Obituaries 2025
I have received the sad news from his wife, Maria, that Marcus James died peacefully at his home in Minehead on the 29th July. He was 81 years old.
After completing a four year engineering apprenticeship with Tangye Hydraulics in Birmingham, Marcus joined the British India Steam Navigation Company (“BI”) as an Assistant Engineer Officer in August 1964. During the years that followed, he sailed with BI in UGANDA, NEVASA, KENYA, CAMELOT, and WAROONGA.
In 1972, he transferred to P&O Passenger Division when NEVASA and UGANDA became part of the P&O Passenger Division fleet. Later that same year he obtained his 1st Class Certificate.
He was promoted to Chief Engineer Officer in 1981 in ISLAND PRINCESS and subsequently sailed as Chief in SUN PRINCESS and SEA PRINCESS before joining the ‘New Build’ team for ROYAL PRINCESS in 1983. He then sailed as Chief Engineer Officer for the Maiden Voyage in 1984.
In 1994 he was appointed to the ‘New Build’ team for ORIANA and then sailed as Chief Engineer Officer of that ship for the Maiden Voyage in 1995.
He was appointed Commodore Chief Engineer Officer of P&O Princess Cruises in November 1996.
Marcus left the company in 1998, having decided to take early retirement.
The funeral will take place at 2.00 pm on Thursday the 28th August at St Andrew’s Church, Wellington Square, Minehead, TA24 5NH.
Refreshments will be available afterwards so if you plan to attend, please email the family at mc.james2018@gmail.com to provide an indication of numbers.
Derek Warmington
After completing a four year engineering apprenticeship with Tangye Hydraulics in Birmingham, Marcus joined the British India Steam Navigation Company (“BI”) as an Assistant Engineer Officer in August 1964. During the years that followed, he sailed with BI in UGANDA, NEVASA, KENYA, CAMELOT, and WAROONGA.
In 1972, he transferred to P&O Passenger Division when NEVASA and UGANDA became part of the P&O Passenger Division fleet. Later that same year he obtained his 1st Class Certificate.
He was promoted to Chief Engineer Officer in 1981 in ISLAND PRINCESS and subsequently sailed as Chief in SUN PRINCESS and SEA PRINCESS before joining the ‘New Build’ team for ROYAL PRINCESS in 1983. He then sailed as Chief Engineer Officer for the Maiden Voyage in 1984.
In 1994 he was appointed to the ‘New Build’ team for ORIANA and then sailed as Chief Engineer Officer of that ship for the Maiden Voyage in 1995.
He was appointed Commodore Chief Engineer Officer of P&O Princess Cruises in November 1996.
Marcus left the company in 1998, having decided to take early retirement.
The funeral will take place at 2.00 pm on Thursday the 28th August at St Andrew’s Church, Wellington Square, Minehead, TA24 5NH.
Refreshments will be available afterwards so if you plan to attend, please email the family at mc.james2018@gmail.com to provide an indication of numbers.
Derek Warmington
Commodore Marcus John James, order of service.
Facebook Post and messages - 14th August 2025
Facebook Post and messages - 15th August 2025
Facebook Post and messages - 17th August 2025.
Eulogy - his son Adam.
Facebook Post and messages - 14th August 2025
Facebook Post and messages - 15th August 2025
Facebook Post and messages - 17th August 2025.
Eulogy - his son Adam.
The sad news has been received from Australia that Captain Nick Carlton died on the 11th July at the age of 72. He had been ill with cancer of the liver for some considerable time.
Nick died, surrounded by his family, at his home in Western Australia. He had lived in Australia for over 20 years.
Nick joined P&O as a Deck Cadet in January 1971 aboard STRATHARDLE having previously attended the School of Navigation at Warsash in Southampton (now known as the Warsash Maritime Academy).
He was to spend his whole career at sea with P&O and Princess Cruises.
At the end of his cadetship in April 1974, he was promoted to 3rd Officer. After a period as 2ndOfficer and obtaining his Master’s Certificate he achieved the rank of 1st Officer in March 1982 and by 1986, he was Chief Officer of PACIFIC PRINCESS. In December 1994 he became Deputy Captain of CANBERRA.
