Name: John Kelly

E-mail: johnk@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au on Friday, June 16, 2006 at 12:50:48

From: Ireland

Home: Rural Victoria Australia

Ship: SS Himalaya

Dates: 1967 -1970

Comments: Was steward in Tasman Restaurant, had an absolute ball every day of voyage, came to Australia 3 times via both Cape & Panama (Suez closed at that time). Emigrated in 72, still having a ball.

Name: Paul Webb

E-mail: pfaew@senet.com.au on Friday, June 16, 2006 at 20:30:38

From: Kent, UK

Home: Gawler, South Australia

Ship: Strathaird

Dates: 1961

Comments: Came out with my family when I was 11 so a very big adventure. Remember the lascar seamen and a couple called Jock & Lily Watt and family who settled in Whyalla.

Name: Heyward Phyllis

E-mail: andrew@watsonbrass.com on Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 15:17:14

From: London England

Home: Melbourne

Ship: Ranchi

Dates: 1949-50 not sure

Comments: Can any one email the passenger list for the Ranchi 1949 - 50 my mother and father met on ship and married in Australia just after docking. My Fathers name was James W Watson and my mother is still alive 84 Phyllis M Heyward, my father’s brother John Watson was also travelling

Name: John Rawes

E-mail: theljohn@chariot.net.au on Friday, June 23, 2006 at 20:59:12

From: England

Home: Adelaide

Ship: Orontes

Dates: 23/9/48 to23/10/48

Comments: Travelled with parents and sister from Tilbury. I was aged 13 at the time. The big thrill for a cricket fanatic was to have on board Don Bradman and his Invincibles. I have photos I took of some of the team I recently shared with Sam Loxton and Arthur Morris. I do have the passenger list.

Name: Wynn Williams formally Winifred Pearsall

E-mail: wynwilliams178@yahoo.com.au on Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 20:52:27

From: Manchester England

Home: Sydney Australia

Ship: Strathaird

Dates: 28th March 1961

Comments: its so nice to see photo’s of the ship l travelled to Aust on. its now been 45years since leaving England and l love it in Australia

Name: Barry Sykes

E-mail: sykesrb@optushome.com.au on Friday, June 30, 2006 at 16:39:02

From: England

Home: Melbourne

Ship: SS Stratheden

Dates: 27 April 1963-27 May 1963

Comments: The actors Terry Norris and Julia Blake also travelled on this voyage - I had afternoon tea with them in the (old) first class dining room.

Name: Ashton Kaa

E-mail: ashtonkaa@gmail.com on Monday, July 3, 2006 at 11:23:27

Comments: What a wonderful website. I am doing a documentary in the next few weeks with a good friend of mine, based on his grandparents his mother and aunty travelling from Australia to London the early 1930 - 1940. My friend’s grandfather had one of the first video cameras of the time, he has some amazing film footage of his grandparents his mother and aunty when they were say about 15 years old. They travelled on the Stratheden and Strathaird and the footage on and off the boat is amazing its all been well preserved there are so many different places they stopped and shot film footage it includes: Egypt on the streets, people, cars, houses, hotels, animals, the Sphinx, Pyramids camel rides. Gibraltar: the rock, hotels, gardens, parks, people, carts & cars. London - wintertime with snow scenes down town London, big red buses, cars. People walking, shops, hotels. Parks/gardens, bridges, Buckingham Palace with the queen mother and her children coming out of the Buckingham place gates. Bombay - in boat in port, ports scenes with people, people waving at the camera, cars, and hotels. Gardens, film footage been taken whilst the car is moving in traffic. So its going to be amazing to be able to put such a wonderful story about a family travels in the 1930 -1940, just before the II World War. So cheers for this site!

