ainger, O.OW, and his Watchkeeper sighted a flashing Iight fine on the port bow directed at the ship. The weather was squally.
was frequently mopped with steaming The Master, Captain E. Jones, was
suds. called to the bridge and course was
altered towards the light, which continued to flash in the direction of the ship.
Nothing was observed on the radar.
Engines were placed on "standby".
On closing with the light, use of the "aid is lamp" revealed a small fishing vessel rolling heavily. Three men, waving frantically at the ship, were seen too.
Preparations were immediately made on deck to assist the embarkation of the people from the fishing vessel.
Captain Jones manouvered "Barranca" upto the fishing vessel and initial contact was made with a heaving line.
Subsequently with the disabled fishing vessel alongside the three men were brought onboard and their immediate needs tended to - they had been adrift five days and had had one fish only between them in the previous twenty four hours - and to start obtaining names etc.
However one of the men rescued made his way unerringly to the bridge where, when seen by Captain Jones, he was immediately greeted with "Palanca. How nice to see you",
The rescued man was one of the three pilots at Cortes and regularly boards "Barranca" in that port.
No doubt he has never been more pleased to see us. BOTH ENDS
OF QUEENSWAY This Christmas a giant banana is dis~
played outside Debenhams store at the top of Queen's Way and is on loan from Southern Television where it had been sited to promote their weekly show for children - SATURDAY BANANA.
And haws this for a true story to go with it.
Recently a representative of a company with whom we deal phoned in for an appointment to visit us. A date and time was agreed and the gentleman asked hOlfo..(.he should find us; instructions were given on how to reach Queen's Way - (the road that is, not the office) - we are on the first floor he was told. Need we say more? Naturally if you are looking for Fyffes in Queen's Way and you see a large banana . .
Anyway, after thoroughly searching ladies lingerie and childrens toys our visitor duly arrived at the other (correct) end of the road.
R.M.S. Carare 3 Lower Knole Lane, Brentry, Bristol BS10 6SA.
October 13th, 1978.
Dear Sir.
I read with some nostalgia of the sinking of the R.M.S. Carare in the story in Fyffes Line News July edition.
I was storekeeper in the catering department at the time; we were in Avonmouth for the installation of our degaussing gear, and a black cat had walked on board during the week. One hears about seamen being super· stitious and I think this was borne out on this occasion. Just before sailing that morning, the Chief Officer was making his rounds looking for stowaways and asked for the ship's hospital to be unlocked. This was where we were hiding the cat - alas the Chief Officer ordered it to be put off the ship. Next morning at approximately 9 a.m. up she went.
I remember well I was enjoying my cornflakes at breakfast in the pantry 8.t
the time; then woof bang and I was flat on my back covered in cornflakes. When I got to my feet I found that my left foot was jarred and paining can· siderably. I managed to get to my cabin for my lifejacket and up to the promenade deck, where I found one of the lady passengers asking for a drink of water - 'service with a smile' I thought and struggled down to the pantry to get the water for her. Then 1 made my way to the boat deck and my boat to stand by for lowering.
Unfortunately for us the boat did not lower as planned and she upended, spilling us all into the sea, the nearest I have ever been to drowning, it seemed each time I came up to the surface, the other occupants of the boat were treading me down! However I managed at the third attempt to scramble on to the now upturned lifeboat. I had just about steadied myself when I espied a passenger la small boy about ten years old) struggling in the water so I hopped off and got him to safety.
Fortunately the water was warm, so sitting on the keel was not too bad. The next incident someone was shouting and we couldn't fathom out
where it was coming from, unti I we realised it was from underneath us. One of the occupants of the boat had got himself trapped underneath, keeping himself alive by holding his head over the seat in the air pocket; we managed to extricate him.
We then waited until we were picked up by a naval sloop, the injured were transferred to Barry emergency hospital for treatment and attention. I finally got back home and next morning looking rather like a fisherman in a large pullover, very baggy trousers, and a pair of shoes which seemed two sizes too large for me.
