Name: Rosslyn Envall (Knowles)

E-mail: rosenvall@vic.chariot.net.au on Thursday, January 25, 2007 at 15:07:41

From: Deal, Kent, UK

Home: Korumburra, Victoria Australia

Ship: Strathnaver

Dates: 26/12/56 - 26/01/57

Comments: Great website, lots of interest and memory "jogs". Happy 50th anniversary greetings to my fellow passengers, many have signed this Guestbook,

Name: Mrs Jan Jeeves

E-mail: janjeeves1@macunlimited.net) on Saturday, January 27, 2007 at 00:13:35

Address: Shotesham, Norfolk NR15 1XP

Comments: Looking for information of SS Orsova, which sailed with Army Families (My Grandmother+3 children) in 1926 to Alexandria

Name: Barbara Griffiths (nee Manley)

E-mail: nbg@bigpond.net.au on Saturday, January 27, 2007 at 11:38:55

From: Manchester England

Home: Manchester England

Ship: Strathnaver

Dates: 24/12/56 to 26/01/57

Comments: I registered with you a couple of years ago but forgot I had changed my website shortly after. I would love to find out how I could see a passenger list or dinner menu's etc. My mother tells me I was dressed as a Gainsborough girl in the fancy dress parade for children. I wore a big hat and a purple dress. My brother was dressed as an artist painting me. I would love to hear from any one on that voyage.

Name: Irene Noordhoorn (nee Airlie)

E-mail: irene@netpro.com.au) on Saturday, January 27, 2007 at 17:28:17

From: Scotland

Home: Sydney

Ship: Iberia

Dates: Dec 58 - Jan 59

Comments: I travelled to Aust from the UK as a child and have only sketchy memories of the trip. But I do have the Neptune certificate given out when crossing the equator and a badge in the shape of an anchor that one of the staff gave me. It was my 5th birthday the day we sailed and I do remember an impromptu party and cake that the staff put on. It would be great to hear from others that travelled at the same time.

Name: Elsie Riley

E-mail: nanelsie7@internode.on.net on Saturday, January 27, 2007 at 21:40:40

From: Burnley Lancks U K

Home: Warooka S Australia

Ship: Strathaird

Dates: March 1961

Comments: Hi Mel.

Good to see your web pages are still keeping you busy. I already have signed your web log from my old email address. Letting you and your readers know I have a new email address. Cheerio Elsie Riley.

Name: Nicholas Cashmore

E-mail: nick.cashmore@clsa.com on Sunday, January 28, 2007 at 17:03:07

From: Auckland

Home: Jakarta

Ship: SS Strathaird

Comments: In 1948 my Father travelled the SS Strathaird from Sydney to Colombo on his way to Calcutta for an overseas posting that lasted most of his working life. I am now writing his life notes from that journey and the pictures here help capture that period greatly. Thank you

Name: Scott Mason

E-mail: scottronix@bigpond.com on Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at 18:36:48

Address: Yarra Glen Vic 3775

Comments: Hi Mel, Could you please change my email address on Page 1 of the address book. Is it possible to add that I travelled in Nov-Dec 1961. Thanks Scott

Name: Anne Park

E-mail: gtarypark@bigpond on Saturday, February 3, 2007 at 16:05:41

From: Scotland and Ireland

Home: Kalamunda Western Australia

Ship: Strathmore

Dates: Arrived Fremantle 6 or 8 February 1957

Comments: My parents, John & Mary Watson, arrived in Fremantle aboard the Strathmore 50 years ago. Mum They made good friends with John & Jean Laing and their children Raymond and Joyce who were on board and who also settled in Western Australia. Mum and Jean cannot agree if it was the 6th or 8th of February that they arrived. Next week we are having a luncheon to celebrate the occasion. Would love to hear from anyone who was on that voyage.

Name: Janet Phillips

E-mail: JPBPrbit@aol.com on Sunday, February 4, 2007 at 00:46:19

Address: Kent England

Comments: How do I 'sign' the Guestbook P12 please? I think you just did. Cheers Mel.

Name: Pauline Wood

E-mail: paulinesmoving@hotmail.com on Sunday, February 4, 2007 at 18:58:14

From: London

Home: Gosford, NSW Australia

Ship: Ranchi

Dates: July - August 1950

Comments: I was a baby when my family immigrated to Oz on the Ranchi. My Dad died recently (aged 88) but Mum is still well - she will enjoy looking at the photos. Thank you for wonderful effort.

