BI Logbook

2012 Log Entries: This page contains entries from the BIship logbook in 2012. The Logbook has been signed by visitors from around the world. We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. Icons:

denotes a specific question and

response or information offered.

...sign the Logbook anywhere you see the icon

Trevor Lawrie, UK - Saturday, December 22, 2012 at 07:55:29
I was a kid when the Tragedy of Dara happened, one of its crew was known to the adults that I overheard discussing it. That over 1500 bodies were picked up, obviously a lot of stowaways, from the south Indian State of Kerala.
I later shared a flat in Muscat with a Civil Engineer in late 70s, who used to suddely wake up sreaming from his sleep, he said it was because he was rescued amidst the blaze in only his pyjamas, must have been a nightmare. The official number of casualties need to be taken with a pinch of salt.

Jon Laird, Australia - Friday, December 21, 2012 at 06:56:16
I am a private researcher and am keen to contact a Mrs Marie Baker (Australia) who posted on this logbook in April 2010 (concerning her brother Peter Pedersen who served with BI). I believe that Marie's father was another mariner, Captain C E Pedersen. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. I can be contacted via the Logbook. thank you

Janice Levinge, UK - Monday, December 10, 2012 at 03:12:55
My uncle, Sub-Lt Reginald Vere Noel Levinge, RNR, was killed on HMS Glowworm on 08-04-1940 aged 21. I understand he joined the BI as a cadet on 06-08-1936. How can I find out which BI ships he served on?

Jeff Stewart, Australia - Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 23:28:19
HMS Slinger / LST 3510. Does anyone know the crew / location Of the slinger in 1951-1952. [Not known to be one of the BI-managed LSTs - Editor]

Sandy Blakey, UK - Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 20:25:00
I am looking for information about my great grandfather he left India in 1896 to work for the Uganda Railway. Has anyone got any information about ss Lritrum it arrived in Mombasa on the 24th November 1896. I was looking for a passenger list or which port it departed from in India. [This does not seem even similar to any BI ship name - Editor]

Roger Morel du Boil, UK - Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 14:31:52
My mother sailed on the Matiana from England to Zanzibar in 1940 1941?

Tony (Antonio) Mansfield, UK - Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 14:34:41
I was the ship's hairdresser 1968/9


	Woodarra (BI 1957-1968)

Sue Morgan, UK - Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 10:20:19
My dad Johnny Black (from Motherwell, Scotland) was an engineer, i have his regulation book and written on the inside cover are the following ships: Chindwara, Amra, Dara, Chupra, Woodarra and Queda. i am not sure if he was on all of these ships but do know he was on the chindwarra and amra as i have postcodes to his mum from these ships. He was a seaman from around 1956 - not sure when he came out but would have been before 1963. Would love to hear from anyone who knew him.

...sign the logbook

David Young, Australia - Monday, November 26, 2012 at 04:34:08
Anyone know which BI ship visited Mombasa 15 July 1931; thence Zanzibar 17th, Dar-es-Salaam 18th, Mozambique 20th, Lourenco Marques 27th and then Durban at dawn 29th July? Also, any photos available of Karagola (the 1917-1948 vessel)? Cheers


	Chinkoa (BI 1952-1972) awaiting the pilot at Dungeness, from an old Skyfotos shot

Chris Lovelidge, Canada - Friday, November 23, 2012 at 19:33:15
I joined the BI forum several years ago and posted a number of photos of my time on the Bankura and Chinkoa. Can anyone tell me how I can access this page as I have lost the address and password. Salaams

Guy Wilson, UK - Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 18:39:01
This may sound silly but I am trying to find out the name of the non alcoholic cocktail drink that I was served as a child on Nevasa in 1959 & 1962. I think it was based on blackcurrant. It is a very strong memory for me, with a cherry on a Nevasa metallic swizzle stick it was very exotic.

Ian Milne, UK - Friday, November 16, 2012 at 23:55:04
I recently found a comemerative tankard to H.W.J. Nash presented by B.I.S.N. Co Lltd in 1969. the inscription reads 'Merlins' 'Kingbeer' 'Helmsman'.....can you throw any light on this and wondered if it would be worth to a family member? thanks, regards

Mohammed Saleem, UK - Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 21:01:55
I wish to know if it's possible to check the date of my family's travel from Mombasa to Karachi by ss Khandalla in march or april 1950?

Thomas Parry, UK - Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 11:26:38
My cousin went down on HMS Rajputana & I have collected a lot of information concerning this ship, which used to be RMS Rajputana. Would be willing to pass this information to those interested. [As mentioned several times previously in these pages, Rajputana (P&O) should not be confused with BI's Rajpootana, in service from 1874 to 1902 - Editor]

Jan Purchase, UK - Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 19:21:42
My father was born in Rangoon, Burma in 1905; of English parent. Amongst my family heirlooms, I have found two silver napkin rings with the words BISN Co Ltd ss Waroonga. The napkin rings each have a number on them - 27 and 45. I understand that numbered napkin rings were issued to officers. My Granfather - William Charles Bailey and my father Arthur Bailey may have served/travelled on the ss Waroonga. I would appreciate any comments regarding the napkin rings and the Waroonga. Many thanks. [Silver (plated) napkins rings were in general issue to the fleet and both officers and passengers eating in the saloon would have a ring, often numbered for identity. The 2,513 gt Waroonga was built by A&J Inglis for British India Associated Steamers. With a passenger capacity of 37 1st and 16 2nd and 1,300 deck passengers, she was acquired by British India SN in 1883 and continued in service until 1913, firstly on BI's new (1880) London-Torres Strait-Queensland Royal Mail contract, then variously on Australian coast routes and the London-Queensland run. In 1899 the ship was refitted for BI's Indian Ocean services and later moved to the Persian Gulf slow mail service. She was sold to Japanese interests in 1913 - Editor]

Margaret McCarthy, UK - Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 13:55:40
Looking for information on Arthur McCarthy (1901-31)who died on board the Manela. I think he might have been crew but not sure. Any help would be appreciated.

Roy Wolten, UK - Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 10:19:04
I want to find out if my grandfather staff sgt albert harold osbourne barwise and his wife clementina barwise sailed to india on the 10.10.1895. I am doing an Ancestry history of the family. Thanking you.


	Mauritius Steam Navigation's Belle Etoile (ex Landaura, 1965) which remained under BI management for at least some of the five years, until disposed of by MSN in 1970 (Chris Howell collection)

Yves Goilot, Mauritius - Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 14:00:50
I would like to know the whereabouts of Tony Bennett, Rhyle Mendes and Kamarruddin bin Mohd who sailed with me on the Belle Etoile ex Landaura in the mid sixties

Yves Goilot, Mauritius - Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 13:25:27
I well remember the Tegelberg [Logbook Jul 12, Jun 13, 2012]. Together with her sister ships the Tjijalenka and the Boissevain were until the mid sixties the largest ships to call at Port Louis while on the Far east /South American run.

