crossed the bar

Short obituary pieces will be displayed for a limited amount of time. Please supply as many of the details as you can to the Website Bosun

I do rely on the information being given to me, and that which I get from the National Archive at Kew as being correct, but I will always be pleased to make later corrections to any entry which proves to be inaccurate.

For anyone wanting to read the poem by Tennyson which gives the title to this page, click on this link.

Name	Living in	D.O.B.	D.O.D	Vindi Year	Discharge Book No.
James Vennell	Birmingham	2nd June '25	30th Jan '12	'42 D	R260237
Don Wisden	Henfield, W. Sussex	18th Jan. '34	4th Dec. '11	'50 C	R540100
Don Carr	Clarkson, Perth WA	13th Oct. '24	12th Nov. '11	'41 ?	R267440
Sidney Charles Mills	Eltham, London	3rd Nov. '28	Aug. '11	? D	R337530
Trevor Castleton	Lower Hutt NZ	13th June '33	15th Oct. 2011	'50 D	R531727
Alan Bibby	Springbok MN Retirement Home	4th July '34	29th Aug.'11	?	R550836
Maurice Parsons	Coventry	18th May '39	23rd Aug '11	'55 C	R648468
Donald Dolby	Sheringham Norfolk	2nd June ''27	6th July '11	Feb '43 C	R275944
Lawrence Richmond	Harwell, Oxon.	28th April '23	6th June '11	'39 D	R221003
Peter Bennett	UK	7th Sept. '47	12th June '11	'64?	R807760
Frank Brannan	Liverpool	n.a.	1st June '11	'63 D	n.a.
Frank Blacow	Brisbane, Oz	13th June '30	11th June '11	'46 n.a.	R356453
James [Jock] Flynn	Bristol	6th May '34	15th May '11	'51 C	R539791
J. Dave Greenwood	Whakatane, NZ	3rd Jan. '39	30th Mar. '11	circa 56 D	R627094
Peter Dubois	Jersey C.I	7th Jan 1940	18th May '11	'56 C	R648603
John Edward Seed	Grimsby	9th Dec. '38	25th May '11	circa '54 D	R684022
Percy Glew	Selsey, W.Sx.	22nd Sept. '27	23rdApr '11	'45 C	R335346
Allan Kelly	Gold Coast, QLD	20th Feb. '35	7th May '11	'51 D	R565205
Charles A Robinson	'Springbok' MN Retirement Home	n.a.	29th April '11	'63 D	R785354
Norman Richer	Bristol	11th Sept. '26	4th April '11	'44 D	R318442
Brian Jones	Cheshunt, Herts	n.a.	15th Mar. '11	'53 D	n.a.
Albert (Darkie) Knights	Newhaven, Sx.	5th Feb. '32	3rd Mar. '11	'49 D	R510805
Sean McManamon	Wellington, NZ	10th July '43	26th Jan. '11	'59 D	R723370
John Warren	'Springbok' MN Retirement Home, Alford, Surrey	27th June '25	28th Jan. '11	'40 D	R505899
Rod Addy	Goole, Humberside	5th May '41	1st Jan. '11	June '57 C	R674061
Keith Calvert	New Waltham, Lincs.	21st July '47	29th. Dec.'10	'63 D	R789182
Michael Dickinson	Hawkes Bay NZ	16th Sept '41	24th Dec. '10	'57D	R690671
Keith Norman Calvert	n.a.	21st July '47	29th. Dec.2010	'63 D	R789182
George Sears	Brisbane, QLD	n.a.	8th Dec. 10	'49 D	n.a.
Brian Albert Lawson	Ivanhoe, NSW	12th Dec.'37	1st Dec '10	'54 D	R617669
Colin Munden	Whangamatta NZ	16th Dec. '41	20th Oct. '10	'58 D	R690518
Ernie Houston	Deception Bay QLD	15th Dec. '29	29th Sept. '10	'46 D	R347166
Peter Lewis	NSW	9rh Sept '32	11th Sept. '10	'49 ?	R511009
Joe Hughes	Liverpool	8th Jan. '33	24th July '10	'50 C	R535656
Baron Geal	W, Sussex & Spain	19th June '43	7th May '10	'59 D	R706227
Len Wade	Figtree NSW	9th Jan. 1925	14th April '10	'42 ?	R267406
Roger Jewson	Townville Qld	2nd Aug '44	4th April '10	'60 ?	R730278
John E (Ted) Mitten	Vancouver BC	2nd June '33	24th Jan. '10	c '50/'51 D	R532043
Reg Lewis	Auckland, NZ	13th Feb. '31	10th Mar. '10	'47 D	n.a.
John McCowan	Liverpool	2nd Oct. '34	11th Mar. '10	'51 D	R551227
Bryn Williams	Wolverhampton	10th Jan. '38	16th Feb. '10	'54 C	R608592