Name: Yvonne Bremner-MacDiarmid

E-mail: rmacdiar@bigpond.net.au on Sunday, February 4, 2007 at 19:11:07

From: Glasgow, Scotland

Home: Adelaide, South Australia

Ship: SS Arcadia

Dates: Arrived Australia September 1961

Comments: My family, consisting of Dad (Jim) Mum (Jessie) myself (Yvonne) sister Marion and youngest sister Angela, left Tilbury Docks beginning August 1961. (We were one family amongst many that became know as "ten pound tourists" in recognition of our assisted passage, to start a new life in the country that we knew so little about and so far away from family and loved ones, called Australia. Our brother Jim was born in February 1963. I had my seventh birthday on board ship. I recall feeling I was rather special, as when we went to dinner the evening of my birthday, the dining room had been all decorated. However, I discovered many years later, that it was not for me but for the fancy hat adult do that was to be held later that evening. I recall many happy times on board ship. I also recall one of the stewards saying that once we reached Australia, I would be able to have a late birthday present of a Koala (Bear as they were knows as then). Of course this was not to be and it took some time for me to realise that it was never going to happen. Playing table tennis and running excitedly to the railings to watch a tiny white table tennis ball disappear on the "high" seas. Crossing the equator was another highlight of the trip. Being covered with (I think) green ice cream and watching others being thrown into the swimming pool. My father has many home movies of the trip and we have enjoyed watching them many times. One particular film shows myself being loaded up with all the rubber rings as the others discovered that they could touch the bottom. I couldn't and at that time I could not swim. I believe the first port of call for the Arcadia was Fremantle, where a family that my parents had befriends disembarked. We then arrived in Adelaide and were housed at the well and truly gone Elder Park hostel on the banks of the River Torrens in Adelaide South Australia. I can’t remember just how long we were there before being transferred to Whyalla, South Australia, and another hostel called Milpara. Life for families then was a huge culture shock. I recall our first Christmas vaguely. I believe that several families that were either on the ship with us, came before or after us, got together and had a "traditional Christmas dinner". Time has moved on and we have all grown up. My parents still live in Whyalla, as does my sister Marion and her husband Bob and two boys. My sister Angels' husband Mark and their two boys live in Rockhampton, Qld. Unfortunately Angela, passed away 23rd March 2001. My brother Jim is married to Leanne, and they to have two sons. I met and married Robert MacDiarmid, who with his parents and 4 sisters and a brother had immigrated to Australia some years before me, leaving Scotland in 1957 and arriving in Australia in 1958. We to have two sons. I found this site whilst looking for a passenger list of the SS Arcadia out of interest that has been brought about by my husband and finally about to become Australian Citizens. This has been prompted by the fact Robert is a drummer in a pipe band here in Adelaide that has been invited to attend the first Russian Tattoo later this year (2007) in Moscow. We have never been out of the country, and no we have not even been back to Scotland! ) He now requires a passport. Anyway, this is partly what prompted my search for a passenger list of the SS Arcadia, as I have no written proof of when I came here. As we were married in 1973, we can use our marriage certificate to declare we have been here since before 1975. If anyone should read this and it has trigged any memories of your having met my family on board the Arcadia, please feel free to write to me at the above email address. Cheers... Yvonne

Name: Noel Alexander McLean

E-mail: bjnmclean@bigpond.com.au on Thursday, February 8, 2007 at 20:51:43

From: Belfast N.I.

Home: Melbourne Australia.

Ship: Stratheden.

Dates: April/ May, 1963.

Comments: Would love to contact anyone who came to Australia, in, Stratheden on that particular trip. The ship sailed from Tilbury Docks on or about 3/4/63, arriving in Melbourne, 4/5/63. The ship sailed via Port Said, Aden, Colombo and Fremantle. If possible, would like to view the passenger list.

Name: Alan Lawson

E-mail: alan5@dodo.com.au on Friday, February 9, 2007 at 15:04:05

From: St. Albans U.K.

Home: Ferntree Gully Vic Aust

Ship: Strathaird

Dates: 2nd July to 2nd Aug 1958

Name: Hazel Beattie

E-mail: peach2@bigpond.net au on Monday, February 12, 2007 at 22:26:40

Address: 23 Morton Road Lalor Park NSW 2147

Comments: Hi Mel fantastic site my parents, my brother and sister and I arrived in Sydney in April 1956 on board SS Strathnaver most fantastic time of my life we settled in Bradfield Park Migrant Hostel after migrating from Morecambe would love any info on that trip. Regards Hazel.

