Frank W Kemp
Matthew McLauchlan
Anthony Robinson
Dr Peter Edward Mayner MB ChB, DOBST, RCOG, MSOM
Mrs Sheila “Kay” Doyle (Prior)
Lieutenant Commander Michael P C Furlong RAN (Rtd)
Nigel Horn
Mrs Shirley Snowden-Gray (Snowden)
Reginald (Reg) Gibbons
Captain Sir Francis Anthony Charles Peter Hartwell Bt.
John David Heslop
David Matanle
Robert I (Bob) Baker
Chris Bullen
Matthew McLauchlan
Anthony Robinson
Dr Peter Edward Mayner MB ChB, DOBST, RCOG, MSOM
Mrs Sheila “Kay” Doyle (Prior)
Lieutenant Commander Michael P C Furlong RAN (Rtd)
Nigel Horn
Mrs Shirley Snowden-Gray (Snowden)
Reginald (Reg) Gibbons
Captain Sir Francis Anthony Charles Peter Hartwell Bt.
John David Heslop
David Matanle
Robert I (Bob) Baker
Chris Bullen
News has been received from Australia that Captain Michael Plant has died at the age of 83.
The following has been received from Tony Dear in Sydney:
“Captain Michael Plant crossed the bar on 27th December, succumbing to his brave battle against cancer.
Whilst Michael never sailed with P&O, his ties to the company were close. He “did his time” with British India (BI) before moving across to E&A (another P&O subsidiary). Moving through the ranks he took command of their passenger vessel ARAFURA before leaving the company to become a pilot with Australian Reef Pilots. During the course of taking well over 1,000 vessels through the Barrier Reef he became very well known to many of P&O’s Deck Department. Whilst he was not a ‘choice pilot’ he was nevertheless deemed by ARP as a ‘passenger ship man’, taking hundreds of our ships through the reef.
His flamboyant nature, wit and charming personalty will be missed by many including the passengers who enjoyed the lectures he gave during the Reef passage.
Funeral details will be announced in due course.
R.I.P. Captain Michael Plant”
Derek Warmington
The following has been received from Tony Dear in Sydney:
“Captain Michael Plant crossed the bar on 27th December, succumbing to his brave battle against cancer.
Whilst Michael never sailed with P&O, his ties to the company were close. He “did his time” with British India (BI) before moving across to E&A (another P&O subsidiary). Moving through the ranks he took command of their passenger vessel ARAFURA before leaving the company to become a pilot with Australian Reef Pilots. During the course of taking well over 1,000 vessels through the Barrier Reef he became very well known to many of P&O’s Deck Department. Whilst he was not a ‘choice pilot’ he was nevertheless deemed by ARP as a ‘passenger ship man’, taking hundreds of our ships through the reef.
His flamboyant nature, wit and charming personalty will be missed by many including the passengers who enjoyed the lectures he gave during the Reef passage.
Funeral details will be announced in due course.
R.I.P. Captain Michael Plant”
Derek Warmington
John David Heslop (2)
Back in March this year, I passed on the sad news that John Heslop, retired Chief Engineer Officer, had died suddenly in Reno, Nevada.
His family have now issued an invitation to a celebration of his life to take place in Hartlepool in February. The full details are below.
Derek Warmington
Please join us for a Celebration of Life
John David Heslop
14 August 1945 - 7 March 2023
Saturday, 10 February 2024
3 o'clock in the afternoon
Hartlepool, England, UK
Burial of John's ashes in the Heslop Family Plot
Stranton Grange Cemetery, Tanfield Rd, Hartlepool TS25 5DD
Reception to follow at a location TBD
Please RSVP to Kathy Heslop by 27 January
ivkathy@aol.com, +1 775 831 6473
We thank everyone for the kind words and memories following John’s passing. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the National Kidney Foundation or Cancer Research UK.
Kathy, Joanne, and Chris Heslop
I bring the sad news that Geoff Parson died on 4 December at the age of 101, just five weeks before his 102nd birthday.
During World War II Geoff served with the Royal Air Force as a specialist instrument engineer based in numerous places in the UK as well as overseas in Sierra Leone, India and Burma.
After the war he spent a brief period with Lloyds Bank before joining Sedgwick Forbes insurance until 1952 when he joined P&O in Reservations and Sales in the Cockspur Street office in the West End of London. In the years that followed he undertook various roles there including the berthing for CANBERRA’s maiden voyage in 1961.
In 1970 he spent six months on secondment to Hong Kong and after his return he later became Passenger Services Manager, a position he retained until his retirement in 1985.
Geoff was a much-loved father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be sorely missed.
The funeral will take place at 11:15 am on Wednesday 10 January at the Bluebell Cemetery, Old London Road, Halstead, Sevenoaks, TN14 7AE.
Refreshments will be served afterwards so if you plan to attend, please notify Geoff’s daughter Bryony by email at bryony-s@hotmail.co.uk to give her an indication of numbers to expect.
Derek Warmington
During World War II Geoff served with the Royal Air Force as a specialist instrument engineer based in numerous places in the UK as well as overseas in Sierra Leone, India and Burma.
After the war he spent a brief period with Lloyds Bank before joining Sedgwick Forbes insurance until 1952 when he joined P&O in Reservations and Sales in the Cockspur Street office in the West End of London. In the years that followed he undertook various roles there including the berthing for CANBERRA’s maiden voyage in 1961.
In 1970 he spent six months on secondment to Hong Kong and after his return he later became Passenger Services Manager, a position he retained until his retirement in 1985.
Geoff was a much-loved father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be sorely missed.
The funeral will take place at 11:15 am on Wednesday 10 January at the Bluebell Cemetery, Old London Road, Halstead, Sevenoaks, TN14 7AE.
Refreshments will be served afterwards so if you plan to attend, please notify Geoff’s daughter Bryony by email at bryony-s@hotmail.co.uk to give her an indication of numbers to expect.
Derek Warmington
The sad news has been received that Bruce Waller, retired Commodore Chief Engineer Officer, has died at the age of 86.
After serving an apprenticeship with R.H. Green and Silley Weir, Bruce joined P&O as an Assistant Engineer Officer in 1958 aboard ‘Dongola’, later transferring to ‘Stratheden’ for his first voyage to sea. During the years that followed he sailed in a number of different ships including ‘Empire Fowey’ (Trooping). He became 4th Engineer Officer in 1959, 3rd Engineer Officer in 1962, 2nd Engineer Officer in 1968 and he achieved the rank of Chief Engineer Officer in 1978.
In 1993, he was appointed Commodore Chief Engineer Officer of P&O Princess Cruises and he retired in 1996. His last ship was ‘Royal Princess’.
The funeral will take place at 1.15 pm on Thursday 26 October at Hastings Crematorium, The Ridge, Hastings, TN4 2AE. Afterwards, refreshments will be available at the Chequers Inn, Lower Lake, Battle, TN33 0AT. If you plan to attend, please email bhcwaller@gmail.com to provide the family with an indication of numbers.
It is expected that the funeral service will be streamed through the internet but details are not yet to hand and will be advised later. In the meantime, if you would like to make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of Bruce, please follow this link: https://brucewaller.muchloved.com
Derek Warmington
In my message of 13 October, I advised that Bruce’s funeral would take place at 1.15 pm on Thursday 26 October at Hastings Crematorium.
