Name: Rhoda
Richardson Comments My brother emailed the website to me. He also travelled same dates aged 12, he now lives in America. I was 9 and we spent Christmas on board ship. Name: Peter
Bennett Comments As a 10 year old boy was absolutely fantastic. Remember well my youngest brother playing hide and seek and having the whole crew looking for him as we thought he may have gone overboard only to find him hiding in the deck chairs thinking we were tricking him. Typical 5 year old. Great memories. Name: Stephen
Williams Comments Sailed from Tilbury on one of the coldest days on record. Sailed through the Suez Canal to Aden then Colombo to Australia. My passage was free as I was 11 years old. My parents were £10 poms. We lived at East Hills emigrant Hostel for a while in Sydney. Still remember the voyage which was great, but also remember sailing through the mountainous Bay of Biscay seas and the haunting fog in the Great Bitter Lakes. Name: T
H Connell Comments I was the 3rd. Officer aboard Iberia during the voyage when she was in collision in the Indian Ocean. I was not on watch at the time! I have quite a few photographs of the damage caused, taken in Colombo and then Sydney when she was restored. Also some pictures taken during the cruising season 1955. Are you interested in any of this? By the way, Ian Gibb, who became Fleet Commodore was my a cadet at the time and was my junior watch keeper. Best regards, Terry Connell. Name: Derek
Sowerby Comments I was a lift-boy and page-boy on the Iberia when we did the Tokyo Olympic cruise during a round-worlder. I joined the Oronsay as a waiter, did a couple more trips on the Iberia before re-joining the Oronsay as a wine steward. After two accidents to my left knee, I was forced to bring my maritime career to an early end. Name: Pat
Appleby Comments Hi. I travelled with my parents and I remember the night the Iberia was hit by an oil tanker off the coast of Ceylon. We had a great time on the trip. Would like to find a girl I made friends with who was traveling as Nanny to a Doctors children.She was an Australian girl named Andrea who lived in Burwood N.S.W. Name: Jill
Wright Comments This site has been very enjoyable on a wintry afternoon, bringing back happy memories of a cruise to warm Fiji & NZ. Name: Garry
Whistler Comments Great days and great ships sailing under the Red Duster. Sailed as AB. Quatermaster & Deckman. Oh! to do it all again Name: Mrs
Patricia Gilgan Comments Very good. It was lovely to see the ship after all these years. I sailed from Bombay to Tilbury. Arrived 0n the 2nd Nov 1962. Would like to know what happened to Eian Ross, I hope I spelt it right. He worked on that ship. He fell in love with me and wanted to marry me but I wasn't ready for that sort of life. I enjoyed my trip had the time of my life. Loved the show that the staff put on. Had my picture take on one of the competions that was held . My friend and I went as two innocent hearts. Would love to get a copy of it. I was only 17 at the time. I am now living in Ireland was married to Thomas Gilgan who sadly died 8yrs ago. My maiden name was Patricia Taylor Sailed with my sister Shirley Taylor. Name: William
P Godbehere Comments Last trip of the Ranchi. Took 6 weeks from Tilbury to Sydney. Had whooping Cough most of the way. I was 5 years old at the time. Ranchi apparently had a broken boiler during the trip which prolonged the trip via Suez Canal. We berthed in Sydney and as migrants were sent to Bathurst Migrant Centre, then later to Fishermens Bend Hostel in Melbourne. Name: James
Smith Comments Great to see so many shots of what was a wonderful ship. Great memories and a lovely crew. Name: Ron
Smart Comments Great site but missing the Oriana. Will happen as funds become available. Mel Name: Heather
Christensen Comments I just love this site! My parents and I travelled "home" to Scotland in Feb 1956 for a 6 month holiday we sailed on the Otranto, I believe it was close to her last voyage. She looks very rusty in some of the slides I have. We went through the Suez canal. On our return trip we sailed on the Strathnaver. I would like to hear from anyone who travelled on either of these voyages. I have recently been able scan and catalogue the many slides taken of this trip and I have uploaded them on my website. Email me and I shall direct you. Thanks for the great site. Name: Cecile
and Albert Huckfield Name: Marilyn
Longden ( nee Innes ) Comments I am gathering photos for a scrapbook for my parents 60th wedding anniversary - Thanks Name: Ken
Cowan Comments I was just 5 years old when we emmigrated to Australia aboard Iberia. We have some grainy black and white photos taken on deck. I remember a fancy dress party where I wore my sisters kilt and had to carry an empty bottle of whiskey. I also won a prize in a race, I came second last but I was the first boy. Name: Ian
Laughlin-Young Comments Sailed on Pacific Cruise 23 July 1965 - 14 days to Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands Nukalofa Pago Pago Suva as an 18 year old met my wife Sue aboard ship and we married in 1970 - started cruising in 1963 and continue to do so every year having just returned from a cruise on Pacific Sky (yet again). Name: Peter
Aspinall Comments I was 3/O and S/2/O Strathnaver 1952/53, 2/0 and 1/O Iberia '56 and 1/O Strathmore '56/'58. Someone remarked that the wheelhouse of "Strathnaver appeared small in your photograph. I think the photo was pre-war. During the post war re-fit the wheelhouse was greatly enlarged and the clear view screen for instance was then inside not outside. You can spot the differences on the pre-war and post-war photos. The wheel, binnacle and gyro/auto-pilot were unchanged. Name: Susan
West (Booth) Comments Travelled with my parents and sisters from Tilbury to Melbourne, arriving 22/4/1956. I have passenger lists of the voyage as well as several menus. If anyone would like copies please contact me. Name: K.