His first command as Captain was PACIFIC PRINCESS in June 2000 and, during the years that followed, he sailed as Captain in most of the Princess ships until his retirement in May 2017 from SAPPHIRE PRINCESS.
The funeral will take place at 2:00 pm (local time) on Thursday the 31st of July in Bowra & O’Dea Chapel, 460 Pinjarra Road, Greenfields, Mandurah, Western Australia. Please follow the link to the Funeral Director’s website for streaming details etc.
Refreshments available afterwards at ‘Sid’s Place’ adjacent to the Chapel.
Derek Warmington
Streaming Link, 'Captain Nicholas (Nick) Carlton - Service Link'
Tributes posted on Facebook, 'Tributes Nick FB'.
Nick died, surrounded by his family, at his home in Western Australia. He had lived in Australia for over 20 years.
Nick joined P&O as a Deck Cadet in January 1971 aboard STRATHARDLE having previously attended the School of Navigation at Warsash in Southampton (now known as the Warsash Maritime Academy).
He was to spend his whole career at sea with P&O and Princess Cruises.
At the end of his cadetship in April 1974, he was promoted to 3rd Officer. After a period as 2ndOfficer and obtaining his Master’s Certificate he achieved the rank of 1st Officer in March 1982 and by 1986, he was Chief Officer of PACIFIC PRINCESS. In December 1994 he became Deputy Captain of CANBERRA.
His first command as Captain was PACIFIC PRINCESS in June 2000 and, during the years that followed, he sailed as Captain in most of the Princess ships until his retirement in May 2017 from SAPPHIRE PRINCESS.
The funeral will take place at 2:00 pm (local time) on Thursday the 31st of July in Bowra & O’Dea Chapel, 460 Pinjarra Road, Greenfields, Mandurah, Western Australia. Please follow the link to the Funeral Director’s website for streaming details etc.
Refreshments available afterwards at ‘Sid’s Place’ adjacent to the Chapel.
Derek Warmington
Streaming Link, 'Captain Nicholas (Nick) Carlton - Service Link'
Tributes posted on Facebook, 'Tributes Nick FB'.
News has been received that Peter Boult died on the 28th May at the age of 85.
Peter never worked for P&O but attended the P&O Pensioners’ Annual Reunion Lunch in Southampton for several years, accompanying his wife Nicolette (Eernink).
In 1970, Peter was a rubber planter in Malaysia on leave in London when he visited his sister, Pipyn Boult who had joined P&O as a Woman Assistant Purser and was living in a hostel awaiting her first appointment to sea. Through her, Peter met Nicolette, a ‘Dutch WAP’ who was also staying in the hostel waiting to go to sea. They remained in touch and were married in 1973.
Peter and Nicolette lived in Malaysia for twelve years and their two children were both born in Kuala Lumpur. They returned to the UK in 1984, following which Peter worked for eleven years as a school bursar at Leighton Park School in Reading. Peter and Nicolette then moved to Devon to enjoy many sea-based activities during Peter’s retirement, including going on numerous cruises, being a watchkeeper for the National Coastwatch Institution and enjoying dinghy sailing.
The funeral will be private.
Derek Warmington
Peter never worked for P&O but attended the P&O Pensioners’ Annual Reunion Lunch in Southampton for several years, accompanying his wife Nicolette (Eernink).
In 1970, Peter was a rubber planter in Malaysia on leave in London when he visited his sister, Pipyn Boult who had joined P&O as a Woman Assistant Purser and was living in a hostel awaiting her first appointment to sea. Through her, Peter met Nicolette, a ‘Dutch WAP’ who was also staying in the hostel waiting to go to sea. They remained in touch and were married in 1973.
Peter and Nicolette lived in Malaysia for twelve years and their two children were both born in Kuala Lumpur. They returned to the UK in 1984, following which Peter worked for eleven years as a school bursar at Leighton Park School in Reading. Peter and Nicolette then moved to Devon to enjoy many sea-based activities during Peter’s retirement, including going on numerous cruises, being a watchkeeper for the National Coastwatch Institution and enjoying dinghy sailing.
The funeral will be private.
Derek Warmington
News has been received that Mrs Queenie Clark died on the 25th April after a short illness. She was 86 years of age.