James Gardner	Lovely Banks, Vic. Oz	1st June '25	6th Sept '09	'43 ?	R275917
John Butcher	Christchurch NZ	20th Aug. '29	6th Jan '10	'46 C	R344789
Alistair Rae	Tottenhoe, Beds.	11th July '33	3rd Jan. '10	Nov. '49 C	R523214
Eddie Lee	Liverpool	28th May '29	23rd Dec. '09	n.a.	R342985
Derek (Bill) Weston	Leicester	17th Aug. '29	11th Nov. '09	Oct. '46 D	R351749
Peter Stearn	Staveley	11th April '28	9th Dec. '09	'45 C	R333046
Dennis Oakley	Grays, Essex	11th Oct. '35	1st Nov '09	'51 C	R576192
W.A. (Bill) Young	n.a.	21st Jan.'31	29th Sept '09	'48 D	R412237
Harry Grewer	Bury, Lancs	27th Sept.. '39	12th Sept. '09	late '56 C	R664547
Jack Ormesher	Bognor ,W.Sussex (formerly of Sydney. NSW.)	25th Feb. '37	4th Sept. '09	'53 D	R593364
Alan Brinklow	Newton Abbot, Devon	3rd Feb. '36	26th Aug. '09	'53 D	R584010
John Nunn	Heritage Estate Toukley NSW.	3rd Feb '26	8th July '09	'42 ?	R262563
Norman Cotton	Chevron Island QLD	14th Sept '40	28th June '09	'56 D	R658284
George Douglas	Rockingham WA	19th Jan. '43	20th June '09	'59 D	R705911
Tommy Collier	Liverpool	11th April '28	4th July '09	c '44 C	R340459
Tony Hayers	Bristol	n.a.	1st July '09	'58 C	R701628
Billy Murdoch	Findhorn, Scotland	n.a.	26th June '09	'62 D	R785233
George Griffiths	'Perff' Western Australia	11th Nov. '35	10th June '09	'52 D	R587571
Robert Leslie Allen	Rainham, Essex	1st May '30	23rd May '09	'47 D	R395329,
Kenneth Monk	Paraparaumu NZ	16th Jan '36	17th May '09	'53 D	R587614
Dennis Prescott	Merseyside	17th June '32	28th Aug. '04	'49 D	R511146
Frdk. Ian Dunn	Manchester	2nd May '33	10th April '09	c '50 C	R548603
Arthur Draper	The Wirral, Chesh.ire	13th May '32	23rd March '09	'49 C	R510931
Gordon Pipe	Chipping Sodbury	21st Oct. 1928	10th March '09	'43 D	R330930
Ernie Bourne	Melbourne, Oz.	1st August '26	21st Jan .'09	'43 C ?	R318223
Harry Breslin	Towradgi, NSW	18th Mar. '27	Early July '08	'44 D	R307379
Peter Hellett	Merryweather, NSW	15th Jan. 1924	5th June '08	'42 C	R260187
Dennis Copley	Doncaster, S Yorks.	31st March '43	4th Feb. '09	'60 C	R730545
Roger Renoud (formerly Frost)	London	26th Oct. '38	1st Feb. '09	'50 D	R621886
*Evan Gryffyth Roberts,*	Rainford, Liverpool	26th June '35	26th Oct. '08	'52 C	R569628
Thos. Kenny Griffiths	Bootle, Liverpool	10th Aug. '29	25th Dec. '08	'45 D	R344719
Peter Drury	Halstead, Essex	26th June '41	Dec. '08	'58 C	R690664
John Cromarty	Fielding N.Z	3rd Oct '25	28th Nov. '08	.43 D	R260259
Maurice Wheeler	Plymouth	na	31st Oct. '08	'47 D	na
Graeme Tetlow	Adelaide, S. Oz	12th April '28	10th Oct. '08	'44 D	R307011
Anthony (Tony)O'Connor	Ottawa, Canada	24th Dec. '40	24th Sept '08	'57 D	R673461

James Vennell

H was a quiet man and never really talked about his service - he went into the Merchant Navy aged 16 1/2 but was later discharged due to failing eyesight and was then in the Royal Artillery. He received the 39-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Italy Star & 39-45 War medal - I have since found all this out as he has a lot of info and memorabilia for that time and his involvement with the TS Vindicatrix Assn. & MNA in later years till around 2002 when his health deteriorated. Geoff Miller

Don Wisden It is with great sadness that the Sussex Branch announce the 'crossing' of Don Wisden, a popular Member of our Branch and of the TSVA. Don's funeral took place at Worthing Crematorium on Thursday 15th Dec. at 2.40p.m. attended by Members of our Branch. Rest in Peace Don.