Name: Pat Hodges (nee Deare)

E-mail: patricia.hodges2@btopenworld.com on Monday, July 10, 2006 at 05:07:04

From: Wiltshire, England

Home: Bournemouth, England

Ship: SS Strathnaver

Dates: 1957

Comments: I've just found my Nan's old diary & found the date of when I went to Australia. It was 22nd October 1957, from London, in Cabin 227, B Deck. There was just Mum, Nan & me. I don't know where we docked in Australia, but we ended up in Perth, first of all in an old Army hut & then moved to 14 Glyde Street, Mosman Park, Perth. Mum was a hairdresser & she managed to rent a shop & flat. My Nan was aged 78 & I was 8 & I think it took 3 weeks to get to Australia. We made friends with a Mrs Robinson & family on the ship & kept in touch with them while we were there. Mum got divorced just before we sailed to Australia & she wanted to try a new life, but it didn't work out too good. She married again while we were there & that went wrong, so we came back soon after 2 years. I've found a few postcards from the Strathnaver & it looks quite classy. I can remember trying to swim in the outside pool with the ship swaying & me going up & down the sides of the pool. Also trying to sneak into the Writing Room, 'cos I was told children are not allowed in there. I remember the taste of scrambled eggs; very strange, as they were powdered. While we were in Australia my Nan couldn't cope with the heat very well & kept getting huge blisters on her body & she had to take salt tablets to keep going. We had some hard times in Australia, but I wish Mum had tried to stay a bit longer, it was an amazing experience for an 8 year old.

Name: Pamela Brooke

E-mail: pamelabrooke@yahoo.com on Monday, July 10, 2006 at 07:53:11

From: London

Home: London

Ship: Chusan

Dates: 1965

Comments: I travelled on the Chusan sometime in 1965, when I was about 2.5 years old. It's my first real memory and a really strong one. A sailor on the Chusan taught me how to whistle!

Name: George Shaw

E-mail: gsandsa@westnet.com.au on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 11:10:03

From: UK

Home: Hervey Bay Qld Australia

Ship: SS Strathnaver

Dates: Tilbury 15th March 1960

Comments: Mel congratulations on your web site. My parents, sister and I sailed to Australia on board the SS Strathnaver, leaving Tilbury 15th March 1960 arriving Sydney I think about 21st April after spending 5 days in Melbourne due to a dock strike. I was only ten years old but have a vivid memory of the trip and would like to correspond with anyone who was on this trip. Thanks for bringing it all back to me. The only memento of the trip I have is the certificate given to me for crossing the equator, what an adventure it was. Thanks George.

Name: Irene Booth

E-mail: irene.booth@ntlworld.com on Friday, July 14, 2006 at 04:59:02

From: Stockport Cheshire

Home: Stockport Cheshire

Ship: Strathnaver and Oronsay

Dates: 29 April 1958 25 July 1960

Comments: I emigrated on the £10 assisted passage with my Brother, Sister and Parents 29th April 1958 on the SS Strathnaver, I had my 11th birthday on the ship. We stayed on Finsbury Hostel Port Adelaide and I went to Pennington Primary School for just over two years, we came back home on the SS Oronsay 25th July 1960 my Maiden name was Kiernan. I have the full passenger list for both sailing’s. Does anyone remember me.

Name: Margaret Hannah

E-mail: ritabell@dodo.com.au on Monday, July 17, 2006 at 14:11:57

From: Glasgow, Scotland

Home: Batemans Bay NSW Aust

Ship: Strathnaver

Dates: June July 1957

Comments: Emigrated to Australia as a young teenager with my parents, landed at Port Melbourne and then to Brisbane by train. I was known as Rita Hannah Not Margaret. I believe this was the last ship to pass through the Suez Canal before it was closed prior to the Suez war

Name: Peter Groom

E-mail: petergroom1@optusnet.com.au on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 20:14:10

From: Shoreditch, London

Home: Dubbo NSW Australia

Ship: Orontes

Dates: arr Brisbane March 9 1961

Comments: I remembered leaving Tilbury, and arriving in Brisbane march 9 1961. The Orontes was then towed away for scrap. We dined with the Captain one night. His name was Captain Britain. I was 14 and a half when leaving. We all got dunked, and dressed up after crossing the equator, I have a photo of my Mum & Dad with the Purser, on deck. I always thought the Orontes had 4 funnels. This was the greatest adventure of my life.

