Obituaries 2025
Derek E Houghton
Captain Robert (Bob) Eaton
John Tratt
Alan Hale
Frederick ‘Freddie’ Lloyd
Jim Craig
Eric (Bunny) Hayward
Terry Mitchell
Mrs Queenie Clark (Mastin)
Peter Boult
Captain Nicholas (Nick) Carlton
Marcus James – Commodore Chief Engineer Officer
Nigel Whittaker
Angela Clark (Midgely)
John Probert
Mrs Cyndy Sandum (West)
Captain Malcolm Dudley Rushan
Rosemary (Rosie) Irwin
Dr Katrina Lewis
Captain Robert (Bob) Eaton
John Tratt
Alan Hale
Frederick ‘Freddie’ Lloyd
Jim Craig
Eric (Bunny) Hayward
Terry Mitchell
Mrs Queenie Clark (Mastin)
Peter Boult
Captain Nicholas (Nick) Carlton
Marcus James – Commodore Chief Engineer Officer
Nigel Whittaker
Angela Clark (Midgely)
John Probert
Mrs Cyndy Sandum (West)
Captain Malcolm Dudley Rushan
Rosemary (Rosie) Irwin
Dr Katrina Lewis
I have received the news from Florida, that Dr Katrina Lewis, former Senior Doctor, died on the 2nd December after losing a long battle with cancer. She was 61 years of age.
Katrina was born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1964 and was an exceptional student at school, jumping several grades to gain a place at Medical School when she was still just 16. She then graduated as a Doctor when she was 20 but was too young to qualify so spent a year obtaining a research degree in immunology before working in a number of hospitals in the Cape Town area during the years that followed.
Following the sudden death of her father, she decided that a change was necessary and she joined P&O Princess in 1992, initially as Assistant Doctor and became Senior Doctor 18 months later. Majority of her time was served onboard Royal Princess. She left after spending 11 years at sea in 2003.
Katrina then emigrated to the USA where she decided to specialise in pain management and the treatment of PTSD, becoming a nationally renowned expert in these fields.
In 2015 she was diagnosed with breast cancer but was treated successfully and was in remission until 2020 when the cancer returned in one of her lungs. She retired from medicine in 2022 and spent her last few years living quietly in south Florida.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral.
Katrina was born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1964 and was an exceptional student at school, jumping several grades to gain a place at Medical School when she was still just 16. She then graduated as a Doctor when she was 20 but was too young to qualify so spent a year obtaining a research degree in immunology before working in a number of hospitals in the Cape Town area during the years that followed.
Following the sudden death of her father, she decided that a change was necessary and she joined P&O Princess in 1992, initially as Assistant Doctor and became Senior Doctor 18 months later. Majority of her time was served onboard Royal Princess. She left after spending 11 years at sea in 2003.
Katrina then emigrated to the USA where she decided to specialise in pain management and the treatment of PTSD, becoming a nationally renowned expert in these fields.
In 2015 she was diagnosed with breast cancer but was treated successfully and was in remission until 2020 when the cancer returned in one of her lungs. She retired from medicine in 2022 and spent her last few years living quietly in south Florida.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral.
Derek Warmington
The sad news has been received from Northern Ireland, that Rosie Irwin, former Nursing Officer with P&O Princess, died suddenly on the 2nd November aged 80.
After completing her training at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, Rosie worked in British Columbia, Canada and also in Saudi Arabia before joining P&O Princess in 1978.
Rosie sailed in CANBERRA, ORIANA, SEA PRINCESS and UGANDA before transferring to Princess Cruises for the remainder of her time at sea. She sailed in most of the ships of the Princess fleet before leaving in 1995. Her last ship was CROWN PRINCESS.
After leaving the sea, Rosie worked for the Prison Service for a short period before returning to work in Saudi Arabia.
The funeral will take place at 1:20 pm on Monday the 17th November at Roselawn Crematorium, 127 Ballygowan Road, Crossnacreevy, Belfast, BT5 7TZ.
“In keeping with Rosie’s wishes, there will be no formal service – just a simple opportunity for quiet reflection and to remember her in your own way.
We hope that you can join us afterwards at Rosie’s house to raise a glass of ‘medicine’ in her memory. RSVP to Livvey, 07876 353 107.”
Derek Warmington
After completing her training at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, Rosie worked in British Columbia, Canada and also in Saudi Arabia before joining P&O Princess in 1978.
Rosie sailed in CANBERRA, ORIANA, SEA PRINCESS and UGANDA before transferring to Princess Cruises for the remainder of her time at sea. She sailed in most of the ships of the Princess fleet before leaving in 1995. Her last ship was CROWN PRINCESS.
After leaving the sea, Rosie worked for the Prison Service for a short period before returning to work in Saudi Arabia.
The funeral will take place at 1:20 pm on Monday the 17th November at Roselawn Crematorium, 127 Ballygowan Road, Crossnacreevy, Belfast, BT5 7TZ.
“In keeping with Rosie’s wishes, there will be no formal service – just a simple opportunity for quiet reflection and to remember her in your own way.
We hope that you can join us afterwards at Rosie’s house to raise a glass of ‘medicine’ in her memory. RSVP to Livvey, 07876 353 107.”
