T.S. Vindicatrix

Association HQ

Looking for...

Requests are often made for Squad Photos and the whereabouts of individual squad mates in the Guest Book, so I wondered if a page devoted solely to these request might be of help to our membership.  It will be the responsibility of members to contact me with their requests and valid e-mail address, which will be linked to the entry.  Please be brief and as specific as you can with your entries; a starting date of your course would be better than 'sometime in the Summer of...".   Requests should be sent to 'Looking for.." .

     To contact someone who has made an entry, click on their title name in red. If you have an entry up under your name, and subsequently change your e-address, please let me know.

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Brian Lauer, formerly of Esher, who went to "Vindi" in , 1951 I believe, and then joined the Port Phillip. No word of him since, but he's being sought by two good school friends--Ralph Halifax-Smith ("Burpee") of Camberley and John Sansom ("Sam") of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Hook up, mate  jsansom@ns.sympatico.ca
Aubrey John "Johnny" O'Rourke, Discharge Book No. R345156 .Can anyone please please give me any info on my Dad who passed away back in Sept 1999.  Dad was at the  Vindicatrix from 11th July - 21st Sept. '46.; Deck. He sailed on the Winchester Castle 3-10-46 to 25-11-46 and on the Fort Fraser 6-12-46 to 25-3-47; he was also on the Empire Ken  He then went into the Army and eventually joined the SAS.
    Please, anyone out there who may have known Dad or who have any pictures please contact me as I would  love to hear from you.
    I only have a tiny photo of him in uniform and 2 photos. one of the Vindicatrix and the other of the Empire Ken. I really look forward to hearing from anyone!!!
Lesley   lesley-carl@tiscali.co.uk

Jack Secker,

              I was at the Vindi Feb 28th - March 5th 1951. Hut C4 Then the Vindi. I am told there was a group pic taken, but I don't remember it, but would be grateful if anyone has one and would like to have a copy, I'm  willing to pay costs .  I'm also looking for Charlie Olliffe, Ginger Pearce and anyone else that was with me on the MV Andria from Jun '57 until Oct 57.  Jack Secker R553588

Terry Ryan R761313  2/10/61 to 8/12/61.Deck. Is looking for his old Squad Mates.  John Kelly, 'Taffy', from Hay on Wye./Gloucester,  'Geordie', Big Taffy'. and 'Mush'

PETER MUNDAY April 1950 or 51- I am unsure which year my late Father was on the Vindi but I would be interested to hear if anyone remembers him from those days or later when he was worked on various ships for Cunard - Esso and his last trip on the SANS PUER sailing to Japan. If anyone in the picture below would like to get in contact with me I would be grateful.

Left to right - Alan Peter (spike) Garvit, Jimmy Weston, Keith (tex) Peter Munday (front kneeing), J A Ward

Gerald Maddox ( Vindi 1948) looking for any information on Gordon John (Johnny) Parker (Vindi 1953) who sailed with me on S.S. Somerset 1953 and subsequently
on the m.v.Suffolk. His parents had a pub in East London during this time,the name of which escapes me. He was born in Berkeley Glos. Any news would be welcome
Gerry Keating 844 R634612 Looking for squad photo from 11/07/ 55 to 19/08/55 Catering

Brian Edlford  R599440 is looking for a  Catering  squad photo  Aug/ 53 - Oct ' 53 

Ken Thompson (Deck) would like to find any info about anyone who was on the Vindi between 27/1/64 and 17/4/64.  Has anyone got any squad photos from this time too?

Mike Bates is looking for any old classmates and a Squad Photo from the Deck class commencing first week of July 66------------the class that started just after the Seaman's strike

Dennis Newins R779755 is looking for Deck Squad photos for September 1962 to December 1962

Harold  Coughlan  R679200 My Dad was a Vindi boy during the class of July - September 1957.  He'd love to hear from anybody who was on the ship at that time.  His name is Harold Coughlan, a native of Jersey.  Anyone remember him?  Jane Coughlan  Janeway@ic24.net  

Dennis Purnell    I am looking for any information with reference to R363075 Dennis Arthur Purnell who was a Vindiboy around about 1945/46 at Sharpness, Glos. He came from Bristol.. Unfortunately he has passed away on 7th February, and his daughter, my wife, would love to find any information or squad photos. .Thank you for your help .  Roger Lewis

Ted Cudd, Vindi '50 Catering R531937, Tracey, the daughter of the late Ted Cudd is looking for anyone who knew her father, either at sea, at the Vindi, or in the locality of Sharpness, where he grew up, You can contact her at  GrhmRD@AOL.COM

Graham Bullows  R694077 Looking for Melvyn (Wally) Greenacre and R694078 Basil Plimer. Course time from 23/06/1958 to 29/08/1958 Deck.  Does anyone have a course photograph from these dates that could be sent on to me  Membership No. 4478

 Please send any imformation to E-mail address  gra.tis@hotmail.co.uk

 

 
My father, Arthur Griffith Williams (R412287) would like to find anyone who was on the Vindi with him from January to March 1948.  He was a Liverpool lad, and a Deckie.  Anyone who would like to contact him can do so by writing to my e-mail address (bethnicol1@yahoo.co.uk). Thank you, Beth Nicol (Mrs)

Lionel Williams R789135  is looking for a Deck Squad photo 19th Aug until Nov. 1963,  and particularly for the following

V Saunders R789133,  M J Williamson  R789131, A T Roebuck R789140,  B Fox  R789171,  R J Burns R789137, and J Welch R789167

 In particular Brian Hunter R785854 Is looking for any of the other suspects in these pics of him with some Squad mates of April '63 Deck