John Robertson, US - Monday, October 29, 2012 at 19:05:39
Would like to contact Mac Henderson ref Dara

Brian McMahon, Australia - Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 05:21:35
Could anyone tell me if they know of an Irish radio officer based in india 1940s he was lost at sea aged 21 approx 1943 his name was George Nicholson. Any information would be greatly appreciated I am trying to find out about him for my 90 year old granmother who was his fiancee at the time.

http://www.radioofficers.com/in-memoriam-2/
813 NICHOLSON, 1st R.O. George Augustine (24), ss Nirpura 3rd March 1943
Off East London, U-16O attacked a convoy from Durban to India sinking the animal transport SS Nipura, 5961 tons (British India S.N. Co.) carrying around 700 mules. Three European officers died

...sign the logbook

Yvonne Scott, Ireland - Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 11:50:14
I am trying to find out about sailings of cargo/passenger ships from Beira to Port Sudan (and possibly hopping from port to port en route) departing Beira around 18 March 1951. I am trying to verify whether artist Francis Bacon made this journey as planned. Any information at all regarding sailings from Beira on or close to that date would be gratefully appreciated.

John Robertson, US - Friday, October 26, 2012 at 01:13:13
To Mac Henderson: Are you the Mac Henderson that sailed on the Dara around 1952-53 with D A K Nelson, John Robertson and Dean Martin? If you are, please contact me. Would love to hear from you. Salaams,

Zaher Ramzi, Qatar - Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 10:47:23
I will never forget the magnificent four D's ships Dara, Dwarka, Dumra and Daressa. As boy I travelled on board of them all, Starting on early's of 50's. Untill 1959 from Basra to Muscat as apart of our long journey form Beriut to Muscat. Thanks to all who servied on those ships, espacialy those who worked in engine rooms, as they are the uknown solders.


	Warora (BI 1948-1964), one of a pair of ships built for Calcutta-Japan cargo service

Neville Matthew, UK - Monday, October 22, 2012 at 22:49:14
Sailed with the BI on Chakdara, Bankura, Dilwara, Garbeta, Warla, Warora, and Nowshera in that order between 1958 and late 1962. Took my 2nd Class Motor, 1st Class Motor, and 1st Class Steam Certificates in that period. My son was born in Mombasa whine I served on Warla on the Durban Mombasa service. After getting my Extra 1st Class I stayed ashore and later surveyed the Rajula in Hong Kong while with the Marine Department 1965-1974. I wound be glad to hear from old shipmates

Dave Upshon, South Africa - Monday, October 22, 2012 at 14:38:00
I sailed from Bombay to Beira in 1948 on a BI ship, arriving 5th June 1948. My mother always told me it was the Karanja. However I now find this could not be, as the Karanja was only commissioned in Oct 1948. I now think it must have been the Kampala, can anyone confirm the Kampala docked in Beira June 1948? Also does anyone know who the Commander of the Kampala was at that time?

Andrew Wood, Australia - Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 07:46:03
I think my father served with BI before and during WWII. Hoping there maybe some information regarding his services history if so. David Smith Wood. Also I have BISN Co etched glass (happy to provide a picture)and was also wondering if there any museums local to me. Cheers.

Peter Favelle, Canada - Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 06:31:24
Does anyone know where I can get hold of a body/lines plan of Nevasa (1956)? Also require maiden voyage r/t pass list. Have interesting painting of the ship passing Gibraltar and many pics.

...sign the logbook

Michael Knight, UK - Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 23:27:23
Sailed from the UK in 1952 on the ss Kenya with my parents & brother. I believe it was the Kenya's maiden voyage. We sailed to Mombasa & then a train journey to Nairobi where my father was to be employed as a Maltster for East African Breweries (Tusker Lager) [It was unlikely to have been the maiden voyage as Kenya was delivered by the builder, Barclay Curle on July 12, 1951 - Editor]

Paula Ryder - Friday, October 19, 2012 at 01:38:35
Have been interested in BI for many years as my recently late father was chief engineer during the 1940s with the company. The BI website is very interesting. My father, Bill Ryder (b.1920), served on board between 1941 and 1946; Ethiopia, Dumana, Manela, Mantola, Baroda, Barpeta, Karoa (hospital ship), Vita (hospital ship), Gamaria and Naringa, although not in the right order. My father also visited an engineering friend on the Sir Harvey Adamson during the above period.

Andy Duncan, New Zealand - Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 00:01:26
Looking for family information on the death of Chief Officer Jack Hopkins (I have his Seamans Book No. if required). He joined the Naringa in 1945 Bombay and signed off March 1946 in Bombay, we assume he was sick or injured. Two months later May 1946 he died in Trincomalee Hospital. Do BI have any records of what happened to one of their officers?

Albert Richards, Australia - Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 21:20:27
I am looking for help as i research my grandfather's life at sea. His details as i know them are, albert george richards born 1891, identity no-R.S.2/212457, discharge book no-695166, rated purser. He left the sea in sydney australia in 1919. Any help would be much appreciated however i know this is a long time ago.

...sign the logbook

Ray Lane, UK - Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 15:59:26
I was with BI early 1959 to late 1961 only just started to look at these sites of BI I sailed in Nowshera Fultala Amra Dumra Kampala Warla and Uganda

Kenneth Beadle, UK - Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 07:45:09
Wish to recieve the daily email log book, notes & comments.


	Katoria (BI 1889-1923), on of the seven-strong K class built for shorter, fast services along the Indian coast

James Maclachlan, UK - Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 13:01:29
My great grandfather was S Maclachlan, commander of ss Goa in 1906. He was also commander of Culna and served on Katoria. I have found a picture of Katoria but would love to see pics of the other two if anybody could direct me? He was based in Calcutta where my grandfather was born. Thanks and best.