As Queenie Mastin she joined the Orient Line in the early 1960s as a Female Assistant Purser (FAP) and sailed in ORCADES, but served at sea for only a short period of time.
During the years that followed, she married and had two daughters. She also worked in a Travel Agency for a number of years.
Sadly, her husband died in the late 1990s, but she remarried to Joe Clark, a former Deputy Purser with the Orient Line, who had also been recently widowed.
Joe died in 2019.
The funeral will be at 12 noon on Monday the 2nd June at St Stephen’s Church, Waterloo Road, Tonbridge, TN9 2SW.
Refreshments will be served afterwards so if you plan to attend, please email Queenie’s daughter Alison Melling at mcmu99ajm@gmail.com to give her an indication of numbers to expect.
Derek Warmington
As Queenie Mastin she joined the Orient Line in the early 1960s as a Female Assistant Purser (FAP) and sailed in ORCADES, but served at sea for only a short period of time.
During the years that followed, she married and had two daughters. She also worked in a Travel Agency for a number of years.
Sadly, her husband died in the late 1990s, but she remarried to Joe Clark, a former Deputy Purser with the Orient Line, who had also been recently widowed.
Joe died in 2019.
The funeral will be at 12 noon on Monday the 2nd June at St Stephen’s Church, Waterloo Road, Tonbridge, TN9 2SW.
Refreshments will be served afterwards so if you plan to attend, please email Queenie’s daughter Alison Melling at mcmu99ajm@gmail.com to give her an indication of numbers to expect.
Derek Warmington
Those of you who knew him will be saddened to hear that Terry Mitchell died on the 27th April. He was 85 years of age and died of pneumonia although he had also been ill with cancer for some considerable time.
Terry will be particularly remembered as the Port Operations Manager for P&O Cruises in Southampton for many years.
He began his career with Escombe McGrath and Co Ltd , a P&O Group company, which was the Port Agent for P&O in Southampton. When Escombe’s closed in the early 1970s, the staff, including Terry, were transferred to P&O Cruises to form the Port Operations Department.
He continued in the role of Port Operations Manager until, in the early 2000s, developments internationally identified the need for a role specialising in shipboard security and he moved to this new position, remaining there until his retirement in 2003.
The funeral will be private.
Derek Warmington
Terry will be particularly remembered as the Port Operations Manager for P&O Cruises in Southampton for many years.
He began his career with Escombe McGrath and Co Ltd , a P&O Group company, which was the Port Agent for P&O in Southampton. When Escombe’s closed in the early 1970s, the staff, including Terry, were transferred to P&O Cruises to form the Port Operations Department.
He continued in the role of Port Operations Manager until, in the early 2000s, developments internationally identified the need for a role specialising in shipboard security and he moved to this new position, remaining there until his retirement in 2003.
The funeral will be private.
Derek Warmington
News has been received that Jim Craig, former Engineer Officer and Technical Superintendent, died in Miami on the 24thApril at the age of 60 after losing his battle with cancer.
Jim joined in 1980 as a P&O Group Engine Cadet and became an Assistant Engineer Officer with P&O Princess in 1984. During the years that followed he sailed in a number of different ships including ORIANA (1) and SKY PRINCESS as an Engineer Officer and Ventilation Officer.
After leaving and spending a short period with Dolphin Cruises in Miami in 2003, he rejoined P&O Cruises later in the same year as a Superintendent in Southampton and then in 2008 he moved to Princess Cruises in Los Angeles.
In 2014/15 he left P&O Princess and joined Virgin Voyages in Miami until 2022 when he went to Kenter Marine Services until obliged to retire due to ill health.
Jim’s wishes were that there was to be no fuss after his death therefore a very private cremation has already taken place.
Derek Warmington
Jim joined in 1980 as a P&O Group Engine Cadet and became an Assistant Engineer Officer with P&O Princess in 1984. During the years that followed he sailed in a number of different ships including ORIANA (1) and SKY PRINCESS as an Engineer Officer and Ventilation Officer.
After leaving and spending a short period with Dolphin Cruises in Miami in 2003, he rejoined P&O Cruises later in the same year as a Superintendent in Southampton and then in 2008 he moved to Princess Cruises in Los Angeles.
In 2014/15 he left P&O Princess and joined Virgin Voyages in Miami until 2022 when he went to Kenter Marine Services until obliged to retire due to ill health.