Name: Kate

E-mail: katbyrd41@yahoo.com on Friday, July 21, 2006 at 02:35:48

From: Originally, Buffalo, New York USA

Home: Nebraska, USA

Ship: SS Iberia

Dates: January 27-April 28 1968

Comments: My husband's aunt, Mary Fern Myers, did a 'round the world tour on the Iberia in 1968. We still have her travel diary--it is a marvellous glimpse into a bygone era. Some excerpts:London, April 10: "Saw young singer 'Engelbert Humperdinck' in 'Robinson Crusoe.' He sang two of his popular recordings-'Release Me' and 'There Goes My Everything.'" April 14. "In my berth all day. Never will forget this Easter Day. Bad storm began just before midnight. This was Iberia's worst storm in eight years. Grapevine reports say only two points short of a hurricane, ship listed to 31 degree angle, deck chairs washed overboard, part of one rail lost, piano upset, $5,000 damage to dishes, etc. I fell against the bathroom door. Was certain that I had some broken ribs. Helen got the ship surgeon and his nurse to come examine me in the morning. His verdict-only bruises. Sent me some salve and tablets for pain. Said to stay in bed, which I gladly did." A few of the films Peggy enjoyed while aboard the Iberia: "The Taming of the Shrew," starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton; "Bonnie and Clyde," starring Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty, and "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," with Sidney Poitier, Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. Besides exotic foods enjoyed in every locale, Mary Fern recorded shipboard meals that included 8 types of cheese, 33 fish dishes, 22 types of potato dishes, trifle for dessert, and at least one serving of "bubble and squeak." One of her most touching entries: Monday, March 4, Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka): "Saw many children with scant clothing. Helen saw a group of boys and girls with none. Everywhere we went, we saw vendors and peddlers and beggars, many cripples. ...Whenever the bus stopped, people tried to sell us things thru the windows-flowers-stamps-beads. One man played an instrument made from a coconut-then held his hand up for pennies. I gave a sixpence to a little girl who did nothing but smile at me. She ran and showed it to her mother. I know the mother told her to thank me for she came running back to the bus-quite a long way-gave me another big smile and said something. I could not understand the words but I did not need to. My heart ached for the other children who gathered around, but I had no more pennies."

Name: Susan Duff

E-mail: bbspike@optusnet.com.au on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 22:27:49

From: England

Home: Queensland

Ship: Stratheden

Dates: 1961

Comments: I was so surprised when I looked at the picture you have of the Nursery on board the Stratheden!! There is the big old rocking horse where I ripped my arm and had to have 8 stitches (right near my armpit). Yes, there was a huge nail sticking up under the horse's mane that no one could see. I was 10 years old. This was back in 1961 when I immigrated to Australia from England. We had been at sea for just a few days. I would dearly love to hear from other passengers who were on this trip and I would especially like to have the Passenger List. I just can't find it anywhere.

Name: Alexander Melville (Sandy)

E-mail: sandy.melville@btinternet.com on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at 23:53:35

From: Aberdeen

Home: Leeds

Ship: Strathnaver

Dates: Catering 1961

Name: Des Thompson

E-mail des.thompson@ukho.gov.uk on Friday, July 28, 2006 at 15:53:10

From: Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland, England

Home: Burnham on Sea, Somerset

Ship: Canberra out, Himalaya home

Dates: November 1964 - January 1965

Comments: This is a fantastic site and I'm so pleased I found it - happy memories came flooding back - well done! I was a 12-year-old lad when my parents decided to take move to Australia. We sailed from Southampton for Perth. For family reasons we returned home, Himalaya this time. I was captivated by the life at sea and as soon as I was old enough - 15, I went to Radio College and joined my first ship as Junior Radio Officer at the tender age of 17. I spent 3 1/2 years at sea - ended up as a Shore Radio Officer at Portishead Radio (the biggest maritime radio station - GKA) I have still got connections with the sea as I am the editor of a United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) publication for GMDSS ( the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System ) the system which was brought in to enable ships to sail without a Radio Officer.

Name: June Gordon

E-mail: lynda.bennett3@ntlworld.com on Tuesday, August 1, 2006 at 23:20:22

From: Jhansi, India

Home: Ipswich, England

Ship: Strathmore

Dates: October/November 1947

Comments: I came from Bombay to Tilbury after my father died as I had nothing to keep me in India. Married in England 1955 and still living here! Would like to hear from anyone who may have been on that voyage.

Name: Nicholas Messinger

E-mail: nickmessinger@tiscali.co.uk on Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at 01:39:49

From: Essex, UK

Home: Dorset, UK

Ship: SS Strathmore

Dates: 1963

Comments: Sailed in Strathmore as Cadet - Onboard to drive the ship's boats during UK cruising. 'Smiler' Barrett was First Officer and the rest is an alcoholic haze. Great ship. Great fun.