Ray Wilson, UK - Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 20:47:34
I served on the Rajula as 2nd R/O in 1957/58 and then transferred to Pachumba

Vincent Mathias, India - September 23, 2012, at 21:54
This is to inform you that we are the survivors of Dara Ship accident in 1961. Our family consists of 6 people were traveling from Kuwait to India in that ship. Father Mr Louis Mathias then 40 years. Who is expired. Mother Mrs Carmine Mathias then 31 years still living. India. Daughter Irene Mathias 8 years then now in Kuwait. I (Son) Vincent Mathias then 5 years now in Mumbai, India. Son Justice Mathias then 3 years now in Kuwait. Daughter Gracy Mathias then 3 months girl, now in Mumbai. A great miracle is that the full family survived in the accident. My Mother still carry the memories of the accident . When I saw the accident write up in your website I thought of writing this mail to the company just to inform that we still live with this memories I. Our heart. My mother never went back to kuwait because of the trauma of this accident she had. She is 83 now and living happily with children. If you want to know any more thing kindly revert back to me. I have been told that ours is only second family with full survivors with youngest members as small as 3 months baby.

Christine Smith, UK - Monday, September 24, 2012 at 12:44:30
I am looking to trace a relative who served on the Manela in or around 1932 his name is Andrew James Mcmillan he would have been aged about 20 years old perhaps someone knew him or spoke of him we are trying to track down his movements after he was discharged in 1937.

Vincent Mathias, India - Friday, September 21, 2012 at 18:56:56
We the family of 6 were survivor of this crash and out of which 5 are still living. we were happy to see the full detail of the incident.the my sister was was 3 months then is now 51 years now. [Later Logbook entry refers, Sep 23, 2012]

Helen Langdon, New Zealand - Friday, September 21, 2012 at 05:38:25
My mother sailed back from Calcutta, India to Tilbury in England in 1919 on a ship called ms Marseilles. I can find no record of a ship of this name and wondered if you can help. It was the first ship to leave Calcutta after WW1 finished. [This was not a BI ship - Editor]

Mark Lyons, UK - Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 11:00:15
I went on a school cuise in 1967 on the Nevasa, it was one of the best times of my life!!

Julie Dowd, Australia - Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 02:06:26
Is there a full list of ship names that brought imigrants to South Australia from 1855 to 1900?

Tom Turner, Australia - Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 11:52:17
My father also Thomas William Turner then recently a widower, returned to Australia from Calcutta aboard ss Janus arriving abt. 11 August 1919 [Sydney Morning Herald 13 August 1919, p 9] with his two infant children. I have photos taken en route. But I would like to know the ports of call.

Eiane Hall, UK - Friday, September 7, 2012 at 01:09:51
I believe my grandfather served on your ship, as i am looking at a postcard to my grandmother, dated 8/1/32 when the ship set sail . i never met my grandparents as they died before i was born and my parents died young so therefore have no one to confiim this. My gandfathers name was Charles Arther Landon Lavelle , maybe known as lan to his friends. [Which ship was it? - Editor]

...sign the logbook

Mark Ramphal, Barbados - Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at 03:17:49
I am looking for information on the Ellora, as my paternal grandmother was aboard one of the three journies that Ellora took from India to British Guiana. Are there any photographs or passenger/labourer lists?


	Karoa (BI 1915-1950), one of three Swan Hunter built, K class ships for the Bombay-East Africa/South Africa service, the first company ships designed specifically for the route. At 7,053 tons gross, Karoa had accommodation for 44 1st class, 64 2nd class and 1,471 deck passengers

David Dickason, USA - Sunday, September 2, 2012 at 23:04:30
As a boy I traveled the Rangoon-Madras route on BISN ss Karoa. The captain took a great interest in us, as his children were in Britain. My wife traveled the Gulf-Bombay mail ships from Bahrain and Muscat to Bombay on the mv Dara and Dumra. Info or photos of these ships will be most welcome. Thanks.

Satchid Kale, UK - Sunday, September 2, 2012 at 18:42:38
Where can I get the passenger list for ss Amra sailing from Mombasa to Bombay for year 1963?

Barry Fraser, UK - Friday, August 31, 2012 at 16:35:28
As a child in the 60's i remember well the series of calendar art that BI issued. I had one and cherished it. Upon my retirement the directors of P&O , about to sucumb to Maersk take-over, presented me with a large (64inches x 44inches) painting of Amra, one of these depicted in the calendar series. What a joy. It hung at No.1 Aldgate in the main meeting room. I wonder if anyone knows more about these paintings. [Please tell us more about you BI connections, or was it purely by chance that you were there at the right time when P&O was disposing of art and artefacts? - Editor]

Jerry Pereira, India - Friday, August 24, 2012 at 07:07:43
My grandfather Camilo Fernandes. Worked on steam ship Ellora, as a topass, he was hospitalised in London Greenwich Seamen's Hospital. Sadly he died in the hospital on 20th Nov 1961, as per the records on the death certificate. I wish to know more about my grandfather, about his burial, and if the grave still exist. His documents whatever he carried on board. Can I get any smallest possible infomation about him?

Mac Henderson, UK - Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 16:46:50
I am giving a taugh to our local reminiscence society regarding the ships I sailed on and my experiences in the BI. To support this I would be obliged if anyone could supply technical details of the Nowshera ie BHP, Boiler Press. and Temp. [Laxon & Perry gives SHP as 10,250, from one three-stage Parsons turbine. Shaft speed 116 rpm, giving a trials' speed of 18.01 knots - Editor]

John Ferguson, UK - Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 12:56:01
In reply to Geoffrey Haskins, UK - Friday, December 4, 2009 who wrote "I am researching Old Conway Wilton Vivian Wood who died accidentally, aged 53 years, at Kilindini Wharf in Mombasa in 1941 and is interred in Mbarak cemetery. He is described in the records as "Captain in BISNC". I have information about his life and family.

Tom Kelso, UK - Monday, August 20, 2012 at 20:13:53
For "Harry" Lester, June 4, 2012: Almost certain the BI Choice Pilot Gravesend/Gallions was called Clarke, and his quartermaster was Ted Drury [If ship berthing in Tilbury, then Mr Clarke disembarked in the lock, and Ted handed the wheel over to the seacunny, while he proceeded to berth the ship!) Other names John Buchan (Inward: Dungeness/Gravesend, and ? Williamson, Nore/Gravesend. Mr Buchan regularly boarded Kenya/Uganda inwards off Brixham while Mr Williamson often boarded at Middlesbro/Antwerp/Rotterdam/and Antwerp...both were North Sea pilots as well as being Thames Sea/Gravesend. The Company's Choice outward pilot/Gravesend/Dungeness was Mr Papworth. Inside the Royal Docks the ship was under the advice of Mr Simmonds, also a Waterman like Ted Drury

...sign the logbook

Phil Morland, UK - Sunday, August 19, 2012 at 20:09:13
I have seen Ralph Wood's (Oman) name appear a few times on this site and it has brought back memories of my brief career at sea. I sailed with Ralph in 1974 on the Aska. Would enjoy hearing from you.

