I have received the sad news that David Gillmon died on 23 December at the age of 85.
After qualifying as a Radio Officer, David joined Marconi Company Limited in 1956 and was appointed to the ‘QUEEN OF BERMUDA’ owned by Furness Withy. He sailed in that ship until its withdrawal from service in 1966 when he was transferred to ‘ORIANA’.
At that time, the Radio Officers of the former Orient Line ships were employed by Marconi Company Limited and this continued until 1970 when they were offered a transfer to P&O. David remained in ‘ORIANA’ and left P&O in 1984 as Chief Radio Officer.
After a period working ashore, David returned to sea in 1986, initially with Channel Island Ferries and later with European Ferries/P&O Ferries, where he was an Electro-Technical Officer. He retired in 2002.
Funeral details are still awaited.
Derek Warmington
After qualifying as a Radio Officer, David joined Marconi Company Limited in 1956 and was appointed to the ‘QUEEN OF BERMUDA’ owned by Furness Withy. He sailed in that ship until its withdrawal from service in 1966 when he was transferred to ‘ORIANA’.
At that time, the Radio Officers of the former Orient Line ships were employed by Marconi Company Limited and this continued until 1970 when they were offered a transfer to P&O. David remained in ‘ORIANA’ and left P&O in 1984 as Chief Radio Officer.
After a period working ashore, David returned to sea in 1986, initially with Channel Island Ferries and later with European Ferries/P&O Ferries, where he was an Electro-Technical Officer. He retired in 2002.
Funeral details are still awaited.
Derek Warmington
I have been asked by her husband to send out the following message about Renske:
“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Renske Matthew (nee Gaus) on 26th November 2022 at the age of 78.
Renske joined P&O-Orient Lines in 1966 as part of a group recruited from The Netherlands as Woman Assistant Pursers (WAP). She sailed, firstly as a WAP and later as a Hostess, in ‘HIMALAYA’, ‘CANBERRA’ and ‘IBERIA’. In 1969 Renske played a central role in two promotional tours among European communities living in Australia, extolling the virtues of sea travel. She is survived by Richard, whom she married in 1971, and their two children Marije and Timothy.
The funeral is private.“
Derek Warmington
“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Renske Matthew (nee Gaus) on 26th November 2022 at the age of 78.
Renske joined P&O-Orient Lines in 1966 as part of a group recruited from The Netherlands as Woman Assistant Pursers (WAP). She sailed, firstly as a WAP and later as a Hostess, in ‘HIMALAYA’, ‘CANBERRA’ and ‘IBERIA’. In 1969 Renske played a central role in two promotional tours among European communities living in Australia, extolling the virtues of sea travel. She is survived by Richard, whom she married in 1971, and their two children Marije and Timothy.
The funeral is private.“
Derek Warmington
More sad news. I have learnt that John Thow died of cancer on 2 December at the age of 74.
From 1965 to 1969, John attended the School of Navigation Warsash as an Engine Cadet. In 1966 he was the Cadet of the year and was awarded the Dr Ryniker Memorial Award.
From 1965 to 1969, John attended the School of Navigation Warsash as an Engine Cadet. In 1966 he was the Cadet of the year and was awarded the Dr Ryniker Memorial Award.
In his time with P&O John sailed on Bendigo, Pandocove, Strathconnan, Oronsay, Uganda, Oriana, Sea Princess & Canberra. He left P&O as a 2nd Engineer Officer in 1981, his last ship being Canberra.
After leaving P&O he joined Jersey Power Station where he rose to become the Senior Engineer Manager. He retired in 1998 and moved back to Scotland.
The funeral will take place at 3.30 pm on Tuesday 13 December at Masonhill Crematorium, Ayr, KA6 6EN. The service will also be streamed through the internet.
The website link for the live stream is as follows,
Web Site: Watch.Obitus.com
User name: geco1329
Password: 967849
Derek Warmington
After leaving P&O he joined Jersey Power Station where he rose to become the Senior Engineer Manager. He retired in 1998 and moved back to Scotland.