Name: Margaret Filmer

E-mail: crafty@chariot.net.au on Thursday, August 3, 2006 at 00:23:55

From: Devon England

Home: Adelaide

Ship: SS Orontes

Dates: April 1959

Comments: Hi, my name is Margaret, I was 9 years old when my family & I travelled out from Tilbury to Adelaide April of 1959, would like to know of anyone else who was on the ship, we stayed at Elder Park Hostel after landing. Lots of memories and I know there must be more if my memory is jogged. Please contact me.

Name: Cathy Plummer now Roche

E-mail: littlebaybeach? on Monday, August 7, 2006 at 11:39:26

Comments: Vancouver to Sydney 1965 arrived Sydney May. We really had a ball with friend and sister Yvonne

Name: Steve Smith

E-mail: muggins51@hotmail.com on Tuesday, August 8, 2006 at 18:09:45

From: Callala Bay NSW Australia

Comments: I was a bellboy on the Himalaya in 1970, had a accident on board ship. I spent a few weeks in Bermuda then flew back to the U.K. I think Tony Boxall was the purser. Would like to talk to any one who was on Himalaya at that time. In 71 I was back on Himalaya as a steward, Nobby Clarke was the head waiter in the forward saloon. Cheers Steve.

Name: Scilla McLintock

E-mail: scillamctk@aol.com on Tuesday, August 8, 2006 at 20:08:58

From: Tunbridge Wells, England

Home: West London, England

Ship: Strathmore, Chusan

Dates: 1952, 1957

Comments: What a great site! As a child I travelled from Bombay to Tilbury, first on the Strathmore and later on the Chusan, when my parents came home to England on leave. I remember the hot blue sky and the flying fishes but then, nearing Gibraltar the crew changed from their whites into blue uniforms. The daily nimbhu pani (lemonade) the stewards handed round on trays was changed for hot beef tea and us children rushing around madly, amazed at being able to see our breath in the cold air. My father always wanted to be home for Christmas so I think we travelled in November although it's so long ago I can't be sure. Like someone else who responded to this site, I could go on forever! Thank you so much, Mel, for getting it going.

Name: Rod Turner

E-mail: rod.turner@vu.edu.au on Tuesday, August 8, 2006 at 22:39:46

From: UK

Home: Sth Yarra, Victoria

Ship: SS Ranchi

Dates: September 1951

Comments: My parents, sister and I left Tilbury on the SS Ranchi in September 1951arriving in Sydney in early November. My recollections as a 7 year old was unscheduled stops in Ceuta and a short tour there, Algeria - no tour there as it was considered too dangerous. On to Port Said then breaking down in the narrows of the Suez - quite a delay in getting an engineer from UK. More trouble in Aden as the water tanks were contaminated. As we entered Port Philip Bay en route to Sydney we had to wait for the Orcades to vacate the berth on her way back to England - we had seen the Orcades last as she made her way north to Tilbury as we headed south. The final moments of the trip we had a collision in Sydney with the Iberia.

We went to Bathurst Reception Centre but lack of work and housing saw us back in Melbourne 10 days after we arrived in Sydney and residence in the Williamstown Migrant Hostel. That was no resort accommodation.

Any one who came out on the Ranchi especially that last trip of 1951 I would love to hear from

Name: Graham Hueber

E-mail: g.hueber@worldnet.att.net on Thursday, August 10, 2006 at 01:50:41

From: US

Home: US

Ship: None

Comments: Can anyone supply a photograph of the Himalaya's bell?

Name: Peter Hague

E-mail: phag8108@bigpond.com on Thursday, August 10, 2006 at 23:06:20

From: Honley U.K.

Home: Glen Waverley, Victoria Australia

Ship: Strathmore

Dates: Departed Tilbury 10 July and arrived in Melbourne on 12 August 1956

Comments: We are about to celebrate our 50-yr anniversary of arriving in Australia.

Name: William James Worsfold

E-mail: worsfolds@bigpond.net.au on Friday, August 11, 2006 at 08:55:15

From: South-end-on-sea first. Essex

Home: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

Ship: Stratheden

Dates: 1960-61

Comments: Mate, I was baptised in the swimming pool aboard the Stratheden. I do believe that we also had a very young John English on board at the time. Thankyou for your site and this opportunity to say Hi!