R785839 FORD A 12/09/1946 CHESTERFIELD

R785854 HUNTER B 12/12/1946 BEBINGTON CHESHIRE
R785857 KELLY P B 05/10/1946 DUNDEE
R788463 DARWIN M 18/07/1947 LIVERPOOL

 

 

Alan Flarry is looking for some of the other names on his and John Morris's Squad Photo of Jan. '61

  BT 372/2367/75 R746054 DUNCAN R F 15/03/1945 DUNDEE       
  BT 372/2367/76 R746055 RICE D 12/12/1944 LEEDS     
  BT 372/2367/77 R746056 ANDERSON C M 01/03/1944 KIRRIEMUIR      
  BT 372/2367/78 R746058 MORRIS J 11/07/1944 MANCHESTER       
  BT 372/2367/79 R746059 PAPE M J R 19/03/1944 ERDINGTON BIRMINGHAM      
  BT 372/2367/80 R746060 NICOLL J 09/07/1944 COUPAR ANGUS      
  BT 372/2367/81 R746061 FREER I K 21/08/1944 CHESTERFIELD       
  BT 372/2367/82 R746062 WILLIAMS R 17/09/1943 MANCHESTER       
  BT 372/2367/83 R746063 FLARRY A 03/07/1944 CLACTON ON SEA      
  BT 372/2367/84 R746064 O'MARA T G 05/10/1943 HUYTON PRESCOT       
  BT 372/2367/85 R746065 MADGE W J 02/12/1943 EXBOURNE EXETER DEVON      
  BT 372/2367/86 R746067 MC KINLAY J S 12/04/1945 SOUTH SHIELDS       
  BT 372/2367/87 R746068 MILLS M P 09/06/1944 WEST HAM LONDON      
  BT 372/2367/88 R746069 MC NAB J S 06/05/1944 DUNOON ARGYLE       
  BT 372/2367/89 R746070 MUGFORD D W J 16/12/1943 BIDFORD 

Harry Scullion and John Carnell are looking for any of the red names highlighted below, who are on their Squad Photo of Feb. '55 Deck.

 BT 372/1825/39 R626915 FURMINGER C F   06/07/1938 PEVENSEY       
  BT 372/1825/40 R626916 DAVISON B H 06/07/1938 BOURNEMOUTH       
 
BT 372/1825/41 R626917 SCULLION H D 13/09/1938 DUNDEE      
  BT 372/1825/42 R626918 KNIFTON T 23/11/1937 COALVILLE       
  BT 372/1825/43 R626919 CURTS B L 26/03/1938 PADDINGTON       
  BT 372/1825/44 R626920 ELLIOTT E A 08/10/1938 SOUTH SHIELDS 
   BT 372/1825/45 R626921 CARNELL J A 13/03/1938 BROMLEY       
 
BT 372/1825/86 R626966 BRIDGER R E E 31/01/1939 RUDGWICK       
  BT 372/1825/87 R626967 MOUTON J C J 12/08/1938 EASTLEIGH       
 
BT 372/1825/88 R626969 KING D 19/02/1938 ABERDEEN       
  BT 372/1825/89 R626970 SMITH N C 25/02/1939 LONDON 
  BT 372/1825/90 R626971 JORDAN P D 11/06/1938 LONDON       
 
BT 372/1825/91 R626972 OWEN K 15/01/1939 LANGHAM       
 
BT 372/1825/92 R626973 GRACIE T 05/11/1938 DUNDEE      
 
BT 372/1825/93 R626974 STEADMAN G A 19/11/1937 BIRMINGHAM       
  BT 372/1825/94 R626975 WEST B 05/08/1938 BIRMINGHAM       
 
BT 372/1825/95 R626976 SHEPPARD B 06/09/1938 BRISTOL       
  BT 372/1825/96 R626977 SYKES H 05/11/1938 SALFORD LANCASHIRE       
 
BT 372/1825/97 R626979 CHADWICK J 11/10/1938 WARRINGTON  
 
BT 372/1825/98 R626980 COOK K B 31/03/1938 WESTCLIFF       
 
BT 372/1825/99 R626982 EDWARDS T A 06/01/1939 LONDON      
  BT 372/1825/100 R626983 NICHOLAS J M 20/01/1938 LIVERPOOL       
 
BT 372/1825/101 R626984 PERRY J 15/11/1937 HERTFORD      
  BT 372/1825/102 R626985 COUSINS J A 16/12/1938 NEWHAVEN
       
  BT 372/1825/103 R626986 JACKSON J W 01/06/1938 TILLBURY       
 
BT 372/1825/104 R626987 GRIMWOOD D H 29/12/1937 LONDON

Barry Morgan  from Swansea,  is looking for a Catering Squad Photo from 30/6/58 to 8/8/58. The only name he can remember is that of Ken Plant, from either Swindon or Bath.

Peter Wright My name is Peter Wright I was on the Vindi  [as a Deckie] from Nov 1953 to Jan 1954.I would like to get in touch with any one else who was there at the same time.

 Barry Ferguson  R 690457 I have received a request from Mrs. Dorothy Ferguson, asking if anyone knew her late husband Barry, either from his Vindi days as a 'Deckie' in Jan. '58, or from his time at sea. She would like to be able to name the four others in his photo on the Squad Photos page.

 

Chas.(Spud) Mason  I am looking for a group photo (deck) of the group that I was in at the Vindi from 20th.August 1951 to 26th.October 1951 I was known as Spud and I boxed nearly every week while I was there, I cannot recall ever having any photos at all taken while I was there, should anyone have one I would be very grateful if they would send a copy to me at the following address DST@BOOGALOOBOO.ECLIPSE.CO.UK

Jim Smith   Is looking for contact for the Chief Cook who he knows  was on Shell tanker MV Norrisia in 1951 and on container ships in the middle and late 1960’s

 

Roy Peters  is looking for Allan Morgan from Cheltenham (extreme left ) and believes the guy in the middle 's surname was "Cox" from Essex  all Dec,k Oct/Dec 1955.