I can now confirm that the funeral service will be streamed through the internet. To access the Webcast, please click-on the link below:
https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view
Then, enter the Webcast Login PIN: 691-9852
Derek Warmington
After serving an apprenticeship with R.H. Green and Silley Weir, Bruce joined P&O as an Assistant Engineer Officer in 1958 aboard ‘Dongola’, later transferring to ‘Stratheden’ for his first voyage to sea. During the years that followed he sailed in a number of different ships including ‘Empire Fowey’ (Trooping). He became 4th Engineer Officer in 1959, 3rd Engineer Officer in 1962, 2nd Engineer Officer in 1968 and he achieved the rank of Chief Engineer Officer in 1978.
In 1993, he was appointed Commodore Chief Engineer Officer of P&O Princess Cruises and he retired in 1996. His last ship was ‘Royal Princess’.
The funeral will take place at 1.15 pm on Thursday 26 October at Hastings Crematorium, The Ridge, Hastings, TN4 2AE. Afterwards, refreshments will be available at the Chequers Inn, Lower Lake, Battle, TN33 0AT. If you plan to attend, please email bhcwaller@gmail.com to provide the family with an indication of numbers.
It is expected that the funeral service will be streamed through the internet but details are not yet to hand and will be advised later. In the meantime, if you would like to make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of Bruce, please follow this link: https://brucewaller.muchloved.com
Derek Warmington
In my message of 13 October, I advised that Bruce’s funeral would take place at 1.15 pm on Thursday 26 October at Hastings Crematorium.
I can now confirm that the funeral service will be streamed through the internet. To access the Webcast, please click-on the link below:
https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view
Then, enter the Webcast Login PIN: 691-9852
Derek Warmington
Here is a link to the order of service plus messages received from around the world and the Eulogy by Calire.
'Waller World'
'Waller World'
Chief Engineer Angus Macdonald passed away on Saturday morning 23/9/2023 aged 58. Angus started his sea-going career as a cadet with James Fisher and Sons. He joined P&O Containers in 1987 before transferring to P&O Princess Cruises in 1992 when he joined Royal Princess as a 3rd Engineer Officer. Angus was promoted to Chief Engineer in 2009 and in recent years served in that rank on Arcadia, Aurora, Oceana and Queen Victoria. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
The Family.
The Family.
News has been received from Australia that Graham Hunter died on the 31st August at the age of 85.
Graham spent the whole of his career in the shipping industry from when he left school in Australia in 1953. Initially he was with Birt & Company in their executive shipping department and then in 1967 he was transferred to P&O Lines of Australia Pty as a Freight Traffic Assistant before heading up a new Agency section for the new OCL Container Shipping Service that commenced in 1969.
In 1970 he spent 4 months in London as Acting Fleet Personnel Manager of OCL.
After a period as Traffic Manager for the Beaufort Shipping Agency in Sydney, in 1981 he was transferred again to OCL (Australia) Pty Ltd as Assistant National Operations Manager to assist consolidation of all facets of OCL’s (later P&O CL’s) agency operations in Australia. He later became the Manager and remained in this role until he took early retirement in 1995.
The funeral has already taken place.
Derek Warmington
Graham spent the whole of his career in the shipping industry from when he left school in Australia in 1953. Initially he was with Birt & Company in their executive shipping department and then in 1967 he was transferred to P&O Lines of Australia Pty as a Freight Traffic Assistant before heading up a new Agency section for the new OCL Container Shipping Service that commenced in 1969.
In 1970 he spent 4 months in London as Acting Fleet Personnel Manager of OCL.
After a period as Traffic Manager for the Beaufort Shipping Agency in Sydney, in 1981 he was transferred again to OCL (Australia) Pty Ltd as Assistant National Operations Manager to assist consolidation of all facets of OCL’s (later P&O CL’s) agency operations in Australia. He later became the Manager and remained in this role until he took early retirement in 1995.
The funeral has already taken place.
Derek Warmington
Those who knew him will be sorry to learn that Joe Duranti died after a short illness on the 14th August at the age of 91.
After leaving school, Joe did his National Service in the Royal Air Force where he was posted to Abu Sewir in Egypt. He then joined the Orient Line in 1953 and worked in the London West End Passenger Department.
He remained in the Passenger Department after the merger with P&O in 1960, performing various roles in the Accounts Department, Reservations and Sales until his retirement in 1993.
The funeral will be at 10.30 am on Tuesday the 19th September at St Joseph The Worker, 10 Highview Crescent, Hutton, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 1BJ. This will be followed by burial at Woodman Road Cemetery, 39a Woodman Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5AU.
Refreshments will be available afterwards at the ‘Tarantino’ Restaurant, 60 Crown Street, Brentwood, CM14 4BA. If you plan to attend, please email craigrantessa@hotmail.com in order to give the family an indication of numbers.
Derek Warmington
After leaving school, Joe did his National Service in the Royal Air Force where he was posted to Abu Sewir in Egypt. He then joined the Orient Line in 1953 and worked in the London West End Passenger Department.
He remained in the Passenger Department after the merger with P&O in 1960, performing various roles in the Accounts Department, Reservations and Sales until his retirement in 1993.
The funeral will be at 10.30 am on Tuesday the 19th September at St Joseph The Worker, 10 Highview Crescent, Hutton, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 1BJ. This will be followed by burial at Woodman Road Cemetery, 39a Woodman Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5AU.
Refreshments will be available afterwards at the ‘Tarantino’ Restaurant, 60 Crown Street, Brentwood, CM14 4BA. If you plan to attend, please email craigrantessa@hotmail.com in order to give the family an indication of numbers.
Derek Warmington
I have received the sad news that John Keating died on Friday 18 August aged 80. He had been unwell for some time.
John joined P&O as a Cadet Purser in 1961 in 'Oronsay' and subsequently sailed in 'Orcades', 'Canberra ', 'Orsova', 'Himalaya' and 'Spirit of London' where he was Deputy Purser.
He married Linda Blackburn in 1971, an Assistant Purser (WAP) whom he had met in 'Canberra'. He left P & O in 1973, qualified as an Accountant in 1975 and subsequently pursued a successful career ashore which included owning his own company.
The funeral will take place at 12.30 pm on Thursday 7 September at the Hinton Park Woodland Burial Ground, Wyndham Road, Hinton, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 7EJ.
Afterwards, refreshments will be available at The Swan, Swan Green, Emery Down, Lyndhurst, SO43 7DT. If you plan to attend, please email Linda at lindakeating2015@outlook.com in order to provide an indication of numbers.
Derek Warmington
John joined P&O as a Cadet Purser in 1961 in 'Oronsay' and subsequently sailed in 'Orcades', 'Canberra ', 'Orsova', 'Himalaya' and 'Spirit of London' where he was Deputy Purser.
He married Linda Blackburn in 1971, an Assistant Purser (WAP) whom he had met in 'Canberra'. He left P & O in 1973, qualified as an Accountant in 1975 and subsequently pursued a successful career ashore which included owning his own company.
The funeral will take place at 12.30 pm on Thursday 7 September at the Hinton Park Woodland Burial Ground, Wyndham Road, Hinton, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 7EJ.
Afterwards, refreshments will be available at The Swan, Swan Green, Emery Down, Lyndhurst, SO43 7DT. If you plan to attend, please email Linda at lindakeating2015@outlook.com in order to provide an indication of numbers.
Derek Warmington
I have received the news that John Perry died on 26 July at the age of 85.