Robin Hurst

Captain Peter Mobley An instructor at the Vindi in the '60s died on the 15 November after a short illness, His funeral was attended by myself and my wife on the 25th Nov. The cause of death heart and kidney failure

Ken Long, Severn Area Branch

Trevor Castleton

Trevor Castleton's Funeral went off well. It was well attended, and there was a lovely service of remembrance The family had their say, then guests, including Geoff Ward and myself, spoke on behalf of the "Vindi" Boys, and friends. Wendy Hassan spoke too mentioning her mother Val', our Treasurer, who, with Trevor for many years as Secretary, passed away on the 7th of this month. ( Her Funeral was on 11th October). Bill Wilson made a fine speech ending the Obituaries. Many tears were shed. 11 "Vindi' Boys" and their families, attended the service, Six of us where asked to be Pall Bearers and carried Trevor out of the funeral parlour to place the coffin on the hearse, for transport to Akatarawa Crematorium. Rita and myself, along with Geoff Ward, were invited to join the family at the service, before Trevor was taken away inside the Crematorium.

Afterwards we all mustered at the Angus Inn in Lower Hutt for drinks and a 'get together', meeting up with family and friends, and reminiscing about old times. Didn't get home until 9.45pm, and with Geoff, (who was staying overnight with us) didn't get to bed until midnight. We took him to W'gton airport for his flight back to Auckland for 1030, then visited Beverley, her Son and Granddaughter, at Stokes Valley, before returning to Levin. We were quite exhausted at the end of the day. So we fare welled another well liked, staunch member, of the Vindicatrix Association, and a very good personal friend of ours. He will be remembered fondly.

John Oswick

Donald Dolby. The service will be at St Peter`s Church Sheringham Thursday 21st July at 1400 hrs, followed by cremation at Norwich Crematorium at 1530 hrs.

Lawrence Richmond It was with sadness that I learnt of the passing of Lawrence, an 'original' Vindiboy, one of those who started his course at Gravesend and transferred to Sharpness upon the outbreak of WW2.

Lawrence turned up at a Sharpness Reunion a few years ago, having found us on the internet. By then he was fairly frail but I was delighted to sign him up for Membership, and thereafter get copies of his MN Service Records from the National Archives. These records showed that he had a break in service, during which time he had served with the Australian Army

Robin, Website Bosun

Frank Blacow

13 June 1930 – 11 June 2011

Frank by name and frank by nature he always used to say.

Born in Manchester into a large family where times were tough and the father was hard on the children, they soon moved north to Lytham St Anne’s near Blackpool when Dad was 4 years old and where his mother ran a boarding house, Dad was always wagging from school so his mother sent him to a boarding school, Stanthwaite in the Lake District of England.

As we all know Dad was a larger than life character often described as a lovable rouge, and even at the tender age of 14 realised that the world could offer him more than staying at school and being educated, he considered life an education in itself. To this end Dad left school and went to enrol in the merchant navy lying about his age to get in. He conducted his training on the training vessel the T.S Vindicatrix in 1944 and then duly set sail on merchant ships for the next 2 years.

In 1946 Dad decided that it was time he was moving on so on a visit to the Port of Auckland NZ, proceeded to jump ship and go AWOL, he made his way to Dunedin where the authorities caught up with him a short time later and he was sent back to Auckland where he spent 30 days in prison, it is not clear what transpired thereafter but some time was spent working as a wharfie unloading ships at the docks, the story he has often told was of other wharfie’s telling him to slow down as they would all have to work at his pace if the bosses got wind of it, he duly complied as he suspected his health depended on it.

The next significant person to come into his life was a young lady by the name of Isla McMillan whom he meet while in Auckland, they courted and in due course were married and moved to Dunedin, NZ where the first of 3 children Karen arrived in 1954 followed by a second child Brent in 1956, by this time Frank had an upholstery business in a small township outside of Dunedin in Green Island, this is where the seeds of his love for wheeling and dealing began to grow. Other business ventures ensued over the next few years including a stint as a sales representative selling children’s books and soft toys. He had developed a flair for the entrepreneurial.