After some weeks at home whilst my foot was mending I went to Fyffes office in Avonmouth to see if there was anything for me. The only job avai lab Ie at the time was Storekeeper on T 124 articles on the Cavina, which was being converted to an Armed Merchant Cruiser. I stuck this job for a couple of weeks until my injured foot started playing me up again. I may say at this point that signing on the Cavina saved my life. At the time I was next in Iine for 2nd Steward and on my way back from signing Articles for the Cavina, I bumped into myoid friend, Chief Steward Frank Moss; he wanted me to go with him as 2nd Steward on the Mati na - As you may know she sailed and was never heard of again.
I had to sign off the T 124 articles on the Cavina, which was permissable on medical grounds and went into hospital for manipulation of my foot. When my foot was at last right again I signed on the Erin, a Jamaica Producer ship, but this time on T 124 X (No getting out). This ship was eventually renamed the Maplin; she did good service with catapult aircraft on board until the Admiralty decided to return her to store ship duties.
I stayed with the Royal Navy until the end of the War, still in catering my training with Fyffes stood me in good stead as I finished up a Two Striper Paymaster on one of the "Woolworth" Carriers.
A few reminiscenses which may interest and amuse your readers about sealife in those days:
I joined Carare on the 28th December 1928 and went right through the catering department and as I have said I was still with her on that fatal day. She was a very efficient and happy ship, so the same crew stayed voyage after voyage, one had to wait for someone to die to have any chance of promotion. Captain Simmons (Daddy Simmons to all of us) was in Command and of course Frank Moss Senior was my boss. I well remember his first talk to me on joining, as Plate Boy at the princely sum of £4. 2s. 6d. per month plus board and lodging. He said and I quote "Your day begins when the night watchman calls you and it ends when you have cleaned all the plates from dinner at night and if you can get your head down for a couple of hours in the afternoon, bloody good luck to you! "
Our Chief Engineer, "Ally" Sloper was very clever with his hands, he used to make spectacle frames and ornaments from tortoise shell purchased in Trinidad; he was also an excellent carpenter and could make really good furniture. One day after passing the Azores and in good weather, he was busy planing some wood on the corner of No.3 hatch. A newly joined ship's cook came out of the working alleyway and stopped to look at the Chief Engineer saying "Gar bUmey, chippy, they don't half keep you busy on this ship, don't they?"
I hope these memories may be of interest to present staff and other readers of Fyffes Line News.
