Name: Geraldine Charles
Email: Gcharles@nmm.ac.uk on Wednesday, November 24, 2004 at 01:45:21
From: Bangalore, India
Home: London
Ship: Stratheden
Dates: 1956

Comments: I was nearly 2 years old when my parents and grand parents finally decided to leave India. Unlike most people we seem to have been emigrating in the opposite direction, to the UK from India rather than from UK to Australia.My Aunt and Uncle left India the year before and came on Strathaird.

Name: D Tennant   for Albert Huntley
Email: Bbillyboy53@AOL.com on Wednesday, November 24, 2004 at 09:08:30
From: Kent, England
Home: Kent, England
Ship: Carthage, Chusan
Dates: 1949 - 1952

Comments: Anyone onboard  Carthage between 1949 - 1952 my Fathers friend Albert would love to know.

Name: Ian Holburn
Email: holburn1@bigpond.com.au on Wednesday, November 24, 2004 at 13:20:37
From: Gourock Scotland
Home: Canberra Australia
Ship: Strathnaver
Dates: Dec 1957

Comments: Great site, well done. Love reading all the comments.

Name: James Tilbury
Email: tilbury.james@saugov.sa.gov.au on Thursday, November 25, 2004 at 17:16:30
From: England
Home: Adelaide
Ship: Fairstar, Oronsay & Leonid Sobinov
Dates: 1965 (Fairstar), 1975 (Oronsay) & 197? (Leonid Sobinov)

Comments: Immigrated to Oz on the Fairstar in 1965 (six months old) with my parents, two bro's and sister.  We returned to England via Hong Kong on Oronsay's final voyage (Sydney to Hong Kong Sept 16 - 28 1975) then returned again to Oz on the Leonid Sobinov (1978 ish?).  The farewell in Sydney for Oronsay's last voyage was unforgettable and like many other messages on this site it would be great to rewind and do it all again. Cheers to all those that may have been on the same voyages!  Great to see all the pics - that 1st class verandah bar on the Oronsay would make a pretty funky bar today! Have searched and searched for passenger lists but no luck. Cheers, James Tilbury.

Name: Trevor King
Email: pirate_radio@hotmail.com on Saturday, November 27, 2004 at 15:53:14
From: New Zealand
Home: New Zealand
Ship: Strathnaver
Dates:

Comments: Hello MeI. I found your very interesting site from a web search. Travelled on S.S. Oriana via islands cruise to Hawaii & twice on S.S. Northern star Pacific cruises 1972/73...great times & I've enjoyed reading peoples accounts.M Thanks.Trev.

Name: Dave (Robbo) Robbins
Email: dirobbo@yahoo.com on Sunday, November 28, 2004 at 03:42:15
From: West Midlands
Home: West Midlands
Ship: Orcades, Chusan, Himalaya.
Dates: 1970-1975

Comments: I started as a winger on Orcades, asst cabin steward on Chusan, cabin stwd on the Himalaya. Best days of my life, Please e-mail me if you want. Anyone remember shotaway John (John Ripley)on the Himalaya?. I was the last crew on the Himalaya, we took her up to Hong Kong, hit a ship whilst berthing after typhoon, then she went to Taiwan for scrap with a skeleton crew.

Name: Ian Davis
Email: biggles1979@hotmail.com on Sunday, November 28, 2004 at 21:47:37
From: England
Home: England
Ship: SS Strathmore
Dates: late 1943

Comments: My Grandfather was aboard the SS Strathmore during the latter part of 1943 when she was used as a troopship. He was in the 1st Devons headed for the Burma theatre of war. He departed from Scotland (poss. August) and travelled to India via the Suez canal. I would like to know if anyone has any information as to the Dates she sailed as a troopship and what her destination port was. I believe she may have been the flagship of the convoy (convoy no. KMF25A). Any information or advice on where i may find the information i require would be gratfully recieved. Regards Ian.

Name: Rick Blanc (Young)
Email: pazuni@earthlink.net on Monday, November 29, 2004 at 09:04:24
From: SF Bay Area, CA
Home: Los Angeles, CA
Ship: SS Arcadia
Dates: 1968

Comments: I found your very interesting site while looking for information about an Arcadia doll I have that I got from my grandmother who was with me on the Arcadia.  We boarded in San Francisco in September 1968 and disembarked in Southampton in November. I was 16 at the time and it was an unforgettable experience, one that I enjoy remembering.