In 1961 the third and last child Robert, myself arrived, it was about this time that Dad realised an ambition to sing and perform on stage and became involved in the Dunedin Opera Company where he performed the lead role in the Beggars Opera, from here he moved into staging and directing other Operas as he could see and had an eye for stage setting to best showcase operas for the benefit of the audience.

It was also about this time that his marriage to Isla came to an amicable end. A little while later a new person came into his life through opera and singing, Janet Lindsay McFarlane whom we all know as Lindsay. The romance blossomed and soon Lindsay became part of the family. Several businesses later and a few more years have gone by Dad decided that it was time he got back to his roots and in August of 1974 uplifted the family with the exception of Karen whom was now living away from home while nursing, and we moved to England. In true Frank style we didn’t fly to England, it became the life on the ocean waves he had previously been accustomed to and we sailed in an ex migrant ship, the Australia to England via Fiji, through the Panama Canal on to Southampton, a trip that took 32 days.

Kim Cohen QLD

Peter Dubois

We were born two months apart myself being the older and grew up together in Jersey, both educated at the same school,choir boys at St Andrews Church First Tower and we were in the Cubs, Boy Scouts & Sea Cadets together. We built our own Go Karts raced them down Mont Cochon Hill and Dirt Track Bikes with no brakes, racing them on the beach.

On leaving school we both worked at Le Riche and entered the MN in 1956 training at the Vindicatrix. Once trained' we sailed on the best Liners around. This was the time when the British MN ruled the world and Britain built the finest ships the likes of which we will never see again.

Peter was a very good friend and his funeral was held on the 27th May with the MN flag over his coffin

Peter leaves a widow and one son. R.I.P. Geoffrey Le Marquand

Ted Kelly Vindi No. 3116 It is my sad duty to have to inform you that our Liverpool Branch member Ted Kelly crossed the Bar for the last time, last month and his Funeral took place at Blacon Crematorium, Blacon, Chester. on Tuesday, 5th April. Unfortunately I was too ill to attend the ceremony, but the Liverpool Branch was ably represented by our member Bob Roberts who was a close friend of Ted's for over sixty years, They grew up together in the Crosby area of Liverpool, they first met at the age of approx 14 years,they sailed together, they both married and still remained close friends, untjl Ted's daughter some years ago had a Granny Flat built onto their property and Ted and his wife moved to Chester. They still remained in touch and Ted used to travel to Crosby every Friday night to meet up with Bob at a local club for a game of Snooker. This went on until Ted became too ill to make the journey. Ted was 82 years of age and I think Bob is a year younger. Needless to say Bob is bereft.

Ted was a regular attender at our meetings and will be sady missed by all hands .

Don Crellin.

Norman Richer The funeral arrangement for our late shipmate '44 Deckie Norman Richer are as follows; At 12:30 hours, Wednesday 13th at the Westerleigh Crematorium, Westerleigh Road, Westerleigh, Bristol BS37 8QP. The family would love if the TSVA were represented. They would also be welcome to the 'wake' which has not yet been arranged. Robin, Website Bosun

Brian Jones Member Brian passed away on Tuesday 15th March 2011,at home and had heart failure, (Coroners report), The Funeral will be held on Thursday 24th March 2011, from the family home at No.22 Bury Green Road, Cheshunt, Herts., at 10.30, Vindi Branch Members will be attending, and the Red Ensign supplied from the Branch as requested, Brian was a 1953 Vindi Boy (D)

Ernie Ayres.
Sean McManamon

Sean John Francis McManamon, ex Vindicatrix, Autumn 1959.

Sean's first job was as 'peggy' on the Hertford, and I first met him when we were both O.S. on the Hurunui. We sailed on other ships together, and eventually talked each other into coming to New Zealand in 1964.

Sean was always a very determined character. He sat for and passed his Second Mate's ticket in late 1964, and went on to get his Masters several years later. He was First Mate on many Union Co of NZ ships, his favourite ship being Union Auckland. He was Master on the Maui A and B projects.

Sean's other interest was property, which he accumulated in Wellington and led to his retiring from sea-going at the age of 42. So his properties could look after him.

Sean never forgot his roots, and was always ready to help someone down on their luck. He died of Myeloma on 26 January, 2011, leaving his son John and daughter Vanessa (both living in London) as well as many seagoing friends and others. Sean will be greatly missed by all.