The funeral will take place at 3.30 pm on Tuesday 13 December at Masonhill Crematorium, Ayr, KA6 6EN. The service will also be streamed through the internet.
The website link for the live stream is as follows,
Web Site: Watch.Obitus.com
User name: geco1329
Password: 967849
Derek Warmington
I bring the sad news that William “Willie” Constantine died on 2 December at the age of 91 after a short illness.
Willie undertook pre-sea training at the Nautical College “HMS CONWAY” before joining P&O as a Deck Cadet in 1948. During the years that followed, he sailed in both Cargo and Passenger ships.
He joined the Royal Naval Reserve in 1953, eventually achieving the rank of Commander and awarded the Reserve Decoration.
In 1957 while serving as 2nd Officer of “ARCADIA”, he met his wife, Jean (Childs) who was a Stenographer (Assistant Purser) on board.
Willie left P&O as 1st Officer in 1960 and initially became a Lecturer in navigation at the King Edward VII Nautical College in Stepney before entering the field of Protection and Marine Insurance with A Bilborough & Co Ltd until his retirement in 1996.
The funeral will take place at 11.00 am on Tuesday 20 December at St Leonard’s Church, Church Lane, Pitcombe, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0PE. Afterwards, refreshments will be available at Hadspen Village Hall, Lime Kiln Lane, Hadspen, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7LW.
Derek Warmington
Willie undertook pre-sea training at the Nautical College “HMS CONWAY” before joining P&O as a Deck Cadet in 1948. During the years that followed, he sailed in both Cargo and Passenger ships.
He joined the Royal Naval Reserve in 1953, eventually achieving the rank of Commander and awarded the Reserve Decoration.
In 1957 while serving as 2nd Officer of “ARCADIA”, he met his wife, Jean (Childs) who was a Stenographer (Assistant Purser) on board.
Willie left P&O as 1st Officer in 1960 and initially became a Lecturer in navigation at the King Edward VII Nautical College in Stepney before entering the field of Protection and Marine Insurance with A Bilborough & Co Ltd until his retirement in 1996.
The funeral will take place at 11.00 am on Tuesday 20 December at St Leonard’s Church, Church Lane, Pitcombe, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0PE. Afterwards, refreshments will be available at Hadspen Village Hall, Lime Kiln Lane, Hadspen, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7LW.
Derek Warmington
I bring the sad news that Darren Vass died of cancer on the 8th November at the age of 54.
After serving an apprenticeship in electrical engineering, Darren joined P&O Princess as an Electrical Officer in 1992. His first ship was CANBERRA.
In 1995 he joined the build team of ORIANA, sailing on the maiden voyage as 2nd Electrical Officer and by 2004 he had progressed through the ranks to become a Staff Electro-Technical Officer (SETO).
In 2007 he was part of the build team of VENTURA and sailed on the maiden voyage, before performing the same role in AZURA in 2009.
He left P&O Princess in 2012 to become the Chief Electrician of the Superyacht AZZAM prior to her entering service in 2013 and he remained with that ship until 2021 when illness intervened.
The funeral has already taken place.
Derek Warmington
After serving an apprenticeship in electrical engineering, Darren joined P&O Princess as an Electrical Officer in 1992. His first ship was CANBERRA.
In 1995 he joined the build team of ORIANA, sailing on the maiden voyage as 2nd Electrical Officer and by 2004 he had progressed through the ranks to become a Staff Electro-Technical Officer (SETO).
In 2007 he was part of the build team of VENTURA and sailed on the maiden voyage, before performing the same role in AZURA in 2009.
He left P&O Princess in 2012 to become the Chief Electrician of the Superyacht AZZAM prior to her entering service in 2013 and he remained with that ship until 2021 when illness intervened.
The funeral has already taken place.
Derek Warmington
I pass on the sad news that Michael (Mike) Apps died on 29 October, aged 85, in Chichester. He had not been well for 18 months and finally passed away due to Covid and pneumonia.