Sincerely,
G.C. Stock
FLEET LIST PERSONNEL ON LEAVE RANK MAGDALENA MANISTEE MANZANARES MAZATEC MORANT MOTAGUA RANK LEAVE MASTEA C/O
G. SPlo(lNS J, BOW'vIAN
C A HARE G,n NAVLOR
JJ ROBINSON T,W,G. ELLERINGTON
B HODGES E,M. MEAR£:
E. JONES p,e PINKERTO"l
J.A. CRUICKSHANK A,M.L. MURRAY
MASTER R.H e, (VANS O.A. HAMILTON
T.C. MULLINGS D.J. GARONE A
1'1.1'.'. THOMAS R.l. Wf,5TWATFR
2/0 310 CIL
IN,V,. CARSLAW C.J. BARKER Mr. MUSGROV[
p,; CHEESEMAN C, ARNOLD J. RUSSELL
A, MITCHELL M P. ANDREW KP. DAVIE p.e STOCK8RIDGE
D.C. SEOOON A,M. MOORr T.l1 WEBB
e.J, GOODALL a.TUCKER we DUFF
D.W. FEATHER J.P WYNN O.B.B. MADURAWALA
CIO 2/0 310 CIE
l. SYI(ES AO ATKI"'SON A.E ASHWOOD F,C. RENTY
J.W lLOYD GD. TAYLOR J.G. MORRISS P.O. PARAY
A.HN. WILKIN M.\V.p CLEAR .... O.B. WASSALL J. McALiSTEA
A.P. EARL P KFRRY T.C,J. MARTINS M. PAOET
2/E W O'CONNOR J.DEN'IlIS F S, LEGGl: J.B. BATY
R. MARSHALL W.J.8URGU\,l AC. JARVIS 2!E
W.O. GREENACAE O.F, WALKEA
J,F. ABlETT J. MATHESON
D.A. LEE MJ.BOWDEN SA RAI1\4AN
3Il
ME C/fV(
T,N, RICHARDSON K BROWN RO.C. CUNNINGHAM S,J. BRADLEY
K. LDI\G
RE, KIRBY W.H. GILL
K ROLrTLEDGE o MILLAR
A ROBEATS J.J. SALMON
P SULLIVAN o N(WELL M.ew. WILLIAMS R.I','. WILLIAMS
N.STEVENS F,W. McCORD S. DUCKWORTH D.J. MACGILLIVRAY
F, BRADY S.L. NOTL(Y I',A. S\4ITH G. rORSTER
3/, F. HEALEY P CARL D.J. CLOKE MB. CRAVOS W A, ROBINSON
J,R WRIGHT E. WADE W.H. RIDLEY C. RAlSTQN
JV. DRURY
M. SUFREOO B.E,J. SHRIVE
T,GAROINER
A.O.GRANT.JONCS R, STOTT
1ST fLECT. ,;, W.F. DONEY
I.J, MITCHELL J.J COLLINS
( BENNETT B,H. WATeRS N. FOX P S. DODSWORTH
A.~t CLARKE DA. INGLESFI(LO
M. RYAN H.C. HANCOCK J.H. WANOOWSKI
II. KING P,C. GRAY
M'
ClIVE 1ST ELECT.
C. THOMSON P.J. I',' AULD G,C. SMITH G,L. WilLIAMS
J.P. NELSON
J. lEATHERBARROW S. TAYLOR
C.N RHODES
E. HEDLEY C.E. JEANES
C. TENNANT
T. FUlLALOVE J. KI"IG
PURSEll N CADCT
AP HILL S. YOUNG
J.OILVAllflY C,N. CONE
R. AUSSELL M.G BOYLIN
PA CLEAvER 0.8, HAnGflAVE
R.C. HEYWOOD M \'V(Btl 2ND ELECT.
J.OAR D. ROSE
ET.STANHOPE S.E. CLEMO
CAOET
A.J.A HURLEY SJ, COLCLOUGH MAHONEY
DA TOMLINSON
T.G. FOWLER
J/C L.A. NICHOLS J,f MATHEWS A WAITES
G.N HUBBARO p. GILVARRY T. OWEN
D.W. HINDLE J.e, BARTLETT
A.C. MORELAND DH. BROWN
RIO ~I\INT rrAM
P.A. SQWEN(FI no FULLElllrt AW GLEDHILL P.C. CROWLCY(FJ J. BAEE'IIlM) M,J. COLLlNS(MI
T. BOLTON R. ELLERSHAW(UMEI C A r1ElD
PURSER
RIO
BA. WARREN M.wOOD R P.O JOHN
W.CASEY
P P AZZOPARDI
C. LUGG C,K. DUNHAM
G.C. SMART J.D. JOHNSTON MAl NT. TEAM I BURNSIDE A. TQlLERTON SUPP'Y p.r WITHERDEN
C.I'O. p.O OPS P,O STORES
F C. HAMPSON G.R. GROVE OF ARNOLD
10.'11 DOWNER L.A FARREll R,H GooDHINO
0,1',' BURTON J, STRUGNELL N.N. DOE
A. STANLEY A.J BLAIR K,HARV(Y
AH. CURNOW F.J. DRISCOLL
I',' CONNACHAN I. MACLEAN M.K O'MALLEY
C,P.O. BOSUN MAtI\T. SQUAD PO OPS.