Arthur Woolard

George Sears

Vindi Boy 1949 George Sears was a Member of the Vindi Qld Branch from 2002 till 2008 when he resigned due to ill health. George and his wife Vi both went into Nursing Home sometime in 2008. George as I believed had a brain tumour and over the last couple of weeks developed Pneumonia and crossed the Bar on Wednesday 8th December 2010. Besides his Wife, George had no other families in Australia other than a Daughter living in the UK. George was privately cremated on Friday 10th December 2010 and his ashes will be scattered at sea sometime later. George will be remembered by Vindi Qld when we place his name on our Memorial Plaque.

Kim Cohen, QLD Sec

Peter Lewis

Sorry to have to tell you that NSW Vindi member Peter Lewis -V 1949- died on Saturday last (11/09/2010) at 5pm of Pneumonia.

Peter had suffered ill health since going down with prostrate cancer whilst attending a Vindi reunion at Sharpness 3 or 4 years ago, he had a stroke about 2 years ago which left him disabled and he moved into a nursing home as his health continued to deteriorate. His funeral will be held at 1pm at St. Ann's Church, Avalon. Sydney

Terry Hales

Joe Hughes

It is my sad duty to report the demise of our Liverpool Branch member Joe Hughes who crossed the bar on the afternoon of Saturday 24th August 2010, having lost his fight against cancer. Joe was a highly respected member of the branch and will be sadly missed by all of us. Joe's funeral took place on Monday 2nd August at 1.30 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Norris Green, Liverpool. It was a mark of the esteem in which Joe was held that the little Church was packed to the rafters by his friends, neighbours, and friends from the Merseyside Seafaring fraternity. It just remains for me to say Bon Voyage old friend, may your winds be fair and your seas calm, Sheltered by the Rock of Ages, Anchored by the Golden Shore. God Bless

Don Crellin

Baron Geal

The Sussex Branch have learnt with regret the passing of their former Member. After he had retired, Baron and his wife Angie bought a large Winnibago RV in which they spent the winter months living in Spain, but every Spring they would return to the UK and it was to make regular visits to the Reunions at Sharpness. Having only just returned to the UK Baron went of for a walk in the woods with their dog, from which he didn't return.. Our condolences to Angie, sons Graham and Allan and their families.

Baron's funeral took place on Friday 21st May at the Worthing Crem. on the A24 not far from Ashington, where he grew up. The chapel was packed for the short service of committal, but thereafter we gathered at the New Life Church in Durrington for a Service of Thanksgiving.

Robin Hurst, Sussex Branch

Roger Jewson I have received sad news yesterday that I have to pass on to all Vindi Members that Vindi Boy 1960 Roger Jewson has crossed the Bar on 4th April following a Brain Tumour which was diagnosed in January 2010. Prior to this, Roger had already suffered from Throat and Lung Cancer. According to his wishes, Roger's ashes will be scattered at Cleveland Bay, Townville Qld at 10am on Saturday 24th April with a Service to celebrate his life. I was also told that little paper boats have been made to sail along with his ashes. Kim Cohen

John (Ted) Mitten I first met Ted Mitten in New Zealand, he was D.B.S after damaging his knee. Back in the UK we kept in touch although he lived in Brighton and I in London. I would go down on day trips or sometimes, a weekend where a good time was had by all. I later moved to Brighton which made things easier.

We lost touch for a while when Ted moved to Canada and I went back to London, 30yrs later we managed to make contact again. We met up when Ted and his wife came over to the UK on business and we stayed in contact by phone and PC until he left us for good in January. I lost a very good friend.

Mick Branch

John McCowan John was a long established member of the Liverpool Branch, he crossed the bar for the last time on Thursday 11th March 2010 after a long illness. His funeral took place on Wednesday 17th March at Bootle Cemetery. The Branch was well represented with many members attending. John was at the Vindi in the Deck Department from end of February until May 1951. He was at sea for many years and after he came ashore he worked as a Docker on the Liverpool Docks. Eventually, he did a night school course in Carpentry and took up model making, mainly ships. He once told me that he had spent some years working for a boat builder in Spain, helping to build yachts which he was required to deliver to clients all around the Mediterranean. Eventually, he returned to his native Liverpool and once again turned his hand to making model ships. John was an immensely private man and well respected amongst our little group. He will be sadly missed by all.

Don Crellin

Bryn Williams

I'm saddened to report the death of Bryn Williams, R608592, he was an active member of the TSVA and also a founding member of the Wolverhampton Branch of the M.N.A. Bryn Williams (1954 C) Died 16th February 2010 from small cell cancer. His funeral will be attended by ex Vindi Boys, Standards and Members of the M.N.A.