Jim’s wishes were that there was to be no fuss after his death therefore a very private cremation has already taken place.
Derek Warmington
The sad news has been received that Frederick ‘Freddie’ Lloyd, retired 1st Radio Officer/1stElectro-Technical Officer, died on Friday the 18th April after a short illness. He was 79 years of age.
After leaving school, Freddie went to London and joined Royal Mail in an administrative position, but soon decided that a career at sea beckoned and he left and enrolled at a Technical College in Scotland where he qualified as a Radio Officer.
He joined P&O as a Junior Radio Officer in 1967/68, but was immediately seconded to Trident Tankers, sailing in ‘MANTUA’.
After returning to P&O, he sailed in various P&O and Princess ships during the years that followed and achieved the rank of 1st Radio Officer in October 1980.
In 1997, Freddie was sailing in ‘CANBERRA’ when the ship was retired from service and he remained for the delivery run to Pakistan where the ship was to be broken up. Following this, he decided to take early retirement.
The funeral service will take place at 11.00 am on Thursday, the 1st May at Chapel of Garioch Parish Church, Aberdeenshire, AB51 5HE. Thereafter to the churchyard.
A Celebration of Life Tea will be held afterwards at Chapel of Garioch Village Hall. If you plan to attend, please email Karin Hill (niece) at Kaz4919@hotmail.com
Derek Warmington
After leaving school, Freddie went to London and joined Royal Mail in an administrative position, but soon decided that a career at sea beckoned and he left and enrolled at a Technical College in Scotland where he qualified as a Radio Officer.
He joined P&O as a Junior Radio Officer in 1967/68, but was immediately seconded to Trident Tankers, sailing in ‘MANTUA’.
After returning to P&O, he sailed in various P&O and Princess ships during the years that followed and achieved the rank of 1st Radio Officer in October 1980.
In 1997, Freddie was sailing in ‘CANBERRA’ when the ship was retired from service and he remained for the delivery run to Pakistan where the ship was to be broken up. Following this, he decided to take early retirement.
The funeral service will take place at 11.00 am on Thursday, the 1st May at Chapel of Garioch Parish Church, Aberdeenshire, AB51 5HE. Thereafter to the churchyard.
A Celebration of Life Tea will be held afterwards at Chapel of Garioch Village Hall. If you plan to attend, please email Karin Hill (niece) at Kaz4919@hotmail.com
Derek Warmington
I bring the sad news that Alan Hale, retired Purser with P&O, died on the 20th of February at the age of 94.
After completing his National Service in the Army where he served in Germany, Alan joined P&O in 1951 as a Junior Assistant Purser in CHITRAL (1).
He spent the whole of his subsequent career at sea with P&O, becoming Deputy Purser in 1959 and finally Purser in 1966 aboard CHITRAL (2). He also sailed as Purser in CHUSAN, ARCADIA, CANBERRA, ORIANA (1), PACIFIC PRINCESS and ROYAL PRINCESS. His last appointment prior to his retirement in 1990 was to SEA PRINCESS.
Alan had always enjoyed gardening and in retirement he became a full-time amateur gardener. He created a beautiful garden and he became passionate about growing clematis, cultivating around 200 of these plants. He periodically opened his garden to the public and was also involved with the local garden society.
His wife Sylvia (Stevens) was a former Nursing Sister with P&O. Sadly, she died in 2018.
Private cremation will be followed by a service of thanksgiving at 1:00 pm on Monday 14th April at St Lawrence Church, 2 Old Manor Gardens, Mickleton, Chipping Campden, GL55 6RZ. Afterwards, there will be a buffet lunch at the Three Ways House Hotel, Mickleton, Chipping Campden, GL55 6SB, a short walk from the church.
The family have requested that those attending come in colourful clothing and wear a garden flower.
If you plan to attend please email: kathrynalees@icloud.com to provide the family with an indication of numbers to expect.
Derek Warmington
After completing his National Service in the Army where he served in Germany, Alan joined P&O in 1951 as a Junior Assistant Purser in CHITRAL (1).