Wong Comments I travelled on SS Oronsay from Singapore to Tilbury London on Aug 1964 Name: Darryn
Sly Comments Wanted to know if this is the same Strathallan that was torpedoed off North Africa 22/12/1942. If so, my brother-in-law was on G Deck when it was hit, with 89 other troops from the 51st Highland Division. He is still alive and talks of this ship frequently. Name: M
Vass Comments I was 12 years old when I sailed on this fine lady of the sea. mLittle did I know how that trip would open my eyes to the world at the time. I'm off again on 10/03 on the Sky and still love the experience. I think at the time I travelled on the Himalaya she was near the end of her career but I have sailed on other vessels since but none as good as she was. Name: John
Downe Comments Would recommend the site http://www.britishpathe.com/ You can search for ships and download (free) old newsreels featuring Straths, Oronsay - in fact any famous ship. Well worth it! He's right. I've checked it out. Mel Name: John
L Raybould Comments Fantastic! A passenger on my voyage e-mailed me after seeing my memories on my website. Email me for details. Name: Ian
Laughlin-Young Comments Sailed on Pacific Cruise 23 July 1965 - 14 days to Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands Nukalofa Pago Pago Suva as an 18 year old met my wife Sue aboard ship and we married in 1970 - started cruising in 1963 and continue to do so every year having just returned from a cruise on Pacific Sky (yet again). Name: David
Merchant Comments Joined Himalaya in Tilbury as waiter in main restaurant for a couple of trips, then public room steward serving drinks in various bars particularly the ballroom had a great time. Name: Chris
Brennan Comments Travelled with my younger brother as a 16 year old to join our parents in Singapore. (Father on a 3 year tour as a civil servant in Admiralty). Lots of young VSO folks on ship which made for a very lively trip! Name: Valerie
Richardson Comments The Strathaird travelled around South Africa instead of Suez Canal due to confict in that area. The ship broke down twice during the voyage. Name: Brett
Sargent Comments Hello. It’s wonderful to find some info on this ship I sailed to Australia on as a baby of five. I have vivid memories of the ship still, especially as I was saved from drowning in the outside swimming pool by a lady who I still remember. She was wearing a blue and white swimming costume. I would love to find her just to thank her. It was wonderful to see the pictures of the nursery. I can remember climbing up on a wooden rocking horse and getting over the white wooden gates and onto the railing, much to the horror of my mother when she found out. Thankyou for the memories as my mother is now in her eighties and still has the ship’s brochure from 1962. Kind regards, Brett. Name: Charles
Stobbart Comments I was a catering boy & Assistant Steward for 6 months on Himalaya, 2 trips to Oz and a Christmas Cruise to Tasmania & New Zealand. Name: Sylvia
Pedron (nee Charlton) Comments Would love to see passenger list for this voyage. Name: Walter
Inman Comments I am doing this for my father. He sailed on the Strathmore with his troop in ww2. They were the 69th R.C. army service corp.from Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada. Currently I am trying to obtain a photo of the Strathmore to give to my father as a gift. Thanks a bunch...Kathy Seed. Name: Jeffrey
Charles Smith Comments I served on various Liners with the Merchant Navy in the catering department. Name: John
Stewart Comments Where can I obtain photographs or posters of the Strathaird? Name: Robert
(Bob) Stewart Comments I was almost fourteen years old when we left Tilbury in mid January and arrived in Melbourne mid February 1958 in a typical Melbourne summer thunderstorm. It was a brand new way of life for me, and I have to say it began a love of ships, that I still possess to-day. The other passengers on this voyage may recall a skiffle group was formed amongst the passengers, and played in a couple of concerts in the main lounge. I was the young guy in the black shirt who used to sing a few Lonnie Donegan songs. It would be great if the other members of that group, or anyone who can remember listening to us, could get in touch and see where we all are now. This is a great site, I'm really grateful that it has been created. Many thanks Name: Craig
Taylor Comments As a Child in the 1970's I lived in Fiji and use to love watching the Himalaya arrive and leave Lautoka Port. On her final voyage we sang Isa Lei - I look back at sadness as the Ship left Port - she fasinated me always. Name: Sandra
Parker Comments I was part of a £10 Migrant family. Name: Tony
Osbaldiston Comments Emigrated to Australia on the Strathnaver, April 1957. Returned to UK on the Strathmore Sept 1959. Two great ladies of the sea. Would have loved to have seen them both just one more time. Wonderful memories that will last forever. Name: John
Chamberlain Comments Wonderful memories came flooding back when I discovered your website. Worked (if you can call it that) as winger, ABR, BR,etc. Cruised around Europe then did 2 Jap runs and an Aussie 5 month round trip. Wonderful experience. Went AWOL in Sydney with a little Sheila nurse for 4 days. Arrived back and waiting on the gangplank was chief steward Tuggy....."You're 'a***holed' son"...Logged, docked 4 days pay and farewell Chusan at Tilbury......What happened to Ginger Chivers and Gloria???? Name: Bruce
Whiting Comments I sailed from England to Franceto Portugal to Trinidad through the Panama to Vancouver. Name: Rob
Cranthorne Comments I was 11 when
my parents emigrated to Elizabeth, SA, but but my mother was homesick and we returned two
years later (on the MV Fairsky from Melbourne to Southampton). I had a great time on the
ship and in Australia, and it's about time I went back for a holiday to see how Adelaide
has changed. I still have photos and maybe some souvenirs in the attic from the voyage.