Name: Peter Roberts
Email: gagman@bigpond.net.au on Monday, November 29, 2004 at 22:25:41
From: London
Home: Sydney
Ship: Ranchi
Dates: Sept 1949

Comments: Migrated to Oz on the Ranchi back in 49 with my parents and twin sister. Created a love of ships which has stayed with me since.

Name: Nigel Clements
Email: nigel_robyn@optusnet.com.au on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 at 21:00:11
From: Oxford
Home: Perth ,Western Australia
Ship: Iberia & Oronsay
Dates: 1966-1970

Comments: Started as Purser Cadet on Iberia. Finally ended as Assistant Purser on Oronsay. Married an Australian passenger & eventually moved top Perth in Western Australia.

Name: Tony Fisher
Email: tony@flyingphysh.freeserve.co.uk on Friday, December 3, 2004 at 07:13:59
From: England/Birmingham
Home: Birmingham
Ship: SS Orontes
Dates: 10th June 1959

Comments: Can't believe all these people also looked for their ship! Brilliant! I have some film transferred to VHS that dad took. Not many of the ship but some sights many in the Suez.

Name: David Denton
Email: david.denton@blueyonder.co.uk on Friday, December 3, 2004 at 08:43:04
From: Tilbury, Essex, England
Home: Basildon, Essex, England

Comments: My father was a superintendant boiler surveyor with the P&O. He was in charge of all boiler repairs carried out on P&O liners. He sailed on the Orsova as a boilermaker. He was later responsible for repairs. I worked as an apprentice electrician for R&H Green & Silley Wier at Tilbury dock. I worked on the Orsova and many other P&O ships during the mid to late sixties.

Name: David Woodham
Email: d.woodham@pacific.net.au on Thursday, February 22, 2001 at 20:36:04
From: UK
Home: Victoria, Aust
Ship: Strathaird
Dates: May 1957

Comments: My family sailed on the Strathaird from Tilbury dock on 24th May 1957 and arrived in Australia on the 4th July 1957. I have been trying to obtain information about the Strathaird for a number of years with little success. I discovered your web page and found it most enjoyable. Though I was only 7years old when we sailed, I still have vague memories of the ship and what it was like.

Name: John Richardson
Email: jtr@pnc.com.au on Sunday, December 5, 2004 at 06:35:48
From: Glenbrook - Auatralia
Home: Glenbrook - Auatralia
Ship: Himalaya,Orsova,Orion, Southern Cross
Dates: 1961/2 -1964/7

Comments: What a great find. I stumbled accross your site and the memories started flowing. I'm planning a DVD about the trips I made to the UK,  just for my own personal satisfaction. Great work Mel.

Name: June O'Neill
Email: lyndar@optushome.com.au on Monday, December 6, 2004 at 16:33:17
From: Nottingham England
Home: Forster NSW Australia
Ship: P & O Strathmore
Dates: July-August 1952

Comments: I travelled on the Strathmore to Pyrmont Sydney with my 2 children Alan 2 years and Brendon 7 months to join my husband Paddy who was in the Australian Air Force. My memories are of a wonderful trip with no sea sickness after having been advised to keep on eating!!! I won second prize in the costume parade after having been dressed by friends in a hat covered in bread rolls with a sign around my neck which said "crumby but well bred" which won me £10. Have very much enjoyed reading all the posts and would love to hear from anyone who sailed on the Strathmore at that time. There was also a thin dark skinned man whose wife had given birth to his 24th child-yes 24th!!! who worked in the cabin crew who babysat for me-he was wonderful-does anybody remember him too?

Name: Janet Yates (nee Simpson)
Email: yatesrj2000@yahoo.com.au on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 14:14:51
From: Staffordshire, England
Home: Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia
Ship: Strathaird
Dates: July - August 1954

Comments: I was elated to read about Keith Smith who had been on the Strathaird in 1954.  The references to that trip are very few and far between but it was an eventful trip with problems coming through the Suez, smallpox on board and talks of passengers going into quarantine.   I was 11 and have so many fabulous memories.   We were located on E Deck and our steward was Mitzi.  Would love to make contact with other crewmen or passengers. 