Note by the Website Bosun, Probably these are their entries on the Archive at Kew, along with Roy's

BT 372/1892/46 R639789 MORGAN A J 02/01/1938 CHELTENHAM

 

BT 372/1892/49 R639793 COX A O 25/08/1939 WHITSTABLE 

 

BT 372/1892/53 R639797 PETERS R 13/04/1938 SUSSEX 

Glynn Davies (Curly) R774216 is looking for any mates from the Vindicatrix Catering group July- Aug 1962, especially would love a group photo.

Gary Smee  Is looking  for  shipmates  Brian  Sinclair, Terry Marsh, Lofty Petch, Del Newton, Harry Hooper,  I sailed with them on the Federal Boat "Cambridge" to NZ in '56,  and hopes that someone can help him.

Mike Sheppard, Hull. I was at the Vindicatrix from October 1st until November 23rd 1962, Catering course, Discharge Book No. R779627. I would appreciate any copies of  squad photos or messages from anyone who remembers me.

 Bob Floyd    Is looking for  Stan Patch, Sud Taylor and Johnny Sommers both deck and in camp 62/63.

Dennis Williams Catering, Jan - March 1964, R796582, recently came across this picture and wondered if anyone could tell him the name of his mate, right.

George McNally (mac) R709611 is looking for any member in Catering from 8-6-59 to 17-7-59.

E P (Pete) Savage R675140 is looking for other Members of his Squad Photo  His name isn't listed amongst those below, because of the 'Thirty Year Rule' at the National Archives; Pete having sailed until the early '90s. (A duplication of the No. R674154 has been noted and referred to Kew for investgation.)  Pete is also looking for Murdo McLeod of his squad whose name isn't listed, either.

  BT 372/2054/1R674112 TUMBLETY F E 07/06/1940 FARNWORTH 
  BT 372/2054/21 R674134 TORODE S C G 16/11/1940 SAINT NILENS     
  BT 372/2054/22 R674135 MAHONEY J 31/01/1940 PONTLOTTYN      
  BT 372/2054/23 R674136 JOHNSON P 09/04/1941 BISHOP AUCKLAND     
  BT 372/2054/24 R674137 SEFTON GH 11/12/1939 LIVERPOOL     
  BT 372/2054/25 R674138 LYE J T 29/03/1941 RHONDDA      
  BT 372/2054/26 R674139 ALLEN B 16/05/1941 SUNDERLAND      
  BT 372/2054/27 R674140 ROE J E 22/12/1940 CAMBERWELL 
  BT 372/2054/28 R674141 SPEARE L 26/05/1940 LONDON      
  BT 372/2054/29 R674143 MURRELL J A 10/01/1940 KILMARNOCH
  BT 372/2054/30 R674144 HARLAND J M 25/10/1939 LEAHOLM      
  BT 372/2054/31 R674146 NOVIS C 10/11/1939 LEAMINGTON
  BT 372/2054/32 R674147 MURPHY J J 11/10/1939 BLACKPOOL  
  BT 372/2054/33 R674148 BAYNE J F 01/11/1939 NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

 

   
 
BT 372/2054/34 R674151 SMITH L 17/07/1940 LIVERPOOL      
  BT 372/2054/35 R674152 SHAW B 28/11/1939 SHREWSBURY     
  BT 372/2054/36 R674153 SYMES R G 02/11/1939 COMBE MARTIN    
  BT 372/2054/37 R674154 FLINT W J 06/12/1940 BIRMINGHAM  
  BT 372/2054/38 R674154 MOORE D 19/07/1941 WEEDON BUCKINGHAMSHIRE     
  BT 372/2054/39 R674155 LAMBERT S J 20/07/1940 MARYPORT

  BT 372/2054/40 R674156 LOGAN D J 02/03/1940 WILLESDEN      
  BT 372/2054/41 R674157 HART O 13/10/1940 LIVERPOOL      
  BT 372/2054/42 R674158 HARRISON W 24/12/1940 HEYWOOD       
  BT 372/2054/43 R674159 FURBY D R 10/06/1940 WARRINGTON       
  BT 372/2054/44 R674160 DOUGLAS G C 15/08/1940 LONDON

Les Atkinson  R709714 is searching for a Terry Wallace/Walsh R709706,  last heard of in Canal Street, Birmingham in 1959, he was a caterer trainee aboard the Vindi and completed his training the same time as I did, and took the Vindi train out, we both lived in the same street.

Ted Thorley is looking for Bill Rourke, Harley Chessel, Dave Burton, Eddy Gosney or anyone else who was in C4 March-May 1961. If anyone has any information or photographs of this time then please get in touch.  Please me contact at tedthorley@hotmail.co.uk

Colin Crawley R664579 writes,  I would love a squad photo of Deck Course 8.10.56 to 14.12.56 and any news of any of my course mates including Gordon Campbell. Gordon was as you guessed from Scotland and 'Taff' was from Llanelli (did I spell that right?). It was a very eventful course because a food riot broke out with a demonstration by the recruits demanding more food. They massed on the gangway of the 'Vindi' banging their metal plates against the boarded up ship chanting for more. Some of the course 'jumped ship'. Two of them stole a rowing boat and were last seen disappearing down the Severn and another boy went 'over the wall' to join a passing circus. Gordon and I joined the 'Rhodesia Castle' to South Africa on our first trip and I have no news since then.

Robin Whitehead   R761830 is looking for contacts and anyone has a squad photo of Deck squad 4.9.61 to 10.11.61.