Peter Clarke (4027)

James Gardner

Late news reaches us via the NSW Branch Newsletter of the death of James (Jim) Gardner. Jim passed away suddenly at home on September 6, 2009 with Betty and his beloved family by his side, and was a man who never stopped thinking of himself as being a Vindiboy.

John Butcher

John died on the 6th Jan. suffering from cancer. The funeral took place on the 14th Jan and was attended by 20 S. Island Vindiboys from the S. Island, also his good mate Harry Walker from N. Island. In later life he was a big drainage contractor and was a real good guy helping anybody out if they came to him.

Robin, Website Bosun

Alistair Rae

Alistair, although born in Aberdeen, lived at Tottenhoe in Bedfordshire with his wife, Sheila; was a 1949 Catering trainee at the Vindi. He regularly attended the quarterly meetings of the Bedfordshire Branch of the TSVA; enjoyed the annual Sharpness reunion, travelling down on the Saturday morning and stopping for breakfast at Cirencester 'Tesco'. Alistair crossed the bar on 3rd January 2010 following a short illness.

Terry Smith, Bedfordshire Branch Sec.

Eddie Lee It is my sad duty to report the news that Eddie Lee of Liverpool Crossed the Bar for the last time during the early hours of Wednesday the 23rd of December. Eddie was a well respected member of the Liverpool Branch and a regular attendee at our meetings. Eddie celebrated his 80th birthday on the 25th May 2009. He was at the Vindi in the Catering Department circa 1945,

His two main passions in life after his family were Family History and Boating, He spent hours researching his antecedents and helping other people to research theirs. Over the years he and his brother Joe owned several boats of the Liverpool Nobbie type and the brothers were extremely well known to everyone on the Liverpool waterfront. On at least one occasion they sailed a Nobbie to France where they entered the Canal System and made their way to the South of France via the various waterways and then did the return journey back to Liverpool.

Eddie's funeral was held at Saint James's Church, Marsh Lane, Bootle, Liverpool. at 10.00am on Thursday the 31st December. Despite the fact that it was a very cold winters morning there were about 300 mourners there to pay their last respects. The sheer numbers indicate above all else the esteem in which Eddie was held.

Don Crellin (Liverpool Branch Secretary).

'Bill Weston' I have been contacted by the daughter of 'Bill' Weston to tell me of his death in November. In 2007, I noted that she was continually getting out-bid in her efforts to get a copy of Vindicatrix on E-Bay. I contacted her through that site and offered a spare copy of one I had in return for a donation to the TSVA. This was done and her father was put in touch with the Midlands Branch, where he enjoyed his final years of being able to 'swing the lamp' once more.

Robin-Website Bosun

Peter Stearn The death has been announced of Peter Stearn, a former Chairman of the TSVA Executive Committee, after a long struggle against cancer. Peter was always a keen supporter of the Vindi Movement and of Merchant Navy veterans, particularly with those who were involved in the D Day Landings.

Peter's funeral will be in Staveley Church, near Chesterfield on Monday, December 21st; at 1430 hours

Jack Ormesher The Sussex Branch announce with deep regret the loss of our Member, Jack, who although born in Australia, came to the UK as a 10 year old and trained at the Vindi. in '53. I know that Jack had many Vindi contacts in Oz, particularly in QLD.

Those who can make it, are invited to Jack's funeral which will be held at 11.00 on Thursday 17th Sept. at Chichester Crematorium

Our condolences go the Jenny and their children in their sad loss.

Robin Hurst

Norman Cotton, Tina, wishes us to wishes to announce the death of her father Norman Cotton of Chevron Island, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia, who formerly resided on Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand and was originally from Oldham, Manchester, England.

He was well known on the New Zealand coast as was his close friend and fellow shipmate Bobby Kidd. He first shipped out of Liverpool, his first voyage being to West Africa. Later on the Manchester Liners from Salford. He joined the New Zealand Coast in the 1960’s and made it home for the next 40 years only recently moving to Chevron Island on Queensland’s Gold Coast to retire. He was actively involved with the Seaman’s Union for many years. He retired from the sea in the early nineties to take care of two of his younger sons. A keen fisherman, gambler and famous in his circles for his storytelling, singing and drinking. On a beautiful day anywhere in the world he loved to swim and felt at peace in or near the sea. He married, had five children and ten grandchildren. He was an incredible father, friend, seaman and was generous and kindhearted especially to those in need. He was loyal and loved to say ‘True to the mast, true to the last’. He loved to make people laugh and we recall him singing songs like ‘Codeine Annie’ and reciting poetry like Gunga Din and Sam Mcgee. Proud of his working class background and sense of justice for the underprivileged. He acknowledged his faults and tried hard to right any wrongs. He was very good looking with a smile and a presence that would light up a room. His family is devastated to lose him but so very grateful to have known, loved, and shared his life.