David Roberts, UK - Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 09:11:57
I'm trying to find out more about I think BI ships that travelled from India to Guyana in 1895. Trying to trace family/ancestors who I believe travelled as passengers
Backtawar (Backtaor) & Sowiya (Soriya) arrived in Guyana on the ships Elbe (71767*) and Avoca (69815*) in 1895. Any help appreciated. [Between 1895 and 1897 Avoca was on cherter to Compania Trasatlantica for Cuba trooping, under the latter company's name, San Fernando. She reverted to her original BI name at the end of that charter - Editor]

Robin Harrod, UK - Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 11:36:15
My grandfather, John Herbert Humble-Crofts served with BI between 1898 and 1911, completeing service as a 1st Officer. After his marriage in Calcutta in April 1911, he resigned and returned home somewhere between july 1911 and February 1912. I have not found an arrival in UK for him and my g'mother and assume, as she was heavily pregnant, that they might have disembarked at Marseilles and continued overland. Are there any passenger/crew lists for BI ships leaving Calcutta at that time that I might access? [You could try the Public Record Office at Kew - Editor]

Stewart, Australia - Friday, August 10, 2012 at 05:00:21
Does anyone know anything /anyone from HMS Slinger/LST 3510/Empire Kittiwake in 1951

Alistair Kerr, New Zealand - Monday, August 6, 2012 at 04:17:53
For a friend, I am looking for information about his father, John Hopkins, Chief Officer ss Chakdina who died of illness at Trincomalee early in 1945. He wants to know what his father died of.

Altaf Samji, UK - Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 11:25:38
I am researching my wife's ancestry under the surname of Bavishi. I have been able to find my father-in-law's passport which shows that he landed at Mombasa port on 23rd June 1934. I cannot find any departure stamps but can only assume that he travelled from Porbandar. How can I find out what ship he might have used for that trip? Thanks in advance.


	An overhead shot of Ernest Warwick's working model of Bamora

Ernest Warwick, UK - Friday, July 27, 2012 at 03:41:51
My 1:96 stand off scale model of the Bamora (re Logbook July 15, 2012) is now finished, thanks to my research on Ships Nostalgia website. It probably is not correct in every detail due to the very scant drawing I had to work to.

Ian Stewart, UK - Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 09:36:14
My uncle was Alexander Burt Aitken who was killed aboard the Aska when it was bombed in 1940. I have found his name on the BI memorial. I am preparing to dive on the remains of the wreck in August 2012. It will be a poignant experience.

Alistair Fairclough, UK - Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 08:19:39
For Katherine Burns (re Logbook July 15, 20122): I rememember an Engineering Cadet named Paul Burns on Chindwara 59 to 63. In the days when we all smoked I remember his Sherlock Holmes pipe. We all slept in dormitories and I recall he kept his pipe primed and ready on his bunk shelf for when he got up in the mornings. Both our families lived in Surrey at the time and I remember one leave meeting him for a few pints in the Ship Inn, Weybridge. Lost contact with him after that, was he the the same?

Debbie Elkins (was Parrott), UK - Sunday, July 22, 2012 at 18:49:19
I was a passenger on Nevasa in 1971

Gillian Elizabeth Jefferson, Netherland - Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 17:43:12
I am looking for a Reggie Cunningham, or any family of his. He was on the ss Itaura in 1953/1954. My father, Victor George Jefferson was the captain at that time, I beleive. I was a young girl of 11years old and I have just come across 3 letters that he wrote to at that time, as a "penpal". I also have a letter, that he wrote from the MV Garbeta. Maybe if he is still alive he would like to read them, or maybe somebody in his family would be interested. [Reg follows correspondence in the separate BI staff group. Your message will be passed on to him - Editor]

Jocelyn Gordon, Australia - Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 03:31:11
Any crew who remember a family from Perth traveling to the Gulf and back on the Chandpara and Chakrata in 1960 -1961!

Nigel Marsh - Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 00:55:55
Re: Barbara Haddock, April 6, 2012 [regarding a family member who worked on BI ships in Bombay] Family Search.org can sometimes reveal clues to dead people

Mac Henderson, UK - Monday, July 16, 2012 at 14:12:01
The site is very good

Katherine Burns, UK - Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 22:36:31
Would love to hear from any of the men who served with my father, Paul Burns from 1959-63. He was chief engineer and served across the India and East Africa route. He is now sadly deceased..many thanks

Ernest Warwick, UK - Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 10:39:06
I am building a 1:96 scale, working model of the Bamora (the 1961 build, she is a beautiful looking ship) from a very scant modellers drawing, it is almost finished but I need to know her port of registry, and her home port and regular runs to and from! many thanks.

...sign the logbook

Derek Hargreaves, UK - Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 15:16:12
For Patrick Coffey.13 June question: Takliwa left Bombay for Singapore on 8th January 1942. She was one of 18 ships in Convoy BM 10 taking 6000 Indian troops, MT and military stores to defend Singapore, arriving there on the 25th.
As you say, Takliwa left Singapore on. 30th January, almost certainly with refugees but I think it most unlikely that any military passengers would have been permitted. Quoting from the Company's WW2 history book, this "was a day of dense, low clouds, hot and steamyí" and the Madura, another of the Company's ships in the port, had been hit by Japanese bombs. This ship reported that "through the turmoil and the mist of cordite fumes and smoke, we saw the Takliwa steaming past us on the way out to sea. She gave us an encouraging V salute on her whistle as she went". Takliwa arrived at Palembang in Sumatra on 1st February, possibly to land injured refugees. She left the same day for Oosthaven (Bandar Lampung), arriving and leaving that port on 3rd February 1942 and reaching Bombay on the 12th February. Sadly, Takliwa did not see the end of WW2 as she was grounded and wrecked in a storm on Great Nicobar Island in 1945.
The Tegelberg arrived in Batavia (Jakarta/Tandjong Priok) on the 27th January after a "normal" service trip to South Africa and to find the Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies imminent. There is a discussion forum (network54.com) which claims that the Tegelberg loaded gold worth 25 million guilders (and presumably yourself and other refugees!) before sailing on 12th February for Mauritius (20th Feb), Port Elizabeth (3rd March), Capetown (5th March) then visiting Brazil, Argentina, Uruguy and New York, arriving in Liverpool on 16th June to be converted to an Infantry Landing Ship.
I cannot explain how you crossed the Sunda Strait from Takliwa to reach Tegelberg in Batavia, why so much time was spent in Mauritius and why Durban does not appear on your route but verifying the movement of a foreign ship travelling independently is a bit of a challenge!
In addition to the above Forum, other data has been extracted from the Convoy Web and the BISNCo's WW2 history book, Valiant Voyaging. The only fact I can personally guarantee is her conversion to an ILS as I was in the same convoy as Tegelberg, from Port Said to Sicily, arriving there to execute 'Operation Husky' at 2am on the 10th July 1943. [Derek, thanks for a very comprehensive reply to Patrick's question - Editor]