Before joining P&O as a Deck Cadet in 1955, John spent two years at the Nautical College HMS Conway where he was awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal. His first ship was CANNANORE and during the years that followed he sailed in a number of different P&O cargo and passenger ships, including CANBERRA for the maiden voyage in 1961 where he was 3rd Officer. He later sailed in ORCADES where he met his wife, Ankie (Breeschoten). Ankie sadly died in 2020.
After obtaining his Master’s Certificate and reaching the rank of Senior 2nd Officer, he left P&O in May 1967.
While he was with P&O, John joined the Royal Naval Reserve initially serving as a Midshipman and later as a Lieutenant.
John came ashore to spend the rest of his career in maritime container operations with Sea-Land and Johnson Stevens Agencies in many places including Scotland, Athens and Bombay, and the Port of Felixstowe where he was appointed as Head of Marketing at the time when that port was in P&O ownership, and following its sale to Hutchison Whampoa. From 2000 to 2010 he was an independent marketing consultant for the port and shipping industries in the UK, mainland Europe, Panama, the USA and the Far East.
John wrote two books – “Quit ye like men” about his time at HMS Conway and as a P&O Cadet and “The Deeper Water is ashore” which is mostly about his life after coming ashore.
The funeral will take place at 1.30 pm on Friday 18 August at the Seven Hills Crematorium, Felixstowe Road, Nacton, Suffolk, IP10 0FG . This will be followed by a reception at the Ufford Park Hotel, Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1QW. There will be a Zoom feed from the funeral service, a link for which may be obtained from duncp@live.co.uk . If you are intending to attend the funeral and reception please let John’s son Duncan know at that link.
Derek Warmington
Before joining P&O as a Deck Cadet in 1955, John spent two years at the Nautical College HMS Conway where he was awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal. His first ship was CANNANORE and during the years that followed he sailed in a number of different P&O cargo and passenger ships, including CANBERRA for the maiden voyage in 1961 where he was 3rd Officer. He later sailed in ORCADES where he met his wife, Ankie (Breeschoten). Ankie sadly died in 2020.
After obtaining his Master’s Certificate and reaching the rank of Senior 2nd Officer, he left P&O in May 1967.
While he was with P&O, John joined the Royal Naval Reserve initially serving as a Midshipman and later as a Lieutenant.
John came ashore to spend the rest of his career in maritime container operations with Sea-Land and Johnson Stevens Agencies in many places including Scotland, Athens and Bombay, and the Port of Felixstowe where he was appointed as Head of Marketing at the time when that port was in P&O ownership, and following its sale to Hutchison Whampoa. From 2000 to 2010 he was an independent marketing consultant for the port and shipping industries in the UK, mainland Europe, Panama, the USA and the Far East.
John wrote two books – “Quit ye like men” about his time at HMS Conway and as a P&O Cadet and “The Deeper Water is ashore” which is mostly about his life after coming ashore.
The funeral will take place at 1.30 pm on Friday 18 August at the Seven Hills Crematorium, Felixstowe Road, Nacton, Suffolk, IP10 0FG . This will be followed by a reception at the Ufford Park Hotel, Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1QW. There will be a Zoom feed from the funeral service, a link for which may be obtained from duncp@live.co.uk . If you are intending to attend the funeral and reception please let John’s son Duncan know at that link.
Derek Warmington
The sad news has been received that Julian Anthony Broderick, always known as Tony, died on 29 June at the age of 81. He had been unwell for some considerable time.
Tony joined P&O in the Leadenhall Street London office in 1960 and went to sea as an Assistant Purser in ‘STRATHEDEN’ in 1961. He later sailed in ‘ORCADES’ until he left P&O in May 1964.
In June 1965, he joined the Royal Air Force where he had a highly successful and distinguished career, rising to the rank of Wing Commander and awarded an OBE for his contribution during the Gulf War.
He retired in 2002.
The funeral will take place at 1.00 pm on Wednesday 9 August at Tunbridge Wells (Kent and Sussex) Crematorium, Benhall Mill Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5JJ.
Derek Warmington
Tony joined P&O in the Leadenhall Street London office in 1960 and went to sea as an Assistant Purser in ‘STRATHEDEN’ in 1961. He later sailed in ‘ORCADES’ until he left P&O in May 1964.
In June 1965, he joined the Royal Air Force where he had a highly successful and distinguished career, rising to the rank of Wing Commander and awarded an OBE for his contribution during the Gulf War.
He retired in 2002.
The funeral will take place at 1.00 pm on Wednesday 9 August at Tunbridge Wells (Kent and Sussex) Crematorium, Benhall Mill Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5JJ.
Derek Warmington
I bring yet more sad news. I have learnt that Jane Howard died on the 15th June at the age of 67. She had been suffering from cancer.
Jane was an Assistant Purser with P&O Princess Cruises in the late 1970s and 1980s.
The funeral will take place at 2.00 pm on Friday the 30th June at Breckland Crematorium, Norwich Road, Scoulton, Norfolk, NR9 4NR. Afterwards, refreshments will be available at The Crown, 30 Church Street, Great Ellingham, Norfolk, NR17 1LE.
If you plan to attend, please email verity@wentwoodkitchens.co.uk to provide an indication of numbers.
Derek Warmington
Jane was an Assistant Purser with P&O Princess Cruises in the late 1970s and 1980s.
The funeral will take place at 2.00 pm on Friday the 30th June at Breckland Crematorium, Norwich Road, Scoulton, Norfolk, NR9 4NR. Afterwards, refreshments will be available at The Crown, 30 Church Street, Great Ellingham, Norfolk, NR17 1LE.
If you plan to attend, please email verity@wentwoodkitchens.co.uk to provide an indication of numbers.
Derek Warmington
I have received the news that Paul Kotowski died on the 8th June at the age of 70.
Paul joined P&O in August 1971 initially as a Waiter in ‘IBERIA. In June 1972 he joined ‘ARCADIA’, again as a Waiter before becoming a Public Room Steward and later Assistant Barman. He remained in ‘ARCADIA’ until the ship’s withdrawal from service in 1979 when he transferred to ‘SEA PRINCESS’.
Paul left P&O in November 1981 to live in Australia. He remained there for a number of years before returning to UK to live in Gosport while working in a Hospital in Southampton.
He was married twice and the photograph shows him with his two sons from his first marriage.
There will be no formal funeral.
Derek Warmington
Paul joined P&O in August 1971 initially as a Waiter in ‘IBERIA. In June 1972 he joined ‘ARCADIA’, again as a Waiter before becoming a Public Room Steward and later Assistant Barman. He remained in ‘ARCADIA’ until the ship’s withdrawal from service in 1979 when he transferred to ‘SEA PRINCESS’.
Paul left P&O in November 1981 to live in Australia. He remained there for a number of years before returning to UK to live in Gosport while working in a Hospital in Southampton.
He was married twice and the photograph shows him with his two sons from his first marriage.
There will be no formal funeral.
Derek Warmington
News has been received from California that James Soderberg, better known by his stage name of Jim Everett, died peacefully on 26 May at the age of 86.
Jim began his entertainment career as a performer in ‘The Ice Capades’, an entertainment show on ice which toured all over the United States and around the world. Then, in 1967 he joined Princess Cruises as a Cruise Director on board “Princess Italia”. This was prior to Princess Cruises being acquired by P&O in 1974 and at that time it was one of the companies pioneering cruising from California to Mexico and Alaska.