Des  (Taff) Jenkins   I'm doing this for an old Vindiboy in Sydney; Fred Britt.  Fred who is not computer literate, wants to know if anyone out there remembers him. The ships he sailed on. Empire Bond, Empire Castle, Empire Mergancer, The Sussex, Rauhine, Highland Princess twice, Capetown Castle, Esperance Bay, Kaimata, Akaroa,
and for Pete.  Fred's Discharge Book Number is R260217

David Rumgay R693857 is looking for anyone who has a squad photo, Deck intake  27th May 1958 to 1st August 1958. Would also be pleased to hear from any Vindiboys of that time.

David Jordan  is looking for anyone who has a photo of his Catering intake from July to September 1962.

Len Preston is looking for anyone who has a photo of his Catering intake from 13th April 1953 to 22nd May 1953, also for contact with my old mate, Mick Jury.

Frank Baker is looking for his old shipmates Dave Jones, Len Shaw and Don Baylis. The pic with Don Baylis, was taken aboard the Fort Nakasley at sea, 1947, and the other, with Dave Jones & Len Shaw, were taken in Buenos Aires, onboard Houlder's Duquesa,  1949

Lindsay writes "I'm looking for any information on my uncle John Reddiex (Jackie) R565003 REDDIEX J 31/01/1934  . He was a Vindiboy, leaving as a Deckie in late Nov. 1951, and sailed on the British Integrity, Pass of Leny (2 trips), Cortona, Errington Court, Empire Clyde, and the Cara, from which he was lost overboard on 4th October '53. He gained his Lifeboat and EDH tickets in Jan '53, 14 months after leaving the Vindi.   I would dearly love anybody who remembers him to get in touch. Jackie was born in 1934 in Glasgow. Many thanks." 

As a footnote to the above, which was also published in the November Vindi News. I have now been contacted by Ken Pearce R565024 of Liverpool, who can remember meeting up with Jackie on the train, as they both made their way to Sharpness at the start of their course. Ken also gave me the names of three others who were in the same squad; those of Mo. Stent R454002, Matt Dunlop R454014, and George McLauchlin R565016.  John lost touch with George (now living in NZ) in 2003 and is keen to make contact with him again, and also any others of his Squad.

Ron Elson Is looking for the  Deck Squad Photo, for the intake dated 5th June to 30th August 1948  approx. Out of the the squad were two memorable characters called Roy ( Uke ) Barrington, R412329, and Ronnie Lake; possibly also Brian Townsend which might help to jog a few memories.

Russ Cockburn would be pleased to hear from anyone who shipped out with his late dad Alan, who was born in Sunderland in 1927 and left the Vindi in Feb 1943 as a Deckie. His his Discharge Book number was R304275 and he served on the following ships.

HMS Ubiquity,  Zealand Fort, St Regis, Andromachi, Llandovery Castle, Fort George,  Helicina, Capulus, and Acavus

Ron McAdam, is trying to trace  Brian JAMES from Grindon Village. Sunderland. They were in April Class Catering 1964 on Vindi.

John Fulcher is looking for shipmates who sailed on the SS Stanford early in '46 bound for Vancouver can you please help.??                                                                                         Does anyone have a squad photo or any memories of my father Clifford Meredith, who attended The Vindicatrix from 5 June 1950 to 11 August 1950, leaving with a Deck Certificate. His Discharge Book Number is R536013 and his first ship was the "Cavina".

 My Name is Gerard Gannon,  I am the son of John Gannon (you may know him as Jack ?) I am looking to contact anyone who trained or served with my father (BT 372/773/135 R318591 GANNON J 27/09/1926 STAFFORDSHIRE He was in the Merchant Navy as a Deck Boy in 1944 and trained on the  T.S. Vindicatrix, in fact he was discharged from her on 29th July 1944. He served on a number of ships up to Nov 1947. These ships included The Empire Pendennis, British Might, Empress of Australia and Fort Esperance. 

I have only just found out these facts after much searching of the National Archives. My Farther  would have been around 17 years old in 1944 and I was very much hoping that you may have met him or known of him.

Below are some other names of that time, but this is of all Merchant Seamen, and not just Vindiboys.
  BT 372/773/121 R318576 WHEELDON C V 10/05/1927 SOUTHAMPTON       
  BT 372/773/122 R318577 CHAMBERS H J 16/03/1927 ROMFORD       
  BT 372/773/123 R318578 VICKERS N 13/09/1927 BOLTON       
  BT 372/773/124 R318580 DAVIS R D W 30/10/1926 LONDON       
  BT 372/773/125 R318581 BAMFORD E 08/02/1927 SEAHAM       
  BT 372/773/126 R318582 SQUIRES G F 24/03/1927 ESSEX       
  BT 372/773/127 R318583 RAYNER H R 16/05/1927 IPSWICH       
  BT 372/773/128 R318584 UPNER I 08/10/1926 LONDON       
  BT 372/773/129 R318585 COLE F L 14/10/1926 MANCHESTER       
  BT 372/773/130 R318586 MALTBY C M 03/08/1927 NEWBURY       
  BT 372/773/131 R318587 SMITH R 09/08/1926 WOLVERHAMPTON       
  BT 372/773/132 R318588 JACKSON F 10/04/1927 LONDON       
  BT 372/773/133 R318589 WILLIAMS G G 28/10/1926 TALYBOUT       
  BT 372/773/134 R318590 HARRIS K P 25/09/1926 CARDIFF 
 