Some of the ships he sailed on from my own memory off hand – Manchester Fame, Athel Viscount, Kuaka, Amokura, Fetu Moana, New Zealand Pacific, Auckland Express. There were a few Manchester liners, Oil tankers, Union Steam Ship. His favourite Ports were Liverpool and Montevideo.

Tina Cotton

George Douglas Once again it is my sad duty to report the “crossing the bar” of another of our shipmates. George drowned while checking on his yacht which was moored in Rockingham. George was truly “A man of the sea” he loved mucking about in boats and had even spoken about maybe circumnavigating the globe. George will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to his wife Dana and his family.

Tony Harben, Vindi WA

Tommy Collier was a staunch member of the Liverpool Branch TSVA was sent on his last voyage via Landican Crem` yesterday, Wed 22/7/09. A strong contingent of our Branch went to see him on his way. It was a very moving ceremony, the chapel full to capacity. Tom, I think was 79 yrs old and was at the Vindi early 1946, Catering. I believe cause of death was Asbestosis.

Ron Jones, No. 2355.

Billy Murdoch R785233 Vindicatrix 1962-63 Deck Crossed the Bar 26-6-09 At sea all his life, his home town was Findhorn in the NE of Scotland, a great shipmate of mine.

Billy's funeral will be at Smith and Catto's Funeral Home, Clovenside, Forres, Scotland at 10:30 on 6 July.

A humanist will talk about Bill's life. He went to the Vindi Xmas 62-63, he was going to go on Catering but his two brothers talked him out of it, (it was a little more than a talk) they were also at sea. His first ship was the Corinthia. Ii met Bill when we were both S.O.S's on the Suevic 12-2-65, and after that trip, we took our E.D.H in Hull where we paid off and passed. After celerbrating, we spent the night in jail for our own safety and signed back on as E.D.H's. We then we joined the Icenic for two deep sea runs and my last trip with him was on the Port Albany. In between trips i went to his home in Findhorn and he came to mine in Birmingham. It was great going ashore with Bill because the girls flocked around him so we were never short of a date
When I found about the Vindi Reunions and computers 5 years ago I decided to look for Bill and I found him last year His wife told me he was very ill with prostrat and bowel cancer so my son and I went up to visit we had a good couple of days swinging the lamp but i could see he wasn't well.

I'm hoping to get up to Forres to say my farewells. Bill stayed at sea all his life and received his pension, but wasn't able to enjoy it; very very sad.. R.I.P Billy

Clancy Twine, Vindi 1963 Deck R788576

George Griffiths

George was a private man who didn’t like people fussing over him, although he did have a wonderful sense of humour, “Vindi Boys” world wide would have read his “George ere from Perfff” mail and enjoyed his jokes and yarns. George loved his time at sea and this is obvious when visiting his home which has many photographs and drawings of the ships he served on. In latter years he came to love a game of lawn bowls where he and his team became W.A. champions.

George will be sadly missed but happily remembered by us all. Rest In Peace mate.

LEST WE FORGET.

The funeral service is being held on Tuesday June 16^th. 2009, at Season’s Funerals, 401, Wanneroo Road, Balcatta W.A. at 1500HRS.

As his wife Bette requested NO EMAILS to be sent to her home, I would be happy to receive any and would pass them on to Bette. rob_marge@e-wire.net.au

Tony Harben. President, T.S. Vindicatrix Association of Western Australia Inc.

Robert Leslie Allen

My Dad, Robert Leslie Allen passed away on Saturday 23rd May 2009 aged 79. He known as Lofty or Bob. He was Deck rained and served on the following ships (in this order.

Medway Queen PS
Vindicatrix TS
Largs Bay
Cape Verde 15/03/1948 - 28/06/48
Ocean Vagrant
Millais
Magdelena
Beaversford
Orantes
Labrador 10/12/51 - 15/03/52
Gascony
Moreton Bay
Dunedin Star
English Prince
Brittainy
Tamaroa
Cymric
Esso Purfleet
Esso Stockholm

He never stopped swinging the lamp or telling us about his "3 weeks on one wave". I had the pleasure of growing up listening to hours of tales about his travels and exploits and of taking him to the Vindi reunion at Sharpness last year (2008).His time on Cape Verde and Labrador earned him the UK Merchant Seafarers Veteran's Badge and I will wear it with great pride at his funeral. We will miss you Dad.