Name: David Mills

E-mail: david.mills@nottscc.gov.uk on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at 23:41:15

From: Nottingham UK

Home: Nottingham UK

Ship: Chusan

Dates: late 1950s

Comments: My Aunt and Uncle, now both dead, sadly, Roy and Gwen Caddick, used often to cruise on the Chusan in the late 1950s and early 1960s, they mainly had the same cabin, tipped the steward well at the beginning of the voyage, and again at the end. They often chose to sunbathe immediately behind the funnel where it was sheltered. I have countless colour transparencies of their holidays where he is wearing a white tuxedo and she is wearing a tight evening dress. They obviously had a lot of fun, and happy shore-visits, and my side of the family considered them "very posh"

Name: Tom Mort

E-mail: anni.tom@bigpond.com.au on Thursday, February 15, 2007 at 09:49:20

Address: 4 Scobie St Avenel Victoria Australia 3664

Comments: My parents and I left Glasgow Scotland and arrived in Adelaide 1959 and I’m very interested in the route the SS Strathnaver would have taken. Also how many voyages each year these ships would travel on, and are there any passenger lists I could look at. Your site is great and I have no idea why I’ve found it quite so emotional but I have. I’m 52 and my parents died 1990 3mths apart. Hope to hear back from you. Thank you.

Name: Maureen Fink

E-mail: maureenbond@ntlworld.com on Friday, February 16, 2007 at 05:55:53

From: India

Home: Herts, UK

Ship: SS Iberia

Dates: May 13th-29th

Comments: What a surprise to find such a great site, love reading the entries, brought back some good memories.

Name: Barrie Martin-Henry

E-mail: martinhenry@aussiemail.com.au on Saturday, February 17, 2007 at 02:07:05

From: Woolwich, England

Home: Bagdad Tasmania

Ship: Strathaird

Dates: April/May 1951

Comments: The photo's of the Strathaird brings back many memories. My mother, younger brother and myself all travelled from Tilbury to Melbourne. We were on D deck but the cabin number escapes me. Our Melbourne arrival introduced us to the Australian industrial scene. Due to a tug strike the Captain elected to berth with no tugs, quite exiting at the time. A great site, Keep up the good work.

Name: David Hadfield

E-mail: luana@bigpond.com.au on Saturday, February 17, 2007 at 14:13:38

From: London

Home: Melbourne

Ship: SS Stratheden

Dates: Jan - Mar 1959

Comments: Searching for a Passenger List for the January 1959 voyage from Tilbury to Sydney.

Name: Colleen Pearson

E-mail: c.wpearson@bigpond.com) on Saturday, February 17, 2007 at 19:57:59

Comments: You site has been very interesting to me as I'm researching my great grandfather. I believe that he was in the Orontes in 1903 and I'm sure he was a crewmember not a pax. Do you know where I can find info on crewmembers for this time. His name was Charles Hellwig. He also used the name Theodore Hellwig. Many Thanks.

Name: Andrew Dewhirst

E-mail: azzduo@yahoo.com on Sunday, February 18, 2007 at 06:51:03

From: Halifax, West Yorkshire

Home: Halifax West Yorkshire

Ship: Himalaya, Iberia

Dates: 1964 and 1966

Comments: Eight years old and not a care in the world. One big adventure going to Sydney, on board the Himalaya. Also great time going on return journey on board the Iberia, seeing the army in Aden and then nearly being stuck in the Suez canal because of the war in the middle east.

Name: Julie McConnell

E-mail: kalliope@optusnet.com.au on Sunday, February 18, 2007 at 22:19:17

Address: 36 Seafield Ave, Kingswood SA 5062

Comments: Hi There. Read your website with much interested. My parents and their 4 children sailed to Australia on SS Strathaird, arriving in Adelaide in May 1959. Can you tell me how I can obtain a copy of the passenger list for this voyage? Any help would be appreciated. Julie McConnell

Name: Peter McQuaid

E-mail: petermak@slingshot.co.nz on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 11:19:53

From: All parts of UK!