	Bharata (BI 1903-1923) was one of the three-ship B class (one of which is pictured) built for the company's premier Calcutta-Rangoon service

Roger Bernard, UK - Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 11:38:54
My grandfather sailed on the ss Bharata in 1921 he had relinquished his commission with the British Army in India.He was Major James Herbert Harris and my last knowledge of him is a letter on headed notepaper from the ss Bharata dated 17th Oct 1921

Aneesa Dudukay, South Africa - Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 21:44:00
Hi...with reference to my entry in 2011 [Dec 19, 2011], I would really appreciate any info abt the captain of HMS Birmingham in November 1942. My grandfather's 1st wife travelling on ss Tilawa from Bombay to Durban and was said to be one of the passangers rescued by HMS Birmingham.Thanks in advance!

Mohammad Afzal. Iran - Monday, July 9, 2012 at 05:49:17
i have certificate of share No 4486 of 20/Dec/1922, the Persian Golf Steam Navigation Company Limited. What is this?

Chris Henderson< UK - Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 14:49:22
re: ss Karagola - German flying boat D2053, I have historical information about the rescue of the aircraft. My grandfather was specifically mentioned in a letter regarding the recognition of his part in the rescue and the award of a watch by the German Government. Letter and photo avaliable.

Shyamal Banerjee, Germany - Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at 10:31:29
I refer to your answer to my Log Entries 2012, April 1, 2012.
As to my father's service with BISN Calcutta, I am pleased to give details of Dr. D.C. Banerjee. He joined BISN Co. in 1929 and was a shore office doctor 1947-1963 in Calcutta, as a colleague of Dr Garrow. Thank you and regards

Andrew Lansdale, UK - Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at 09:19:12
I am a journalist. I was commissioned to write a couple of articles covering the sailing of the seven cruise liners from Southampton yesterday. I was at Hamble Point photographing the ships and the parallel of BI Sunday came to mind.
Does anyone have a hi-res copy of the BI Sunday image in Mombasa. I will of course include an acknowledgement. Thanks

Pam Passmore, UK - Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at 15:13:23
My grandfather, William Hicks Walton, was a Captain for BI from about 1900 till his death from cholera in Karachi in 1921. I have details of his movements from the Archive in Kew but there is a big gap 1914-18. I know he was troop carrying and wonder if he was seconded to the RN. Does anyone have knowledge of how to get info on this?

Gregor Davies, Australia - Monday, June 25, 2012 at 13:29:08
I am attempting to get information about Charles Edward Hartley Davies, ships engineer on the Shirala from 1912 to 1917

Dave Phillips, Australia - Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 14:48:02
My father served as a Leading Sick Berth Attendant on the HMS Loch Fyne and was present when the mv Dara tragedy occurred. Him along with some other RN personnel went on board the Dara prior to her being taken under tow by the Ocean Salvor. My dad and shipmates took photographs whilst on board surveying the ship. I have found these while compiling an album on my dad's 21 years of service in the RN. I would be glad to share them.

...sign the logbook

Jim Matthew, UK - Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 00:59:10
Intersting site that I only heard of recently

Pam Jackson, Australia - Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 22:20:19
I noted that Jim Anderson left a message on Nov 11 2000. Was wondering if this was the same Jim Anderson (was First Officer) on the Bankura which used to sail into Picton NZ in the 60's. His wife was named Claire (Clare) and they lived in Adelaide?


	Tegelberg was under BI management for a few months in 1942, after being requisitioned by the British government as a personnel carrier. She was then taken over by a Dutch war management committee

Patrick Coffey, Spain - Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 16:47:08
I escaped from Singapore on the Takliwa 30 jan 1942, can you tell me where we went to in Sumatra, and was she carrying troops etc. What was her destination after Sumatra? I and my mother and gran were very fortuneate to eventually get to Durban on the mv Tegelberg. [Perhaps a correspondent who is expert on WWII will help on the Takliwa queries. Tegelberg (built 1937 for Koninklijke Paketvaart Maatsschapij) was also possibly under BI colours at the time you got passage to Durban, that is if it was between April and July 1942, when BI briefly managed the requisitioned, 14,150 gt vessel - Editor]

Maurie Deans, Australia - Monday, June 11, 2012 at 07:12:32
Still enjoy surfing thru the B.I. log

Robin Baber, UK - Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 18:51:51
I am interested in the career of Captain A.E.Baber

Stewart "Harry" Lester, Australia - Monday, June 4, 2012 at 12:44:19
The Queen's Jubilee and the Thames sail past brought to mind my days as a Cadet, later as 4/0 & 3/0 on Home Line vessels. In those days (50s) coming up the Thames we used to boarded by the company's Choice Pilot at Gravesnd accompanied by his Quaatermaster who took the wheel up to entry into the Royal Docks. I recollect once asking who exactly the Quartermaster was and being told he was a Thames Waterman. Can anyone remember his name - I think it was Ted ??? and although being quite aged at that time he was a character in himself and I remember him well. Does anyone also remember the name of the Choice Pilot??? Salaams to all

Paul Wakely, UK - Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 06:25:00
Referring to earlier logbook entry of June 2010, still searching for information regarding my grandfather's time with BI (Martin Henry Wakely, 1919-1923/4), and my father's (Martin Alfred William Wakely, late 1940s/early 1950s). All help appreciated !

Barry Penrose, Australia - Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 02:03:19
Requesting info on BISN vessel andphoto India (2). My grandparents travelled on this vessel to the UK late 1800's

Alex, Australia - Friday, 25 May 2012 16:28:28
I am interested in the history of Robert Pelham Sanderson, an employee of
Mackenzie and Co. in China. How might I find information about him?