He spent the whole of his subsequent career at sea with P&O, becoming Deputy Purser in 1959 and finally Purser in 1966 aboard CHITRAL (2). He also sailed as Purser in CHUSAN, ARCADIA, CANBERRA, ORIANA (1), PACIFIC PRINCESS and ROYAL PRINCESS. His last appointment prior to his retirement in 1990 was to SEA PRINCESS.
Alan had always enjoyed gardening and in retirement he became a full-time amateur gardener. He created a beautiful garden and he became passionate about growing clematis, cultivating around 200 of these plants. He periodically opened his garden to the public and was also involved with the local garden society.
His wife Sylvia (Stevens) was a former Nursing Sister with P&O. Sadly, she died in 2018.
Private cremation will be followed by a service of thanksgiving at 1:00 pm on Monday 14th April at St Lawrence Church, 2 Old Manor Gardens, Mickleton, Chipping Campden, GL55 6RZ. Afterwards, there will be a buffet lunch at the Three Ways House Hotel, Mickleton, Chipping Campden, GL55 6SB, a short walk from the church.
The family have requested that those attending come in colourful clothing and wear a garden flower.
If you plan to attend please email: kathrynalees@icloud.com to provide the family with an indication of numbers to expect.
Derek Warmington
News has been received that John Tratt, former Coxswain, died on the 2nd February at the age of 79.
John joined P&O in October 1990 and during the years that followed up until his retirement he sailed in CANBERRA, ORIANA (2), VICTORIA and ADONIA.
The funeral will take place at 4:00 pm on Thursday the 6th March at Barham Crematorium, Canterbury Road, Barham, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6QU. Afterwards, refreshments will be available at “The Ship Centurion”, 111 High Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AY.
Derek Warmington
John joined P&O in October 1990 and during the years that followed up until his retirement he sailed in CANBERRA, ORIANA (2), VICTORIA and ADONIA.
The funeral will take place at 4:00 pm on Thursday the 6th March at Barham Crematorium, Canterbury Road, Barham, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6QU. Afterwards, refreshments will be available at “The Ship Centurion”, 111 High Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AY.
Derek Warmington
I have received the sad news of Bob Eaton’s death from his wife, Dinah, who has summarised his life and career as follows:
“Bob was born on 4 April 1940 in Bexleyheath, Kent and attended the London Choir School before joining HMS WORCESTER in May 1955 for two years. This was followed by an Outward Bound Course at Eskdale in the Lake District before joining P&O as a Cadet.
His first ship was BALLARAT followed by SUNDA, ADEN and CORAMANDEL. After obtaining his 2nd Mate’s Certificate he re-joined SUNDA and between 1961 and 1962 had three collisions. Next was ORIANA followed by CHUSAN where he met Dinah, née Hastings. His next ship was IBERIA, then CANNANORE. He and Dinah were married in 1966 and he then joined ORSOVA, followed by dock staff and coastal and short cruises in SURAT, STRATHCONNON and ARCADIA, before spending most of 1968 in IBERIA.
He came ashore in 1968 working for Overseas Containers, based in London but over the next two years spent much of the time in Rotterdam, Antwerp and Tilbury as Ship-Planner. He was later based in Southampton as Manager of OCL’s Australian trade and then Cargo Manager and worldwide trade sales up to 1988.
Back under the P&O Containers flag and in London office, he was Sales Manager and Senior Business Analyst but was made redundant in 1990 so he returned to a life at sea with Geest Line sailing to and from the Caribbean islands carrying general cargo and bananas. This lasted for four years when Geest sold their ships and Bob rejoined P&O Containers but this time at sea on their container ships for three years. On retiring in 1998, he became summer relief Master with Wightlink on their Lymington to Yarmouth route for three years.
After 47 years living in Brockenhurst, Bob and Dinah moved to Milford on Sea overlooking the Solent. 12 years later, after some health problems, they moved to Tring to be near two of their three daughters. With further failing health, Bob went into a care home in November 2024 and he died on January 31st 2025 aged 84.”
Derek Warmington
“Bob was born on 4 April 1940 in Bexleyheath, Kent and attended the London Choir School before joining HMS WORCESTER in May 1955 for two years. This was followed by an Outward Bound Course at Eskdale in the Lake District before joining P&O as a Cadet.
