Royal Mail Ship ." GASCONY."

[David Dunlop]

Just wondering if any of the lads sailed on her during the 50s. would love to hear of their stories.

[Stuart Henderson]

David just come off other SN site and tried to send you photos of Gascony but dont have the knowledge sorry, get in touch
Stuart Henderson A/S Gascony 1950)

---------- Post added at 12:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:52 AM ----------

Hi David, Just checked on your record and amazingly (?) see we sailed on two other ships in the fifties. Were you on Dock St Pool ?
Just checked dis/bk again di d one trip (Meddy cruise) on Orcades 28/4./1954 to 11/6/54. Thenthe old LLangibby Castle round Africa trip Jun/Sept 1951. In my first ten years I did mainly one trip/one ship to see as much of the world as possible. Left sea in 1977 and went to North Sea Oil Beryl A rig out of Aberdeen
Stuart

[Captain Kong]

Here you are lads, the GASCONY.
Cheers, Brian

[David Dunlop]

Hi Stuart. Nice for you to get in touch. Yes I was deck boy on the ORCADES, 1952 to 53.and did the Llanguiby Castles last trip before the breakers in July 53 toSep 53. You were on them a bit later than me. Left Deep Sea in 1959 to join many Oil Rigs mainly in the North Sea, till retirement in 1999. I remember the Beryl A. many years ago. I joined my first Semi Sub rig ie (SEA QUEST) in i960. from then on as Roustabout/Roughneck/Jackman/Crane Driver/Able Seaman & Bosun on Drill Ships & Semi Subs, then finished up till retirement as Deck Foreman & Helicopter Landing Officer. I am an ex P.W.S.T.S.lad
How long did you serve on the Rigs Stuart?

[Stuart Henderson]

Hi Stuart. Nice for you to get in touch. Yes I was deck boy on the ORCADES, 1952 to 53.and did the Llanguiby Castles last trip before the breakers in July 53 toSep 53. You were on them a bit later than me. Left Deep Sea in 1959 to join many Oil Rigs mainly in the North Sea, till retirement in 1999. I remember the Beryl A. many years ago. I joined my first Semi Sub rig ie (SEA QUEST) in i960. from then on as Roustabout/Roughneck/Jackman/Crane Driver/Able Seaman & Bosun on Drill Ships & Semi Subs, then finished up till retirement as Deck Foreman & Helicopter Landing Officer. I am an ex P.W.S.T.S.lad
How long did you serve on the Rigs Stuart?

Hi David, Thanks for reply/ I think I was on Beryl A just under the year as Camp Boss. Lived right down on south coast in sussex in those days so long (wet !) joiurney home by train. hic........ Got offered better paid job in Saudi Arabia Al Khobar and was there four/five years then better pay again and I spent fifteen years nearly in Libya and retired from there in 1996. My sea training was the old Vindi
Cheers,
Stuart.
Couldnt get my photos of Gascony on but see Captain Kong did which was great,only has couple of other crew ones/

[David Dunlop]

Hi again Stuart!
I was on Connaught Road Pool.( King George Dock I believe. )

Dave.

[Captain Kong]

Hi Stuart, I was in Al Khobar, in that rat infested hospital of theirs, they wanted to amputate my leg when it was crushed on Sea Island, so got out fast on a broom as a crutch stayed in the Royal Hotel for one day then flew home where my leg was saved.
Was also at the Vindi, 1952.
Cheers
Brian

[Alexander Mckee]

Morning from South Africa
I made my first trip to sea on the"old" Gascony. 1953 I believe it was My office was a wooden hut on deck...if you remember the layout of the ship
I had just been appointed " an officer and a gentleman ???? at 18 years of age. I handled all the administration, customs immigration and wages etc etc on board for the Captain
First port was Bermuda and the and other Caribbean countries ... turn around port Kingston Jamaica

Regards to all
Nice to exchange notes
Alex Mc Kee

[David Dunlop]

Hi Alexander, I was the sailors peggy on her in Jan toApril 53, I remember the trip well, Was that the trip you were on?

[Eric Brown]

Hi Alex
I was the 'DIP' proper title Captain's Clerk what a job the Portage Bill for 40 plus crew. Teviot 1959

Eric