Anna Richards, UK - Monday, May 21, 2012 at 17:42:17
Does anyone have any photos of the ships that went from Africa to the Seychelles in the early 1970s, please. i was really young but can remember there was a celebration, welcoming party and we were given flowers on arrival. The sailing was marking a special event, not too sure what it was though. would anybody have any insight on this. thank you [What was the date - month and year? - Editor]


	Wangaratta - British india 1919-1929 A fully refrigerated ship for the Queensland meat trade, Wangaratta was BI's first purpose-built cadetship, with accommodation for 39 cadets

David Reid, UK - Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 09:17:50
My Grandfather David Muir served in BI 1893-1926 his ship Umaria was torpedoed he spent 3 weeks on a German submarine and was intered in Germany. My father Henry Reid joined the BI on13/06/1922 as a cadet aboard the Wangaratta I have his daily log and some photographs of grandfather's ships. [On May 26, 1917, when in the Gulf of Policastro, Umaria (Calcutta for Britain) was attacked on the surface by U-65. Shell damage caused the ship to eventually sink. Meanwhile, the vessel had been abandoned with the loss of five lives. The Chief Engineer, Second Officer and a Cadet were taken prisoner in the submarine. Others were rescued by an Italian patrol boat and landed at Sapri - Editor]

...sign the logbook

Neil McAllister, UK - Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 02:42:38
Lead to this site searching for more on my uncle Robert Hampshire who was reported to his family at the time as being 'supposed drowned enemy action' who I recently found out served on the Gairsoppa.

Tom Kelso, UK - Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 21:59:46
For Nicholas Jones (Australia) [Logbook Feb 21, 2012]: Re Kenya, London~Mombasa, February 1960
Captain H Cray, MBE
C/Engineer A A Emery
C/O P M Pitcairn
Purser L Liddington
No accommodation plan or passenger list to hand but Cabin 273 was in Tourist Class, starboard side of B Deck

Graham Steele, UK - Friday, May 11, 2012 at 18:36:56
I was a pupil on the ss Nevasa which sailed from Gourock on an educational cruise to Madeira, Casablanca and Lisbon in late june 1966. All but one school were Scottish. I know a few of them, but would like to know all of them especially any from the Dundee area.

Ted Rowley, Australia - Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 11:59:44
Congratulations again to John Prescott for running such a great website of interest to and uniting so many people around the world.
On April 14th 2010, in response to an earlier enquiry, I posted a photo of the Waroonga's Deck Officers taken aboard her in 1959. Further to this, and through John, I have made contact with Kate Safi who is the daughter-in-law of one the fellow cadets in the photo, Nick Jory. Kate informs me that Nick will be celebrating his 70th Birthday on May 20th and she and her mother both feel Nick is unaware of this website and intend suprising him on the day along with other photos that I have forwarded to her of Nick on the Waroonga. Happy 70th Birthday Nick and Welcome Aboard!

Violaine Lloga, Australia - Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 09:42:06
Hello, I'm interested in a passenger list for the Warora, Ship no. 1367 which sailed from India to Mauritius in 1955. Regards

Alison Ambrose, UK - Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 21:22:45
re: Muriel Phinn [Logbook January 30, 2012] about Leo August Sixt. Muriel, I would love to get in touch with you. My grandmother was Lilian Sixt, so I think you and my mother are cousins. We have been trying to research family history. I don't know how to contact you but I'm on Facebook in a pink dress! Best regards.

Judith Asher, New Zealand - Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 14:46:38
My family travelled on the Bulimba from Denmark - my Great Aunt was born on the ship and was named after the ship. [Can you supply your great aunt's date of birth and full name, please? Editor]


	Itria - British india 1940-1958

Lynda Washbrook, Canada - Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 09:11:21
I am looking for info on my great uncle Captain Thomas J Walsh born 1877 Waterford, Ireland. Believed to have captained the ss Itria in 1914. He spent his career in the Far East. [In BI's 1914 Handbook Captain T Walsh is listed as Commander of Itria - Editor]

Margaret Brown, UK - Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 14:31:22
My great great uncle John Foye (Foy) died on Nerbudda on 25 May 1882 of cholera. The ship arrived back in Glagow on 27.10.1882. Is this ship a different Nerbudda. He was a 23 yr old Ale Seaman and therefore crew. Where had this Nerbudda been, does anyone know, please. Was this ship a BI one too? [Your uncle's Nerbudda appears not to be BI's ship of that name. The first BI Nerbudda was delivered in 1883, the year after your uncle's death - Editor]

...sign the logbook

Alex Fowlis, South Africa - Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 16:12:35
To William Wilkie. Thanks for your info [Logbook Feb 27, 2012] on Derek Whittaker, we sailed together on ss Kenya about 1963. I have asked about him a few times in the past without success. I note you are from Dundee which is not so far from my home town of Cardenden. If you ever get wind of Derek please let us know as Jim Devine, also in South Africa, and Jim Meldrum in Australia would be interested to hear news of him. Kind regards.


	Urlana - BI 1946-1962

Mac Henderson, UK - Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 13:29:46
Sailed on the Chandpara Rajula Urlana Dara Chakdina Nowshera as an engineer 1951 to1956.This is a great site to catch up with old friends

Vicki Newbury, Australia - Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 06:41:56
I would like some information on the Amra for a friend who's father in-law was Captain. His surname was Doran. I have looked at all the sites relating to the ship but if there is some reference to him being captain I would like to show my friend.

Patricia Schmuhl, South Africa - Monday, April 9, 2012 at 12:08:41
The Abbott family sailed to South Africa in 1947 on board the Kampala from India. I would like a passenger list. I am the daughter of Pamela Mavis Abbott her along with her siblings father Neil Abbott and Adeline Abbott sailed to Durban via Mombasa kind Regards

Barbara Haddock, Australia - Friday, April 6, 2012 at 03:41:27
My father was an engineer (welder) who worked on BISN ships in Bombay in 1943. He died there in 1944. He was known as Kenneth Roy Brown or Kenneth Roy Kinnear and was 28 when he died. We understand that he was an Australian but this is not confirmed. Can anyone assist with further info?

Mohammad Yameen, Canada - Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 05:01:56
Hi..My father Sarfaraz Ali, travelled from Bombay, British India port to England as passenger, in 1910 or 1911. I am very much interested to know, which ship he travelled. Thank you for your help.

Tobin Paliath, USA - Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 13:06:10
My mother boarded the Rajula at Madras with me and 3 of my younger brothers on or about Easter Sunday in 1954. Would like to find out the exact ETA in Penang and how many days we were held in the quarantine island off Penang.

Shyamal Banerjee, Germany - Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 10:18:11
Read with interest your shore staff in Calcutta. The only doctors name appeared is of Dr. Garrow. My father Dr. Banerjee was also a doctor in the shore staff Calcutta till 1962, and these names should also be mentioned in order to have a complete history. Regards [Thanks for the information. Please supply Dr Banerjee's actual dates of service and position held - Editor]

Christine Bussy, South Africa - Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 15:01:58
Thanks to Derek Hargreaves for an answer to my entry dated July 2010! Sorry I did not see it! I am a school teacer and rarely have time to do much personal research. Thanks and apologies for not acknowledging earlier!