Home: Whangarei, New Zealand

Ship: Stratheden

Dates: July-August 1951

Name: Bruce Meakins

E-mail: meakinsfamily@optusnet.com.au on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 21:27:21

From: Colchester England

Home: Caloundra Queensland Australia

Ship: Strathnaver

Dates: Left in July 1957

Comments: Don't remember much about the trip, accept going through the Suez Canal and the huge swell in the Great Australian Bite. I came out with my Mother and Father two brothers and baby sister. I turned 10 just after arriving in Australia. We stayed in a hostel called Yungaba in Brisbane.

Name: Barry Noble

E-mail: barrynoble@hotmail.com on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at 22:41:45

From: Inverell NSW

Home: Adelaide SA

Ship: Oronsay & Orcades

Dates: 1960 & 1961

Comments: I was taken to Blighty on the Oronsay to be shown to the family in London, and for Mum to decide if she wanted to stay in Australia. We came back on the Orcades a year later. What a trip for a 9 year old! A thousand memories of the trips especially Oronsay, end of an around the world cruise,13 ports of call, three days anchored off Bali, ashore daily in lifeboats, second passenger ship to call there. Aden, a large RN battle fleet anchored, Bombay, Colombo. I'd love to hear from anyone who was on that cruise

Name: Richard Rule

E-mail: richard.rule@bigpond.com.au on Thursday, February 22, 2007 at 12:18:32

From: Sydney

Home: Newcastle

Ship: Strathmore/Orontes

Dates: 1952 to London 1955 to Sydney

Comments: I went to London on the Strathmore with my parents in 1952 and the memories have stuck firmly ever since. I was 8. It was a great ship. Dad returned on the Orontes because it was a one class ship. Big mistake!! We could have travelled tourist on the Himalaya. Great times however and now I do a lot of cruising and I think it goes back to those days.

Name: Wayne Reardon

E-mail: AshleyMR@Telus.net on Sunday, February 25, 2007 at 12:27:21

Address: Abbotsford, BC Canada

Comments: As a seven year old, I travelled to Sydney from Vancouver in 1957 and loved the Orsova. Twelve months later we returned on the Oronsay and in 62 sailed for Melbourne on the Canberra's second voyage. Alas, two years later we were back in Canada. The joys of childhood travels, as a military brat, proved long lasting and contributed to my 26 years in the RCN and Canadian Navy. You can never get the salt water out of ones veins once it has been put there. I hate the design and size of the new ships we are forced to travel on today. Cruising is not the same as ocean liner travel in small compact and beautiful ships.

Name: Bruce T. Cooper

E-mail: coopergrayshott@yahoo.co.uk on Sunday, February 25, 2007 at 23:33:12

From: Southall, Middlesex

Home: Grayshott, Hampshire

Ship: Strathnaver

Dates: October/November 60.

Comments: We sailed from Tilbury, I wan my way to Calcutta, and I left the ship in Bombay. On the way out I met some wonderful people including Wilson Jones who had just won the world title for billiards, He was going home to Bombay. Our trip was made exciting for we picked up an Egyptian sailor from the Red Sea, the sole survivor from his ship that had sunk the night before. I have on my computer photographs of his rescue, but unfortunately I am unable to take prints from them. Bruce Cooper (now 70)

Name: Eric Lee

E-mail: ericlee4@bigpond.net.au on Monday, February 26, 2007 at 09:57:10

From: Brighton UK

Home: NSW Australia

Ship: SS Strathnaver

Dates: March 1960

Comments: I was 11yrs old leaving UK arrived in Melbourne April 1960 as a 12yr old some memories linger.

Name: Graham

E-mail: grayden7@xnet.co.nz on Monday, February 26, 2007 at 22:54:53

From: Yorkshire

Home: Hastings New Zealand

Ship: SS. Orontes

Dates: 1961

Comments: I loved seeing the pics of the SS Orontes again I would like to get a postcard or photo.

I’m 52 & I’m looking for Pen pals also aged from 35 to 75. I love your page Keep up the good work.

Name: Chris Hughes

E-mail: chughes2@optusnet.com.au on Monday, February 26, 2007 at 23:20:32

From: Guildford, Surrey, UK

Home: Melbourne, Victoria Australia

Ship: Stratheden

Dates: 12 June 1962 - 12 July 1962

Comments: My parents Evan and Kate Hughes my brother Alun and my four sisters Eileen, Mary, Elizabeth and Glenys emigrated from England to Adelaide, South Australia. I was 14 then and was treated as "adult passenger" meaning I could have my meals with the adults. The film "Breakfast at Tiffany’s", I remember was shown in the ship's Cinema.