Name: Sarah Jameson
Email: jamesonsarah@yahoo.com on Thursday, December 9, 2004 at 10:32:54
From: Wallington, Surrey, UK
Home: Melbourne, Australia
Ship: Himalaya
Dates: Nov/Dec 1957

Comments: I was 5 and came out with my Mum and brother and sister as £10 poms. My Dad had gone ahead to start a job. Remember falling in love with Paddy who was a pool attendant and I think gave him a hard time. Spent some time in the hospital with an ear infection, slept on deck and had to be up before they hosed down the decks, lots of interesting memories. Also twin boys about my age one of whom fell in the pool all dressed and ready to disembark!  Anyone else who travelled same time please email me. We got off in Sydney. Great site many thanks! Sarah.

Name: Penelope Harrison nee Kennedy
Email: pennyhar@bigpond.net.au on Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 11:04:15
From: Surrey England
Home: Newcastle NSW
Ship: SS New Australia
Dates: 20th April 1955

Comments: Left Southampton, England 20th April 1955. A family of four. I had just turned 8 and my sister was 11. Exciting journey. Remember lots. Went to Nelson Bay hostel near Newcastle, then moved on to Mayfield West hostel. I love Australia but still call England home.

Name: Nicki Atkinson
Email: n.atkinson@optusnet.com.au on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 01:40:20
From: England
Home: Australia
Ship: SS Ormonde
Dates: October 1950

Comments: My grandparents (Bill and Vi I'Anson) and my Mum (Francine, aged 5) travelled out on the ship, and so far I have been unable to find a passenger list, nor find them in the National Archives. I have the most stunted family tree to ever take root I think! Ah well, life wasn't meant to be easy. All the best everyone. Nic

Name: Carol Birch
Email: brish@shaw.ca on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 04:22:53
From: Yorkshire England
Home: Vancouver Island BC Canada
Ship: my Dad served on The Strathmore
Dates: from 1940 to1946

Comments: My step father served on The Strathmore when she was a troop ship for the Merchant Navy from 1940 to 1946. His name is John Bull. He talks about his days on ship as if it were yesterday! Thanks for all the work you have done that gives so much to so many. All the very best. Carol Birch.

Name: Dave Peacock
Email: dpeacock@icwa.wa.gov.au on Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 17:17:45
From: India
Home: Perth, Australia
Ship: Strathaird
Dates: Sept. 1948

Comments: Migrated to Australia with my parents and brother in 1948.

Name: John Denzil Joseph
Email: denzil.joseph@tiscali.co.uk on Friday, December 17, 2004 at 03:15:33
From: Ajmir, India
Home: Sheffield, England
Ship: SS Strathmore
Dates: May 1952

Comments: After discovering the P & O "Strath" Sisters web site and looking through the 10 pages of passenger lists comments, I found to my disappointment no passenger entries for the S.S. Strathmore on the date I sailed on her. Along with my parent's brothers and sister, we left Bombay bound for England May 1952. On board we were fortunate to meet up with the Olympic teams from Australia and Ceylon, bound for Helsinki to compete in the 1952 games. My brothers and I with a few other young acquaintances had a lot of fun exercising on the decks with athletes & taking our turns sparing with boxers of similar weights. I also fancied myself as a singer and at a talent competition one evening sang, "It is no secret what God can do", & for my second contribution played the mouth organ but sadly didn't win, I John Denzil Joseph never got my name up in lights, but it was one of the most memorable 19 days of my life.

Name: Linda Baigent (Jackson)
Email: linbear@bigpond.net.au on Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 16:55:29
From: London, England
Home: Brisbane
Ship: SS Ortranto
Dates: Nov 1956

Comments: I am really interested in finding anyone who travelled out on the Ortranto. There were a couple of children my age who I would like to contact. They are Eric Loftus and Maureen Scott.