Mike was an Engineer Officer with P&O who joined in 1957 and sailed in various ships, including CHUSAN and SURAT. His last ship was HIMALAYA, where he met Deanna (Tatchell), an Assistant Purser, who became his wife. After leaving the sea in 1963, he worked in the oil and gas industry as an Inspection Engineer until his retirement in 2005.
The funeral will take place at 1.00 p.m on Monday 14 November at St George's Church, Church Lane, Eastergate, Chichester, PO20 3UX.
Derek Warmington
Mike was an Engineer Officer with P&O who joined in 1957 and sailed in various ships, including CHUSAN and SURAT. His last ship was HIMALAYA, where he met Deanna (Tatchell), an Assistant Purser, who became his wife. After leaving the sea in 1963, he worked in the oil and gas industry as an Inspection Engineer until his retirement in 2005.
The funeral will take place at 1.00 p.m on Monday 14 November at St George's Church, Church Lane, Eastergate, Chichester, PO20 3UX.
Derek Warmington
The sad news has been received that Beverley (Bev) Newman died on 28 September at the age of 81.
Bev was a Junior Assistant Purser and later Assistant Purser with P&O from 1961 to 1965. His first ship was ‘Stratheden’ in March 1961 and he later sailed in ‘Canberra’, ‘Arcadia’, ‘Orcades’ and ‘Iberia’. He left P&O in May 1965.
After leaving the sea, Bev had a varied career and, at the time of his retirement, he was an Auctioneer.
The funeral will be at 2.00 pm on Tuesday 25 October at Bridport United Reform Church, East Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3LJ. Afterwards there will be a Reception at ‘The Ropemakers’, 36 West Street, Bridport, DT6 3QP.
The funeral service will also be streamed through the internet and the link is as follows:
https://www.funeralstreamingservice.co.uk/beverely-newman
The password is: Tuesday
Derek Warmington
I have received the sad news that Michael (Mike) Oldfield died suddenly on Saturday 1 October at the age of 72.
Mike joined P&O Cruises in Southampton in mid 1993 as Director, Hotel Services. He had begun his career with Shaw Savill but prior to joining P&O he was Managing Director of Sutcliffe Catering South East. He left in mid 1995 after ‘Oriana’ had entered service.
Derek Warmington
Mike joined P&O Cruises in Southampton in mid 1993 as Director, Hotel Services. He had begun his career with Shaw Savill but prior to joining P&O he was Managing Director of Sutcliffe Catering South East. He left in mid 1995 after ‘Oriana’ had entered service.
Derek Warmington
News has been received from New South Wales, Australia, that Roger Wickins died on 20 September at the age of 84.
Roger attended the pre-sea Training College ‘HMS Conway’ from 1954 to 1956 before joining the Orient Line as a Purser Cadet. He remained at sea until 1963 by which time he had risen to the position of Tourist Purser (Senior Assistant Purser). His last ship was ORONSAY.
After leaving, Roger emigrated to Sydney where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant before spending several years working in Hong Kong. He returned to Sydney permanently in 1979.
In retirement, he lived in Avalon Beach, New South Wales.
The funeral is private.
Derek Warmington
Roger attended the pre-sea Training College ‘HMS Conway’ from 1954 to 1956 before joining the Orient Line as a Purser Cadet. He remained at sea until 1963 by which time he had risen to the position of Tourist Purser (Senior Assistant Purser). His last ship was ORONSAY.
After leaving, Roger emigrated to Sydney where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant before spending several years working in Hong Kong. He returned to Sydney permanently in 1979.
In retirement, he lived in Avalon Beach, New South Wales.
The funeral is private.
Derek Warmington
'Aidan Graham Husband of Margery, Father to Jeremy and Fergus. Passed away at his home Brownside, Alston on 29th November 2018. Family funeral was held on Wednesday 12th December."
Aidan was 87 at the time of his death.
Information from, The Journal (Newcastle).
Aidan was 87 at the time of his death.
Information from, The Journal (Newcastle).
