Quote:
Originally Posted by Morwr54
Hi Pat, Yes I had heard that nickname (Binman) before, not sure how he came by that name, Tommy Hogan left after my first deep sea voyage on the Rhexenor to be replaced by Joe O'Neil, in my mind one or peerhaps the best bosun that I had the pleasure to sail with, his Brother George was bosun on one of the Victory Ships at the time. Bill Sumners' Brother Bert, was bosun on the Automedon but left under a cloud, for what reason I do not know. I can remember the pair meeting up in Sydney when his brother (Bert) was bosun of the Flowergate and lying alongside at Millers Point, they had a hell of a session, I will say no more. Bruce.
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One thing about Blueys Bruce, they had many memorable bosuns.
Some I remember are the aforementioned Jock Sutherland who I coasted with six or seven times. When I was peggy, Jock used to give me a ten bob note and send me up the road in Glasgow to get him a small bottle of Scotch, and "keep the change sonny", which I used to spend on a sausage toastie in the Black Cat cafe in Linthouse. He came to a tragic end, somehow falling into the dock on his way back to the ship from the Caradoc on sailing night.
Another was Jack Cleary, a giant of a man from Wicklow, and his cousin Paddy Procter. then there was Ned Phillips, an amiable old Welshman who looked and dressed, like a sheep farmer, which he apparently was when home on leave.
Vic Blower was the bosun who introduced paint rollers to Blue Flue. he actually went ashore in Hong Kong and bought a dozen rollers and trays. The mate was astonished when the crew painted the whole of the prom deck in one day.. Vic later became shore bosun in Birkenhead.
I think the best bosun I ever sailed with was Bob Parsons, a "Newfie" who was a real seaman and as strong as a bull.
There were many more, some good, some tyrants, but all were excellent seamen.
Regards,
Pat