Derek Warmington
News has been received that Captain Malcolm Rushan died peacefully on the 28th October. He was 96 and had been in a care home for some time.
After attending the School of Navigation at Warsash in Southampton (now known as the Warsash Maritime Academy) Malcolm joined Port Line as an Apprentice in January 1947. His first ship was PORT FREMANTLE.
Having obtained his Master’s Certificate and having reached the rank of Chief Officer, Malcolm left Port Line and joined the Orient Line as 4th Officer in December 1956. (The Orient Line required that all Deck Officers have a Master’s Certificate).
His first ship was ORONTES and then he went to ORCADES where he was promoted to 3rd Officer. From there, he went to ORION as Junior 2nd Officer and then he spent 9 months as Chief Officer of GARONNE, a Tanker being operated by the Orient Line. In October 1961, he joined ORIANA initially as Senior 2nd Officer and he later became Junior 1st Officer and then 1st Officer. From there to CANBERRA in May 1967, a voyage which was rerouted via the Cape due to the Six-Day War.
After leaving CANBERRA he went to PANDO SOUND as Chief Officer and following a number of short appointments to various ships, he was promoted to Staff Captain in CHUSAN. Malcolm sailed as Staff Captain in ORIANA, NEVASA, UGANDA, SPIRIT OF LONDON and ISLAND PRINCESS, where in 1977 he first sailed as Captain.
Malcolm did not take part in the Falklands campaign, but in 1984 he was Captain of UGANDA when the ship was transporting troops from Ascension Island to the Falklands.
Subsequently, he sailed in SUN PRINCESS and SEA PRINCESS before retiring at the end of 1986.
The funeral will take place at 11:00 am on Tuesday the 2nd December at Salisbury Crematorium, 1 Barrington Road, Salisbury, SP1 3JB. This will be followed by a reception at ‘The White Hart’, Bishopstone, Salisbury, SP5 4AA.
If you plan to attend, please email archer.pda@gmail.com to provide the family with an indication of numbers to expect.
The service will be live streamed for anyone unable to be there in person or those who live abroad. It will be available to view live and for a week after the event. To access this, the live stream details are as follows:
https://wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view
Username:
Password/PIN: 568-7624
Derek Warmington
After attending the School of Navigation at Warsash in Southampton (now known as the Warsash Maritime Academy) Malcolm joined Port Line as an Apprentice in January 1947. His first ship was PORT FREMANTLE.
Having obtained his Master’s Certificate and having reached the rank of Chief Officer, Malcolm left Port Line and joined the Orient Line as 4th Officer in December 1956. (The Orient Line required that all Deck Officers have a Master’s Certificate).
His first ship was ORONTES and then he went to ORCADES where he was promoted to 3rd Officer. From there, he went to ORION as Junior 2nd Officer and then he spent 9 months as Chief Officer of GARONNE, a Tanker being operated by the Orient Line. In October 1961, he joined ORIANA initially as Senior 2nd Officer and he later became Junior 1st Officer and then 1st Officer. From there to CANBERRA in May 1967, a voyage which was rerouted via the Cape due to the Six-Day War.
After leaving CANBERRA he went to PANDO SOUND as Chief Officer and following a number of short appointments to various ships, he was promoted to Staff Captain in CHUSAN. Malcolm sailed as Staff Captain in ORIANA, NEVASA, UGANDA, SPIRIT OF LONDON and ISLAND PRINCESS, where in 1977 he first sailed as Captain.
Malcolm did not take part in the Falklands campaign, but in 1984 he was Captain of UGANDA when the ship was transporting troops from Ascension Island to the Falklands.
Subsequently, he sailed in SUN PRINCESS and SEA PRINCESS before retiring at the end of 1986.
The funeral will take place at 11:00 am on Tuesday the 2nd December at Salisbury Crematorium, 1 Barrington Road, Salisbury, SP1 3JB. This will be followed by a reception at ‘The White Hart’, Bishopstone, Salisbury, SP5 4AA.
If you plan to attend, please email archer.pda@gmail.com to provide the family with an indication of numbers to expect.
The service will be live streamed for anyone unable to be there in person or those who live abroad. It will be available to view live and for a week after the event. To access this, the live stream details are as follows:
https://wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view
Username:
Password/PIN: 568-7624
Derek Warmington
Those of you who knew her will be saddened to learn that Cyndy Sandum died on the 20th October from the effects of a fall in her home. She was 80 years of age.
At the age of 16 in 1961, Cyndy joined Escombe McGrath & Co. Ltd, a P&O Group Company which was the Port Agent for P&O in Southampton. When Escombe’s closed in the early 1970s, the staff, including Cyndy transferred to P&O Cruises.
In 1984 the Medical Department moved to Southampton from London and Cyndy became the departmental secretary, a role which she continued to fill until 2005 when she took early retirement due to ill health.
In retirement she was the Honorary Secretary of the P&O Medical Society (POMS) until 2020.
The funeral will be at 4:00 pm on Friday, the 7th November at Wessex Vale Crematorium, Bubb Lane, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 2 HL. Afterwards, refreshments will be available at the Macdonald Botley Park Hotel, Winchester Road, Boorley Green, Southampton, SO32 2UA.