Susheel Dutt, New Zealand - Monday, March 26, 2012 at 13:04:21
Has anybody found any details of the ship Virawa, how do I get the passenger list, please.

Tony Dare-Edwards, Australia - Monday, March 19, 2012 at 21:36:36
Hi, My father, W L Dare-Edwards was a junior engineer on the ms Khandalla and then ss Barjora during the period 1929 to 1933. He worked on the Durban, Beira, Zanzibar, Persian Gulf and Karachi run. I have a colection of pictures he took of the ships, officers and dockland scenes during this time. He left BI to join BP in Uganda as an engineer setting up petrol depots across the country. Cheers

Peter Favelle, Canada - Friday, March 16, 2012 at 20:16:50
Was a passenger on Nevasa in 1956 from Famagusta, Cyprus to Southampton UK. Looking for photos, plans, etc with a view to building a model of the ship

Walter Oliemans, Netherlands - Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 09:15:45
My great grandfather (Andrew Gray) sailed as engineer on a ship off the Nederlands Indische Stoomvaart Maatschappij, a daughter company, between East Borneo and Singapore in the year 1879. Do you have any information about this company or Andrew Gray?

Suleman Akhtar, USA - Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 19:28:45
I want to mention a coincidence relating to ss Ismaila. My father went on official training to U.K. from Pakistan in 1956. On his return he booked some cargo, including my Air Rifle on the Ismaila, but at the last minute, the Ismailia was drawn out of service and its cargo transhipped on mv Trewedden. Ismaila was sold to Pan Islamic Steamship Company of Pakistan and re-named Safina-e-Jamhooriat. Strangely enough, I joined Pan Islamic as a Deck Cadet in 1965 and was posted on Safina-e-jamhooriat. I signed on Safina-e-Jamhooriat and the very next day was suddenly transferred to Safina-e-Ismail which was sailing early next morning 0600Hrs. Like our cargo in 1956, I was not able to sail on Safina-e- jamhooriat (ex-Ismaila). Strange?

Frank Ibbeston, UK - Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 23:58:16
I would like to know more about my late father, who was an engineer in BI line about 1928-1933 & passed his chief's ticket in Bombay in about 1930, aged 27.

Paul Mc Court, UK - Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 10:13:53
I sailed as a passenger on a BI vessel from Mombassa to the Seychelles in 1962 and later returned in 1965. While living on Mahe, my parents befriended a BI engineer officer named Pat Boyle. Pat would call upon us whenever his vessel called at Mahe, often with gifts for us children.

...sign the logbook

Tony Button, UK - Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 18:48:16
I travelled to Norway Denmark and Holland with a school trip during the first half of the 1960's. i interviewed the commodore for the ships newspaper, made friends with a deckhand (I still have a photograph of this man and, I believe his name. Also a copy of the newspaper! Thought I would see if there was any info on the internet. We also wrote a song: "I wish I was the commodore on Devonia BI"

Ashok Sarin, USA - Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 19:50:03
I sailed on two of BI Passenger ships:
1. Santhia, (I believe it was in June, July, 1955,
2. Sangola, (Sep - Oct) 1958.
I have fond memories of Sangola and numerous photographs at home.

Liam Mc Grath, Ireland - Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 00:23:30
I'm interested in finding more information on mv Dara, (sunk, Persian Gulf 1961). My father, William (Billy) Mc Grath was the ships Radio Officer. Any documents or accounts about its sinking would be very much appreciated.

Christopher Sample, Ireland - Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 15:38:21
Sorry I havn't logged in before!

William Wilkie, Canada - Monday, February 27, 2012 at 16:45:07
i) to Alex (Sandy) Fowlis, I dont know Derek Whittikers whereabouts now but we sailed together on the Warla, Mombasa to Durban via LM for a few years sadly we took her home for scrapping. What a night we had in London transfered to Socotra ended up in Dundee my home town quite a night. Derek was a great guitar player and singer if anybody knows his location would like to get in touch

Cherise Pereira (nee Van Eyck), Sri Lanka - Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 07:59:17
herise Pereira, Sri Lanka - My father. Percival Carl Van Eyck, left Colombo, Ceylon as a stowaway on a ship in 1923/1924. He was 15/16 years old. The first port they touched was in India, then France, where he had to serve a short spell in jail. He was then signed on as a marine stoker and proceeded to London. How can I find more details about this incident - the name of ship, dates etc.?

Raj Sarda, UK - Friday, February 24, 2012 at 07:45:09
Unable to get any information on what the first passenger ship was to sail from Bombay to Dar es Salaam ? and what year ?. Have read the Sea Safari but no information in it.

Nicholas Jones, Australia - Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 11:34:46
My father wrote a diary of our sea voyage from London to Kenya on the ss Kenya - departure date 17 Feb 1960 from London. I wish to put my fathers diary into context and would appreciate any assistance in identifying the ship's Captain, names of other passengers, cargo being transported and a plan of the ss Kenya, where Cabin 273 was located. Thank you.

Willson Grant, Spain - Friday, February 17, 2012 at 16:31:00
In response to: Ruth Willson, Netherlands - Monday, August 22, 2011, Christopher Thomas Willson (born 1892 Deptford 14 July 1892), brother of Herbert Anthony, uncle to Ruth Mildred - - married Lillian Baptist of Quatre Bornes Mauritius; emigrated to Australia; 1 son Leslie; possibly more children.

Joanne Grant (nee Nazareth), Bermuda/Canad - Friday, February 17, 2012 at 15:33:55
I am trying to find information about my Grand Aunt and her family who were travelling between Goa and Kenya during WW2. Her boat was torpedoed and sadly she lost her life along with her husband and 3 children. Her name was Effigenia Maciel (nee Fernandes), Her husband went by his last name (Maciel) and i'm not sure what her children's names were. I think she may have been on the Tilawa due to it's route from Goa to Kenya. Any help with this woudl be greatly appreciated? If there are sites with passenger lists please also forward that to me. Many Thanks in advance for your help

David Mitchell, UK - Monday, February 6, 2012 at 17:17:46
For Frank Harrison, re Karanja maiden voyage. your ? 20 Nov 2011.
Sailed Glasgow 2 Oct, Sailed London 16 Oct, Sailed Port Said 25 Oct, Sailed Suez 25 Oct, Sailed Aden 29 Oct, Arrived Mombasa 4 Nov 1948. Captain J W Milne, Chief engineer T A Hide.