BT 372/773/135 R318591 GANNON J 27/09/1926 STAFFORDSHIRE       
  BT 372/773/136 R318592 HEMSLEY G 17/08/1926 BEESTON       
  BT 372/773/137 R318593 GRANT W M M 24/10/1926 ABERDEEN       
  BT 372/773/138 R318594 CANNON R 09/10/1926 ENFIELD       
  BT 372/773/139 R318595 +CRUMP G L 10/09/1927 SUNNINGHILL       
  BT 372/773/140 R318596 CERRONE A V 27/10/1926 GLAMORGAN       
  BT 372/773/141 R318597 EVANS T V 26/05/1927 TONYPANDY       
  BT 372/773/142 R318598 HOWELL A 12/01/1926 BIRMINGHAM       
  BT 372/773/143 R318599 ATKINSON R 10/12/1926 FLINT       
  BT 372/773/144 R318600 THORPE E T 17/09/1927 LONDON       
  BT 372/773/145 R318601 BAKER W 07/10/1926 TIPTON       
  BT 372/773/146 R318602 COX E J 11/11/1926 LEYTONSTONE       
  BT 372/773/147 R318603 PIVNICKA C P 30/09/1926 CAMDEN TOWN       
  BT 372/773/148 R318604 VINECOR M 24/07/1926 LONDON       
  BT 372/773/149 R318605 STRINGER G 06/08/1926 WARRINGTON 

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George Burkitt   R518367.  I have been asked by the widow of George, if anyone who reads this page, sailed or trained with her late husband. He was a 'Deckie' and left the Vindi at the end of Oct. 1949. He wasn't a Member of the TSVA but often spoke to her of his memories of the Vindi.

   
 

Ernie Ballard is looking for his un-named mate from his time at the Vindi

   
 

Roger Mitchener  R746198 is looking for any news on Duggy Banks or Joey Ives at Vindi in early 60's

   
 

Les Stocker of Townsville Australia Discharge book Number R592897 is looking for anyone who  was with him at the Vindi from 30.3.53 till 5.6.53 or any shipmates He can be emailed at bernhild@austarnet.com.au

   
 

Annie (Pethybridge) Krueger  writes

"Dear Vindi Association,

My father at the age of 15 (approx 1943) signed up as a Vindi.  He went on to serve during the war and afterwards on a New Zealand shipping line.  He has recently become very ill and I would love to give him  some more information should you have it.  I would love to get hold of a copy of a register if one exists. Just to have his name alongside others would be a wonderful gift.  He has some amazing memories of that time.  His full name is Thomas Monger Pethybridge R326785 . Eagerly awaiting your reply.

Annie (Pethybridge) Krueger"

(Note from Robin:- I have a request in with the National Archive Kew, for his BT372 and BT382 Records but sadly Tom 'Crossed the Bar' on Sunday 6th Aug. before his records were received from Kew. )

   
 

John (Happy) Maple  R 788967 is looking for some lads from his intake from the 19th Aug to 11th Oct 1963 Catering as follows:- 

Colin Smith from       Middlesbrough  R788931

Dave Harris -             Redcar Yorkshire

Kenneth Smith          Morecombe

John Addison            Upper Norwood London  R788976

C.Kersy                      Grimsby  R788966

C.Cameron                Avonmouth Bristol  R788969

John Slattery             N.Ireland  R788973

John Charlton            Middlesbrough

K.Sandalls                 Cheshire  R789004

Derrick Murray           Lanarkshire Scot R789010

P.Remington              Northants

Ronald Blackmore      Hebburn Co Durham  R788974

Mervyn Collins            Birmingham  R788981

Thomas Durkin           Burnley Lancs  R788968

Jeff Hooper                 Romford Essex R789014

G.Barnicoat                Gosport Hants

Brian Welch               South Shields  R789007

L.Ashton                     Farnbough

C.A.Murray                 Wilmington Kent R789009

J.Cutts                        Halifax

David Smart               Boston Lincs  R788964

 

 These were  their home addresses in '63

   
 

 Rab Murray writes " I'm posting this on behalf of my "Scouse Git brother-in-law" who was at the "Vindi"  in 1956/57  - Deck, ( not sure of the exact date).  Although he's not on the Internet at home in Thingwall, he really enjoys reading through the website when he's on holiday with us here in Canada.   Anybody remember Brian  Haldon from Birkenhead, nickname Scouse or Doc ? 

   
 

Jim Marsh...Catering...February/ March 1957, would like to contact anyone from his squad, particularly the boy from Southampton who travelled up with him and went through the Catering course and so was in the same hut. They both completed the course but  he never saw him again after their time at the Vindi.

   
 

William (Bill) Tyrrell  from London, is looking for  Micheal Hastie (Deck), also 'Paddy' and 'Tottenham', who were on the Deck course with him at Vindicatrix from June 1962 to August 1962. The four of them are on the Squad Photos page.

   
 

Bill Tucker is looking for Deck Squad with numbers R399110- R399200 Vindi Nov1947-Jan 1948. He remember particularly J T Peakman and R.Mc Gill from Newcastle.

   
 

Ian Rackow. Vindi Deck Oct/Dec 1960. Any photos or memories.  Also contact with two shipmates on Regent Springbok exVindi (Catering) both from Fauldhouse.  We all sailed as 1st trippers.

   
 

My late father, Reginald William Howard (1928-2003), trained on TS  Vindicatrix 25 Feb-18 May 1946 R342890. I am trying to contact those  survivors of the same intake who may be able to share memories of that  training period and, perhaps, of my father himself. I would appreciate  it if you could make my details available on the site to likely parties, together with a request that they contact me: David Howard,  'Max Gate', Rapid 213 Purakanui Road,  RD1 Port Chalmers 9005, Otago,  New Zealand.

   
 

Robert Macdonald,  Vindi Catering March-April 1962, was I the only person there? I'm sure I did not dream it all! Discharge No. R767793.

 
 

 

John Jones, on behalf of his father Ralph (Taff) Jones  R32603 is looking for a squad photo from March 31st to June 21st 1947. If anyone remembers him, or has a photo he would love to hear from them.

 

Jim Weir and Mike Wilding are looking for some of the other names in their Catering Squad photo of 6th Jan. '64. That of  John Pearce has been contributed by Pete Bennett, who was his classmate during his school years.

