SS Strathaird Comments |
| I was 15 when we
travelled with you on the Strathaird in Sept/Oct 1957. Like you, the whole experience was
an adventure for me. I remember sailing past Malta, going through the Suez canal and
seeing all the soldiers and military equipment along the banks of the canal. Somewhere we
saw sunken warships sticking up out of the water. We went ashore at Aden and bought some
tax free goods including an 8mm movie camera. I don't know if any footage of the boat has
survived. I remember the traders in their rowing boats pulled up alongside the ship at
both Aden and Port Said, I think. The trip through the Red Sea was unbelievably hot. We
had little air scoops sticking out of the porthole to try and catch the air. As we
approached Bombay the water went from blue to brown, full of rubbish and it smelt bad -
and we couldn't even see land! At Columbo I was so sick I couldn't leave the cabin. The
family went ashore and left me! The side of the ship we were on was facing out to sea so I
couldn't even see the port or anything. When they came back and said how lovely it all
looked I was very sad to have missed the tour. It was the only day on the whole trip I was
ill! I remember the Cocos-Keeling Islands as we passed them. Often we would see dolphins
jumping in front of the ship. The WA cliffs were majestic as we sailed south to Fremantle.
I was taken for a ride in a new car - the FJ Holden! Adelaide was next and then Melbourne
which was memorable because the first Sputnik passed over while we were there. Also the
weather was hot one day and sleeting the next! Finally Sydney Heads which will remain
etched on my memory until the day I die. The entry at sunrise was just amazing as the sun
rose and we sailed majestically up the Harbour. We seemed to squeeze under the Harbour
Bridge (with many metres to spare of course) and then finally into Pyrmont. We saw the old
ship a number of times before she was paid off. The passenger ship era was a very romantic
time and ended all too soon, although the touring ships are making a good comeback these
days.One feature I recall was the daily sweep on the distance the ship would travel
each day and we probably made a small wager on the outcome. The horse racing was fun and I
seem to remember deck cricket happened every now and again. The rules were similar to the
present game of indoor cricket. If I can find any pics in my mothers collection I'll send
them on. Warm greetings, Tony Molyneux Webpage: http://www.ezy.net.au/~molyneux |
| I came out on
the S.S.Strathaird disembarking at Outer Harbour Jan 20th 1950. I now live on the
Mornington Peninsula. Melbourne. I went back to Adelaide some years ago to see if they had
any record of my departure from England all those years ago . But I did not
even get a mention, no passenger list, nothing. Perhaps with your interest you may know if
a passenger list exists. I do remember quite a few names from that journey.. Venables,
Reilly, Powell etc. Probably if I thought harder I would remember more, but they are
probably all passed away. I was 24 when I came out and I'm now 76. The journey was quite
dramatic with a burial at sea (ships drummer) and a typhoon off the coast of the Cocos
Islands when John Cluness Ross had to be rescued. I'm sure my grandchildren in due course
would appreciate any details you can offer, bearing in mind that I was down in the blunt
end in those days. Thanks for interest. Harold Barton |
| My memories of the Strathaird are limited to one scene only when she came back to take on passengers from the SS Ranchi mid Indian Ocean if a fire on board the Ranchi had not been controlled . It was truly a magnificent sight. There had been great tension amongst the passengers who were confined to deck for several hours. Even urination had to be done as discretely as possible over the railing and much luggage and linen had been thrown overboard and was floating on the sea which was as calm as a mirror. Many of us thought that the ship would have to be abandoned and the safety jackets had been issued and life boats assigned. To see the Strathaird arrive under full steam-------her grey and white hull with the 3 sand coloured funnels mirrored like on glass, the long note of her foghorn gave us all hope and a great relief that we were not alone drifting in a vast expanse of ocean. I will never forget the relief and the magnificence of that scene even though I was only 8 years old at the time. The Strathaird circled us once and then sailed back along the same course she had come---apparently the danger had passed. |
| We love your site! We were on the last voyage of the Strathaird in 1961, leaving Sydney. I travelled with my two younger children ( who are now exploring this with me) I would like to have a list of the officers and Crew - any suggestions as to how I could obtain one. I have no photographs taken on board but lots taken at various ports but not even one of the ship! |
| I emigrated on
Strathaird on the voyage before yours. I left Tilbury on 23 May 1957 and arrived in
Melbourne on 30 June 1957. We had to travel by the Cape of Good Hope because of the Suez
Crisis. We stopped at Dakar, Capetown, Durban, Fremantle and Adelaide before we got to
Melbourne. I had a picture of the Strathaird which my Dad got from P&O I had my 5th
birhday on board in the middle of the Indian Ocean. I came out with two brothers and