Name: Debra Moncrieff

E-mail: the_elder@mysoul.com.au on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at 14:24:45

From: England

Home: Australia

Ship: SS Strathmore

Dates: 1963

Comments: My parents and I immigrated out here on the SS Strathmore back in 1963. I was only eighteen months old at the time. I believe the ship was going to be scrapped upon arriving in Australia.

Does anyone know if that was the case? Apparently I was an expert at walking in a straight line, even though the ship had no stabilisers.

Name: Liz Bennett (nee Baker)

E-mail: talbingo@netspace.net.au on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at 20:00:37

Address: Gruyere Victoria Australia 3770

Comments: My family arrived in Australia in February 1957 on the Strathaird. I turned 7 on the trip over and celebrated my birthday at a Zulu ceremony in Capetown. I remember I was very frightened. Is there any one who also travelled at this time who may have the exact date we arrived in Melbourne?

Name: Johnn Dale

E-mail: johnndale@optusnet.com.au on Saturday, March 3, 2007 at 04:52:10

From: England

Home: Australia

Ship: Orontes

Dates: Feb 6 1958

Comments: It is nice to think that the old girl is not forgotten. I sailed to Australia in February 1958 on what was to be her last voyage however she continued until 1960. I was only 6 at the time and I still remember our steward Robin. Thanks for keeping her memory alive. Cheers Johnn.

Name: Mary Bailes nee Bond

E-mail: maz.bailes@tiscali.co.uk on Saturday, March 3, 2007 at 06:55:21

From: Potters Bar, Herts

Home: Norfolk

Ship: SS Iberia

Dates: June 1964 - Aug 1965

Comments: I was a telephonist on the Iberia and had the best time of my working life. I had to leave as I met and married a trainee chef and married women were not allowed to stay on as crew. I particularly remember "Martha " and "Sadie " who used to put on shows for the crew, I used to help make the costumes sometimes. I'm a still friend with a fellow telephonist who moved back to her home in Canada, 40 years of memories keep us feeling young at heart. Anyone who remembers me you are welcome to get in touch.

Name: George Edwards

E-mail: Beachhutman@Hotmail.com on Sunday, March 4, 2007 at 22:42:31

From: UK

Home: Yorkshire, UK

Ship: SS Orontes

Dates: 1960

Comments: I was on the SS Orontes on one of its final trips - Australia to Naples in 1960, via Colombo and Aden. The family was returning from postwar emigration to NZ. Anyone with access to details of the voyage can contact me.

Name: Susan Stroud-Bury

E-mail: sbhome333@yahoo.co.uk on Thursday, March 8, 2007 at 11:16:35

From: England

Home: England

Ship: SS Stratheden

Dates: 2nd March 1962/Dec 1964

Comments: I'm very happy that you have included so many emails from other passengers who have shared the same experiences sailing on these beautiful ships. I remember my journey going to Australia on 2nd March 1962 from Tilbury Docks and then returning to England in Dec 1964 as my parents were homesick and couldn't settle. I had my tenth birthday on the ship where the chef made me a lovely birthday cake, which I really appreciated. The crew was very friendly and those hard working sailors working on the decks having to watch my friend and I walking round the decks over and over again. It was a great experience and one I've always remembered over and over again. I became very good at table tennis having played every day. I have our original passage ticket and have seen my family names on the passenger lists, which is a thrill. Please keep adding more information to this site. I really would like to see photographs and memorabilia. You've made many people happy by creating this website. Many thanks, Susan Stroud-Bury.

Name: Ms Dianne Drage

E-mail: didi68@westnet.com.au on Thursday, March 8, 2007 at 19:17:40

From: Mum from London

Home: Albany, WA

Ship: Ranchi

Dates: 1947-1950?

Comments: Hi everyone. My mum, along with her parents, sister & brother arrived in Perth WA via the Ranchi. We are not sure of the year. I am trying to trace any information about their departure/arrival to have them placed on the welcome wall in Fremantle. My grandfather and uncle were both seamen in the merchant navy. And from what was written on the back of a photo, they may have worked on the ship while travelling over, one as a deckhand, the other an officer. Their names were Walter Lyttleton, Donald Lyttleton, Phyllis, William & Elsie Lyttleton would have been in their teens - early twenties. Any information or any memories would be greatly appreciated.