If you plan to attend, please email dorothea.west06@icloud.com to give the family an indication of numbers to expect.
Derek Warmington
At the age of 16 in 1961, Cyndy joined Escombe McGrath & Co. Ltd, a P&O Group Company which was the Port Agent for P&O in Southampton. When Escombe’s closed in the early 1970s, the staff, including Cyndy transferred to P&O Cruises.
In 1984 the Medical Department moved to Southampton from London and Cyndy became the departmental secretary, a role which she continued to fill until 2005 when she took early retirement due to ill health.
In retirement she was the Honorary Secretary of the P&O Medical Society (POMS) until 2020.
The funeral will be at 4:00 pm on Friday, the 7th November at Wessex Vale Crematorium, Bubb Lane, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 2 HL. Afterwards, refreshments will be available at the Macdonald Botley Park Hotel, Winchester Road, Boorley Green, Southampton, SO32 2UA.
If you plan to attend, please email dorothea.west06@icloud.com to give the family an indication of numbers to expect.
Derek Warmington
I have received the sad news from the Netherlands that John Probert, retired Purser, died in a hospice on the 27th October at the age of 82 after losing a long battle with cancer. He had been living in the Netherlands for a number of years.
John Winston Probert first joined P&O in 1964 as a Writer in ORIANA but left after 3/4 years to get married and emigrate to the USA. Unfortunately, this was not a success and 2 years later he re-joined P&O as a Baggage Steward.
During the years that followed he gained promotion to Assistant Accommodation Supervisor before transferring to Princess Cruises as Accommodation Supervisor. In 1979 he was promoted to Accommodation Officer.
In 1986, he was involved in the recruitment, selection and training of new hotel staff when the on board manning arrangements of the Princess ships were changed. He was promoted to Deputy Purser in SKY PRINCESS IN 1991 and his first appointment as Purser was in PACIFIC PRINCESS.
In 1995/6 he was obliged to take early retirement due to ill health.
A private cremation will take place in the Netherlands on the 1st November attended by family and close family friends only.
Derek Warmington
John Winston Probert first joined P&O in 1964 as a Writer in ORIANA but left after 3/4 years to get married and emigrate to the USA. Unfortunately, this was not a success and 2 years later he re-joined P&O as a Baggage Steward.
During the years that followed he gained promotion to Assistant Accommodation Supervisor before transferring to Princess Cruises as Accommodation Supervisor. In 1979 he was promoted to Accommodation Officer.
In 1986, he was involved in the recruitment, selection and training of new hotel staff when the on board manning arrangements of the Princess ships were changed. He was promoted to Deputy Purser in SKY PRINCESS IN 1991 and his first appointment as Purser was in PACIFIC PRINCESS.
In 1995/6 he was obliged to take early retirement due to ill health.
A private cremation will take place in the Netherlands on the 1st November attended by family and close family friends only.
Derek Warmington
News has been received that Mrs Angela Clark died in August.
As Angela Midgely, she was a Nursing Sister with P&O in the 1960s and sailed in CANBERRA and CHUSAN.
Unfortunately I have no further information other than that the funeral has already taken place.
Derek Warmington
As Angela Midgely, she was a Nursing Sister with P&O in the 1960s and sailed in CANBERRA and CHUSAN.
Unfortunately I have no further information other than that the funeral has already taken place.
Derek Warmington
The news has been passed to me that Nigel Whittaker died on the 13th August at the age of 74.
After attending Cambridge Technical College, Nigel joined P&O as a Purser Cadet in 1970. He subsequently sailed in several of the P&O ships including ORSOVA and also ARCADIA for one of the first seasons of Alaskan Cruising.
He left P&O as an Assistant Purser in 1976 and had a highly successful career in the farming industry in Essex, eventually becoming Chief Executive at West Herts and Essex Farmers’ Co-operative some time in the 1980s. Later he became an independent trader in farm products.
The funeral will take place at 10:00 am on Thursday the 25th September at Dunmow Crematorium, Blatches Farm, Braintree Road, Dunmow, CM6 3AL, Essex.
Derek Warmington
After attending Cambridge Technical College, Nigel joined P&O as a Purser Cadet in 1970. He subsequently sailed in several of the P&O ships including ORSOVA and also ARCADIA for one of the first seasons of Alaskan Cruising.
He left P&O as an Assistant Purser in 1976 and had a highly successful career in the farming industry in Essex, eventually becoming Chief Executive at West Herts and Essex Farmers’ Co-operative some time in the 1980s. Later he became an independent trader in farm products.
The funeral will take place at 10:00 am on Thursday the 25th September at Dunmow Crematorium, Blatches Farm, Braintree Road, Dunmow, CM6 3AL, Essex.
Derek Warmington
I have received the sad news from his wife, Maria, that Marcus James died peacefully at his home in Minehead on the 29th July. He was 81 years old.
After completing a four year engineering apprenticeship with Tangye Hydraulics in Birmingham, Marcus joined the British India Steam Navigation Company (“BI”) as an Assistant Engineer Officer in August 1964. During the years that followed, he sailed with BI in UGANDA, NEVASA, KENYA, CAMELOT, and WAROONGA.