T.w NICHOLLS J.l BARTLETT L.C.JOYNER
R.I'.'. RonSON
GP 1(01 M A, MACKENZIE C,P BRABS K I',' BURNETT J.R ClARABUT G.P, MITCHELL a.MARTlN P.O. STORES p.T.C. BATTtSON l. KNIGHT G, DANIELS D.C BLUNDON
J.G. ED~ONDS
SJ. BESCOtlY J, MOAAWSKI PA STURDY
OJ DRAPER t. VAS(Y
L,V. HATCH JL. WATSON
K.WITT D CASEY
G.PIlO) T. COUGHLAN J.E BROWN
N.G. HoopeR N.A, BUCKLEY
R.G. JENKINS D. BURI\S
A.M. CONNOR G. TUR",rR F.C.w CROUCHER J.H DODOS R.N. BRITTON S.P. ELLIOTT G.p.l1El A W. POTTER J.O. DICKERSON V. AZZOPARDI A,E. PERKINS N.W, HUGHES M.J. PI1LECE T.J. CADET J.O, BLANEY R, CAMERON·lUNN J.H McPARTLAND CP.O. COQK J. McLEOD P MACKEY C. BLJSUTTll
R.N MARLOW C.J.OVEHTON
M.G.J. BEALE P. JOHNSON
O.A MURRCll P.R. BENNETT
M.S. MOORE J.C. FRIDAY
P. lOfTtIOUSr A, QUICK
2ND COOK ASST. COOK
IC GUDGIN C P ELLIS
P.J, LONG
GP,II£) D.J, PHILLIPS £.1','. SHEF'PEY
I1.F, JONES A.P. PHILLIPS J.S. REID
P. ALISON P. UEST O,W. GOODING
K,D. HORTON J.P O'CONNOR
ASST. smD 0.1 HIGHFIELD s.p. ALLEN D LAMBERT
O,K. WEBB V KELLY GA COWARDS RANK OFF PAY SICK STUOY LEAVE CP.OI CH/COOK GA. WELCH N.l BETTS W.J. STORK E.JKEEFE K McPHERSON R. NEESON
C/O210
C,HT.WHALE C. BIGGINS C. RENAULT
2ND COOK MJ SAUNDERS D,A. WYETH T.E. FIELD M.J, ES....ONO A.R. SMITH ,ASST COOK /lSST STWO. B. ATWOOD l.G SNELL
B,COLE G. STURGES T 6YRNE
S.P, AYLOFF W.TENNANT J. PAAIS 2/, RO. BERTENSHAW
S. NELSON P.C. ELLINGTON
A.A. BLAKE R.I'. WELLS
A.II. KING J W. MUllAllY
O. AVERY F. GALEA
W.P. YIRREll P.CARLIN
M. MULLAN J. AACKHAM
M.DUDMAN K.S. MOOIlE
31' B. ClARI( A.A. FF~AINGTON
J,P, McCANN M,P. DUDDY A.P. MAN D.f. UROOMFIELO S. GllHEANEY G. WRIGIIT A. VICKERS CAT BOY AJ SMITH C. MINSON R WILDING P. CHRISTorl1ER O. GODDARD D. MEG ENNIS 41E r.w. MAGEe E.J. YOUNG
0.5. SHONE FABIlIC SQUAD A.J. cox W. WILSON S.W. LIGHTFOOT
CIRIE R.I'. SOMERS 1ST ELECT J.C. HARO...,AN JIE K L, MOGG M. PRICHARD
M.S, ASHTON CPO BOSUN W. PAssrlELD MAt NT SQUAD K W. STILL P,O.OPS. S, MrCI( FA GEORGe ASST. COOK A.CooLMAN
RANK BARRANCA DAYANO DARIEN DAVAD RIO SULACO ASST STWD K, NEWMAN
MASTeR R.N MILLER BY ~EIlCER J Io,4ASSON A.N CUMBERS E.C.A. WHITEHOUSE C/O210 310 CIE
M.J. MAIN D,M. BUCK J.\V.AINGER R.r PALLIr-.