Name: Jim

E-mail: worsfolds@bigpond.net.au on Friday, August 11, 2006 at 09:00:36

From:

Home: Bli Bli, Qld 4560

Comments: Just in case you miss my entry in your guest book. I just wanted to say thanks for your site. Funny how something that happened so early in my life has somehow meant so much to me.

Name: George Shaw

E-mail: gsandsa@westnet.com.au on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 13:35:32

From: Widnes, Cheshire, UK.

Home: Hervey Bay, Qld.

Ship: Strathnaver.

Dates: 15th March 1960

Comments: Great web site and just what I was looking for, I am now corresponding with four people that left Tilbury on the same voyage.

Name: Cameron Findlay

E-mail: cameron.findlay@virgin.net on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 22:17:12

From: Scotland

Home: East Anglia

Ship: SS Chusan

Dates: 1961

Comments: I have fond memories of my family (Mum, Dad and older brother) leaving Tilbury bound for Bombay where Dad was to take up a position for Lever Brothers for a couple of years. We took the car with us!! (Vauxhall Cresta) We seemed to have free run of the ship and our new Indian Nanny joined us. I remember calling the Captain 'The Headmaster' and being invited on to the Bridge by him (I can't recall his name right now but my Mum would know it) Vivid memories of time in the 1st class nursery and of course the pool. I would enjoy hearing from anyone else from that era - golden years!

Name: David J Walton (Wally)

E-mail: dj.walton@optusnet.com.au on Friday, August 18, 2006 at 21:24:51

From: England

Home: Vic, Australia

Ship: All Straths-plus Orsova

Dates: 1954-1960

Comments: A fantastic site Mel, I was crew (Catering) on the Strath Sisters, Bell boy, A.S, Wine Steward on Strathmore, then PRA on Strathaird, Strathnaver, Stratheden, then bath & wine steward on Orsova, then migrated to Oz and Married my girl who waited 4 years for me to come ashore, some girl, Kay never missed a port with a letter, I wonder if any of my old ship mates will read this , would love to hear from them, am in touch with Bill Baker who was a winger on the ‘Aird, also in touch with Dave Dunks, does any one know the whereabouts of (MAX)Bygraves, wine steward on the Eden and Orsova, also maybe the where of three NZ girls who sailed to Canada on the Orsova, Joy Bell, Allison D'eath,

Name: Andrew Starling

E-mail: wns@ideal.net.au on Monday, August 21, 2006 at 16:17:35

From: Barnet, England

Home: Sydney, Australia

Ship: P&O Iberia

Dates: March 1957

Comments: Have spent much enjoyable time with the comments of other travellers. Have many fond memories of the adventure with my parents, brother and sister on board the Iberia.

Name: Alan C. Walter

E-mail: wisdom@cyberstation.net on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 03:15:56

From: London

Home: Montague, Texas

Ship: SS Ranchi

Dates: 12 Dec 1948 to 15 January 1949

Comments: I was a 12 year old emigrant, travelling with my brother, mother and father to live in Strathmore, Melbourne, Vic. It was a glorious adventure. I travelled the world over many times since then, but I loved my first trip. Alan

Name: Steve Smith

E-mail: muggins51@hotmail.com on Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 15:31:48

From: Dagenham UK

Home: Callala Bay Nsw Australia.

Ship: Himalaya, Chusan, Oriana

Dates: 1970 to 1974

Comments: I went to Gravesend sea school in 1970, first ship Himalaya as bellboy. I had a accident on way back to UK from Aus. Spent 3 weeks in Bermuda in hospital then flew back to UK. Rejoined Himalaya as a winger. Jumped ship in Aus. Met wife. Have been married for 30 years to a great girl.3 grown up kids two in UK. What a great start in life I had to be in the M.N from a boy from the East End of London who made good. Regards Steve Smith

Name: Roy Bixby

E-mail: roybixby@hotmail.com on Friday, August 25, 2006 at 03:46:36

From: England

Home: Melbourne

Ship: Stratheden

Dates: c1964

Comments: I still have memories of the trip as a kid

Name: Carron Johnston

E-mail: carronjohnston@hotmail.com on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 05:41:30

From: Bathgate West Lothian

Home: Ealing West London

Comments: I am looking for Colin Sampson who served on Strathnaver & Iberia. If anyone knows of him could you please get in contact? Many thanks

Name: Robert Stringer

E-mail: the_hangman@msn.com on Friday, September 1, 2006 at 04:06:41

From: England

Home: Norfolk, England

Ship: SS Orontes

Dates: Oct-Dec 1959

Comments: Returned from Australia (Sydney) in October 1959 with parents. Would like to hear from anyone else on this trip plus anyone with a passenger list. Great site.