Apart from a short period with Matson Line, Jim remained as a Cruise Director with Princess Cruises for the remainder of his career. A highlight was as Cruise Director of “Royal Princess” for the naming and maiden cruising season in 1984. He lived in Groveland, California and retired in 2002. In retirement he continued to follow his passion for aviation and music.
He is survived by his wife Connie, his daughter Shannon and six grandchildren.
The funeral details are not known.
Derek Warmington
Jim began his entertainment career as a performer in ‘The Ice Capades’, an entertainment show on ice which toured all over the United States and around the world. Then, in 1967 he joined Princess Cruises as a Cruise Director on board “Princess Italia”. This was prior to Princess Cruises being acquired by P&O in 1974 and at that time it was one of the companies pioneering cruising from California to Mexico and Alaska.
Apart from a short period with Matson Line, Jim remained as a Cruise Director with Princess Cruises for the remainder of his career. A highlight was as Cruise Director of “Royal Princess” for the naming and maiden cruising season in 1984. He lived in Groveland, California and retired in 2002. In retirement he continued to follow his passion for aviation and music.
He is survived by his wife Connie, his daughter Shannon and six grandchildren.
The funeral details are not known.
Derek Warmington
Those who knew her will be saddened to learn that Elizabeth Paterson, - Liz Kinniburgh - as she was known at sea, died on April 21st. She was 76 years old. Elizabeth was a Nursing Sister, mainly sailing in ‘ORONSAY’ from 1972 to 1976.
After leaving P&O, Elizabeth married Bill Paterson in 1979 and they had two boys, Neil and Adam. Elizabeth continued nursing, first as a Ward Sister at Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow and after a break to look after her boys, joined her local GP’s surgery as a Practice Nurse. She was there for fifteen years before retiring.
The funeral has already taken place.
Derek Warmington
After leaving P&O, Elizabeth married Bill Paterson in 1979 and they had two boys, Neil and Adam. Elizabeth continued nursing, first as a Ward Sister at Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow and after a break to look after her boys, joined her local GP’s surgery as a Practice Nurse. She was there for fifteen years before retiring.
The funeral has already taken place.
Derek Warmington
I bring the news that Richard Parker died on 28 March at the age of 88. He had been in a care home for some considerable time.
After leaving school, Richard did his National Service with the Oxford and Bucks Light infantry and was stationed in Germany. For part of his time there, he was a guard at Spandau Prison which housed all of the senior Nazi war criminals.
After leaving the army, he joined P&O in the Freight Department in the Leadenhall Street office in London. While he was there, he applied to go to sea as an Assistant Purser and joined his first ship in 1957. After sailing in ‘Canton’ ‘Chusan’ and ‘Iberia’, he was appointed to ‘Canberra’, joining in Belfast and sailing on the maiden voyage in June 1961.
During the years that followed he sailed in a number of different ships until leaving the sea in 1974 by which time he had become a Deputy Purser. He then joined OCL in their Shore Personnel Department, later transferring to their Fleet Personnel Department. He remained with what had become P&OCL until 1994 when he moved to the P&O Group Head Office in Pall Mall as Assistant to the Company Secretary. He retired in 1997.
The funeral will take place at 1.00 pm on Monday 24 April in the Chapel of Wolvercote Cemetery, Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 8EE. Refreshments afterwards have still to be arranged, but if you plan to attend, please email derekandnellwarmington@gmail.com to be kept informed and to give an indication of numbers.
Derek Warmington
After leaving school, Richard did his National Service with the Oxford and Bucks Light infantry and was stationed in Germany. For part of his time there, he was a guard at Spandau Prison which housed all of the senior Nazi war criminals.
After leaving the army, he joined P&O in the Freight Department in the Leadenhall Street office in London. While he was there, he applied to go to sea as an Assistant Purser and joined his first ship in 1957. After sailing in ‘Canton’ ‘Chusan’ and ‘Iberia’, he was appointed to ‘Canberra’, joining in Belfast and sailing on the maiden voyage in June 1961.
During the years that followed he sailed in a number of different ships until leaving the sea in 1974 by which time he had become a Deputy Purser. He then joined OCL in their Shore Personnel Department, later transferring to their Fleet Personnel Department. He remained with what had become P&OCL until 1994 when he moved to the P&O Group Head Office in Pall Mall as Assistant to the Company Secretary. He retired in 1997.
The funeral will take place at 1.00 pm on Monday 24 April in the Chapel of Wolvercote Cemetery, Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 8EE. Refreshments afterwards have still to be arranged, but if you plan to attend, please email derekandnellwarmington@gmail.com to be kept informed and to give an indication of numbers.
Derek Warmington
The sad news has been passed to me that Chris Bullen died on 29 March after a long illness. He was 73 years of age.
Chris joined P&O as an Assistant Purser in 1971 and spent his whole career with P&O Princess achieving the rank of Purser in the early 1990s and retiring in 2012. During that time, he sailed in most ships of the P&O Princess fleet.
From 1992 to 1995 he was seconded ashore to join the project team preparing for ‘Oriana’ to enter service.
The funeral will be private.
Derek Warmington
Chris joined P&O as an Assistant Purser in 1971 and spent his whole career with P&O Princess achieving the rank of Purser in the early 1990s and retiring in 2012. During that time, he sailed in most ships of the P&O Princess fleet.
From 1992 to 1995 he was seconded ashore to join the project team preparing for ‘Oriana’ to enter service.
The funeral will be private.
Derek Warmington
More sad news from the USA. Robert (Bob) Baker died on Friday 10 March in Phoenix Arizona after a long illness. He was 67 years of age.
Bob joined P&O in 1973 as an Engine Cadet and in the years that followed sailed in ‘Oriana’, ‘Sun Princess’, ‘Island Princess’ and ‘Pacific Princess’ achieving the rank of Second Engineer Officer. His last ship was ‘Canberra’ in 1989 after which he left P&O Princess to get married and emigrate to the USA.
In Arizona, he initially joined the Fred Harvey Company, later renamed Xanterra, as the Director of Engineering and Maintenance. Xanterra operates the Grand Canyon National Park Lodges at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. In 2005, he left there to become a Director of the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams Arizona. This company operates historic trains from Williams to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
He retired in 2021.
Derek Warmington
Bob joined P&O in 1973 as an Engine Cadet and in the years that followed sailed in ‘Oriana’, ‘Sun Princess’, ‘Island Princess’ and ‘Pacific Princess’ achieving the rank of Second Engineer Officer. His last ship was ‘Canberra’ in 1989 after which he left P&O Princess to get married and emigrate to the USA.
In Arizona, he initially joined the Fred Harvey Company, later renamed Xanterra, as the Director of Engineering and Maintenance. Xanterra operates the Grand Canyon National Park Lodges at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. In 2005, he left there to become a Director of the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams Arizona. This company operates historic trains from Williams to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
He retired in 2021.
Derek Warmington
The sad news has been received from his daughter Helen that David Matanle died on Saturday 4 March at the age of 89.
David joined the Orient Line as an Assistant Purser in 1954 and continued working at sea until 1960 by which time he had risen to the rank of Senior Assistant Purser/Accounting Officer. He then remained for a further period with what was by then P&O Orient Lines, in the Accounts Department in London.
After leaving, David became a Chartered Secretary, a Freeman of the City of London, a Member of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers and he was a Director of a number of companies.