In 1972, he transferred to P&O Passenger Division when NEVASA and UGANDA became part of the P&O Passenger Division fleet. Later that same year he obtained his 1st Class Certificate.
He was promoted to Chief Engineer Officer in 1981 in ISLAND PRINCESS and subsequently sailed as Chief in SUN PRINCESS and SEA PRINCESS before joining the ‘New Build’ team for ROYAL PRINCESS in 1983. He then sailed as Chief Engineer Officer for the Maiden Voyage in 1984.
In 1994 he was appointed to the ‘New Build’ team for ORIANA and then sailed as Chief Engineer Officer of that ship for the Maiden Voyage in 1995.
He was appointed Commodore Chief Engineer Officer of P&O Princess Cruises in November 1996.
Marcus left the company in 1998, having decided to take early retirement.
The funeral will take place at 2.00 pm on Thursday the 28th August at St Andrew’s Church, Wellington Square, Minehead, TA24 5NH.
Refreshments will be available afterwards so if you plan to attend, please email the family at mc.james2018@gmail.com to provide an indication of numbers.
Derek Warmington
After completing a four year engineering apprenticeship with Tangye Hydraulics in Birmingham, Marcus joined the British India Steam Navigation Company (“BI”) as an Assistant Engineer Officer in August 1964. During the years that followed, he sailed with BI in UGANDA, NEVASA, KENYA, CAMELOT, and WAROONGA.
In 1972, he transferred to P&O Passenger Division when NEVASA and UGANDA became part of the P&O Passenger Division fleet. Later that same year he obtained his 1st Class Certificate.
He was promoted to Chief Engineer Officer in 1981 in ISLAND PRINCESS and subsequently sailed as Chief in SUN PRINCESS and SEA PRINCESS before joining the ‘New Build’ team for ROYAL PRINCESS in 1983. He then sailed as Chief Engineer Officer for the Maiden Voyage in 1984.
In 1994 he was appointed to the ‘New Build’ team for ORIANA and then sailed as Chief Engineer Officer of that ship for the Maiden Voyage in 1995.
He was appointed Commodore Chief Engineer Officer of P&O Princess Cruises in November 1996.
Marcus left the company in 1998, having decided to take early retirement.
The funeral will take place at 2.00 pm on Thursday the 28th August at St Andrew’s Church, Wellington Square, Minehead, TA24 5NH.
Refreshments will be available afterwards so if you plan to attend, please email the family at mc.james2018@gmail.com to provide an indication of numbers.
Derek Warmington
Commodore Marcus John James, order of service.
Facebook Post and messages - 14th August 2025
Facebook Post and messages - 15th August 2025
Facebook Post and messages - 17th August 2025.
Eulogy - his son Adam.
Facebook Post and messages - 14th August 2025
Facebook Post and messages - 15th August 2025
Facebook Post and messages - 17th August 2025.
Eulogy - his son Adam.
The sad news has been received from Australia that Captain Nick Carlton died on the 11th July at the age of 72. He had been ill with cancer of the liver for some considerable time.
Nick died, surrounded by his family, at his home in Western Australia. He had lived in Australia for over 20 years.
Nick joined P&O as a Deck Cadet in January 1971 aboard STRATHARDLE having previously attended the School of Navigation at Warsash in Southampton (now known as the Warsash Maritime Academy).
He was to spend his whole career at sea with P&O and Princess Cruises.
At the end of his cadetship in April 1974, he was promoted to 3rd Officer. After a period as 2ndOfficer and obtaining his Master’s Certificate he achieved the rank of 1st Officer in March 1982 and by 1986, he was Chief Officer of PACIFIC PRINCESS. In December 1994 he became Deputy Captain of CANBERRA.
His first command as Captain was PACIFIC PRINCESS in June 2000 and, during the years that followed, he sailed as Captain in most of the Princess ships until his retirement in May 2017 from SAPPHIRE PRINCESS.
The funeral will take place at 2:00 pm (local time) on Thursday the 31st of July in Bowra & O’Dea Chapel, 460 Pinjarra Road, Greenfields, Mandurah, Western Australia. Please follow the link to the Funeral Director’s website for streaming details etc.
Refreshments available afterwards at ‘Sid’s Place’ adjacent to the Chapel.
Derek Warmington
Streaming Link, 'Captain Nicholas (Nick) Carlton - Service Link'
Tributes posted on Facebook, 'Tributes Nick FB'.
Nick died, surrounded by his family, at his home in Western Australia. He had lived in Australia for over 20 years.
Nick joined P&O as a Deck Cadet in January 1971 aboard STRATHARDLE having previously attended the School of Navigation at Warsash in Southampton (now known as the Warsash Maritime Academy).
He was to spend his whole career at sea with P&O and Princess Cruises.
At the end of his cadetship in April 1974, he was promoted to 3rd Officer. After a period as 2ndOfficer and obtaining his Master’s Certificate he achieved the rank of 1st Officer in March 1982 and by 1986, he was Chief Officer of PACIFIC PRINCESS. In December 1994 he became Deputy Captain of CANBERRA.
His first command as Captain was PACIFIC PRINCESS in June 2000 and, during the years that followed, he sailed as Captain in most of the Princess ships until his retirement in May 2017 from SAPPHIRE PRINCESS.