M.n CURTIS OJ. BROWNE H.£. MOZER A. EADeS
JCW. BARNEY A. GRAVESON IIA WATSON J.N SMITH
PC. WilLIAMS G,L. lEGG P.W.K, HEYWOOD K.D. RICHAHOSQN W,H, HOCI((NHUlL S.D. SMITH A.H. GRIEVES F.B W1LU4MS
FLEET MOVEMENTS 2/, 31'
4/r
c/R/E
A.J. WILKINSON
A,S. COATES G.A. HUGHES L.P ROSSER
J H. CURNOW
o A DAVIES A,c.pAPn L.IIANNAH
• A.RM. AITKEN
S, HUNTER J.H. BREWSTER M. SHAMBL(Y
A.G, DONOAA RG DAVIS M.C. FULTON
J.R. lLOYD J.H. McCANN
BA NEILSON ll,A. GRAY J.T.P. OWEN
E.J. PRICE B.J. COLLINS
I.J. PRAIN
E, \40AGAN
+ + + BARRANCA LEAVES GULFPORT 12TH DECEMBER; DUE CORTES 15TH DECEMBER; LEAVES CORTES 15TH DECEMBER; DUE GULFPORT lBTH DECEMBER; LEAVES GULFPORT 19TH DECEMBER; DUE CORTES 22ND DECEMBER .. + + BAYANO LEAVES NEW ORLEANS 13TH DECEMBER; DUE GULFPORT 14TH DECEMBER; LEAVES GULFPORT 15TH DECEMBER; DUE CORTES 18TH DECEMBER; LEAVES CORTES lBTH DECEMBER; DUE GULFPORT 21ST DECEMBER
1ST I. LfCT 2ND neCT JIL
C.J. CAZANAVE K. SHORTER A.D WHITCHOUSE
CA ANDREW 0.0, prAnSON 0./\ SMITH D.S...,ITH
J.WADE R. SCOTT S, HEDLEY O.C WALKER
D. HARDISTY
C.J.1WIS1 W. CORK1N
G H. BRIGGS
PC. SCOTT J.GRIFFITHS
+ .. + DARIEN LEFT BREMERHAVEN 11TH DECEMBER; DUE HALIFAX 17TH DECEMBER + + .. DAVAO LEFT BENGHAZI 5TH DECEMBER; ARRIVED CEUTA 8TH DECEMBER; LEFT CEUTA 9TH DECEMBER; DUE ABIDJAN 15TH DECEMBER + ... MAGDALENA LEAVES ALMIRANTE 10TH DECEMBER; DUE CANAL TRANSIT 12TH DECEMBER; LEAVES CANAL 13TH DECEMBER; DUE
PURSfA RIO
TB. HAMPSON W.J. KAVANAGH 1M I
I. KERSIIAW H'O' GASKELlfFl
C. STOCK C. GRECHIFI
M.S. JAMES P.T, DOWNIE JACKSONIM)
M,J.8AlSON M.G.HILLYAI1 P, JORDAN(MI
GOLFITD 13TH DECEMBER" + + MANISTEE LEFT BREMER HAVEN 30TH NOVEMBER; DUE CRISTOBAL F.O. 12TH DECEMBER + + + MANZANARES ARRIVED ROTTERDAM 7TH DECEMBER; LEAVES ROTTERDAM 11TH DECEMBER; DUE HAMBURG 12TH DECEMBER; LEAVES HAMBURG 16TH DECEMBER; THENCE ALMIRANTE/GOLFITO/ARMUELLES + + .. MAZATEC LEFT TELA 3RD DECEMBER; DUE PIREAUS 17TH DECEMBER; THENCE LATTAKIA + + + MOAANT BERTHED L1SNAVE YARD, LISBON 14TH NOVEMBER; LEAVES LISBON 18TH DECEMBER + + + MOTAGUA LEFT CRISTOBAL 2ND DECEMBER; ARRIVED SAN JUAN 5TH DECEMBER; LEFT SAN JUAN 8TH DECEMBER; DUE GENOA 18TH DECEMBER .... + RIO SULACD ARRIVED TELA 5TH DECEMBER; LEFT TELA 6TH DECEMBER; ARRIVED CHARLESTON 8TH DECEMBER + + ..