While working at sea, he met his wife, Jean (Clifford), who was a Female Assistant Purser (FAP). She sadly died in 2014.
The funeral will take place at 11.00 am on Wednesday 29 March at St Nicolas Church, Church Road, Great Bookham, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT23 3PG.
Derek Warmington
David joined the Orient Line as an Assistant Purser in 1954 and continued working at sea until 1960 by which time he had risen to the rank of Senior Assistant Purser/Accounting Officer. He then remained for a further period with what was by then P&O Orient Lines, in the Accounts Department in London.
After leaving, David became a Chartered Secretary, a Freeman of the City of London, a Member of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers and he was a Director of a number of companies.
While working at sea, he met his wife, Jean (Clifford), who was a Female Assistant Purser (FAP). She sadly died in 2014.
The funeral will take place at 11.00 am on Wednesday 29 March at St Nicolas Church, Church Road, Great Bookham, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT23 3PG.
Derek Warmington
I have received the sad news from the USA that John Heslop, retired Chief Engineer Officer, died suddenly on Tuesday 7 March aged 77.
John and his wife Katherine had been living in Incline Village, Nevada, on the shores of Lake Tahoe for many years. He was receiving treatment at Renown Hospital in Reno following a fall when he had a fatal heart attack.
After serving an engineering apprenticeship in Hartlepool, John joined P&O as an Assistant Engineer Officer aboard ‘Chitral’ in 1966. During the years that followed, he worked aboard a number of P&O and Princess ships including ‘Arcadia’, ‘Orcades’, ‘Orsova’, ‘Pacific Princess’ and then ‘Sun Princess’ where he first sailed as Chief Engineer Officer. Subsequently he was Chief Engineer Officer/Chief Technical Officer of ‘Island Princess’ and ‘Royal Princess’ before being obliged to take early retirement due to ill health in August 2003.
Derek Warmington
John and his wife Katherine had been living in Incline Village, Nevada, on the shores of Lake Tahoe for many years. He was receiving treatment at Renown Hospital in Reno following a fall when he had a fatal heart attack.
After serving an engineering apprenticeship in Hartlepool, John joined P&O as an Assistant Engineer Officer aboard ‘Chitral’ in 1966. During the years that followed, he worked aboard a number of P&O and Princess ships including ‘Arcadia’, ‘Orcades’, ‘Orsova’, ‘Pacific Princess’ and then ‘Sun Princess’ where he first sailed as Chief Engineer Officer. Subsequently he was Chief Engineer Officer/Chief Technical Officer of ‘Island Princess’ and ‘Royal Princess’ before being obliged to take early retirement due to ill health in August 2003.
Derek Warmington
Richard Pocock has sent me the news that Captain Sir Francis Anthony Charles Peter Hartwell Bt, always known as Tony, has died at the age of 82. Richard has also written the obituary which follows below:
Francis Anthony Charles Peter Hartwell, born on 1st June 1940 in Oxfordshire, passed away on the 27th February. He had served on HMS Worcester from 1955 until 1957, leaving as an RNR Cadet and joining P&O SN Co where he remained until 1971.
He left P&O to become Assistant Nautical Inspector and Cargo Superintendent with Overseas Containers (OCL) before in 1972 being appointed Chief Officer with North Sea Operations of Ocean Inchcape. In 1973 he became involved in Port Management in Nigeria, in PNG and in Saudi Arabia. In 1999 and living in Lagos, he was appointed a Director of International Diamond Drilling, West Africa.
In 1993 Tony’s father, Sir Broderick, died and Tony inherited the title of the 6th Baronet Hartwell of Dale Hall Essex. Tony became Captain Sir Francis Anthony Charles Peter Hartwell Bt.
The original Baronetcy had been bestowed upon Admiral John Francis Hartwell in 1805 for services to the Royal Navy.
In 2016 Tony suffered a debilitating stroke in Lagos. Alerted by the UK Foreign Office a number of his old shipmates rallied to ensure satisfactory medical treatment and subsequent rehabilitation. On his return he was domiciled in a care home in Hillingdon before, as the result of significant effort by maritime colleagues, being transferred to Belvedere House, The Royal Alfred Home for Sailors in Banstead. Residing there for the last three years, he was afforded the very best possible care. Again, his welfare involved the input of old shipmates proving the value of long held bonds. It was in all respects a very suitable home for him.
The Hereditary title of 7th Baronet Hartwell now passes to Tony’s only son Timothy born in 1970 and who resides in Australia.
Family motto “Sorte sua Contentus”.
I am advised that the funeral will not take place until April and details are still awaited.
Derek Warmington
Francis Anthony Charles Peter Hartwell, born on 1st June 1940 in Oxfordshire, passed away on the 27th February. He had served on HMS Worcester from 1955 until 1957, leaving as an RNR Cadet and joining P&O SN Co where he remained until 1971.
He left P&O to become Assistant Nautical Inspector and Cargo Superintendent with Overseas Containers (OCL) before in 1972 being appointed Chief Officer with North Sea Operations of Ocean Inchcape. In 1973 he became involved in Port Management in Nigeria, in PNG and in Saudi Arabia. In 1999 and living in Lagos, he was appointed a Director of International Diamond Drilling, West Africa.
In 1993 Tony’s father, Sir Broderick, died and Tony inherited the title of the 6th Baronet Hartwell of Dale Hall Essex. Tony became Captain Sir Francis Anthony Charles Peter Hartwell Bt.
The original Baronetcy had been bestowed upon Admiral John Francis Hartwell in 1805 for services to the Royal Navy.
In 2016 Tony suffered a debilitating stroke in Lagos. Alerted by the UK Foreign Office a number of his old shipmates rallied to ensure satisfactory medical treatment and subsequent rehabilitation. On his return he was domiciled in a care home in Hillingdon before, as the result of significant effort by maritime colleagues, being transferred to Belvedere House, The Royal Alfred Home for Sailors in Banstead. Residing there for the last three years, he was afforded the very best possible care. Again, his welfare involved the input of old shipmates proving the value of long held bonds. It was in all respects a very suitable home for him.
The Hereditary title of 7th Baronet Hartwell now passes to Tony’s only son Timothy born in 1970 and who resides in Australia.
Family motto “Sorte sua Contentus”.
I am advised that the funeral will not take place until April and details are still awaited.
Derek Warmington
I have received the sad news from his son Tim that Reg Gibbons died on 14 February at the age of 92.
After National Service in the Army, Reg worked for the Electricity Board in Paignton, Devon for a short period before joining the Orient Line as an Assistant Purser in the early 1950s. His first ship was ‘Orcades’.
Unfortunately his career at sea was curtailed after a couple of years as a result of an accident and he transferred ashore to join the Accounts Department in Cockspur Street in London. He remained there after the merger with P&O in 1960 and also moved to Southampton with the department in 1984, before retiring as Management Accountant in 1993.
The funeral will take place at 10.00 am on Thursday 9 March at Test Valley Crematorium, Ridge Lane, Romsey, Hants, SO51 6AB.
Derek Warmington
After National Service in the Army, Reg worked for the Electricity Board in Paignton, Devon for a short period before joining the Orient Line as an Assistant Purser in the early 1950s. His first ship was ‘Orcades’.