The funeral will take place at 2:00 pm (local time) on Thursday the 31st of July in Bowra & O’Dea Chapel, 460 Pinjarra Road, Greenfields, Mandurah, Western Australia. Please follow the link to the Funeral Director’s website for streaming details etc.
Refreshments available afterwards at ‘Sid’s Place’ adjacent to the Chapel.
Derek Warmington
Streaming Link, 'Captain Nicholas (Nick) Carlton - Service Link'
Tributes posted on Facebook, 'Tributes Nick FB'.
News has been received that Peter Boult died on the 28th May at the age of 85.
Peter never worked for P&O but attended the P&O Pensioners’ Annual Reunion Lunch in Southampton for several years, accompanying his wife Nicolette (Eernink).
In 1970, Peter was a rubber planter in Malaysia on leave in London when he visited his sister, Pipyn Boult who had joined P&O as a Woman Assistant Purser and was living in a hostel awaiting her first appointment to sea. Through her, Peter met Nicolette, a ‘Dutch WAP’ who was also staying in the hostel waiting to go to sea. They remained in touch and were married in 1973.
Peter and Nicolette lived in Malaysia for twelve years and their two children were both born in Kuala Lumpur. They returned to the UK in 1984, following which Peter worked for eleven years as a school bursar at Leighton Park School in Reading. Peter and Nicolette then moved to Devon to enjoy many sea-based activities during Peter’s retirement, including going on numerous cruises, being a watchkeeper for the National Coastwatch Institution and enjoying dinghy sailing.
The funeral will be private.
Derek Warmington
Peter never worked for P&O but attended the P&O Pensioners’ Annual Reunion Lunch in Southampton for several years, accompanying his wife Nicolette (Eernink).
In 1970, Peter was a rubber planter in Malaysia on leave in London when he visited his sister, Pipyn Boult who had joined P&O as a Woman Assistant Purser and was living in a hostel awaiting her first appointment to sea. Through her, Peter met Nicolette, a ‘Dutch WAP’ who was also staying in the hostel waiting to go to sea. They remained in touch and were married in 1973.
Peter and Nicolette lived in Malaysia for twelve years and their two children were both born in Kuala Lumpur. They returned to the UK in 1984, following which Peter worked for eleven years as a school bursar at Leighton Park School in Reading. Peter and Nicolette then moved to Devon to enjoy many sea-based activities during Peter’s retirement, including going on numerous cruises, being a watchkeeper for the National Coastwatch Institution and enjoying dinghy sailing.
The funeral will be private.
Derek Warmington
News has been received that Mrs Queenie Clark died on the 25th April after a short illness. She was 86 years of age.
As Queenie Mastin she joined the Orient Line in the early 1960s as a Female Assistant Purser (FAP) and sailed in ORCADES, but served at sea for only a short period of time.
During the years that followed, she married and had two daughters. She also worked in a Travel Agency for a number of years.
Sadly, her husband died in the late 1990s, but she remarried to Joe Clark, a former Deputy Purser with the Orient Line, who had also been recently widowed.
Joe died in 2019.
The funeral will be at 12 noon on Monday the 2nd June at St Stephen’s Church, Waterloo Road, Tonbridge, TN9 2SW.
Refreshments will be served afterwards so if you plan to attend, please email Queenie’s daughter Alison Melling at mcmu99ajm@gmail.com to give her an indication of numbers to expect.
Derek Warmington
As Queenie Mastin she joined the Orient Line in the early 1960s as a Female Assistant Purser (FAP) and sailed in ORCADES, but served at sea for only a short period of time.
During the years that followed, she married and had two daughters. She also worked in a Travel Agency for a number of years.
Sadly, her husband died in the late 1990s, but she remarried to Joe Clark, a former Deputy Purser with the Orient Line, who had also been recently widowed.
Joe died in 2019.
The funeral will be at 12 noon on Monday the 2nd June at St Stephen’s Church, Waterloo Road, Tonbridge, TN9 2SW.
Refreshments will be served afterwards so if you plan to attend, please email Queenie’s daughter Alison Melling at mcmu99ajm@gmail.com to give her an indication of numbers to expect.
Derek Warmington
Those of you who knew him will be saddened to hear that Terry Mitchell died on the 27th April. He was 85 years of age and died of pneumonia although he had also been ill with cancer for some considerable time.
Terry will be particularly remembered as the Port Operations Manager for P&O Cruises in Southampton for many years.
He began his career with Escombe McGrath and Co Ltd , a P&O Group company, which was the Port Agent for P&O in Southampton. When Escombe’s closed in the early 1970s, the staff, including Terry, were transferred to P&O Cruises to form the Port Operations Department.
He continued in the role of Port Operations Manager until, in the early 2000s, developments internationally identified the need for a role specialising in shipboard security and he moved to this new position, remaining there until his retirement in 2003.
The funeral will be private.
Derek Warmington
Terry will be particularly remembered as the Port Operations Manager for P&O Cruises in Southampton for many years.
He began his career with Escombe McGrath and Co Ltd , a P&O Group company, which was the Port Agent for P&O in Southampton. When Escombe’s closed in the early 1970s, the staff, including Terry, were transferred to P&O Cruises to form the Port Operations Department.