Unrelated to my trip, I also have, from a junk shop, an engraved trophy (cup) with an
enamel flag and name "RMS Strathnaver", and the words "Championship Cup
presented by Captain Lyndon - winner R Henderson 12.2.36". Name: Colleen
Stammers Comments What a great site! I have been told if you wish to get a 'passenger list' you can go to The National Archives of Australia, 120 Miller Road Chester Hill, NSW 2162, Phone 1300 886 881 Fax 1300 886 882, www.naa.gov.au. I came to Australia as a 7year old with my parents and siblings after India became independent. I remember the voyage well - we made friends with the Randall family (Gordon, Moya & children, Tony, Moya and Petrina) who were coming from the UK. We stayed at Yungaba Migrant Hostel in Brisbane before moving on. Would love to hear from the Randall family and others on that trip. We arrived Nov 24th 1948 (think it was Freemantle before sailing on to Sydney). Name: David
Charles CommentsThanks for the great photos. Childhood memories revived. Name: Willetts CommentsFormer crew member. Name: George
Muir CommentsI was 2nd printer on the RMS "Arcadia", Australian run and Mediterranean cruising, then transferred to the "Strathmore" in the same capacity. Name: Dominic
Shorter CommentsI have very fine memories of the Oronsay when my family moved to Canada from The UK to Vancouver. I was 6 years old and remember the voyage as a very fun and exciting time . Going to Portugal Panama great times. Name: David
Dornan CommentsLooking for some names and came across the ship that my family came from UK on. Name: Robert
Norton CommentsMel, thanks for this site as I have turned 60 this year it was timely to try and trace a few steps of my history and my fond memories of the trip out to Australia on the Strathaird. I have enjoyed looking through your excellent web site and as I was a 15yr old boy on board I of course had a number of crushes on many of the girls who were also sailing to Australia. Best Wishes Mel. Name: Frank
& Lilian Meaby CommentsMy parents came out in 1959 on Strathnaver and would love to hear from anyone also on the ship during this time. Name: Mrs.
Cherie McLean CommentsYou have several photos of Strathnaver and I would love to know which one I came to Australia on. Do you know where I could get a copy of passenger list? I was only a child of 18months age when we left England. Love your site, meant a lot to me to see it. Would love contact with others who travelled on SS Strathnaver. Thankyou Name: Al
Field CommentsG/Day to anyone who remembers me. I was 3rd butcher then 2nd butcher on board. The chief butcher was Dave Cunningham, great guy. iwould love to hear from any ex crew mates Pete Scott, Nods, Dave, [ 3rd butcher ]. where are all my old shipmates ? Name: Robert
Loe CommentsI was 22 years old when I migrated to Australia. I went from Vancouver B.C. to Sydney on the Chusan. It was a great way to travel. I have fond memories of those days. Name: Thosier CommentsGreat Site. Would like any info of other families on this trip. Name: Neville
Roberts CommentsI sailed on the Orontes, about '59, no air conditioning , after the Suez Canal we were issued folding cots to sleep on the focsle. It was a pleasure to join the Oriana, the first ship I was on to have closed circuit TV and 2 berth cabins for the crew, was on many more ships out of the pool in the ten years I was at sea. all the best Neville. Name: Robert
& Beverley Treharne CommentsEnjoying the information on this site about the ship I came to Australia on. Robert. My husband travelled on the Strathmore arriving in Melbourne at Fremantle on January, 1956. I would be interested if anyone could contatcted me who travelled on this ship. Beverley Name: Patricia
Bland CommentsI have such good memories of the trip I made when I was 15, I had never before had apricot nectar to drink, the trip made such an impression on me, the sunsets over the sea, the beauty of sea voyages, that 24 years later I returned to Tilbury by ship. Name: Christopher
P Wallace CommentsArrived Fremantle 07/55 passage on H deck. We sometimes called it hell deck. We arrived in Melbourne shortly after. I enjoyed the trip of 4 weeks & got a job on the trams.
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