Unfortunately his career at sea was curtailed after a couple of years as a result of an accident and he transferred ashore to join the Accounts Department in Cockspur Street in London. He remained there after the merger with P&O in 1960 and also moved to Southampton with the department in 1984, before retiring as Management Accountant in 1993.
The funeral will take place at 10.00 am on Thursday 9 March at Test Valley Crematorium, Ridge Lane, Romsey, Hants, SO51 6AB.
Derek Warmington
The sad news has been passed to me by her husband John Gray that Shirley Snowden-Gray has died aged 71.
John has asked that I publish his tribute to her:
Sadly, Shirley passed away on 30 January at home in Surrey after courageously fighting an unforgiving pancreatic cancer for the last 16 months. Her joie de vivre cruelly and untimely extinguished.
Educated at Bexhill Grammar School for Girls then to the Central London Polytechnic for secretarial studies where she completed a tri-lingual secretarial diploma in French and Spanish.
After working for Bunzl as assistant secretary to the Directors she had an opportunity to test her Spanish skills as Secretary to the Club Secretary of the Royal Sotogrande Golf Club (Club Real) on the Costa del Sol. Her organisational skills were soon put to good use in assisting the Club Secretary arranging many social events for the aristocracy and international gentry of Sotogrande at that time.
Returning to UK, Shirley joined P&O in 1975 serving firstly in "UGANDA" as a WAP then further tours in"ORIANA" and "SUN PRINCESS" where she met John (Gray) - Second Engineer Officer. They married in 1978 and shortly after John's career took him ashore.
Her passion for people and travel was solidified in P&O with wonderful friendships made then sustaining to the end. She and John travelled extensively both for John's work and for pleasure. She rose above the cancer and had her favourite adventure holiday - a safari - in Zimbabwe in October last.
Cats were also her passion having three at home rescued from the UAE and many more street cats were personally rescued and homed from Singapore, Turkey and Spain as well as her generous support for relevant charities.
Also, her compassion for people was reflected in her work as a private medical practice manager for several consultants where she was commended for her care and attention to their patients.
Shirley retired in 2012 to spend more time with John who was then based in UAE.
Sorely missed.
John has asked that I publish his tribute to her:
Sadly, Shirley passed away on 30 January at home in Surrey after courageously fighting an unforgiving pancreatic cancer for the last 16 months. Her joie de vivre cruelly and untimely extinguished.
Educated at Bexhill Grammar School for Girls then to the Central London Polytechnic for secretarial studies where she completed a tri-lingual secretarial diploma in French and Spanish.
After working for Bunzl as assistant secretary to the Directors she had an opportunity to test her Spanish skills as Secretary to the Club Secretary of the Royal Sotogrande Golf Club (Club Real) on the Costa del Sol. Her organisational skills were soon put to good use in assisting the Club Secretary arranging many social events for the aristocracy and international gentry of Sotogrande at that time.
Returning to UK, Shirley joined P&O in 1975 serving firstly in "UGANDA" as a WAP then further tours in"ORIANA" and "SUN PRINCESS" where she met John (Gray) - Second Engineer Officer. They married in 1978 and shortly after John's career took him ashore.
Her passion for people and travel was solidified in P&O with wonderful friendships made then sustaining to the end. She and John travelled extensively both for John's work and for pleasure. She rose above the cancer and had her favourite adventure holiday - a safari - in Zimbabwe in October last.
Cats were also her passion having three at home rescued from the UAE and many more street cats were personally rescued and homed from Singapore, Turkey and Spain as well as her generous support for relevant charities.
Also, her compassion for people was reflected in her work as a private medical practice manager for several consultants where she was commended for her care and attention to their patients.
Shirley retired in 2012 to spend more time with John who was then based in UAE.
Sorely missed.
The funeral will take place on Tuesday 28 February 2023 at 1.00 pm at Eastbourne Crematorium Family Chapel, Hide Hollow, Eastbourne,BN23 8AE. Afterwards at the Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club, 3 Harbour Quay. Eastbourne, BN23 6JH.
To give the family an indication of numbers, would those attending please email : jpgray345@gmail.com
Derek Warmington
To give the family an indication of numbers, would those attending please email : jpgray345@gmail.com
Derek Warmington
I have only just received the sad news that Nigel Horn died on 3 January at the age of 71. Apparently, he had been unwell for some considerable time.
After taking a catering course at Thomas Danby College in Leeds, Nigel joined P&O as an Assistant Purser in 1973.
During the years that followed, he moved up through the ranks and sailed in a number P&O and Princess ships. It was a highlight of his career to be Deputy Purser (Catering) of ‘CANBERRA’ during the Falklands campaign in 1982.
He later moved up to become Purser but left P&O Princess in 1996 and took early retirement. His last appointment was as Purser of ‘REGAL PRINCESS’.
The funeral will be at 12 Noon on Wednesday 15 February at Woodlands Crematorium, Woodlands Drive, Scarborough, YO12 6QN.
Derek Warmington
After taking a catering course at Thomas Danby College in Leeds, Nigel joined P&O as an Assistant Purser in 1973.
During the years that followed, he moved up through the ranks and sailed in a number P&O and Princess ships. It was a highlight of his career to be Deputy Purser (Catering) of ‘CANBERRA’ during the Falklands campaign in 1982.
He later moved up to become Purser but left P&O Princess in 1996 and took early retirement. His last appointment was as Purser of ‘REGAL PRINCESS’.
The funeral will be at 12 Noon on Wednesday 15 February at Woodlands Crematorium, Woodlands Drive, Scarborough, YO12 6QN.
Derek Warmington
I have received the sad news from Western Australia that Michael Furlong died on 29 January at the age of 84.
After attending Pangbourne Nautical College, Michael joined P&O as a Deck Cadet in 1955. During the years that followed, he served in a number of passenger ships, cargo ships and tankers until leaving in 1964 after obtaining his Master’s Certificate.
After getting married, he emigrated to Western Australia where he joined the Royal Australian Navy. He served with distinction in the Vietnam War and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander, leaving in 1985. He then became a Harbour Pilot in Dampier in the Pilbara region of Western Australia until his retirement in 1998.
In retirement, he became a Compass Adjustor, a lecturer in boat handling and he learnt to speak Mandarin Chinese.
The funeral will take place at 3.00 pm on Thursday 9 February at Karrakatta Cemetery and Crematorium, Railway Road, Karrakatta, Western Australia, 6010.
Derek Warmington
After attending Pangbourne Nautical College, Michael joined P&O as a Deck Cadet in 1955. During the years that followed, he served in a number of passenger ships, cargo ships and tankers until leaving in 1964 after obtaining his Master’s Certificate.
After getting married, he emigrated to Western Australia where he joined the Royal Australian Navy. He served with distinction in the Vietnam War and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander, leaving in 1985. He then became a Harbour Pilot in Dampier in the Pilbara region of Western Australia until his retirement in 1998.
In retirement, he became a Compass Adjustor, a lecturer in boat handling and he learnt to speak Mandarin Chinese.
The funeral will take place at 3.00 pm on Thursday 9 February at Karrakatta Cemetery and Crematorium, Railway Road, Karrakatta, Western Australia, 6010.
Derek Warmington
I have received the news from her daughter that Sheila Doyle, also known as Kay, died on 19 January at the age of 93.
Having completed her teacher training in Leeds and having taught in Essex and New Zealand, Kay Prior was a Children’s Hostess with the Orient Line from 1959 to 1961. She initially sailed in ‘ORION’ before transferring to ‘ORIANA’ for the maiden voyage in December 1960 and left the sea at the end of 1961.