Name: Belinda Vassallo
Email: belindajane@smartchat.net.au on Monday, December 20, 2004 at 04:21:30
From: Norfolk,UK
Home: Perth, WA
Ship: Stratheden
Dates: Oct/Nov 1962

Comments: I have just been to the opening of the Welcoming Walls at the Fremantle Port here in Western Australia and so many memories came flooding back to me. I would love to contact anyone who was on the same voyage as me. I travelled with my Mum and Dad, Pauline and Vittorio Vassallo, and my sister, Louise. My best memory is when we crossed the equator - I still have my certificate.

Name: Chris Hughes
Email: chughes2@optus.com.au on Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 15:22:17
From: Guildford, Surrey, UK
Home: Melbourne
Ship: Stratheden
Dates: 12 June -12 July 1962

Comments: My parents decided to emigrate to Australia as my father had been offered employment in Adelaide. We sailed from Tibury docks on the 12 June 1962 berthed in Outer Harbour Adelaide 12 July. I just turned fourteen when we sailed and I rememberd being treated as an adult which meant that I had access to all the adult entertainment on board. A thrilling experience for a youngster.

Name: Eric Hall
Email: natrobz@hotmail.com on Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 16:42:38
From: Manchester UK
Home: Adelaide SA
Ship: Strathmore
Dates: June 1960

Comments: I am writing this on behalf of my grandparents, who came out to Victoria, Australia on the Strathmore & then migrated to Adelaide SA, where they have always stayed. I could not see one person on the guestlist who was on this cruise. The reason why I am writing this is because my grandfather Eric Hall lost a box with some very precious things in it on that cruise. Including vinyl records of himself and written music. If anybody knows anything or was even on that same cruise, please email me.

Name: Roger Lancaster
Email: roglanc@yahoo.co.uk on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 09:43:04
From: Warwickshire, UK
Home: Bristol, UK
Ship: Strathmore
Dates: 1957/58

Comments: Radio Officer P&O, also Cunard Saxonia (1956),Empire Fowey (1956/57, including Suez War), Himalaya (1958/59 and 1965/66), Canberra (several times, including maiden voyage 1961), Oronsay (1968 - passenger on my honeymoon). Also served on P&O cargo ships, Trident Tankers and in the Union Steam Ship Co of New Zealand.   Happy days!  What a great idea for a website.

Name: Tuomo Kettunen
Email: tuomo.kettunen@sakky.fi on Friday, December 24, 2004 at 06:12:08
From: Lieksa, Finland
Home: Kuopio, Finland
Ship: Orsova
Dates: 1959

Comments: We traveled from England to Australia in the year 1959, where we lived two years. I was then five years old. My father's name is Eino and my mother's name is Helvi. I have one brother, Teuvo and two sisters Kaija and Paula. My father died in October and when I visited our home in Lieksa, I found a postcard about Orsova. I thought that there might be some information about Orsova in the internet. So I found these pages. Thanks a lot.

Name: Richard Werner
Email: richardjwerner@hotmail.com on Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 14:27:45
From: Charing, Kent
Home: Sydney, Australia
Ship: SS Iberia
Dates: 1970 to 1971

Comments: I worked on the good old Iberia for approx 18 months and had a great time as a 1st class waiter and then as a Section Waiter. One memorable trip was when we ran aground in the Panama Canal and had to spend 5 days in Cristobal and then limp back to Southampton on one engine. I would love to hear from anyone either crew or passengers who remember me.

Name: Kevin Joyce
Email: kevjoyce2002@yahoo.co.uk on Monday, December 27, 2004 at 23:07:01
From: Birmingham, England
Home: Leamington Spa, England
Ship: SS Arcadia
Dates: November 1974-March 1975

Comments: I worked onboard the Arcadia as third baker/dairyman. I was a mere 20 year old and always wanted to see those far off places I heard about when I was at school. I remember going through the tropical storm that battered Darwin, Australia on Christmas Day 1974. That sure was rough. I remember Captain Dallas had a soft spot for pineapple ice cream. Captain Bloise took over in the January. Is there anyone out there who remembers the Arc at that time?

Name: Rick Powell
Email: powerplay@ozemail.com.au on Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 17:45:59
From: Tilbury
Home: Australia
Ship: Himalaya, Oronsay, Arcadia, Orcades etc
Dates: 1950s

Comments: Read with interest about all these great ships, I also was a paperboy in Tilbury docks and managed to go on board many ships incl. Himalaya, Oronsay, Arcadia, Orcades etc. My father served with P.O. Ray Powell, he was a steward in the early to mid fifties, hes still alive and would love to hear from anyone that remembers him.