two sisters Mum and Dad. My Dad two brothers and one sister are still alive and
living in Melbourne too. So thats a fine bunch. We originally all came from
Methil/Buckhaven in Fife, Scotland. My older brother and Dad would remember more and I'll
try and pick out some photos from the Strathaird to add to the collection. I should
have some of the outside poop deck swimming pool and the lifeboats from memory. Catch up soon. Jim Cormack |
| Our family were on the first promanade deck which was D deck. I can't remember our cabin No's but my husband had a single cabin, & I had one for me & the 2 children right next door to his. I remember we had the Ceylonese dancers come on board & that was held on A deck. |
| I was just 17 when I sailed on her and was one of about 10 young lads that were sponsored by the Federal Government of Australia under the umbrella of "THE BIG BROTHER MOVEMENT". I must admit that I told a bit of a fib when I applied for migration. At the time I was 16 and too young to be placed in the city so I was earmarked to go somewhere as a station hand. We were escorted by two adult Australians who were returning home. Somewhere in the middle of the Indian Ocean I told them I didn't want to go onto a station and I wasn't sent to one.The lads I was with were in the main, older than I was, in their late teens and for whatever reason I didn't really mix with them, even though I shared a cabin with three of them. I did however get on very well with a couple of blokes in their 20's both of whom disembarked at Adelaide. They were both called Brian but the only surname I remember was Threapleton (I think that's how it's spelt). Many times, while going back over those days, I've wonder what happened to them and indeed to the other "Little Brothers" as we were called. I've never set eyes on any of them since we disembarked in Sydney. I sailed on the Strathaird on Feb 18th 1960 and reached Sydney around about March 25th. Apart from an acute lack of pound notes, it was and still is the most memorable time of my life. I loved the passage out here though homesickness did dampen it at times. I have a framed photo of the old ship hanging in my study, a blown up postcard that I sent to my parents while on the voyage. I didn't have a camera so was unable to take photos. One of my most cherished items is my ticket of passage. It will compliment the other P&O memorobilia you have. By all means enter my name etc on your web site, you never know somebody might know me. |
| My first
voyage after spending few months in Cockspur Street (West End Office of P&O) I was
appointed Assistant Purser on Strathaird where I remained for ten trips before Corfu,
Mooltan, Strathnaver, Iberia, Empire Fowey (ex German ship handed over to P&O as
reperations which we converted into a troopship running to HK. Japan, Singapore etc
and were in the 4/5 days war at which we carried troops in and out of Port Said)..I
cruised on the Chusan in 1957 (dont quote me on dates) or order of ships I was on. Finally
finished up on Stratheden where I met my wife who very sadly passed away 2 years ago.
I live in Nelson Bay outside Newcastle (Australian one!!!) and have
been back to the UK on several trips the last one was 2000 and love it everytime I
return except for the weather and cost of living and petrol.. I was born in Kingston
Surrey and Brighton. I keep in touch with a stenographer (Jean Sinclair) who sailed with
me on the Strathnaver and whenever I go to Southampton we have a long session
of reminiscing and although she goes to the P&O reunions in the UK I have never
attended them..Perhaps too sad an occasion as the list reduces each year and
with the amalgamation on Orient line / P&O personnel.. While I have been in
Australia, a lot of time was spent managing motels, although I started off in Port
Adelaide living in Beaumont, .Largs Bay and other spots..I have a pal who was a purser and
he rose to being a QC in Adelaide.. In my days in Adelaide, I was involved in
exporting oranges, apples and got to know the orchards/wine/ Berri areas quite well.
I now am a budding golf hacker and the proud owner of a labrador who looks after
me..Incidentally I am 73 years young and thank goodness am 100% OK. Please pass on my name
and phone number 0249813022 if you feel like giving me a ring. I am all in
favour of having a get together but I guess EMAIL is the logical way of having a
chat. That photo of Strathaird certainly brought many many happy memories of the good old
days when ships were ships and not floating gin palaces/ nightclubs, and when passengers
were passengers not yahoos like I understand is the norm today... In my days we had the
pleasure of having the Australian and West Indies cricketers on board on different voyages
and have the distinction of being bowled out (underhand) by Sobers. Kanhai, and Wes
Hall etc in deck cricket who were all great fun..... May I congratulate you
and all concerned on your efforts in producing such a wonderful and professional 'JOB'..it
is really great. I would like to hear from any seagoing types who may have been in my
vintage 1950/1961..who can down sit down with a G&T (Gin and tonic for you
landlubbers) and bring back happy memories....anyone out there who is currently still in
the UK I would appreciate a call. Cheers for now, Brian Cockle |
| .