She married soon after leaving and concentrated on raising a family before returning to teaching in 1973 and qualifying in Specific Development Dyslexia at St Bart’s in London. She then joined Aldwickbury Preparatory School in Harpenden where she remained until retiring in 1993 as Head of the Junior and Remedial Departments.
The funeral has already taken place.
Derek Warmington
Having completed her teacher training in Leeds and having taught in Essex and New Zealand, Kay Prior was a Children’s Hostess with the Orient Line from 1959 to 1961. She initially sailed in ‘ORION’ before transferring to ‘ORIANA’ for the maiden voyage in December 1960 and left the sea at the end of 1961.
She married soon after leaving and concentrated on raising a family before returning to teaching in 1973 and qualifying in Specific Development Dyslexia at St Bart’s in London. She then joined Aldwickbury Preparatory School in Harpenden where she remained until retiring in 1993 as Head of the Junior and Remedial Departments.
The funeral has already taken place.
Derek Warmington
Those who knew him, will be saddened to learn that Peter Mayner died on 20 January after a long illness. He was 84 years old
Peter studied medicine at Birmingham University and qualified in 1968. He then worked in Stratford upon Avon and Hereford General Hospitals as a House Physician where he obtained further qualifications before joining P&O in January 1973.
During the years that followed he served in a number of P&O and Princess ships, but will be particularly remembered for his time in CANBERRA where he was the Surgeon (as the ship’s Doctor was then known) during the Falkland’s campaign in 1982.
Peter studied medicine at Birmingham University and qualified in 1968. He then worked in Stratford upon Avon and Hereford General Hospitals as a House Physician where he obtained further qualifications before joining P&O in January 1973.
During the years that followed he served in a number of P&O and Princess ships, but will be particularly remembered for his time in CANBERRA where he was the Surgeon (as the ship’s Doctor was then known) during the Falkland’s campaign in 1982.
In the early 1990s he was obliged to take early retirement due to ill health but he continued to practise medicine from his home near Malvern, conducting medical fitness examinations for seafarers.
He was also a Trustee and the Medical Adviser to a local charity called ARCOS (the Association for Rehabilitation of Communication and Oral Skills).
The funeral will take place at 12 Noon on Tuesday, 28 February at Great Malvern Priory, Church Street, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 2AY. Afterwards at the Abbey Hotel, Abbey Road, Malvern WR14 3ET.
To give the family an indication of numbers, those attending should please email humphrey@cks.uk.net
If accommodation is needed, the Abbey Hotel phone number is 01684 892332. Please state that you are attending Dr Mayner’s funeral when booking.
Derek Warmington
He was also a Trustee and the Medical Adviser to a local charity called ARCOS (the Association for Rehabilitation of Communication and Oral Skills).
The funeral will take place at 12 Noon on Tuesday, 28 February at Great Malvern Priory, Church Street, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 2AY. Afterwards at the Abbey Hotel, Abbey Road, Malvern WR14 3ET.
To give the family an indication of numbers, those attending should please email humphrey@cks.uk.net
If accommodation is needed, the Abbey Hotel phone number is 01684 892332. Please state that you are attending Dr Mayner’s funeral when booking.
Derek Warmington
The Daily Telegraph 6th March 2023.
Dr Teddy Mayner
Dr Teddy Mayner
Ship's surgeon who carried out vital work in the Falklands War
DR TEDDY MAYNER, who has died aged 84, was the ship's surgeon in SS Canberra when she was taken up from trade for the Falklands War in 1982.
Mayner was the surgeon, or civilian medical officer, in the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company's flagship, which was returning from a world cruise when, on April 3, the day after the Argentines invaded the Falkland Islands, he heard that she was to make an unexpected call at Gibraltar.
There, her master Dennis Scott-Masson and his officers learnt that the Ministry of Defence wished to requisition Canberra for use as a troopship. She sailed to Southampton, where her passengers disembarked. She was refitted and sailed on April 9.
In her white livery, Canberra, soon nicknamed "the Great White Whale", carried 5,200 men of the Royal Marines and Paras to the war zone. Canberra's crew, including 15 females, volunteered to stay on board.
Mayner's small medical team - a second surgeon, two nurses and a dispenser - normally cared for the crew in accordance with maritime law, while the paying passengers formed Mayner's private practice. He was ahead of his time in the 1970s when as ship's surgeon he shared with his staff the fees collected.
On the voyage south in 1982, Mayner motivated and inspired his team to integrate with the newly embarked naval and military medical teams, helping to rig wards and medical facilities throughout the ship, and he started lunchtime seminars addressing the health hazards and injuries likely if Canberra were attacked.
Despite her size and lack of camouflage, overnight on May 20/21, Canberra entered San Carlos Water, carrying a significant part of the British landing force. Later, she steamed to South Georgia, where 3,000 troops were transferred from Queen Elizabeth 2 to be landed at San Carlos on June 2.
Over the next few weeks Canberra received 172 patients, both British and Argentine, some seriously wounded; 84 operations were performed, and all patients recovered. In addition, 5,189 laboratory tests and 172 X-rays were done, and 1,310 pints of blood were collected (one Marine said he hoped he would not need his back later). Mayner's team gave advice, conducted blood tests, visited patients, and even gave veterinary advice about a malingering parrot in MV Elk.
Once the islands had been liberated, Canberra became a cartel, carrying 4,200 prisoners of war to Puerto Madryn in Patagonia. Many of the wounded were cared for by Mayner and his team, and his unlikely passengers were so impressed by their treatment that they wrote letters of thanks.
On July 11, Canberra returned to Southampton to a hero's welcome.
Peter Edward Mayner was born at Harborne in Birmingham on December 171938 and brought up in Malvern by his widowed mother. Educated at Haileybury, he studied Classics at Trinity College, Cambridge, and then Medicine at Queen Elizabeth Medical School in Birmingham.
Mayner worked at hospitals in Stratford-upon-Avon and Hereford as a house physician, obtaining further qualifications before joining P&O in January 1973. Over the next 20 years he served in a number of P&O and Princess ships, but in the early 1990s he took early retirement due to ill health. He continued to practise from his home near Malvern, conducting medical fitness examinations for seafarers.
He took a keen interest in local affairs, was a trustee and medical adviser to a local charity, Arcos (Association for Rehabilitation of Communication and Oral Skills) and helped to write two books of village history. He played rugby, cricket, squash and tennis at college and university, belonged to the Cambridge Underwater Exploration Society, and learnt to fly with the University of Birmingham Air Squadron. Latterly, he took up bowls.
He married Elizabeth Morris in 1977; she survives him with their daughter.
Mayner's small medical team - a second surgeon, two nurses and a dispenser - normally cared for the crew in accordance with maritime law, while the paying passengers formed Mayner's private practice. He was ahead of his time in the 1970s when as ship's surgeon he shared with his staff the fees collected.
On the voyage south in 1982, Mayner motivated and inspired his team to integrate with the newly embarked naval and military medical teams, helping to rig wards and medical facilities throughout the ship, and he started lunchtime seminars addressing the health hazards and injuries likely if Canberra were attacked.
Despite her size and lack of camouflage, overnight on May 20/21, Canberra entered San Carlos Water, carrying a significant part of the British landing force. Later, she steamed to South Georgia, where 3,000 troops were transferred from Queen Elizabeth 2 to be landed at San Carlos on June 2.