Mike Naraine, Canada - Monday, February 6, 2012 at 15:26:28
Read of your the ship listed. Can you tell me more about the Avoca? My grandfather might have been a passenger who left India about 1900 on this ship. thanks. [The 5324 gt Avoca was built in 1891 by Dennys for BI Associated Steamers and the company's Queensland Royal Mail service. As built, she had accommodation for 520 pasengers, including 400 'emigrants'. After 1893 she was mainly on the London-Calcutta run, until a charter to Compania Trasatlantica (as San Fernando) for Cuba troopiing, 1895-97. In 1897 the vessel was chartered as a spectator ship for the naval review at Spithead, followed by trooping including Boer War service. Avoca (pictured in hospital ship livery) was taken over by BI in 1903 and was mainly on government service with voyages to India and China. Sold for further trading in 1907 to East Asiatic Co, the ship continued under various owners and names until succumbing to a submarine torpedo attack in May 1917 - Editor]

...sign the logbook

Antonio Alvares, India - Monday, February 6, 2012 at 06:48:43
My father Mr Alexander Alvares, WW I war medalist, born in 1810 (Village - Chinchinim, State Goa). Served in the BI company. Later on he served on Viceroy of India and later on ss Amra -166600 - London GS BAY(3/06/1940). Then on Ile De France (173054) from 13/12/40) Singapore G.S.

Dereck Peterson, South Africa - Sunday, February 5, 2012 at 07:06:12
I sailed on the ss Karanja in December 1955 from Durban to Beira. I have fond memories of the sea voyage.

David Lester, New Zealand - Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 20:51:36
Re Wendy Bowman 3 Jan 2012. My father was RN crew on Chakdina when it was torpedoed. I would be happy to communicate direct if BIship could forward my email.
The war story you refer to can be found in "Spunyarn Hardway Sailing Club Newsletter" Summer 2006.

Peter (Bill) Gurr-Gearing, UK - Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 20:18:07
Found Sidney Gurr-Gearing my grandfather's details on ss Uganda's log returning from Mombassa , arrival date 3/4/1957. Listed on passenger list for this ship. Strangely I travelled on the same ship in 1971 without realising the connection. We know grandad was also listed as crew member , as a barber on "the Orion" from Gourock to New York Aug 1943 and Glasgow to New York Oct 1943. It was said that his brother Leonard Gurr and my grandmother, Kistna (Cordey/Dunscombe/Gurr-Gearing) also travelled at much the same time , Kistna known to have been to China twice and worked in Australia. if you can help would be great , Thank you.

Kate Oliver, Australia - Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 01:16:46
Looking for any information regarding my grandfather Roy Henderson who took horses to India/cCeylon in early 1940s.

Muriel Phinn, New Zealand - Monday, January 30, 2012 at 05:19:31
My father Leo August Sixt served with BI probably as 3rd or 2nd mate
possibly between 1912 -1926. I have no idea of any particular ships in which he served. But would welcome any information.

Tham Leslie, Hong Kong - Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 08:34:02
My grandfather was probably on Calabria which was sunk by U-103 on 8 December 1940. I suspect TAN AH HIM is my grandfather. Are there any websites I can search for more information? [Calabria was a Lloyd Triestino ship taken as an Allied prize in 1940 and handed to BI for management. While on voyage from Calcutta to the Clyde, she was sunk in the North Atlantic west of Ireland by torpedo from U103 while a straggler from convoy SL56 (Freetown to Liverpool) at 2058 on Dec 8, 1940. All 129 crew including Master David Lonie, one DEMS gunner and 230 passengers (largely Indian seamen of other ships) were lost. Casualty reports do vary, however, as convoyweb.org.uk reports that 21 seamen were rescued by HMS Sikh and taken to Londonderry. Tan Ah Him, husband of Ko Yung, is listed by uboat.net as carpenter on that voyage. The vessel was carrying 4,000 tons of iron, 3.050 tons tea and 1,870 tons oil cake. See Calabria page for more detail and cautions - Editor]

Lynne Loughlin, UK - Friday, January 27, 2012 at 18:49:51
I sailed on the Devonia in October 1964, visiting Spain, Portugal and France. I was 10 at the time. It must have given me the cruising bug as I am about to o on my 20th cruise in the Caribbean. Wondered what happened to the Devonia, I now know it was scrapped in 1968. My dad had sailed on the Dunera when in the service.

Debbie Bish, Australia - Friday, January 27, 2012 at 08:56:04
We are deperately searching for detais about Capt. Frank Warde who was a steamship captain in India sometime between 1842 and 1890. His 90 year old grand daughter has been searching for info about him for 32 years!

John Simpson, Australia - Friday, January 20, 2012 at 05:02:36
Good Afternoon All, I am doing my family tree which includes one of your Captains. Captain Francis Nicholas Frohawk who captained the ss Baghdad and the ss Java in the 1870's to the 1900's. Do you have any information on him and on these ships etc He was My G/G/Uncle. I would appreciate any information you may able to send me or direct me to a source that may be able to help me.

...sign the logbook

Arthur Wood, UK - Friday, January 6, 2012 at 19:12:20
Re enquiry by Jagdip Singh, Hong Kong, Saturday Nov,19 2011. Regarding the ss Tairea, i was sailing as one of the 5th engineers at time. The ports of call in Japan, Kobe, Yokohama, Osaka, then the same ports of call on the return journey to Calcutta, Where unfortunately I left that great ship in Calcutta and joined another great the mv Sangola, on the same run as Tiarea had been on. I hope this information is of use to you. Salaams

Wendy Bowman, UK - Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 20:48:19
I am the niece of Kenneth Hardy Thompson who perished on the Chakdina whilst wounded and being evacuated. He was just 21 years and we know very little of him or the sinking of the ss Chakdina. He served with the Essex Regiment and I would really like to have contact with any survivor or relatives, particularly anyone who knew him /of him. I posted a message on this site a few years ago but have received no contact as yet. I read an e- article (which I cannot find now) of two crew members who survived and whose fathers had visited the Ministry when their sons did not arrive home on leave as expected. My understanding is that the news of the sinking was withheld for over a week and in fact the telegram must have arrived with my Grandmother on or near my father's 17th birthday. He immediately signed-up and did not disclose his real age. Any news, information gratefully received.

Kathleen Smuts (nee Hornor), South Africa - Monday, January 2, 2012 at 08:28:31
I have my grandmothers diaries and see that my father, Jared Cavendish Hornor joined the BI in 1914 on the ss Malda. I am interested in the ships that he worked on, commanded etc. He was Commodore in 1953

Roger Bangs, UK- Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 19:53:46
An Engineer from 1968 - 1973. Served on: Sir Lancelot Champara [Chandpara?] Uganda Nevasa

FOR ALL THOSE WITH AN INTEREST IN BRITISH INDIA STEAM NAVIGATION (BI)