I have received the sad news that Dorothy Fothergill died on the 12th July at the age of 75. She had been in a care home for some time although she had been hoping to move back to her own home shortly.
Dorothy joined the P&O West End Passenger Office as a secretary in 1963/4. She subsequently progressed to become the secretary to various members of senior management and P&O Group main board directors, including the Company Secretary. She left P&O in the late 1970s/early 1980s after also spending a period with P&O Ferries.
After leaving, she worked for the St John’s Ambulance Brigade and later at a girl’s school.
Funeral details are not known.
Derek Warmington
Dorothy joined the P&O West End Passenger Office as a secretary in 1963/4. She subsequently progressed to become the secretary to various members of senior management and P&O Group main board directors, including the Company Secretary. She left P&O in the late 1970s/early 1980s after also spending a period with P&O Ferries.
After leaving, she worked for the St John’s Ambulance Brigade and later at a girl’s school.
Funeral details are not known.
Derek Warmington
The sad news has been received that Michael (Mike) Smart died peacefully on Tuesday 24 May at the age of 82.
Following two years at the “HMS Worcester” nautical college from 1955 to 1957, Mike joined Prince Line as a Deck Cadet in 1957. He then left Prince Line in 1960 and joined P&O as an Assistant Purser, initially sailing in “Chusan”. During the years that followed he rose through the ranks to become Purser before leaving in 1976. The ships he served in include “Cathay”, “Canberra”, “Arcadia”, “Oriana”, “Himalaya”, “Orcades”, “Iberia” and “Oronsay”. His last ship was “Island Princess”.
After leaving the sea, he moved to Edinburgh to be the manager of a pub called “The Shambles”. Shortly afterwards, he was approached by Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC), headquartered in Athens, to be responsible for mobilising camps for their construction workers throughout the Middle East.
During his time with CCC, Mike bought a couple of yachts and, shortly after, set up Smart Yachts, a yacht charter business, running the business out of Corfu. He eventually built up a small fleet.
In 1997, Mike returned to the UK and set up Smart Yachts International as an agency for other yacht charter businesses both private and publicly owned in the Mediterranean.
A Thanksgiving Service will be held at 3.15 pm on Friday 17 June at the New Forest Crematorium, Stern Lane, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 5FH.
If you plan to attend, can you please let the family know by sending a message to adrianblackwell@hotmail.co.uk to give them an indication of numbers.
Derek Warmington
Following two years at the “HMS Worcester” nautical college from 1955 to 1957, Mike joined Prince Line as a Deck Cadet in 1957. He then left Prince Line in 1960 and joined P&O as an Assistant Purser, initially sailing in “Chusan”. During the years that followed he rose through the ranks to become Purser before leaving in 1976. The ships he served in include “Cathay”, “Canberra”, “Arcadia”, “Oriana”, “Himalaya”, “Orcades”, “Iberia” and “Oronsay”. His last ship was “Island Princess”.
After leaving the sea, he moved to Edinburgh to be the manager of a pub called “The Shambles”. Shortly afterwards, he was approached by Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC), headquartered in Athens, to be responsible for mobilising camps for their construction workers throughout the Middle East.
During his time with CCC, Mike bought a couple of yachts and, shortly after, set up Smart Yachts, a yacht charter business, running the business out of Corfu. He eventually built up a small fleet.
In 1997, Mike returned to the UK and set up Smart Yachts International as an agency for other yacht charter businesses both private and publicly owned in the Mediterranean.
A Thanksgiving Service will be held at 3.15 pm on Friday 17 June at the New Forest Crematorium, Stern Lane, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 5FH.
If you plan to attend, can you please let the family know by sending a message to adrianblackwell@hotmail.co.uk to give them an indication of numbers.
Derek Warmington
I have received the sad news that Rowena Crookes died on 11 May after losing a long battle with cancer. She was 74 years of age.
Rowena joined P&O in the West End Passenger Department in the late 1960s, initially in a secretarial role, before spending several years as the Personal Assistant to Len Stuckey, the Agency Sales Manager. She then became Deputy Group Sales Manager until she left P&O in the late 1980s/early 1990s.