He continued in the role of Port Operations Manager until, in the early 2000s, developments internationally identified the need for a role specialising in shipboard security and he moved to this new position, remaining there until his retirement in 2003.
The funeral will be private.
Derek Warmington
A report has been received belatedly that Eric (Bunny) Hayward died in New South Wales on the 26th April after losing a long battle with lung cancer. He was 87 years old.
Bunny attended the School of Navigation at Warsash in Southampton (now known as the Warsash Maritime Academy) in 1956 before joining P&O as a Deck Cadet. His first ship was PERIM.
At the end of his cadetship he became 3rd Officer of SUNDA in September 1961 and later sailed in SALMARA and CORMORIN as 2nd Officer before joining CANBERRA as Navigator in October 1966.
In 1967 he sailed as 2nd Officer of CHITRAL and then Chief Officer of SOUDAN, CATHAY and PANDO HEAD before leaving in 1971 and emigrating to Australia.
Derek Warmington
Bunny attended the School of Navigation at Warsash in Southampton (now known as the Warsash Maritime Academy) in 1956 before joining P&O as a Deck Cadet. His first ship was PERIM.
At the end of his cadetship he became 3rd Officer of SUNDA in September 1961 and later sailed in SALMARA and CORMORIN as 2nd Officer before joining CANBERRA as Navigator in October 1966.
In 1967 he sailed as 2nd Officer of CHITRAL and then Chief Officer of SOUDAN, CATHAY and PANDO HEAD before leaving in 1971 and emigrating to Australia.
Derek Warmington
News has been received that Jim Craig, former Engineer Officer and Technical Superintendent, died in Miami on the 24thApril at the age of 60 after losing his battle with cancer.
Jim joined in 1980 as a P&O Group Engine Cadet and became an Assistant Engineer Officer with P&O Princess in 1984. During the years that followed he sailed in a number of different ships including ORIANA (1) and SKY PRINCESS as an Engineer Officer and Ventilation Officer.
After leaving and spending a short period with Dolphin Cruises in Miami in 2003, he rejoined P&O Cruises later in the same year as a Superintendent in Southampton and then in 2008 he moved to Princess Cruises in Los Angeles.
In 2014/15 he left P&O Princess and joined Virgin Voyages in Miami until 2022 when he went to Kenter Marine Services until obliged to retire due to ill health.
Jim’s wishes were that there was to be no fuss after his death therefore a very private cremation has already taken place.
Derek Warmington
Jim joined in 1980 as a P&O Group Engine Cadet and became an Assistant Engineer Officer with P&O Princess in 1984. During the years that followed he sailed in a number of different ships including ORIANA (1) and SKY PRINCESS as an Engineer Officer and Ventilation Officer.
After leaving and spending a short period with Dolphin Cruises in Miami in 2003, he rejoined P&O Cruises later in the same year as a Superintendent in Southampton and then in 2008 he moved to Princess Cruises in Los Angeles.
In 2014/15 he left P&O Princess and joined Virgin Voyages in Miami until 2022 when he went to Kenter Marine Services until obliged to retire due to ill health.
Jim’s wishes were that there was to be no fuss after his death therefore a very private cremation has already taken place.
Derek Warmington
The sad news has been received that Frederick ‘Freddie’ Lloyd, retired 1st Radio Officer/1stElectro-Technical Officer, died on Friday the 18th April after a short illness. He was 79 years of age.
After leaving school, Freddie went to London and joined Royal Mail in an administrative position, but soon decided that a career at sea beckoned and he left and enrolled at a Technical College in Scotland where he qualified as a Radio Officer.
He joined P&O as a Junior Radio Officer in 1967/68, but was immediately seconded to Trident Tankers, sailing in ‘MANTUA’.
After returning to P&O, he sailed in various P&O and Princess ships during the years that followed and achieved the rank of 1st Radio Officer in October 1980.
In 1997, Freddie was sailing in ‘CANBERRA’ when the ship was retired from service and he remained for the delivery run to Pakistan where the ship was to be broken up. Following this, he decided to take early retirement.
The funeral service will take place at 11.00 am on Thursday, the 1st May at Chapel of Garioch Parish Church, Aberdeenshire, AB51 5HE. Thereafter to the churchyard.
A Celebration of Life Tea will be held afterwards at Chapel of Garioch Village Hall. If you plan to attend, please email Karin Hill (niece) at Kaz4919@hotmail.com
Derek Warmington
After leaving school, Freddie went to London and joined Royal Mail in an administrative position, but soon decided that a career at sea beckoned and he left and enrolled at a Technical College in Scotland where he qualified as a Radio Officer.
He joined P&O as a Junior Radio Officer in 1967/68, but was immediately seconded to Trident Tankers, sailing in ‘MANTUA’.
After returning to P&O, he sailed in various P&O and Princess ships during the years that followed and achieved the rank of 1st Radio Officer in October 1980.
In 1997, Freddie was sailing in ‘CANBERRA’ when the ship was retired from service and he remained for the delivery run to Pakistan where the ship was to be broken up. Following this, he decided to take early retirement.
The funeral service will take place at 11.00 am on Thursday, the 1st May at Chapel of Garioch Parish Church, Aberdeenshire, AB51 5HE. Thereafter to the churchyard.