TO PIC S During October and November we were pleased to welcome Alex Varbedian and Ralph Pace, United Brands Internal Controls aUditors. to Queen's Way. Although an Audit is often critical, and who welcomes critisism, we like to think we have a good working relation· ship with this department of the Company. An Audit is a strenuous work up for us but the Internal Controls exercise is always an educational and constructive experience and once again we intend to make full use of it.
Captain G. Spikins has now fully recovered after his recent hospitalisation. In fact Geoff has now returned to sea in command of Magdalena.
Charles Hare recently returned to Fyffesand after a spell as Chief Officer on Mazatec has put the fourth stripe up again taking over Manistee from Capt. Evans.
Tom Chambers, popular ex-Superintendent. has returned home from a short visit to the land of doctors and nurses, and is well on his way to full health again.
Installation of air-conditioning at Queen's Way has commenced. A generous gesture towards making Masters and Chief Engineers feel 'at home' when they all·brief in the summer!
Those were the days
The latest addition to the fleet of James Peters of Donaby, Sheffield in 1928.... , .
we cannot trace any positive connections?
A picture to gladden the hearts of Fyffes historians, with R.M.S. Bayano breaking
the tape of the 'new' dock at Avonmouth in 1928.
Towards the end of 1928 'Elders & Fyffes'Steamship Department moved into new premises at Avonmouth. The local scribe in Avonmouth at the time waxed enthusiastically over the new edifice which, quote "is replete with all modern appurtenances for office conveniences, and one of the most striking aspects in the furniture is that each member of the staff is seated at his own desk". Spoilsportsl
Commissioning ofRio Sulaco "RIO SULACO" sailed from the builders' yard in Gdansk on 22nd November; and has now successfully completed her first voyage under Fyffes management - at one time she was making 23.7 knots!
Regrettably, due to complications in the purchase agreement, our management will be short lived; and we will transfer the ship to Empresa early in the New Year.
This is, of course, a disappointment to us all - perhaps more so to those Officers who have been directly concerned with the arduous task of transforming a shipyard hull number into a live and fully operational ship.
However, our objectives as a ship management company are clear, and we must now take professional pride in having successfully commissioned this ship for sea-going operation.
In handing over the management of "RIO SULACO", we wish all good fortune to her new staff, and to Empresa.
The Expanding Fleet We are pleased to announce that after the successful completion of an extensive repair programme MORANT returned to our management during December.
Built in Japan by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in 1969 she forms part of the fleet of 'M' Class ships known as the Mark I series. Of her sister ships, MOTAGUA has already returned to us and MATINA and MUSA are scheduled to transfer in the New Year. .
Guess Who?
Last Months Guess Who: Chief Engineer Brian Williams
MILESTONES 25 years ago: Agreement was signed for laying the first Transatlantic telephone cable, the cable was completed in 1955.
L.P. BERIA Ib.1899) former head of the Soviet Secret Police and 6 associates found guilty of high treason and shot.
Beria, as Stalin, was Georgian by birth and was at one time regarded as a possible successor to Stalin. He was minister for internal affairs of the Soviet Union and head of the N. K. V.D. In July 1953 hewas expelled from the Communist Party and removed from his state offices.
M. RENE COTY (b.1BB2) was elected President of France at the 13th Ballot.
This French statesman became adeputy in 1923 and senator in 1936. In 1934 he formed a political organisation 'Solidarite Francaise', with right wing aims. He was a member of the National Assembly (1945-48) and became the last President of the Fourth nepublic in 1953.
The Queen made her Christmas broadcast from Auckland.
It was the mildest December for 20 years and before that for over 200 years.