Peter Allen

Ken Monk

It is with regret that I have to advise you that Kenneth John Monk "Crossed the Bar" on Sunday 17th May 2009. Ken was born in Bishops Stortford, Herts and was at the Vindi in 1953 as a deck trainee. His first ship was the Capetown Castle. He came ashore in New Zealand in 1958 where he worked for a firm of decorators until 1965 then with Chubb NZ until made redundant in 1996. He was a member of the Central (NZ) Branch TSVA.

A gathering to celebrate Ken's life will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel 9-11 Hinemoa St., Paraparaumu at 11am Friday 22nd May 2009.

Our deepest condolences go to his daughter Treena, son Graeme, son-in-law Gary and his five grandchildren. Ken's wife Vilma predeceased him.

He will be sadly missed by his Vindi mates.

Trevor Castleton

Dennis Prescott

Dennis died in 2004 but unfortunately no one was aware of his having crossed the bar until just recentlywhen his daughter who is married and living in Holland contacted me to try and obtain some relevant information about the time her late Dad spent away at sea.

Dennis was at the Vindi in 1949 in the Deck department and made his first trip in Elder Dempster's M.V. Accra

From Liverpool to the West Coast of Africa. As the deceased was not known to me there is little more I can add except to say farewell, may your winds be fair and your seas tranquil.

Don Crellin

Arthur Draper

The funeral of Arthur Draper aged 76 years took place at Landican Cemetry in Birkenhead on Tuesday the 31st March 2009.

    Arthur was at the Vindi in Catering Department in 1949, he spent several years at sea, most of which were as a Steward with Cunard sailing out of Liverpool on the Western Ocean run to New York. On leaving the sea he spent several years Shrimp fishing out of Parkgate were he lived. In the later years he became a self employed jobbing builder until his retirement and indeed continuing for sometime after his official his retirement.

    Although he joined the TSVA in 1994 , he was already an established member of the Wirral Branch of the Merchant Navy Association, consequently he did not join the Liverpool Branch of the TSVA choosing instead to stay with the Wirral MNA for whom he acted as their Standard Bearer, a task he undertook for many years, and what a fine figure of a man he was dressed in all his regalia. I used to meet up with him and have a chat at the annual Merchant Navy Day Service and Parade.

    Farewell old shipmate, may your seas be calm and your winds be fair, anchored off the golden shore, sheltered by the Rock of Ages.

Don Crellin

Gordon Pipe

Regular attendees of the Annual Reunions at Sharpness will be saddened to learn of the death of Gordon Pipe, he was a staunch supporter of myself and the association and served for a period as Chairman for some of our Branch Secretary meetings. With Tony Hayers, he was responsible for the setting up of the Bristol Branch and was involved with it until it closed due to being unable to find someone to take it on. He attended the ceremony at our Monument each year for MN Day, laying a wreath for the Branch. A really nice guy who will be sadly missed.

Roy Derham

Ernie Bourne

Although not a Member of the TSVA, but thought to have been a Vindiboy, read a write-up of Ernie's career in entertainment by clicking on this link to Wikipedia and also this one on 'The Age' website

Robin, Website Bosun

Harry Breslin

Harry who for the past few years lived in a nursing home at Towradgi just north of Wollongong died early July 2008, I only heard the other day from a neighbour son who works at the home, he was the one who introduced me to Harry last year.

I brought Harry along to a few of our Branch meetings until he became too weak to take out, he did tell me about his time at sea but I can’t recall the names of ships now or other details. After his arrival in Australia he was for many years a travelling salesman for a big grocery wholesaler, a job that he really liked as loved to travel and meet people.

Harry's Discharge Book was stolen in a robbery some years ago and he was really pleased when Robin Hurst (Vindi HQ) was able to get him copies from Kew last year. A widower for many years, he had three daughters and grandchildren in the Wollongong area.

Terry Hales NSW Branch

Peter Hellett

. R260187 -Peter was a 1942 Vindi Boy hailing from Brighton. He was a founder member of our branch and attended branch events until his health took a turn for the worse, he also used to send lots of MN related cuttings for the newsletters. I never got to learn about his WW2 days.

He was badly injured in the 1989 Newcastle earthquake being trapped in the car park under the Workers Club for several hours, he was the last person to be rescued alive from there. His health never really was good after that and he took up residence in the Salvation Army Home at Merrywether, he was always full of praise for the way the home looked after him and the other residents.

our branch will send $100 to the Salvos in his name as a token of his appreciation

Terry Hales, NSW Branch

Don Crellin

Return to Home Page

T.S. Vindicatrix

Association HQ