Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucy Knight
Dart S
I expect you are aware that the Eagle Oil tankers which Shell had share in, in early days, and took over early 60s changing their names yo nes of Shells are all listed on Shell Helderline site. The Eagle oil tankers were prefixed with San. If you access Shell Helderline site, click on tankers top left, then click on S they should be listed along with some names on crew lists. Kess Helder who owns site, and joined SH a few days ago, also has private collection of more photos and Fleet News.
Also if your late father was on any Western Approaches convoys they were controlled from early 40s from Derby House Liverpool. All the names of ships I believe are on wall. Original room where they plotted on huge map still there along with map.just google Derby House Western Approaches combined convoy control Liverpool. Plenty of photos. I believe the communication equipment was restored in recent years. Original 1930s building outside. Offices above ground but wartime convoy control bunkers with 8' concrete ceiling still there.
There are also convoy reports uploaded on internet. I have spotted the names of Shell tankers and Eagle oil ones on them
|
Thanks for the info Lucy. I have been on the Helderline site, and posted some information on behalf of my Dad when he was still with us. I also contributed images of the Shell tankers Cardium and Simnia. I tried to get Dad to see the Western Approaches Museum, but his health wouldn't let him travel any more. He was in Liverpool a number of times, unloading aviation spirit, (at Stanlow I think.) I shall certainly visit there myself, though.
Dad left the sea after the War, mainly through some health issues, and probably what is known today as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, although he would never have admitted it. He had a young family to see grow up, and so took up a position in his family's business, but after a few years went back to the London River and worked for the PLA. He finally took a Skipper's job on a pleasure cruiser in Torquay in 1970, and had the time of his life. If his health had been more robust after the War, he would have certainly stayed with Eagle Oil and passed the exam he had studied for to pass his Masters' Ticket. He finished the War sailing as Second Mate, and was on the first tanker into Cherbourg after it was liberated, the Empire Traveller. He joined San Veronico after that, but had to go into hospital in New York for an operation related to some internal damage done when he was sunk in the Empire Norseman.
Cheers.