75 years ago: On 17th December 1903 the first controlled flight in a heavier than air machine by Orville and Wilbur Wright at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, U.S.A. These American pioneers, Orvi lie (1871-1948) and his brother Wilbur
(1 B67-1912) began with gliding experiments on the sand dunes at Kitty Hawk; to the glider they added a petrol engine and made 4 flights that day; the longest being 852 feet. In 1905 Orville did the first flight of over 30 minutes and followed that in 1908 with the first flight of over 1 hour duration. Wilbur took the Wright biplane to Europe with tremendous success and started a flying school in France.
84 years ago: On 22nd December 1895 Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a French soldier of Jewishextraction, was incorrectly found guilty of treason and sent to Devit's Island in French Guiana - the evidence was a letter to the German Embassy in writing not unlike Dreyfus's backed up by documents which were later proved to be forgeries. In lB99, when new evidence implied his innocence, Emile Zola the famous novelist, got a 12 month's sentence for his open letter 'J'accuse' in a daily newspaper. Captain Dreyfus was eventually completely cleared, and became a Lieut. Colonel in World War I.
The affair, which dominated French political life for a decade, cutting across all political allegiances, showed the lengths to which frightened men would go to hide their mistakes, and the ease with which newspapers could whip up anti semitic and pseudo patriotic hysteria.
100 years ago: Electric lighting was introduced by Professor Sir William Crookes O.M. F.R.S. (1832-1919), an eminent British scientist, whose discoveries in chemistry and electricity have been of the greatest importance.
STRANGER THINGS HAPPEN AT SEA This fishy story comes from a delightful new book by R.L.P. and Dorothy Jowitt, "THE SOLENT AND ITS SURROUNDINGS". A hundred years or so ago a crew of French winklepoachers, employing their traditional skills off Hurst Castle, hung rush mats over their gunwales and blew the whistle which always brought the winkles hauling themselves up the mats hand over molluscular fist. But the boat had inadvertently sailed into the path of an annual migration, and so many winkles clambered aboard that she went down with all hands.
This cautionary tale (I like it that the boat was called Le Hareng Rouge, or The Red Herring) is one of several which give added flavour to this rare blend of anecdote and information.
Southern Evening Echo
THE SAILOR'S CHRISTMAS PRAYER
God please keep the Chief Cook sober, At least 'till after lunch
And make sure the Old Man's watching When the Purser makes the punch.
Lets have a bit of 'Peace be still" To calm the blooming waves
And silence all alarm bells For your great day of days.
Let goodwill reign triumphant, But shoul.kl there be a fight
The Bosun is a sinner So see he gets his rights!
Make sure if I get tiddly The Mate does not find out
And stop my head from spinning If I do have to turn out!
Guide us through our Christmas Together, but alone
And help me, gentle Jesus, Not to think of home.
B.V. MERCER, 'Magdalena'
The second Patia represents that pro BYGONE SHIPS No.9gram, which comprised nineteen ships of the 'B' class, built by Alex. Stephen, Cammell Laird and Workman Clark between 1919 and 1930.
This was one of the largest series of sister ships built for one company and was a major investment justified by the steadily increasing demand for bananas after the war. Very stoutly built, they were fully occupied on the home and continental routes with only occasional periods laid up during the worst of the depression. On the outbreak of war most were either transferred to carrying other foodstuffs or taken up for naval service. A fevv remained carrying bananas until for~
bidden by government order at the end of 1940. Five only survived in 1947, two having been passed on to German registry before the war, the remainder being lost by enemy action.
In 1940 Patia was taken over by the Royal Navy as an Ocean Boarding Vessel. After a short period in this service she was sent to South Shields in March 1941 for alteration into an aircraft catapult ship for convoy escat duties. These mainly completed, she embarked her crew at the Tyne Quays and sailed for Bel fast to complete arming on 27th April 1941. Escorted by aircraft at the start of the journey, she turned northwards once clear of the Tyne on a dark starless night. The escort returned for home once she was well under way but within a short time she was under attack by enemy Heinkel aircraft. She was so badly damaged that the order was given to abandon ship and she soon sank by the stern. Of her crevv,119 were lost, some due to the bombing, some due to exposure. The survivors managed to get ashore the next morning near Boulmer on the Northumbrian coast, some thirty miles from the start of their voyage.