Name: Peter Marr

E-mail: mrpetermarr@aol.com on Sunday, September 3, 2006 at 11:41:12

From: Potters Bar

Home: Chepstow

Ship: Iberia/Chusan

Dates: 1966/67/68

Comments: I worked on the SS Iberia from January 1966 till July 1968 and then on the SS Chusan for about a year as Steward and Catering boy. If anybody remembers me after all this time get in touch.

Name: William Beattie

E-mail: earthsafe@gmail.com on Sunday, September 3, 2006 at 15:06:43

From: Glasgow Scotland

Home: Sydney Australia

Ship: SS Strathaird

Dates: March-May 1955

Comments: I was the 4th eldest child of a family of eight (including my parents) when we migrated from Scotland to Australia on the SS Strathaird. I think we arrived in Brisbane around May 1955 but have not so far been able to verify the exact voyage from my web searching. It may seem sad that our migrant voyage history (£10.00 assisted passage) is not more clearly understood. There was a general culture of divorcing ones history as I grew up and now, when it is almost too late to get reliable first-hand history accounts of our voyage, our family is hungry for detail. I was six and half in 1955; I won a race on the ship and received a prize of a silver spoon bearing a crested flag of the SS Strathaird set onto a round backing at the end of a thin handle. I recall when we must have been rounding Cape of Good Hope? That, although there appeared to be no land in sight, the water was teeming with black indigent’s who would dive for anything silver (I presume coin money). My Mother did not have any change at the time but I watched the natives dive for the silvery medals of St Christopher that she threw to them (a most enduring memory!). I have other memories of stopovers with all manner of goods being loaded onto the ships and bartering and buying of goods and wares.

Name: Gary

E-mail: Gary@wwwarehouse.net on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 at 22:49:10

From: Georges Hall NSW AU

Home: Chicago Illinois

Ship: SS Orsova

Dates: October 1959

Comments: Was anyone else on the Orsova, Sydney to Vancouver CA. in October 1959? I was (almost) 6 years old at the time.

Name: Andrew Maton

E-mail: acmaton@clear.net.nz on Friday, September 8, 2006 at 14:08:55

From: Dormansland Surrey

Home: Dunedin New Zealand

Ship: none

Comments: My father Arthur Maton was B C S on the Strathmore in 1952, I am interested what a B C S was and whether any one remembers him

Name: Michael Potts

E-mail: himalaya72@gmail.com on Sunday, September 10, 2006 at 05:39:48

From: Newbiggin by the sea, England

Home: Fort Washington PA USA

Ship: Iberia, Oronsay, Orcades, Himalaya and Canberra

Dates: 1969 to 1973

Comments: Anyone out there remember the fire on Orcades in Hong Kong 1971? Or the sailor who fell down the Hatch in Sydney, (Pyrmont). I sounded the alarm for the fire as the Go Go’s were packing their sewing machines and running for the dock. I was the idiot they found at the bottom of the hatch, still can’t remember how I fell but after 7 broken bones and a fractured pelvis I recovered and 9 month’s later I returned to England and joined Orcades for her last cruise in the Med. I never had so much fun in my Life as when I went to sea! If anyone remembers me give me a shout on Email

Name: Adrian Ward

E-mail: euromx@gmx.net on Sunday, September 10, 2006 at 18:05:55

From: UK

Home: Spain

Ship: Orcades

Dates: September 1967

Comments: Hi. Travelled on the Orcades from Oz to Tilbury in 67. Should have left Sydney in late August but the Arab Israeli War meant the schedule was put back. We went via the South African Cape, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Fremantle Durban, Capetown, Dakar and Rotterdam before a grey day in Tilbury. We won the Fancy Dress as Hippies and Sgt Peppers was released. Good Times.