A Celebration of Life Tea will be held afterwards at Chapel of Garioch Village Hall. If you plan to attend, please email Karin Hill (niece) at Kaz4919@hotmail.com
Derek Warmington
I bring the sad news that Alan Hale, retired Purser with P&O, died on the 20th of February at the age of 94.
After completing his National Service in the Army where he served in Germany, Alan joined P&O in 1951 as a Junior Assistant Purser in CHITRAL (1).
He spent the whole of his subsequent career at sea with P&O, becoming Deputy Purser in 1959 and finally Purser in 1966 aboard CHITRAL (2). He also sailed as Purser in CHUSAN, ARCADIA, CANBERRA, ORIANA (1), PACIFIC PRINCESS and ROYAL PRINCESS. His last appointment prior to his retirement in 1990 was to SEA PRINCESS.
Alan had always enjoyed gardening and in retirement he became a full-time amateur gardener. He created a beautiful garden and he became passionate about growing clematis, cultivating around 200 of these plants. He periodically opened his garden to the public and was also involved with the local garden society.
His wife Sylvia (Stevens) was a former Nursing Sister with P&O. Sadly, she died in 2018.
Private cremation will be followed by a service of thanksgiving at 1:00 pm on Monday 14th April at St Lawrence Church, 2 Old Manor Gardens, Mickleton, Chipping Campden, GL55 6RZ. Afterwards, there will be a buffet lunch at the Three Ways House Hotel, Mickleton, Chipping Campden, GL55 6SB, a short walk from the church.
The family have requested that those attending come in colourful clothing and wear a garden flower.
If you plan to attend please email: kathrynalees@icloud.com to provide the family with an indication of numbers to expect.
Derek Warmington
After completing his National Service in the Army where he served in Germany, Alan joined P&O in 1951 as a Junior Assistant Purser in CHITRAL (1).
He spent the whole of his subsequent career at sea with P&O, becoming Deputy Purser in 1959 and finally Purser in 1966 aboard CHITRAL (2). He also sailed as Purser in CHUSAN, ARCADIA, CANBERRA, ORIANA (1), PACIFIC PRINCESS and ROYAL PRINCESS. His last appointment prior to his retirement in 1990 was to SEA PRINCESS.
Alan had always enjoyed gardening and in retirement he became a full-time amateur gardener. He created a beautiful garden and he became passionate about growing clematis, cultivating around 200 of these plants. He periodically opened his garden to the public and was also involved with the local garden society.
His wife Sylvia (Stevens) was a former Nursing Sister with P&O. Sadly, she died in 2018.
Private cremation will be followed by a service of thanksgiving at 1:00 pm on Monday 14th April at St Lawrence Church, 2 Old Manor Gardens, Mickleton, Chipping Campden, GL55 6RZ. Afterwards, there will be a buffet lunch at the Three Ways House Hotel, Mickleton, Chipping Campden, GL55 6SB, a short walk from the church.
The family have requested that those attending come in colourful clothing and wear a garden flower.
If you plan to attend please email: kathrynalees@icloud.com to provide the family with an indication of numbers to expect.
Derek Warmington
News has been received that John Tratt, former Coxswain, died on the 2nd February at the age of 79.
John joined P&O in October 1990 and during the years that followed up until his retirement he sailed in CANBERRA, ORIANA (2), VICTORIA and ADONIA.
The funeral will take place at 4:00 pm on Thursday the 6th March at Barham Crematorium, Canterbury Road, Barham, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6QU. Afterwards, refreshments will be available at “The Ship Centurion”, 111 High Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AY.
Derek Warmington
John joined P&O in October 1990 and during the years that followed up until his retirement he sailed in CANBERRA, ORIANA (2), VICTORIA and ADONIA.
The funeral will take place at 4:00 pm on Thursday the 6th March at Barham Crematorium, Canterbury Road, Barham, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6QU. Afterwards, refreshments will be available at “The Ship Centurion”, 111 High Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AY.
Derek Warmington
I have received the sad news of Bob Eaton’s death from his wife, Dinah, who has summarised his life and career as follows:
“Bob was born on 4 April 1940 in Bexleyheath, Kent and attended the London Choir School before joining HMS WORCESTER in May 1955 for two years. This was followed by an Outward Bound Course at Eskdale in the Lake District before joining P&O as a Cadet.
His first ship was BALLARAT followed by SUNDA, ADEN and CORAMANDEL. After obtaining his 2nd Mate’s Certificate he re-joined SUNDA and between 1961 and 1962 had three collisions. Next was ORIANA followed by CHUSAN where he met Dinah, née Hastings. His next ship was IBERIA, then CANNANORE. He and Dinah were married in 1966 and he then joined ORSOVA, followed by dock staff and coastal and short cruises in SURAT, STRATHCONNON and ARCADIA, before spending most of 1968 in IBERIA.
He came ashore in 1968 working for Overseas Containers, based in London but over the next two years spent much of the time in Rotterdam, Antwerp and Tilbury as Ship-Planner. He was later based in Southampton as Manager of OCL’s Australian trade and then Cargo Manager and worldwide trade sales up to 1988.