Name: Sid Harding

E-mail: sid@sidharding.com on Friday, March 9, 2007 at 05:10:43

From: Huntingdon

Home: Nr. Huntingdon

Ship: Orontes, Iberia

Dates: Orontes 4/12/61 - Feb 62. Iberia March 61- 23/12/62

Comments: I worked on Orontes last trip, then she was scrapped. Also on Iberia till 23 rd Dec 62 got home in the middle of the night frozen and with a continental "Mr Anchor" of Hong Kong suit on. Standing outside the Railways stn in Cambridge waiting to be picked up by my father and he sat in the pub having a drink. Any of the crew especially Charlie & Keith. They kidnapped an American seaman and stole his clothes in Naples. The ship was turned upside down looking for this "stowaway" If Mack should read this be happy to meet any of the lads off Iberia cruises in 1962 and the 5 month trip after.

Name: Robin Bament

E-mail: ybament@bigpond.com on Sunday, March 11, 2007 at 10:03:52

From: Essex England

Home: NSW Australia

Ship: Strathaird

Dates: Nov 57 Jan58

Comments: At last I have found some info on the Strath lines. Well done on a great site .I have great memories as a 10 year old, getting into all sorts of trouble and eating more food than I had ever seen. I still have my autograph book signed by "aunties & uncles" on the Strathaird. Congratulations on a great web site.

Name: Mike Gaskin

E-mail: mgaskin@toucansurf.com on Monday, March 12, 2007 at 21:46:54

Address: Dereham Norfolk UK

Comments: Hi. I served the Mooltan Strathnaver Iberia Singapore as Refrig: Eng: from 19/9/53 to 4/9/58

Name: Josephine O'Brien

E-mail: jpobrien@ozemail.com.au on Friday, March 16, 2007 at 18:17:31

From: Glasgow, Scotland

Home: Melbourne

Ship: Strathnaver

Dates: Nov/Dec 1951

Comments: I travelled with my parents, Sqn Leader/Dr Paddy O'Brien (RAF) and Josephine (Jo), and older brother, Alec. My father was taking up an aviation medicine position with the RAAF for four years. We are still here! I believe I was the only baby on board (7 months). Somewhere amongst my mother's stuff (she is still living) is the passenger list and a "certificate" for crossing the Equator.

Name: K.E.Lundstedt

E-mail: sparky3450@yahoo.com on Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 23:36:20

From: Bergerforsen Sweden

Home: Devonport Tasmania Au

Ship: Strathnaver

Dates: 1956

Comments: Great site. I found 2 others in Tas to contact. I was on last voyage through Suez canal then ship broke down transferred to Ranchi and put back on Strathnaver at Fremantle arrived in Melbourne for 1956 Olympics as spotlights were all on in Melbourne. Also I travelled outbound in 52, as it was the captains retirement voyage. I still have my crossing equator certificate regards thanks for site.

Name: David Murfin

E-mail: joanapap@optusnet.com.au on Monday, March 19, 2007 at 12:05:34

From: Birmingham

Home: Melbourne

Ship: Strathnaver

Dates: 16/01/1958

Comments: A 12-year-old boys adventure. I am keen to contact any officers, crew or passengers who sailed from Tilbury on 16/01/1958. There was a boy my age that was in the Sea Cadets that I mated up with that I am wishing to get in touch with. He and I often went on the bridge, down in the engine room and participated in the boat drills together. This web site is nostalgia at it's best. Fond memories to you all. David Murfin.

Name: Rosalind Grimwood [nee Hughes]

E-mail: rosinoz@adam.com.au on Monday, March 19, 2007 at 16:56:33

From: Teddington Middx UK

Home: Seaford South Australia

Ship: S.S. New Australia

Dates: 5 Nov - 20 Dec 1951

Comments: I came to Australia in 1951, landed in Sydney [Bathurst} and then came to Gepps Cross Hostel SA. Is there anyone that came on the same voyage who can remember the trip.

Name: Brian Lomax

E-mail: itshim123@aol.com on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at 04:23:42

From: Essex

Home: Florida

Ship: Stratheden & Oriana

Dates: 1962-1966

Comments: My first trip as a 16 yr old Bellboy was on Stratheden’s last voyage. Tilbury to Sydney. Leaving Sydney with banners and flags flying. l went on to 16 trips on Oriana. Now 60 years old, wonderful memories of both ships.