 Below, are a batch of names at Kew, from around that time with the known members of the squad, highlighed in red.

BT 372/2561/113 R796526 BENNETT M H 09/02/1947 BURTON    
  BT 372/2561/114 R796527 EVANS GERARD 13/01/1948 LIVERPOOL    
  BT 372/2561/115 R796528 LONEY J 24/07/1946 GLASGOW      
  BT 372/2561/116 R796529 NASIR N 01/11/1946 MAALLA     
  BT 372/2561/117 R796530 BATTY R W 23/10/1946 SHEFFIELD 
  BT 372/2561/118 R796531 ALLEN L 14/02/1948 SUNDERLAND     
  BT 372/2561/119 R796534 KEENEY R 09/02/1948 ASHINGTON 
  BT 372/2561/120 R796535 WALSH B 23/06/1947 ROTHERHAM      
  BT 372/2561/121 R796536 REDPATH M L 10/03/1947 EDINBURGH     
  BT 372/2561/122 R796537 NISBET R N 02/09/1946 NEWCASTLE     
  BT 372/2561/123 R796538 PARK J H 08/11/1947 HACKNEY     
  BT 372/2561/124 R796540 JONES L G 04/02/1948 NEWCASTLE     
  BT 372/2561/125 R796541 MORRICE I C 03/06/1947 GILLINGHAM     
  BT 372/2561/126 R796542 PALLESTER S 08/09/1947 NEWBRIDGE      
  BT 372/2561/127 R796544 HUMPHREYS C 14/12/1947 SLOUGH     
  BT 372/2561/128 R796545 HAYES S A 03/01/1948 LONGEATON      
  BT 372/2561/129 R796547 DICKIE C P 02/12/1946 ISLINGTON
  BT 372/2561/130 R796548 BEATTY D J 01/09/1946 LEEDS 
  BT 372/2561/131 R796548 LAMB C 23/05/1947 BOOTLE 
  BT 372/2561/132 R796550 FARNHAM P H 25/01/1947 CARDIFF 
  BT 372/2561/133 R796551 BOARDLEY G 01/07/1947 HULL  
 
BT 372/2561/134 R796552 PEARCE J T 17/09/1947 WISBECH    .   .  
  BT 372/2561/135 R796553 TUPPEN D G 17/01/1947 LEWES
  BT 372/2561/136 R796554 FINN B T 26/05/1947 BARRY 
 
BT 372/2561/137 R796555 DOAK J 04/02/1948 POOLE 
  BT 372/2561/138 R796556 GATES A W 17/08/1946 FRINTON 
  BT 372/2561/139 R796557 CAMPSALL J 09/07/1947 LIVERPOOL 
  BT 372/2561/140 R796558 CUMMINGS A 25/10/1946 BOURNEMOUTH 
 
BT 372/2561/141 R796560 GOSLING P 24/02/1948 GOSPORT 
  BT 372/2561/142 R796561 BURGESS C 20/05/1947 CLEETHORPES
  BT 372/2561/143 R796562 CONWAY W C 16/08/1947 GLASGOW 
 
BT 372/2561/144 R796563 WILDING M F 10/08/1946 NORTHOLT 
  BT 372/2561/145 R796564 CONNOLLY H 01/07/1947 GLASGOW 
  BT 372/2561/146 R796565 MCROBERTS J 29/06/1946 BELFAST 
  BT 372/2561/147 R796566 HOTCHIN K J 10/07/1947 SOUTH SHIELDS
  BT 372/2561/148 R796567 GARDNER J E 29/12/1947 ENFIELD  
  BT 372/2561/149 R796568 HEPBURN J D 21/09/1947 GLASGOW
  BT 372/2561/150 R796569 MOTTRAM J 13/08/1947 OLDHAM     
  BT 372/2561/151 R796570 CLARKE K J 20/04/1947 WEST HAM    
  BT 372/2561/152 R796572 AGOLINI G J 13/11/1946 GLASGOW     
  BT 372/2561/153 R796573 ANDREWS M A 05/11/1946 TUNBRIDGE WELLS 
  BT 372/2561/154 R796575 CARBERRY G R 20/06/1947 SHERBURN HILL 
  BT 372/2561/155 R796576 DUMBARTON T J 03/12/1947 HIGH WYCOMBE      
  BT 372/2561/156 R796576 MCDERMID G C 06/02/1948 GLASGOW  
  BT 372/2561/157 R796578 LEPPARD A J 05/02/1948 MARGATE   
  BT 372/2561/158 R796579 BROWN A 26/11/1947 ISLEWORTH    
  BT 372/2561/159 R796580 MATASSA G F 06/11/1947 SOUTHPORT     
  BT 372/2561/160 R796581 WRIGHT A 11/09/1947 BOLTON      
  BT 372/2561/161 R796582 WILLIAMS W D 29/11/1947 CARDIGAN     
  BT 372/2561/161a R796584 HOLMES M 24/01/1948 DUNDEE 
  BT 372/2561/162 R796585 DYNES K 15/08/1947 NEWCASTLE   
  BT 372/2561/163 R796586 WOODFORD C J 31/03/1947 TORQUAY
 
 
BT 372/2561/164 R796587 COX J 28/12/1947 GLASGOW 
  BT 372/2561/165 R796588 MACINTOSH D M 08/03/1947 HUNTLEY      
  BT 372/2561/166 R796589 SCOTT P G 06/02/1947 MIDDLESBROUGH     
  BT 372/2561/167 R796590 BARRETT A C 16/09/1946 LIVERPOOL    
  BT 372/2561/168 R796592 HUMPHREYS R J 21/07/1946 KETTERING     
 