Name: Sally Parke
Email: irish53@dodo.com.au on Friday, December 31, 2004 at 00:25:27
From: Jersey
Home: Australia
Ship: SS Orontes
Dates: October 1953?

Comments: I sailed out from Tilbury with my family around October 1953 on the SS Orontes. I was 4 years old at the time. I would like to get a passenger list. Can any one help me with either a copy of the list or where I can get one.

Name: Michael Simpson
Email: smsimpson@dslextreme.com on Sunday, January 2, 2005 at 16:03:41
From: Cheltenham, Glos, UK
Home: Oxnard, California, USA
Ship: S.S. Arcadia
Dates: June 1973 to May 1974

Comments: Served as 2nd. Refrigeration Engineer and met my future wife on board her! Many wonderful memories as well as long hours down below in the engine room sweating!! I remember a steward by the name of "Pinky" who would amuse both crew and passengers with his antics. Sad to see the grand old lady scrapped.

Name: John  Clarke
Email: jayycee69@hotmail.com on Monday, January 3, 2005 at 08:49:16
From: Lowestoft Suffolk. UK
Home: Lowestoft Suffolk. UK
Ship: Strathaird, Arcadia, Strathmore, Stratheden.
Dates: 1951 - 1959.

Comments: Excellent site. Brought back many memories. Joined "ARCADIA" John Browns shipyard 1953. Sailed maiden voyage to Sydney 1954. Subsequent cruising to Norway & Mediterranean. My house is still named "ARCADIA"  Land of Peace and Contentment in Greek mythology I believe. Was anybody on the train from Euston in 1953 to join "Arcadia" at her birthplace.....John Brown's shipyard on Clydebank Glasgow--would love to hear from you. Whilst serving on the "Strathmore" as a Cabin Steward in 1958, we had an Assistant Purser called Trevor Stanford who played the piano for us in the crew messroom. The next time I heard of him was on television. He had changed his name to Russ Conway....I served on three of the Straths,'aird,'more and 'eden.The "Strathmore"was my favourite....'aird 25/10/51 to 16/11/52..'more 5/07/56 to 10/04/57 and the "Stratheden" from 19/6/57 to 12/07/58. I finished my seagoing career with two more voyages on the "Strathmore"---signing off into oblivion on 2nd March 1959..Two other companies I sailed with previously were The General Steam Navigation Company and the Blue Star Line....Happy Sailing!

Name: Dilys Watkins
Email: dilyswat@optusnet.com.au on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at 17:10:39
From: North Wales
Home: Gawler South Australia
Ship: Strathnaver
Dates: April 1 - April 31 1957

Comments: We disembarked in Fremantle. Myself, husband Glyn and 3 year old daughter Anwen. We came to SA in 1960 and visited the old ship when she called in at Outer Harbour, Port Adelaide on her way to Japan to be broken up.A sad farewell

Name: Stephen McIntosh
Email: stephenm@thenewvr.com on Wednesday, January 5, 2005 at 07:30:13
From: Manchester UK
Home: Barrie Canada
Ship: Arcadia
Dates: June 1960

Comments: Cdn Army sent us from Montreal to Hamburg aboard the Arcadia. My Mom and 3 sisters were all cabin bound while I, at 9, had the run of the ship. Made money racing the elevators from top to bottom, threw lots of shuffleboard discs overboard, followed the chap around that played the wake-up bells throughout the deck we were on and played the pony races. I loved the voyage and to this day everytime I smell the sea, I think of my one and only ocean voyage.

Name: Richard Williams
Email: rcw@pacific.net.au on Wednesday, January 5, 2005 at 09:24:02
From: Harrowgate, England
Home: Melbourne, Australia
Ship: Orontes
Dates: 25 July  - 24 August 1957

Comments: What a wonderful site. You provided me with my first view of the Orontes since 1957. My parents, brother and I traveled as £10 migrants disembarking at Port Melbourne where the family has stayed and grown ever since.