Name: Victor Urch

E-mail: vicurch@ picknowl.com.au on Thursday, March 22, 2007 at 23:05:53

Address: Newton SA

Comments: On the 16th November 1954 having hardly ever left my home village. At age 28, I boarded the SS Orontes at Tilbury, bound for far distant lands. It was an adventure never to forget. We visited Gibraltar, Naples and Port Said, through the Suez Canal, then Aden, Colombo in Ceylon, (now Sri Lanka) Fremantle, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney on Wednesday 22nd Dec 1954. Here I disembarked not knowing a sole or having a place to stay. But all went well. My next adventure was in June 1956, when I boarded the SS Otranto in Adelaide bound for Port Said where I disembarked and made my way to Cairo. Here I stayed two days then flew to Jerusalem staying in Bethlehem for a month. Then I married and flew with my wife to Cairo for a week, picking up the SS Strathaird in Port Said 26th July 1956 arriving England early August. On the 14th May 1958 my wife son and I sailed from Tilbury on the SS Orontes, arriving Adelaide 12th June 1958 where we made our home. My wife and I are in our 80s. We had our 50th anniversary last year.

Name: Ann Richardson

E-mail: eeyeball@optusnet.com.au on Saturday, March 24, 2007 at 22:41:53

From: Thurmaston UK

Home: Adelaide SA

Ship: SS Orontes

Dates: Arrived 1961

Comments: Because I love the river, I thought your idea of reunion's sounded great, but looking I saw no dates of any outings and assumed I had missed the boat, so to speak. 

Name: Margaret Atkin (nee Burgess)

E-mail: mmatkin@bigpond.com on Sunday, March 25, 2007 at 11:34:47

From: Devon U.K.

Home: Armidale N.S.W.

Ship: Stratheden

Dates: Oct. 1962 from Tilbury Docks

Comments: Interested to hear from anyone who travelled to Aust. on this voyage.

Name: David Ross

E-mail: davidross12@aol.com on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 22:45:15

From: Balloch, Scotland

Home: Still there.

Ship: SS Orontes

Dates: 1952

Comments: My father served on SS Orontes from about 1952 for ten years. His name was George Ross, originally from Orkney and had been at see from 14 on whaler’s etc. and I understand he finished up as Bosun. His sea book is very detailed...and he seems to have only had a few days at home in Scotland after each trip from Tilbury. Sailing through Suez and out via Colombo must have been a real adventure in pre TV days. No wonder he loved working at sea! I wonder if there is any one out there who worked with him or bumped in to him in his travels. It would be great to hear from you.

Name: Michael Brady

E-mail: michael_the_likeable@hotmail.com on Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 20:10:23

From: England

Home: Australia

Ship: S.S Strathnaver

Dates: June 2nd 1959

Comments: I sailed to Australia with my mother and father and my sister Elaine as part of the emigration boom, post WWII. We stopped at a small bay in Greece, (I have forgotten the name) Port Said, Aden, Colombo, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne. The ship terminated its voyage in Sydney. There was a boiler mishap in the Mediterranean and a number of ships stood by in case of evacuation of the ship. On leaving Colombo, we sailed into a full on monsoon with massive seas and torrential rain. There were a number of deaths en route including two Finnish passengers who died of sunstroke as I remember. All were buried at sea. This journey was profound experience in my life and to this day, it's still influences many aspects of my existence. All the children aboard this ship felt privileged and special, and most went on to live lives that reflected their unique experience.

Name: Bernard Manning Jr

E-mail: bernard.manning on Saturday, March 31, 2007 at 06:31:00

From: Manchester

Home: Rochdale

Ship: Chusan, Oriana

Dates: Aug/Sep 72 and Aug/Sep 73

Comments: Quite simply the best times of my life, so many memories of so many lovely people, Nell and Don Wilde and daughters Leslie and Beverley, Tom Bates and wife, Pam and Pete, Frank and Hazel, where ever you are thanks for laughs!! But boy oh boy there was nothing funny about that crossing of the bay to the Caribbean on the Oriana late summer of 73 for a petrified 14 yr old, anyone remember?