BT 372/2561/169 R796594 WEIR J 04/11/1947 GLASGOW   
  BT 372/2561/170 R796596 WILLIAMS J W 19/04/1948 SOUTHPORT 
  BT 372/2561/171 R796597 LOFTHOUSE J T 10/03/1948 LEICESTER      
  BT 372/2561/172 R796598 BEAN L 12/03/1948 LIVERPOOL      
  BT 372/2561/173 R796601 ROGERS P V S 26/08/1946 LAMBETH      
  BT 372/2561/174 R796602 WHELAN J M 28/08/1946 WETHERBY      
  BT 372/2561/175 R796603 HAYDON C 05/05/1947 GUISBOROUGH     
  BT 372/2561/176 R796604 JANICEK P J 19/02/1947 CARLSHALTON    
  BT 372/2561/177 R796605 PARKER I D 27/03/1948 WEST HARTLEPOOL      
  BT 372/2561/178 R796606 ROBERTS J G 02/02/1947 BANGOR     
  BT 372/2561/179 R796607 WHITE G J 02/06/1947 SWINDON 
  BT 372/2561/180 R796609 JONES J R L 01/11/1946 BANGOR   
  BT 372/2561/181 R796610 HALL K F 08/01/1947 WARSOP      
  BT 372/2561/182 R796611 OGLE B S 08/06/1947 ISLINGTON     
  BT 372/2561/183 R796612 MACNEIL F A 09/07/1947 BARRA     
  BT 372/2561/184 R796613 LOUNDS R J 29/09/1947 STOKE ON TRENT      
  BT 372/2561/185 R796614 MALCOLMSON F W 09/12/1946 MORETON      
  BT 372/2561/186 R796616 MILLER T H I 29/03/1947 CARDIFF     
  BT 372/2561/187 R796617 BELLWOOD P F 08/08/1946 HARTLEPOOL    
  BT 372/2561/188 R796618 BUIK R 15/11/1946 DUNDEE      
  BT 372/2561/189 R796619 MCLEAN D J 11/12/1946 SUSSEX      
  BT 372/2561/190 R796620 MORTIMER J F 08/03/1948 PUDSEY      
  BT 372/2561/191 R796621 WILKINSON D E 03/03/1948 WILLINGTON QUAY
  BT 372/2561/192 R796622 STYLES D R 15/01/1947 LIVERPOOL 
  BT 372/2561/193 R796623 O'DONNELL D F 25/09/1946 GLASGOW

 

Jim Barwick seeking Terry Alborough from Norwich. We joined the Vindi on the same day 26/3/56 and sailed together on our first trip (South Africa Star) Blue Star Line.

Also Terry Rackley; we went To school together. He went to the Vindi about July/August 1956.

 

Bernie Martin, R709641 I was at the Vindicatrix during the middle of 1959. Does anyone have any photos of this era.? I would also like to hear from anyone who sailed with me on the : MV Hertford, SS Port Halifax from 1959 through 1961.

 

Mick Spencer. Deck 2/11/53--8/1/54 R603312, From Nottingham. Looking for squad photo, or any one who served same time.

 

Derek E Skelton, Vindi 53/Deck.  R592966. is looking for Vindi squad photo, start date 7/4/53 to 18/6/53.

 

My father Keith Stephenson of Hull R639004 was a Vindi Boy in Oct 54 for six weeks in Catering.  I am trying to find a squad photo if anyone can help please, this would be a great treat and surprise to him and the family. My email is spike1@spike1.karoo.co.uk

 

Brian Loder  R683303 Early '57 Deck, is looking for his old mate Michael Metcalf R683301

 

My father Keith Stephenson of Hull R639004 was a Vindi Boy in Oct 54 for six weeks in Catering.  I am trying to find a squad photo if anyone can help please, this would be a great treat and surprise to him and the family. My email is spike1@spike1.karoo.co.uk

 

 Alec Clarke is looking for anybody was in Deck intake in 09/04/1956-15/06/1956. Sorry, I cannot remember names or hut No.  I have just joined the Association here in N.Z. Discharge Book No. R 653219.

Peter Schofield is seeking Richard (Dick) Winton of Worthing, at the Vindi from 13th March 1950

 

Neil Peek  is looking for a Deck squad photo from mid July 1960, his number was R730257.

 

Richie Bradshaw  was on the Vindi from JAN/FEB/MARCH- 1961 DECK,  and is
looking for anyone to contact him who remembers him at that time, particularly Tommy Morris, Howard Burdett, Tommy Robinson, Dave Taylor and Johnny Brady, who are all in this photo .  Also, anyone who has any photographs from the Great City Smiths of Cardiff Tramper..

 

Maurice Hoadley   is looking for a copy of his Catering Squad Photo of February '57. They would appear to have been a bit thin on the ground at that time,  can anyone out there help him?

 

Bill Cook Catering 21/7 to 29/8/58  R 694044 would like a copy of a group photo, if anyone out there has one.

 

Taff Jones, Catering between Feb - April 1966. Can't remember a group photo for that period. Can anyone help .

 

Brian Howlett was in billet B4 from Aug. till Oct. 1962 his  number was 801 if any one remembers him.  One of his mates was Paul Lemar from Brighton..

 

Lisa Is  looking for a photo of RMS Amazon which her Dad served on 1961-1963. Many thanks.

 

Bill Tucker,  R399116 Deckie Nov 1947 -  Jan 1948, cant remember if we had any squad photos. If we did I would really like to see one.

 

Derek Herbert is looking for Rodney Mills, also known as Bob, who came from Southend but settled in Los Angles.  He was Catering in 1953-54 (maybe he was GSS) and they sailed on the Warwick Castle together in 1956.

 

Colin Newnham Is looking for Bob and 'Kempy' , Vindi '56, taken at Berkeley Castle by Anne, a local girl.