Over the next few weeks Canberra received 172 patients, both British and Argentine, some seriously wounded; 84 operations were performed, and all patients recovered. In addition, 5,189 laboratory tests and 172 X-rays were done, and 1,310 pints of blood were collected (one Marine said he hoped he would not need his back later). Mayner's team gave advice, conducted blood tests, visited patients, and even gave veterinary advice about a malingering parrot in MV Elk.
Once the islands had been liberated, Canberra became a cartel, carrying 4,200 prisoners of war to Puerto Madryn in Patagonia. Many of the wounded were cared for by Mayner and his team, and his unlikely passengers were so impressed by their treatment that they wrote letters of thanks.
On July 11, Canberra returned to Southampton to a hero's welcome.
Peter Edward Mayner was born at Harborne in Birmingham on December 171938 and brought up in Malvern by his widowed mother. Educated at Haileybury, he studied Classics at Trinity College, Cambridge, and then Medicine at Queen Elizabeth Medical School in Birmingham.
Mayner worked at hospitals in Stratford-upon-Avon and Hereford as a house physician, obtaining further qualifications before joining P&O in January 1973. Over the next 20 years he served in a number of P&O and Princess ships, but in the early 1990s he took early retirement due to ill health. He continued to practise from his home near Malvern, conducting medical fitness examinations for seafarers.
He took a keen interest in local affairs, was a trustee and medical adviser to a local charity, Arcos (Association for Rehabilitation of Communication and Oral Skills) and helped to write two books of village history. He played rugby, cricket, squash and tennis at college and university, belonged to the Cambridge Underwater Exploration Society, and learnt to fly with the University of Birmingham Air Squadron. Latterly, he took up bowls.
He married Elizabeth Morris in 1977; she survives him with their daughter.
Teddy Mayner, born December 17, 1938, died January 20, 2023
I have received the sad news from his daughter, that Anthony Robinson died on 24 December at the age of 87.
From 1953 to 1955, Anthony spent two years National Service in the Royal Air Force where he trained as a radio operator and served in West Germany.
Anthony then joined the Orient Line in 1956 in the West End Passenger Office in Cockspur Street and worked in Reservations. After the merger of the Orient Line with P&O in 1960, he continued in Reservations until 1978 when he transferred to Fleet Personnel Department as Travel Officer. In this role he was responsible for booking the flights for Officers and Crew joining and leaving ships overseas.
He left what was by then known as P&O Princess Cruises, in 1988.
Anthony was a regular attendee at the P&O Reunion Luncheons held in Southampton each year. He was also a keen cricket enthusiast and was a member of the MCC.
The funeral will take place at 12 Noon on Wednesday 25 January at the Church of St John the Evangelist, Withycombe Village Road, Withycombe Raleigh, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 3AE. This will be followed by burial the following day in Truro.
After the funeral service there will be a reception at Ocean, Queens Drive, Exmouth, EX8 2AY. For catering purposes, if you plan to attend, please email Rebecca Robinson at bec.robinson@hotmail.co.uk
Derek Warmington
From 1953 to 1955, Anthony spent two years National Service in the Royal Air Force where he trained as a radio operator and served in West Germany.
Anthony then joined the Orient Line in 1956 in the West End Passenger Office in Cockspur Street and worked in Reservations. After the merger of the Orient Line with P&O in 1960, he continued in Reservations until 1978 when he transferred to Fleet Personnel Department as Travel Officer. In this role he was responsible for booking the flights for Officers and Crew joining and leaving ships overseas.
He left what was by then known as P&O Princess Cruises, in 1988.
Anthony was a regular attendee at the P&O Reunion Luncheons held in Southampton each year. He was also a keen cricket enthusiast and was a member of the MCC.
The funeral will take place at 12 Noon on Wednesday 25 January at the Church of St John the Evangelist, Withycombe Village Road, Withycombe Raleigh, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 3AE. This will be followed by burial the following day in Truro.
After the funeral service there will be a reception at Ocean, Queens Drive, Exmouth, EX8 2AY. For catering purposes, if you plan to attend, please email Rebecca Robinson at bec.robinson@hotmail.co.uk
Derek Warmington
I have received the sad news that Matthew McLauchlan died on 27 December after a long illness. He was 74 years of age.
After briefly working in the family construction company and later in the retail fashion industry, Matthew joined ‘Canberra’ in 1978 as a Shop Assistant. In 1979, as a result having amateur experience as an actor and singer, he obtained a transfer to Entertainments as an Entertainment Officer.
During the years that followed Matthew sailed in ‘Sea Princess’ and ‘Oriana’ as well as in ‘Canberra’ and rose to the position of Cruise Director. He will be particularly remembered for his part in the introduction and development of The Stadium Theatre Company in ‘Canberra’.
He left the sea in 1992 and joined his partner, Martyn Crossley, running a floristry business in Windsor that continues to operate to the present day.
The funeral will be at 12 Noon on Friday 3 February in the Royal Chapel of All Saints, Windsor Great Park, SL4 2HW, followed by committal at Slough Crematorium, SL2 5AX.
Derek Warmington
After briefly working in the family construction company and later in the retail fashion industry, Matthew joined ‘Canberra’ in 1978 as a Shop Assistant. In 1979, as a result having amateur experience as an actor and singer, he obtained a transfer to Entertainments as an Entertainment Officer.
During the years that followed Matthew sailed in ‘Sea Princess’ and ‘Oriana’ as well as in ‘Canberra’ and rose to the position of Cruise Director. He will be particularly remembered for his part in the introduction and development of The Stadium Theatre Company in ‘Canberra’.
He left the sea in 1992 and joined his partner, Martyn Crossley, running a floristry business in Windsor that continues to operate to the present day.
The funeral will be at 12 Noon on Friday 3 February in the Royal Chapel of All Saints, Windsor Great Park, SL4 2HW, followed by committal at Slough Crematorium, SL2 5AX.
Derek Warmington
News has been received that Frank Kemp died on 22 December at the age of 96.
In World War II, Frank enlisted in the Essex Regiment of the British Army and then stayed on as a regular soldier after the War ended. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant in 1955 and when he left the Army in 1966/67 he held the rank of Captain.
In 1967 he joined BI in an administrative position in Fleet Management and when BI Educational Cruising became part of P&O Passenger Division (later P&O Cruises) in 1971, he continued in a similar role. He retired as Fleet Co-ordinator in 1985.
The funeral is at 1.45 pm on Thursday 19 January at The Church of St Nicholas, Trellech, Monouthshire, NP25 4PZ, followed by cremation at the Forest of Dean Crematorium at 3.30 pm.
Derek Warmington
In World War II, Frank enlisted in the Essex Regiment of the British Army and then stayed on as a regular soldier after the War ended. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant in 1955 and when he left the Army in 1966/67 he held the rank of Captain.
In 1967 he joined BI in an administrative position in Fleet Management and when BI Educational Cruising became part of P&O Passenger Division (later P&O Cruises) in 1971, he continued in a similar role. He retired as Fleet Co-ordinator in 1985.
The funeral is at 1.45 pm on Thursday 19 January at The Church of St Nicholas, Trellech, Monouthshire, NP25 4PZ, followed by cremation at the Forest of Dean Crematorium at 3.30 pm.
Derek Warmington
P&O Pensioners