Name: Juin Burnett nee Footman

E-mail: juinb@hotmail.com on Sunday, April 1, 2007 at 11:00:27

From: India

Home: Canada

Ship: Stratheden

Dates: 1949

Comments: Enjoyed your site. I was 5 years old when my family left Bombay for England in 1949. I'm interested in finding out more about that voyage with possible passenger list.

Name: Albert LaFrance

E-mail: albert.lafrance@coldwar-c4i.net) on Sunday, April 1, 2007 at 11:35:26

Address: Falls Church, VA 22042-1933 USA

Comments: I found a photo of the Strathnaver's fantastic control panel in an old engineering text, and thought you might want to add it to your excellent web site. I see that you have an image of a sailor operating the same panel.

Name: Peter Roach

E-mail: pro81003@bigpond.net.au on Tuesday, April 3, 2007 at 19:33:31

Address: 13 Thomas St. Aldinga Beach

Comments: Arrived Adelaide July 1962 on SS Stratheden. Unable to find any record of that voyage. Any ideas??

Name: Stephanie Thompson

E-mail: stevie538@bigpond.com on Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at 20:22:37

Comments: My family arrived in Perth March-April 1962 I was 9 on the ship [Stratheden]. Best time, what an adventure.

Name: Julie Cooke

E-mail: julie7_1955@yahoo.com.au on Thursday, April 5, 2007 at 21:52:25

From: Fleetwood Lancashire England

Home: Gold Coast Australia

Ship: SS Orcades

Dates: January 1964

Comments: My family met another family on our 6-week trip and the 2 children ended up married! I remember going to school on the deck and being frightened of the Egyptians who came on board, we bought stuffed camels. In Aden we landed on a street covered in cockroaches!! The things we remember. Our cabin steward was called Tony and he made us an omelette everyday without asking. It was always ready for us in the dining room. I have a photo of myself and my future husband dressed up for the kids fancy dress parade! Thanks for the memories.

Name: Brian Booth

E-mail: bwbooth@bigpond.net.au on Friday, April 6, 2007 at 17:10:55

Address: Mulgrave, Vic, 3170

Comments: Just discovered your site. Came to Melbourne on Strathaird 30th June 1957 via Cape of Good Hope 12th Birthday on board. We have photos if you are interested.

Name: Peter Callaghan

E-mail: peter/callaghan on Friday, April 6, 2007 at 22:27:03

From: Liverpool UK

Home: Perth WA

Ship: Stratheden

Dates: Jan 1963

Comments: Arrived Melbourne 21/2/63. Travelled as an eight-year-old with family. Have fond memories of a great ship however a sad note was the death of a child just before we arrived at Fremantle. The ship stopped at sea for the burial. For those interested passengers who live in Oz, I was successful in obtaining an incoming passenger list from the National Archives of Australia.

The trip left a lasting impression on a young boy’s mind. I returned to the UK in the mid 1970's onboard "Ellinnis", nowhere near the same class of vessel as Stratheden. Some good came from that trip, I met a girl who is now my wife of 32 years. We returned to Oz a few months later on the "Britannis". Just two years ago we managed to celebrate our 30th anniversary whilst enjoying a transatlantic trip on the QM2 - now there is a ship! As you can see, ships hold a special place in my life. Thanks to Stratheden. Thanks too for allowing me to board this great site. Some very interesting comments.

PS I even work for a shipping company.

Name: Stephen Jones

E-mail: stephenj@coefficiency.com.au on Thursday, April 12, 2007 at 20:56:14

From: Nairobi, Kenya

Home: Sydney, Australia

Ship: SS Strathmore

Dates: June - August 1963

Comments: My family emigrated from England as £10 migrants. We left Southampton on 20 or 21 June 1963 and got off in Adelaide. I had my 5th birthday a day or two before we sailed. I remember Aden, the Suez Canal, the swimming pool, getting prickly heat, crossing the equator, and being dressed up as a clown for a party, with a smarties box stuck to my nose (it itched awfully).

Name: Ted Palmer

E-mail: epal1979@bigpond.net.au) on Friday, April 13, 2007 at 23:43:18

From: Poole Dorset

Home: Ridgehaven SA

Ship: Ranchi

Dates: 6th February 1952

Comments: Fond memories of long trip full of exciting events such as engine trouble, returning to Colombo for repairs, fire on board in middle of Indian Ocean, miles from land putting on life jackets as ship listed to one side then limping to Fremantle at a slow rate of Knots. Is there anyone still alive who can remember? Please contact me love to hear from you.