No Blue Funnel Bosun thread /comment can be complete without mention of Hector's Joe Bates.
A diminutive man who joined Hector on the stocks at H&W Belfast in 1950 and left her at the breakers at Kaohsiung in July 1972. My understanding is that he voyaged as Bosun on her throughout that entire period - 22 years in total. His 'leave' was taken between voyages.
Joe was indeed a hard man, but a fair one. Expected no favours and gave none. Much unliked by deck boys, JOSs. SOSs, EDHs and Mates alike he ran his ship with an iron hand. He had a natural affinity with most ABs though and treated them with great respect.
I personally saw him throw the keys at a Chief Officer in some dispute.
It is generally accepted that no deck boy or JOS was ever asked back for a second trip with Joe.
I managed 4 trips with him as AB - including the one, when on his 1st trip to Bangkok following a night with a fairy, he failed to rise to "turn us too " for 0600.
An extraordinary seaman and one who set me fair.
BW
J