 

Alexander (Sandy) Melville  is wondering if anyone had a class photo for his Catering class. He was there from 20/2/59 until 20/8/59; a photo of that would be great.

 

Ron Kerr  Is looking for information on Albert Sidney Court aka Richard or Dick, said to have been an assistant cook on the Oronsay 1955-57.He enquiring on behalf of Albert's daughter who supplied him with a Discharge Book number which is incorrect. 

 

Terry Doyle  R739451 asks, has anyone a copy of a Deck Squad Photo  Nov.'60-Jan. '61?

 

John Carr  Can anyone assist me with a copy of a squad photo for Catering class 21-3-49 to 13-5-49.

 

Brian Luttman Is  looking for squad photo of  13/10/52 to 2/1/53, his nickname then was "Yank"  

 

 John Armitage.  My Father was at the Vindicatrix in the late forties. He went to sea mainly with Ellerman's and especially with the Wilson Line were he was a Bosun for many years on the Leo, the Carlo and the Salerno. He came ashore in the mid sixties and bought a pub, the Silver Lion in Pennyfields near the West India Dock gate, just along the road from Charlie Browns, and the Blue Posts. Sadly, he was killed in an accident in the early seventies, and is buried at sea. I would very much like to hear from anyone who remembers my Father or who may have sailed with him . Thanks, John Armitage Jnr.

 

On behalf of Keith Sutton - who is my dad.  I know he was an Electrical Engineer and was on Canopic but do not know any dates.  He was born in Sunderland in 1941 and I know was friends/worked with Geoff Chivell.  He also spent some time living in Abingdon in the late 60's/early 70's.  Would love to find out any information about him.

 

 David Ball  writes " I am looking for squad photo for intake 29 Sept to 17 Dec. 1948. I am not sure if we had one taken so if anyone out there has one: HELP, I joined the intake late due to being stuck on the station at Mangotsfield over night so I arrived at the Vindi a day late maybe somebody might remember me ".

 

 Colin Knight, Vindi. Dec.'62-Mar.'63, is looking for  J.Canney, Aberdeen;  W.Holmes, Shipley,Yorks.: Barry Aulton, Walsall, Staffs.: Paul Lloyd, Denbighshire, N.Wales:  K.J. Hetherington, Marazion, Cornwall.: J.Crowther, Saddleworth,Yorks.: B.Hobbins, Cheshunt, Herts.: A.D. Sieracki, Putney, London: Len Duncan, Mansfield, Notts.: Chris Leach, Tilbury, Essex: Walts Rainey, Belfast, N.I.: J.Elliot, Middlesborough:  Tony Singh, Derry, N.I.:  Adam Brown, Morpeth, Northumberland:  Frank Bly, Kings Lynn, Norfolk: Thomas David Begrie, Peterhead, Scot: Graham Ricket, Nottingham: S.Wain, Chesterfield, Derbys: M.Bowen, Ryde, I.O.W.: D.Paull, Bootle, Lancs: Lez Nightingale ,Norwich, Norfolk.
His message to any of the above is  "To any survivors, Good luck, Good health, and if you wanna talk, here I am". 

Note by Bosun:  Most of these names are to be found in Box No. BT372/2518 at the National Archive, Kew.  Here is just a sample, highlighted in red, around Colin's, in blue..  To search for the File No. of your own records, open the Catalogue Reader of the National Archive Website.  You can find some notes of mine on the Archives page of this site.

  BT 372/2518/41 R785260 KIMBER J R M 03/01/1947 NORTH SHIELDS       
  BT 372/2518/42 R785261 BOOTH G 06/07/1946 LYTHAM     
  BT 372/2518/43 R785263 MC GOWN M N 25/12/1945 ROTHERHAM       
  BT 372/2518/44 R785264 BACKSHELL D J 01/05/1946 BECKENHAM 
  BT 372/2518/45 R785268 SINGH A B 13/03/1947 LONDONDERRY       
 
BT 372/2518/46 R785269 ELLIOTT J L 06/02/1947 MIDDLESBROUGH      
 
BT 372/2518/47 R785270 CROWTHER J J 14/06/1945 OLDHAM 
  BT 372/2518/48 R785271 AULTON B 04/11/1946 BIRKENHEAD  
  BT 372/2518/49 R785272 RICKETT G 04/02/1946 NOTTINGHAM  
  BT 372/2518/50 R785273 BLY F 11/02/1946 KINGS LYNN  
  BT 372/2518/51 R785275 LLOYD P 22/11/1946 GRESFORD DENBIGHSHIRE 

 BT 372/2518/52 R785276 KNIGHT C D 25/02/1947 LONDON  

  BT 372/2518/53 R785277 LEACH C R 11/12/1945 TILBURY  
  BT 372/2518/54 R785278 CORNELL A B 23/05/1946 SHOREHAM  
  BT 372/2518/55 R785279 BROWN A P 22/12/1946 RADCLIFFE  
 
BT 372/2518/56 R785280 BOWEN M J 11/05/1945 HEDNESFORD  
  BT 372/2518/57 R785281 HETHERINGTON K J 23/02/1946 REDRUTH  
  BT 372/2518/58 R785283 RAINEY W 02/11/1946 BELFAST
  
 

 

Bill Duncan R614337 Vindi May-June '54 Deck is looking for anyone of his squad, particularly Derek Carter and Don Parker. See my Squad Photo here.  You can contact me via my e-mail address or 07835 300538.

 

Bob Williams, a 1953 Vindi Boy / Vindicatrix - Gravesend Catering Instructor is looking for his course Squad Photo. , July 20th; to August 28th; 1953 - Catering, Hut B 3.

Any assistance would be appreciated by him and replies can be sent via Phil Hughes the East Kent Branch Secretary.