Funeral details are still awaited.
Derek Warmington
Rowena joined P&O in the West End Passenger Department in the late 1960s, initially in a secretarial role, before spending several years as the Personal Assistant to Len Stuckey, the Agency Sales Manager. She then became Deputy Group Sales Manager until she left P&O in the late 1980s/early 1990s.
Funeral details are still awaited.
Derek Warmington
The sad news has been received from his wife Berenice, that Dennis Blurton died on 3 May following a short illness. He was 95 years old.
Dennis joined P&O as an Assistant Purser in 1952 and his first ship was ‘Mooltan’. During the years which followed, he rose through the ranks to Purser and left in 1972. His last appointment was as Purser of ‘Orsova’.
His favourite ship was ‘Arcadia’ where he and Berenice had first met in September 1960 when she was a passenger travelling from Australia to UK.
After leaving the sea, Dennis joined the news broadcaster ITN where he was their House Services Manager for fifteen years until his retirement in 1988.
The funeral will take place at 12 Noon on Friday, 20 May at St Dunstan’s Church, High Street, Mayfield, East Sussex, TN20 6AB.
Derek Warmington
Dennis joined P&O as an Assistant Purser in 1952 and his first ship was ‘Mooltan’. During the years which followed, he rose through the ranks to Purser and left in 1972. His last appointment was as Purser of ‘Orsova’.
His favourite ship was ‘Arcadia’ where he and Berenice had first met in September 1960 when she was a passenger travelling from Australia to UK.
After leaving the sea, Dennis joined the news broadcaster ITN where he was their House Services Manager for fifteen years until his retirement in 1988.
The funeral will take place at 12 Noon on Friday, 20 May at St Dunstan’s Church, High Street, Mayfield, East Sussex, TN20 6AB.
Derek Warmington
I have received the sad news that Dr Hugh Larkin died on the 1st April at the age of 79 and I have been asked to publish the following announcement on behalf of his family:
“Hugh worked for P&O for about 8 years in the 1960's on board mainly ‘Chusan’ and ‘Canberra’ as a Radio Officer before leaving the sea, changing direction and taking up medicine where he had a 39 year career in cardiology at the Harrogate District Hospital.
He loved his time with P&O and the sea in particular and took many cruises with his family.
His funeral took place in Harrogate on the 19th April 2022.”
Derek Warmington
“Hugh worked for P&O for about 8 years in the 1960's on board mainly ‘Chusan’ and ‘Canberra’ as a Radio Officer before leaving the sea, changing direction and taking up medicine where he had a 39 year career in cardiology at the Harrogate District Hospital.
He loved his time with P&O and the sea in particular and took many cruises with his family.
His funeral took place in Harrogate on the 19th April 2022.”
Derek Warmington
I have only just received the sad news that Patrick ‘Pat’ Reid died on 31 March at the age of 79 in Benowa, Gold Coast, Australia. He died of sepsis arising from advanced gall bladder cancer.
Pat joined P&O as a 1st Class Waiter in ‘Orcades’ in March 1962. He later moved into the Bars, and during the years that followed, he worked his way up to become Bars Manager in October 1976 aboard ‘Arcadia’. He left P&O Princess in 1992, his last appointment being to ‘Crown Princess’.
The funeral took place on 8 April.
Derek Warmington
Pat joined P&O as a 1st Class Waiter in ‘Orcades’ in March 1962. He later moved into the Bars, and during the years that followed, he worked his way up to become Bars Manager in October 1976 aboard ‘Arcadia’. He left P&O Princess in 1992, his last appointment being to ‘Crown Princess’.
The funeral took place on 8 April.
Derek Warmington
News has been received from his daughter that Edmund ‘Ted’ Armstrong died on 7 April at the age of 94.
Ted joined the Orient Line in 1949 as an Assistant Purser and was initially appointed to ‘Orontes’ He later also sailed in ‘Empire Orwell’ before leaving the sea in 1952.