Back under the P&O Containers flag and in London office, he was Sales Manager and Senior Business Analyst but was made redundant in 1990 so he returned to a life at sea with Geest Line sailing to and from the Caribbean islands carrying general cargo and bananas. This lasted for four years when Geest sold their ships and Bob rejoined P&O Containers but this time at sea on their container ships for three years. On retiring in 1998, he became summer relief Master with Wightlink on their Lymington to Yarmouth route for three years.
After 47 years living in Brockenhurst, Bob and Dinah moved to Milford on Sea overlooking the Solent. 12 years later, after some health problems, they moved to Tring to be near two of their three daughters. With further failing health, Bob went into a care home in November 2024 and he died on January 31st 2025 aged 84.”
Derek Warmington
“Bob was born on 4 April 1940 in Bexleyheath, Kent and attended the London Choir School before joining HMS WORCESTER in May 1955 for two years. This was followed by an Outward Bound Course at Eskdale in the Lake District before joining P&O as a Cadet.
His first ship was BALLARAT followed by SUNDA, ADEN and CORAMANDEL. After obtaining his 2nd Mate’s Certificate he re-joined SUNDA and between 1961 and 1962 had three collisions. Next was ORIANA followed by CHUSAN where he met Dinah, née Hastings. His next ship was IBERIA, then CANNANORE. He and Dinah were married in 1966 and he then joined ORSOVA, followed by dock staff and coastal and short cruises in SURAT, STRATHCONNON and ARCADIA, before spending most of 1968 in IBERIA.
He came ashore in 1968 working for Overseas Containers, based in London but over the next two years spent much of the time in Rotterdam, Antwerp and Tilbury as Ship-Planner. He was later based in Southampton as Manager of OCL’s Australian trade and then Cargo Manager and worldwide trade sales up to 1988.
Back under the P&O Containers flag and in London office, he was Sales Manager and Senior Business Analyst but was made redundant in 1990 so he returned to a life at sea with Geest Line sailing to and from the Caribbean islands carrying general cargo and bananas. This lasted for four years when Geest sold their ships and Bob rejoined P&O Containers but this time at sea on their container ships for three years. On retiring in 1998, he became summer relief Master with Wightlink on their Lymington to Yarmouth route for three years.
After 47 years living in Brockenhurst, Bob and Dinah moved to Milford on Sea overlooking the Solent. 12 years later, after some health problems, they moved to Tring to be near two of their three daughters. With further failing health, Bob went into a care home in November 2024 and he died on January 31st 2025 aged 84.”
Thanksgiving service to celebrate Bob’s life on
Thursday 27 February at 11am
Bierton Crematorium
Cane End Lane, Bierton, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 5BH
followed by a gathering and buffet lunch between 12pm and 4pm at
The Barn, Hulcott Lane, Hulcott, Bierton, Aylesbury HP22 5GA
Please let Dinah know at dinah@b683.net if you plan to come to the gathering.
Donations
Rather than floral tributes, the family have asked for donations to Bob’s chosen charities, more details here.
Live-stream
The service will be live-streamed, you can watch by clicking the link here and logging in with Username: mago8528 and Password: 549303. You can also watch the service for up to 28 days afterwards.
Those of you who knew him, will be saddened to learn that Derek Houghton, former Accommodation Officer, died on the 18th January in Poole Hospital. He was 94 and had been in poor health for some time.
After leaving school, Derek did his National Service in the Army, serving with the 1st Royal Dragoons in Germany.
In 1952 he went to sea as a Steward/Messman in the P&O ship MALOJA. In the years that followed he sailed with a number of different companies including the New Zealand Shipping Company in RUAHINE, and Shaw Savill in GOTHIC. In 1959 he returned to P&O as a Bedroom Steward in ARCADIA and remained with P&O and Princess Cruises for the rest of his career serving at some point in most ships of the fleet.
While serving in ORIANA (1) in 1965 he was promoted to 3rd Steward and later he moved up to become an Accommodation Supervisor until 1979 when this position was upgraded to Accommodation Officer.
In 1982, he was Accommodation Officer on board UGANDA during the Falklands conflict.
His last appointment before he retired was to PACIFIC PRINCESS in 1990.
In his retirement, for a period in the 1990s, he ran his own recruitment consultancy, recruiting staff for the Cruising industry.
The funeral will be private.
After leaving school, Derek did his National Service in the Army, serving with the 1st Royal Dragoons in Germany.
In 1952 he went to sea as a Steward/Messman in the P&O ship MALOJA. In the years that followed he sailed with a number of different companies including the New Zealand Shipping Company in RUAHINE, and Shaw Savill in GOTHIC. In 1959 he returned to P&O as a Bedroom Steward in ARCADIA and remained with P&O and Princess Cruises for the rest of his career serving at some point in most ships of the fleet.
While serving in ORIANA (1) in 1965 he was promoted to 3rd Steward and later he moved up to become an Accommodation Supervisor until 1979 when this position was upgraded to Accommodation Officer.
In 1982, he was Accommodation Officer on board UGANDA during the Falklands conflict.
His last appointment before he retired was to PACIFIC PRINCESS in 1990.
In his retirement, for a period in the 1990s, he ran his own recruitment consultancy, recruiting staff for the Cruising industry.
The funeral will be private.
Derek Warmington
P&O Pensioners