Name: John Frost
Email: frostydjf@ozemail.com.au on Wednesday, January 5, 2005 at 11:57:43
From: Pinner England
Home: Wangi Wangi NSW Australia
Ship: S.S. Strathnaver
Dates: 1 April 1957

Comments: I came out with my family as my father had a position to go to in Geelong for General Motors dealership as Service engineer manager. If anyone was on the same trip would like to here from you.

Name: Colin Orr
Email: mshe9243@bigpond.net.au on Sunday, January 9, 2005 at 14:15:13
From: Scotland
Home: Adelaide
Ship: Strathnaver, Strathaird, Canton.
Dates: Oct 1950 to April 1956

Comments: My Father Colin Orr was an Electrical Engineer on the Strathnaver from 10.10/1950 to May 1952. On the Strathaird from 16/8/1952 to19/3/1954. The Canton from 2/9/54 to 9/4/1956. He met my mother Mary Orr (nee Mair) on the Strathnaver in 1951/52. It is his 75th birthday in early Feb. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers him, or has any pictures etc to spare. My mum passed away last year. But both have great memories of the Strath lines. Thanks. Moira Shepherd (daughter)

Name: Shirley Elaine Walker
Email: ShirlEButt@aol.com on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at 13:07:32
From: Cheshire, England
Home: Cheshire, England
Ship: Strathnaver
Dates: 1st April 1957

Comments: Trying to find a Marion Walker and her son Stuart Walker who sailed from the U.K aboard the Strathnaver on 1st April 1957.

Name: Joan Sutherland
Email: joansutherland@optusnet.com on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at 13:57:42
From: England
Home: Ferntree Gully.Vic.3156
Ship: Stratheden
Dates: 7/11/61 - 13/12/61

Comments: Would like to trace two other passengers who travelled with me on the ship.

Name: Geoff Carter
Email: geoff.carter@aca.gov.au on Wednesday, January 12, 2005 at 18:40:34
From: London England
Home: Darwin Australia
Ship: SS Oronsay
Dates: May - 21 June 1955

Comments: Have looked at most entries, looking for fellow travellers from Tilbury to Adelaide in June 1955. I believe passenger manifests are available from the Pt Adelaide Maritime Museum.  
NB. I think they are only made public after 50 years have elapsed. Mel.

Name: Susan Hayes
Email: susan@anpc.org.au on Friday, January 14, 2005 at 13:20:38
From: Kingston, Surrey
Home: Sydney, Australia
Ship: Chusan, Orsova
Dates: 1966-1969

Comments: I was an Assistant Purser on Chusan and Orsova and had a great time - many happy memories. I have been living in Oz since the early eighties but still get a thrill when I see a P&O ship steam into the Harbour.

Name: Robert Ward
Email: coldesig@gil.com.au on Friday, January 14, 2005 at 23:44:55
From: Wolverhampton UK
Home: Brisbane, Australia
Ship: Strathnaver
Dates: ex Tilbury Sept? 1960

Comments: I was 12 years old. Ron and Pat Ward my parents decided that I and my 3 younger siblings would be £10 poms and migrate to Australia. The trip was great, nothing to do but run play hide read sleep and eat for 6 weeks. Sleeping on deck in the tropics was cool. Going ashore in exotic places such as Marseilles, Aden, Bombay, Colombo. The gulli gulli man (a middle eastern magician/entertainer came on board at one port) I recall my parents saying in tones not meant to be overheard by the young "is that one of ours?" as we passed burnt wreckage on the banks of Suez Canal. We rescued a sailor clinging to wreckage in the Red Sea, he had been a crew member on an Egyptian freighter that had sunk a day earlier.Thanks for putting up this site, a few things have popped into my mind that I've not thought of for 45 or so years.

Name: Ellen Sarasola Pearce
Email: ellenpearce@optusnet.com.au on Saturday, January 15, 2005 at 22:01:34
From: Philippines
Home: NSW Australia
Ship: Iberia
Dates: October 1964

Comments: : I was 2 when we migrated from the Philippines. My Spanish parents were hoping to give their 4 children a secure future. I remember my parents telling me about the fun everyone had as we crossed the equator, and how they were full of excitement and hope as they first saw the shoreline of Australia. We have all been very happy and succesful in this gorgeous country. Thanks for the website.

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