His first ship was BALLARAT followed by SUNDA, ADEN and CORAMANDEL. After obtaining his 2nd Mate’s Certificate he re-joined SUNDA and between 1961 and 1962 had three collisions. Next was ORIANA followed by CHUSAN where he met Dinah, née Hastings. His next ship was IBERIA, then CANNANORE. He and Dinah were married in 1966 and he then joined ORSOVA, followed by dock staff and coastal and short cruises in SURAT, STRATHCONNON and ARCADIA, before spending most of 1968 in IBERIA.
He came ashore in 1968 working for Overseas Containers, based in London but over the next two years spent much of the time in Rotterdam, Antwerp and Tilbury as Ship-Planner. He was later based in Southampton as Manager of OCL’s Australian trade and then Cargo Manager and worldwide trade sales up to 1988.
Back under the P&O Containers flag and in London office, he was Sales Manager and Senior Business Analyst but was made redundant in 1990 so he returned to a life at sea with Geest Line sailing to and from the Caribbean islands carrying general cargo and bananas. This lasted for four years when Geest sold their ships and Bob rejoined P&O Containers but this time at sea on their container ships for three years. On retiring in 1998, he became summer relief Master with Wightlink on their Lymington to Yarmouth route for three years.
After 47 years living in Brockenhurst, Bob and Dinah moved to Milford on Sea overlooking the Solent. 12 years later, after some health problems, they moved to Tring to be near two of their three daughters. With further failing health, Bob went into a care home in November 2024 and he died on January 31st 2025 aged 84.”
Thanksgiving service to celebrate Bob’s life on
Thursday 27 February at 11am
Bierton Crematorium
Cane End Lane, Bierton, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 5BH
followed by a gathering and buffet lunch between 12pm and 4pm at
The Barn, Hulcott Lane, Hulcott, Bierton, Aylesbury HP22 5GA
Please let Dinah know at dinah@b683.net if you plan to come to the gathering.
Donations
Rather than floral tributes, the family have asked for donations to Bob’s chosen charities, more details here.
Live-stream
The service will be live-streamed, you can watch by clicking the link here and logging in with Username: mago8528 and Password: 549303. You can also watch the service for up to 28 days afterwards.
Those of you who knew him, will be saddened to learn that Derek Houghton, former Accommodation Officer, died on the 18th January in Poole Hospital. He was 94 and had been in poor health for some time.
After leaving school, Derek did his National Service in the Army, serving with the 1st Royal Dragoons in Germany.
In 1952 he went to sea as a Steward/Messman in the P&O ship MALOJA. In the years that followed he sailed with a number of different companies including the New Zealand Shipping Company in RUAHINE, and Shaw Savill in GOTHIC. In 1959 he returned to P&O as a Bedroom Steward in ARCADIA and remained with P&O and Princess Cruises for the rest of his career serving at some point in most ships of the fleet.
While serving in ORIANA (1) in 1965 he was promoted to 3rd Steward and later he moved up to become an Accommodation Supervisor until 1979 when this position was upgraded to Accommodation Officer.
In 1982, he was Accommodation Officer on board UGANDA during the Falklands conflict.
His last appointment before he retired was to PACIFIC PRINCESS in 1990.
In his retirement, for a period in the 1990s, he ran his own recruitment consultancy, recruiting staff for the Cruising industry.
The funeral will be private.
After leaving school, Derek did his National Service in the Army, serving with the 1st Royal Dragoons in Germany.
In 1952 he went to sea as a Steward/Messman in the P&O ship MALOJA. In the years that followed he sailed with a number of different companies including the New Zealand Shipping Company in RUAHINE, and Shaw Savill in GOTHIC. In 1959 he returned to P&O as a Bedroom Steward in ARCADIA and remained with P&O and Princess Cruises for the rest of his career serving at some point in most ships of the fleet.
While serving in ORIANA (1) in 1965 he was promoted to 3rd Steward and later he moved up to become an Accommodation Supervisor until 1979 when this position was upgraded to Accommodation Officer.
In 1982, he was Accommodation Officer on board UGANDA during the Falklands conflict.
His last appointment before he retired was to PACIFIC PRINCESS in 1990.
In his retirement, for a period in the 1990s, he ran his own recruitment consultancy, recruiting staff for the Cruising industry.
The funeral will be private.
Derek Warmington
P&O Pensioners