Name: Robert Edinger-Reeve

E-mail: reeve@iinet.net.au on Sunday, September 10, 2006 at 21:36:15

From: England

Home: Perth Western Australia

Ship: SS Orcades

Dates: Arrived WA 6th January 1949

Comments: Our family migrated to Australia arriving in Fremantle WA on the above date. We have all stayed in Australia, a great place to live

Name: Mike Williams

E-mail: michaelwilliams845@msn.com on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 07:39:51

From: Portsmouth. UK

Home: France

Ship: Chusan, Iberia, Oriana

Dates: 1967-1972

Comments: Engineer Officer on all 3 Ships. Unfortunately now scrapped. Oriana being my favourite with the best souvenirs and i must say, i was very sad to see her pictures in Dalian China, after the storm damage and fire, and partially dismantled for scrapping. Best Lady I have ever met.

Name: Gerald (Gerry) Cooke

E-mail: gfcooke@comcast.net on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 13:41:23

From: Born in Yorkshire, raised in London of Irish parents

Home: San Francisco bay area, California

Ship: (Crew on) Chusan, Iberia

Comments: Many thanks Mel for the great web page. It brought back many wonderful memories. I sailed in the 'Chusan' and the 'Iberia' both in the pursers department. (Various grade of steward). I was on the 'Chusan' from February 1962 to September 1962 and on the Iberia from September 1963 to July 1965. I have a long list of shipmates, which I won’t, include now, since I don't want to bog down your web page but I have them ready if anyone wants to see it and perhaps connect up.

Name: David Macer-Wright

E-mail: davidandpat@absamail.co.za on Friday, September 15, 2006 at 05:42:33

From: Born UK

Home: Cape Town South Africa

Ship: Strathnaver

Dates: January 1959

Comments: My wife Patricia and I with three children David Jnr Anne and Rodney emigrated to Australia arriving at Sydney. The ship developed a list at Port Said due to a pretty strong blow-tail end of a camseen-sandstorm. Must have been hectic for the crew. Teatime and the tables were laid ready when the Captain took the ship into harbour. Anchor up and as the ship was turning the wind caught her broadside. Heeled twice the second time she did not come back. Cargo shifted. All the stacked deckchairs overboard too. The rest of the voyage, wonderful.

Name: Teresa Smyth

E-mail: larryandteri@rabbit.com.au on Friday, September 15, 2006 at 11:47:56

From: Ilford Essex England

Home: Melbourne Australia

Ship: Strathnaver

Dates: June 1960

Comments: Fantastic! I am making a memory book for my Dad who just turned 80. We have original menu’s and King Neptune certificates.

Name: Jim Vallance

E-mail: jimvallance@mac.com on Sunday, September 17, 2006 at 04:27:51 ,

From: Canada

Home: Canada

Ship: Oronsay

Dates: June-July 1967

Comments: As a 15-year-old in 1967 I travelled with my mother, sister and grandmother on the Oronsay from Vancouver to Southampton via Japan etc. Due to war in the Middle East we were re-routed around Africa. There was a fire at sea. Would love to contact John, who was the drummer in the Peter Long Trio, and also Steve, who was a waiter from the UK, about 18 at the time. He lent me his turntable so I could listen to Sgt Pepper, which I purchased during our stop in San

Name: Joydeb Mukherjee

E-mail: indranil24@rediffmail.com on Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at 03:30:07

From: India

Home: India

Ship: Strathaird

Dates: 13th October, 1959

Comments: Excellent journey from Bombay to Southampton. Sweet memories of youth are still hanging. Would like to get contacts of any body alive in that voyage. My grandson stays glued to the stories of this voyage.

Name: Terry Bartholomew

E-mail: thbarty@aol.com on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at 01:36:26

From: Southampton, England

Home: Southampton

Ship: Orcades, Oronsay, Arcadia, Canberra, Uganda, Sea Princess/Victoria, Island Princess, Pacific Princess, Royal Princess

Dates: 1968 - 2004

Comments: I sailed as an electrical officer on many of the P&O ships including those listed above. I started on a small cargo ship, the MV Cannanore then moved to Orcades 1970 - 72, I had a great time sailing on Arcadia out of Sydney 1974 -79, I did the scrap run on her to Taiwan. My longest service was Canberra, 73-74 then 85 to 96, I joined her after troop carrying to the Falklands on Uganda after the war. I finally retired early from Royal Princess (now Artemis) 1994. Great site for looking for old sea dogs.