Aboard ‘Orontes’ he met his wife Joy Roberts who was also an Assistant Purser, having previously served in the WRNS.
After their marriage, Ted joined Reservations in the Orient Line Office in the West End and after the merger with P&O in 1960, he moved to BI in Aldgate as Deputy Passenger Manager. In 1967, he moved back to P&O and became Supervisor, European Area, before leaving in 1975.
The funeral will be private.
Derek Warmington
Ted joined the Orient Line in 1949 as an Assistant Purser and was initially appointed to ‘Orontes’ He later also sailed in ‘Empire Orwell’ before leaving the sea in 1952.
Aboard ‘Orontes’ he met his wife Joy Roberts who was also an Assistant Purser, having previously served in the WRNS.
After their marriage, Ted joined Reservations in the Orient Line Office in the West End and after the merger with P&O in 1960, he moved to BI in Aldgate as Deputy Passenger Manager. In 1967, he moved back to P&O and became Supervisor, European Area, before leaving in 1975.
The funeral will be private.
Derek Warmington
I have received the sad news that Ken Wallis died on 24 March at the age of 89.
Ken joined the Orient Line in or around 1952 as a Plumber, sailing in ‘Empire Orwell’, ‘Otranto’ and ‘Orcades’ before leaving the sea in 1960. He then joined R H Green and Silley Weir, ship repairers, in Tilbury working on board the P&O and Orient Line ships during their annual refits, etc.
He left there in 1968 and joined P&O performing a similar role in Southampton, and then in 1970 he was seconded to Three Quays Marine (a P&O Group Company) where he worked exclusively on New Builds as a Plumbing Inspector.
After starting with ‘Spirit of London’, North Sea Ferries ‘Norland’ and ‘Norstar’ and a number of P&O CL vessels he worked on most of the Princess Cruises New Builds during the years that followed. He continued in this role until his retirement in 2001 at the age of 69.
The funeral will take place at 11.00 am on Tuesday 19 April at Thames View Crematorium and Cemetery, Gravesend Road, Shorne, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 3JH.
Derek Warmington
Ken joined the Orient Line in or around 1952 as a Plumber, sailing in ‘Empire Orwell’, ‘Otranto’ and ‘Orcades’ before leaving the sea in 1960. He then joined R H Green and Silley Weir, ship repairers, in Tilbury working on board the P&O and Orient Line ships during their annual refits, etc.
He left there in 1968 and joined P&O performing a similar role in Southampton, and then in 1970 he was seconded to Three Quays Marine (a P&O Group Company) where he worked exclusively on New Builds as a Plumbing Inspector.
After starting with ‘Spirit of London’, North Sea Ferries ‘Norland’ and ‘Norstar’ and a number of P&O CL vessels he worked on most of the Princess Cruises New Builds during the years that followed. He continued in this role until his retirement in 2001 at the age of 69.
The funeral will take place at 11.00 am on Tuesday 19 April at Thames View Crematorium and Cemetery, Gravesend Road, Shorne, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 3JH.
Derek Warmington
David Alan Rushforth (2)
An Ode to David Alan Rushforth (1951-2022)
An Ode to David Alan Rushforth (1951-2022)
News has been received from NSW, Australia that David Alan Rushforth died of lung cancer on 27 February at the age of 71.
Alan, as he was always known, served an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner at Harry Peers Steelworks in Bolton, Lancashire. He then went to sea as an Assistant Engineer Officer with Furness Withy but left and joined P&O as a 4th Engineer Officer in 1974. His first P&O ship was ‘Canberra’ and he later also sailed in ‘Arcadia’.
He remained with P&O until 1978 and, following his marriage, he emigrated to Australia in 1979.
In Australia, he initially worked as a maintenance engineer at Toohey’s Brewery in Sydney before spending several years as a Technician with Dynavac Vacuum Pumps. In 2004, he established his own Vacuum Pump Repair and Service Company (REP-VAC).