Lt. Commander McDonald, then serving aboard as Paymaster Sub-Lieutenant, speculated in an article in the Liverpool Echo of 22nd October 1956 that the enemy knew of the Patia's departure and were in position awaiting her. Once the escort was gone shewas a clear target. Certainly spies were known to be active around our port areas and she had been fitted with a Harvey Projector, a new type of rocket gun, extra interest may well have been taken in her and the attack occurring so soon after the return of the escort seems too coincidental for it to have been a lucky chance for the Germans.
Her wreck is plotted on charts of the area but there is some doubt that it is
by Capt KJ. LESLIE
the true position as fishermen consider she is a mile further inshore. The Newcastle branch of the British Sub Aqua Club are very keen to dive on her wreck and are endeavouring to get her exact position determined. This summer the weather has been too poor for diving far offshore but it is hoped that by next season they will have a good idea where she is and be able to dive on her. The last of the class, Corrales, was broken up in 1961 so it would be very worth while if some souvenir of these fine ships could be acquired, especially from the bottom of the sea, now greater interest is being shown in our industrial past.
Whilst due credit must be given to the founders of this company for their efforts in organising the trade and popularising the eating of bananas in this country, they were totally dependent upon the inventiveness of refrigeration engineers. True, small cargoes of bananas have survived long voyages preserved in peat or maize husks but the commercial carriage of the West Indian banana required a complex refrigerating apparatus to achieve success. The first cargo of frozen meat to be received in good condition had only been brought from Buenos Aires to Marseilles by the s.s. Paraguay in 1877, so that by the time of the Company's formation marine refrigeration was still undergoing adaption and development.
The earliest machines used on board ship were of the cold air type in which air is compressed, cooled by circulating water, further cooled by doing work operating the engine and then blasted into the chamber needing cooling. The sailing ship Dunedin carried a large cargo of frozen mutton by this means from New Zealand in 1882. However the system was both uneconomic and difficult to regulate; better results were being found with another method which depended on
the alternate vaporising and Iiquifying of a chemical agent in a closed cycle. This, in turn, cooled a brine circulation system which could either be extended by piping into the chamber to be cooled or incorporate a battery of pipes over which air drawn from the chamber could be cooled before recirculating, As the latter arrangement came to be used in banana ships, it may be worth mentioning that it was the first way in which holds were cooled by this method as it resembled the older cold air blast. Insurers and owners were very suspicious of the cold brine grids later installed almost universally in frozen meat ships as they felt the still air might be conducive to the formation of bacteria.
Messrs. J. & E. Hall, Ltd .. of Dartford, Kent, with whom we were to be long associated, were engineers, iron and brass founders who were established in 1785. They entered the refrigeration field in 1878 when they introduced here the Gifford cold air machine from France. By the early 1880's they had installed a large number on board ships. Their first C02 machine was built in 1889 to the designs of the German engineer Windhausen who had invented his first successful engine of this type three years before. From then on Hall's developed it to a high state of perfection and in the late 1890's were given a contract to install a complete refrigerating system for ships to be used in the Australian apple trade - it was the design for this that was adapted when they were asked to suppl'/. a system for the ships being built for the Imperial Direct Line. Due to the high loading temperatures and the gas given off by the fruit some alterations had to be made: however the initial calculations were later found so accurate in practice that the original design, with minor improvements, was continued through to the end of the major building programme after the First World War.
Published by Fyffes Group Limited, subsidiary of UNITED BRANDS COMPANY, New York, USA for staff circulation only and not to be reproduced without permission of the Editor, Printed by Lonsdale Technical Limited.