I was eight years old when we departed Tilbury on the 18th or 19th June 1956 - I can never
remember which, but will ask my father and he may even remember the date we docked in
Melbourne, I have a hazy notion it was 20th June. It was great to see the
images on your pages - I don't really have clear images in my mind about the ship, but can
remember the very large dining room, where we had our meals at separate sittings from the
adults. We were berthed very low in the ship, again I will ask my father.. I love the
background on your Web Pages - just wonderful! Since receiving your email I
have dredged up more memories than I ever imagined were in my mind. Departing Tilbury was
a very sad occasion for me as I was leaving behind my beloved paternal Grandmother, so I
stayed in the cabin and never experienced the ship leaving the dock. My mother was very
emotional, although she tried hard not to show her feelings. I had my first taste of Coca
Cola on the ship, spent lots of time in the children's play room, learned how to play
draughts and loved it. My father taught me and my brother Steven how to swim in the
swimming pool, and we picked up athlete's foot now known as tinea from there. I had been
given a watch by my grandmother and left it in the bathroom. The watch was located, but I
think was damaged by water because it never went again. I do remember the lovely cold
water available from big silver tanks on our deck. Mum and Dad made friends with a couple
named Rae and Frank Puddy and kept in touch after landing in Australia, however neither
family had a car and it was difficult to visit, so they lost contact. Very
soon after boarding, (a few days) there was a meeting with the passengers in a beautiful
room with lots of splendid furniture, but I have no idea what this was about. I can still
see in my mind the Rock of Gibraltar and the awful smell at Port Said, the journey through
the Suez Canal, and the traders in small boats sending up goods to the ship on long
ropes. Then of course there was the man on board who took goods and sent the bag
down without payment!! Naughty naughty!! In Colombo there seemed to be more
beggars on the street than anything, and I was appalled at my dad's harsh attitude towards
these poor people. But he seemed to think that they were not as poor as they made out. We
journeyed by Taxi to a very famous Hotel, although again, I can't remember it's
name. It was bucketing rain on arrival in Freemantle, and we never left the
ship. Some clown on the dock shouted up "welcome to sunny Australia!". There was
great concern as we were steaming towards Adelaide as we were told that this was our
destination. We had always thought that we were destined for Melbourne. My Dad being a
very determined person tackled officialdom and somehow had our destination changed to
Melbourne. My grandmother's cousin who had been in Australia since 1923, met
us at the ship and welcomed us to our new country. We were housed in huts close by the
Exhibition buildings in Melbourne. Williamstown Hostel was our first "home" but
we stayed 10 months before finding affordable accommodation. You are welcome to use
my email address on you contacts page, and I will ask my brother if he would like to be on
it. I would be interested in attending a reunion some time in the future, and I am sure my
brother would be too. If any of the above is of use to you, feel free to use
it. Have you posted any messages on any Mail Lists seeking "SS
Strathaird" Passengers? I see this as a great way to find people. My husband has a
cousin who worked for P & O in Melbourne, so I will ask him if he can help with any
research. I have 2 Postcards with the SS Strathaird which I will scan and attach for
you. Regards Helen Lane |
|
I had a good look through your site and found it very interesting. Unfortunately it didn't
do much for the memory ... I guess I was probably a bit young to remember much about the
trip. None the less it was interesting to see the style of the ship and the fittings and
furnishings etc. It seemed quite opulent for a migrant ship! Please keep me informed
on the idea of a re-union, have you found any other passengers from that voyage yet? We
can't be the only ones left!!! Since I spoke to you, mum has been going
through some of her memorabilia and I understand she has some items such as Postcards etc
from the Strathaird. When I see her next, I may see if I can take a copy and scan them, if
you are interested I can email the results to you. It may as well reside on the one site
as be scatterred around. Good luck with the site and who knows, we may get to
meet you in person sometime. Cheers for now. Tony & Judy Cooling |
| I came
over from London, England with my Family on the Strathaird and am seeking any information
that will help me. We landed in Fremantle initially, then Adelaide sometime in
September 1958. Do you have any information at all on that voyage, or can you tell
me who to contact for more information. I enjoyed your web page, it brought back a
lot of memories, even though I was only 6 at the time.Any info at all will be tremendously
appreciated. Kind regards Sue Smith nee Lee. |
| 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 7 years old when we sailed, I still have vague memories
of the ship and what it was like, I would be interested in any information you could pass
on to me. Regards David Woodham |
|
My father travelled on the SS Strathaird from Bombay to Fremantle in 1949 with his sister
and brother and grandmother. I have been unlucky in finding any information on this ship
until stumbling across your pages. Thank you so much for sharing the pictures, my father
was crying as it brought back so many memories. I actually live in Darwin now!
My father Russell arrived in Fremantle on October 11th 1949. He was 6 years old. He came
from Bombay after the British were ousted from India. His grandmother Elizabeth Mackintosh
(nee-Buckley) brought him and his two siblings, Revel Arlean and Randal Alaric to
Australia after their mother went missing in India. She was reportedly to have gone to
Simla and then Calcutta to organise passports and visas to travel to Australia. No
trace has been heard of her since then. All three are still in contact with each
other, Randall is living here in Darwin and Arlean is still living in Perth. My father
says that he can still remember running around on the decks of the ship. This picture adds
another link to my Dads past. Connie Hoy |