A celebration of Alan’s life will be held at the Windsor RSL, 36 Argyle Street, South Windsor, NSW, from 12.30pm on Friday 25 March.
Derek Warmington
Alan, as he was always known, served an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner at Harry Peers Steelworks in Bolton, Lancashire. He then went to sea as an Assistant Engineer Officer with Furness Withy but left and joined P&O as a 4th Engineer Officer in 1974. His first P&O ship was ‘Canberra’ and he later also sailed in ‘Arcadia’.
He remained with P&O until 1978 and, following his marriage, he emigrated to Australia in 1979.
In Australia, he initially worked as a maintenance engineer at Toohey’s Brewery in Sydney before spending several years as a Technician with Dynavac Vacuum Pumps. In 2004, he established his own Vacuum Pump Repair and Service Company (REP-VAC).
A celebration of Alan’s life will be held at the Windsor RSL, 36 Argyle Street, South Windsor, NSW, from 12.30pm on Friday 25 March.
Derek Warmington
A copy of a local press report has been forwarded to me advising that Geoff Pappin died in Mousehole, Cornwall on the 22nd February. He was in his seventies.
Geoff was a 1st Plumber with P&O Princess in the 1970s and early 1980s.
For many years, Geoff was a prominent crewmember of the RNLI Mousehole and Penlee Lifeboat and was also a Harbour Commissioner.
I regret that I have no further information.
Derek Warmington
Geoff was a 1st Plumber with P&O Princess in the 1970s and early 1980s.
For many years, Geoff was a prominent crewmember of the RNLI Mousehole and Penlee Lifeboat and was also a Harbour Commissioner.
I regret that I have no further information.
Derek Warmington
Catharine Hooper (2)
I have received the sad news that Jane Hyde passed away peacefully in Southampton, surrounded by her family, on Thursday 10th February following a long illness. She was 76 years of age.
Jane worked in Switzerland and Jersey before training with the Post Office as a Telephonist. She then joined P&O in 1973 and sailed as a Telephonist in Chusan, Arcadia, Oriana and Canberra until 1986.
After leaving P&O, Jane worked for Marks and Spencer plc until her retirement.
The funeral will be private.
Derek Warmington
Jane worked in Switzerland and Jersey before training with the Post Office as a Telephonist. She then joined P&O in 1973 and sailed as a Telephonist in Chusan, Arcadia, Oriana and Canberra until 1986.
After leaving P&O, Jane worked for Marks and Spencer plc until her retirement.
The funeral will be private.
Derek Warmington
News has been received from his daughter Sarah, that Paul de la Motte Harrison died in Worthing Hospital on the 5th February at the age of 97.
The following has been received from Fiona Hann and I have decided to quote this in its entirety:
“It is with much sadness that I share the news that Paul passed away last weekend, after a short spell in hospital as a result of a fall.
It was a fairly young Paul who joined P&O in 1949 as a “Probationary” Junior Assistant Purser, after he was discharged in 1946 from his service in the Royal Navy which he had joined as a Wireman and worked his way up to Lieutenant in charge of his own Landing Craft - 7069.
After a spell in Chusan, Paul then went on to Canton and Mooltan and recounts his time such as stamping passports to Verdi’s “Anvil “Chorus” and even explaining to passengers that the melons served on board were so fresh as they were grown in the Captain’s garden located between the two funnels!
The link below takes you to a wonderful article that he shared about his life “Behind the Purser’s Desk”
https://www.linerdesigns.com/paul-mh
He left in 1952 to work ashore with Duncan Wallet & Co the Ship’s Chandlers.
Paul has maintained contact with many of his counterparts in P&O – pensioners and passengers, and was also companion to my mother, Elaine Buy (Burton), for more than 20 years, joining me for several cruises whilst I was working on board the MV Victoria in the late 90’s.
He maintained an interest in his naval past including as the penultimate Chairman of the LST & Landing Craft Association and Editor of the Kedge Hook magazine. More recently with Project 71 who also assisted him in writing his memoirs during his time in the Royal Navy, “Seven Years”.