Name: Tess Batts

E-mail: tessbatts@westnet.com.au on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at 22:51:52

From: Australia

Home: Same

Comments: My parents came over from England On the SS Strathnaver, departed on the 25th Dec 1956 and arrived in Sydney on the 30th-31st Jan 1957.I have the passenger list, the Xmas dinner menu and the New Years Eve menu. My older sister was also onboard and was listed as infant of etc. What a great site you have. Cheers.

Name: Margaret White

E-mail: maggief44@yahoo.com.au on Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 13:15:33

From: Chichester, Sussex

Home: NSW

Ship: Strathmore

Dates: May June 1954

Comments: A great website but I am still trying to find passenger lists of my voyage and to find exact dates etc as the memory is fading fast.

Name: Clive Watts

E-mail: clivewatts@hmsgangesassoc.org on Sunday, September 24, 2006 at 19:00:42

From: Scarborough

Home: Walmer

Ship: Stratheden

Dates: 1938

Comments: Actually I didn't sail in her, as I wasn't born! My Mum, brother and sister sailed in her to Bombay to join my Dad who was in the Army serving in India were I was subsequently born in 39. Thanks for showing me what I missed :-)

Name: John Wylie

E-Mail: jwylies@aol.com on Monday, September 25, 2006 at 08:13:24

From: Edinburgh

Home: Toronto

Ship: Himalaya

Dates: March 1954

Comments: Amazing sight. Keep up the good work. Went to Australia on SS Himalaya march 1954. Cost five pounds. Went through big brother movement. Returned to U.K. SS Strathnaver December 1958 arriving in UK January 1959. Still have menus from both liners, signed by many passengers

Name: Susan Smith

E-mail: suzzie2411@hotmail.com on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at 09:42:18

From: Abermain

Home: Abermain

Ship: Orontes

Dates: 5th April 1949

Comments: My mother family Crawford travelled to Australia on the Orontes on the 5th april 1949.I have the passenger list if it might help someone., i love this site thanks

Name: June Lander [baldwin]

E-mail: jlander@iinet.net.au on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at 11:09:32

From: Birmingham England

Home: Perth W.A.

Ship: Strathmore

Dates: 1961-1962

Comments: I am interested in the history of the Strathmore for my grandchildren and my brother’s and I have never forgotten the adventure on the ship, I broke my arm and the ship had to have me taken of I think in Aden to have it set

Name: Kate Willock

E-mail: Willock@keme.co.uk on Friday, September 29, 2006 at 07:01:33

Address: Leicestershire

Comments: I have found a diary written in 1954,by a lady whilst on the SS Orsova for 2 wks. It is an amazing read. Your site brings the story to life. Thanks.

Name: Janine Wilson

E-mail: secretary@sdatas.asn.au on Friday, September 29, 2006 at 14:59:55

From: Tasmania

Home: Tasmania

Ship: SS Oronsay

Dates: Sept 1953

Comments: My father came to Australia on the SS Oronsay in 1953 from England as a Ten Pond Pom. I am wondering if anyone has a guest list from that year. He was a second class passenger and I would like to get some sort of memorabilia for him. Please e-mail me should anyone have any ideas. Thank you.

Name: Roy Hilton

E-mail: shop@merrylandsmusic.com.au on Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 19:43:10

From: Luton, England

Home: Sydney, Australia

Ship: Stratheden

Dates: Feb/Mar 1960

Comments: Entry date was 30th September 2006. I sailed with my Mum & Stepfather Fay & George Draper, arriving in Sydney 9th April 1960. I don't know the exact sailing date. I remember the same things as the other comments... even down to the Beef Tea and some of my own. Coca-Cola, flying fish on the deck in the Bay of Biscay, anchoring off Naples and Athens, taking on passengers by boat, being taught a few words of Greek by George Papadopolous, hiding in the massive coils of thick rope, watching cartoons on the movie screen, seeing a whirlpool, arriving in Sydney and seeing my Grandparents on the dock - me in my cowboy suit. Wonderful memories - thanks Mel!