Paul has left a huge void in the life of his family but will always be fondly remembered.
Fiona Hann”
Funeral details are still awaited.
Derek Warmington
The following has been received from Fiona Hann and I have decided to quote this in its entirety:
“It is with much sadness that I share the news that Paul passed away last weekend, after a short spell in hospital as a result of a fall.
It was a fairly young Paul who joined P&O in 1949 as a “Probationary” Junior Assistant Purser, after he was discharged in 1946 from his service in the Royal Navy which he had joined as a Wireman and worked his way up to Lieutenant in charge of his own Landing Craft - 7069.
After a spell in Chusan, Paul then went on to Canton and Mooltan and recounts his time such as stamping passports to Verdi’s “Anvil “Chorus” and even explaining to passengers that the melons served on board were so fresh as they were grown in the Captain’s garden located between the two funnels!
The link below takes you to a wonderful article that he shared about his life “Behind the Purser’s Desk”
https://www.linerdesigns.com/paul-mh
He left in 1952 to work ashore with Duncan Wallet & Co the Ship’s Chandlers.
Paul has maintained contact with many of his counterparts in P&O – pensioners and passengers, and was also companion to my mother, Elaine Buy (Burton), for more than 20 years, joining me for several cruises whilst I was working on board the MV Victoria in the late 90’s.
He maintained an interest in his naval past including as the penultimate Chairman of the LST & Landing Craft Association and Editor of the Kedge Hook magazine. More recently with Project 71 who also assisted him in writing his memoirs during his time in the Royal Navy, “Seven Years”.
Paul has left a huge void in the life of his family but will always be fondly remembered.
Fiona Hann”
Funeral details are still awaited.
Derek Warmington
More sad news. Clive Melsom died on the 13th January after a short illness at the age of 72.
Clive joined P&O as a Purser Cadet in in 1967. His first ship was ‘Oronsay’ and during the years that followed he also sailed in ‘Canberra’, ‘Arcadia’ and ‘Himalaya’. His last appointment before leaving the sea was as Deputy Purser of ‘Uganda’ in 1977.
After leaving the sea, he became a Cruising/Travel Consultant.
Funeral arrangements are still awaited.
Derek Warmington
I have just been advised of the sad passing of Symon aged only 52.
Symon Jeffrey, who worked as a coxswain on the old Royal and Island, and also later as a Fitness Director onboard various ships, recently passed away aged 52.
There follows some comments from Facebook.
David Jewkes, January 2022.
Symon Jeffrey, who worked as a coxswain on the old Royal and Island, and also later as a Fitness Director onboard various ships, recently passed away aged 52.
There follows some comments from Facebook.
David Jewkes, January 2022.
News has been received from his daughter Hannah, that Eddie Scott died on the 13th January at the age of 75.
Eddie was an Entertainment Officer and later Entertainment Director in Canberra and Oriana between 1970 and 1978.
Prior to joining P&O, he began as a stand-up comedian and then worked at Butlins as a Redcoat. After he left P&O he returned there and was the Entertainment Manager at several East coast holiday resorts. He also worked as an Extra in a number of popular TV programmes, before becoming a Bridge Professional in 1984.
The funeral will take place at 2.00 pm on Wednesday the 2nd March at the Church of St Thomas Apostle and Martyr, Bramford Lane, Ipswich, IP1 5BS.
Derek Warmington
Eddie was an Entertainment Officer and later Entertainment Director in Canberra and Oriana between 1970 and 1978.
Prior to joining P&O, he began as a stand-up comedian and then worked at Butlins as a Redcoat. After he left P&O he returned there and was the Entertainment Manager at several East coast holiday resorts. He also worked as an Extra in a number of popular TV programmes, before becoming a Bridge Professional in 1984.
The funeral will take place at 2.00 pm on Wednesday the 2nd March at the Church of St Thomas Apostle and Martyr, Bramford Lane, Ipswich, IP1 5BS.
Derek Warmington
P&O Pensioners
