...sign
the Logbook anywhere you see the 
icon
Richard
Holmes, UK - Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 17:07:50
I served on board ss Kampala, and ss Nowshera between 1970 and
1973. a marvellous 2.1/2 years.
Alec
Matthews, UK - Monday, December 30, 2013 at 13:58:43
I find I am no longer able to login to
this site. Is it something I said? Just heard today with great
sadness that my old friend Terry Gardner, (Marconi Sahib in
Okhla 1958) had crossed the bar. Have
sent condolences to his wife in Canada.
Ernest
Barrett, Australia - Thursday, December 26, 2013 at 05:22:13
Sailed as R/O on Palamcotta,
Dara, Karanja, Itaura and Orna. Received
the BI Centenary Medallion in 1956 whilst Orna was in Adelaide.
Wish I had kept the BI Centenary Magazine as it was the best ever
printed. Joined AWA in Australia and left last ship in Feb 1992
after 45 years plus at sea
Colin
Brittain, UK - Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 09:54:32
As a member of the Rohilla Centenary Team,
responsible for planning next year's centenary of the Rohilla's
loss I would like to extend an open invitation to anyone to contact
me if they have anything we may be interested in be it research
or personal history. I am well into revising my book "Into the Maelstrom - The Wreck
of HMHS Rohilla" and looking forward to the centenary. More
details of the Rohilla tragedy can be found on my website www.rohilla.co.uk
Robert
Maughan, UK - Thursday, December 12, 2013 at 10:18:10
Recently learned that I travelled on
ss Barpeta Bombay to Karachi 1943 with my mother with the aim
of flying out to Blighty. Prevailing circumstances meant we
were sent back to Bombay (My father was in some kind of hush
hush job seconded to Admiralty). We were sent to Bangalore,
an RAF Training Station for safekeeping, returning home at
end of hostilities. Would like to hear from anyone with connection
to Barpeta as Dad and mates, and Mum, come to that, were not
inclined to talk about wartime experiences.
Keith
Walker, UK - Friday, December 6, 2013 at 15:53:12
Would like to make contact with Brian Maskell R/O on Carpentaria re his April entry about cricket training and match as I was
a team member
Jose
Jeronimo Fernandes, Idia - Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 08:07:06
I was a passenger in ss Karanja in 1973 sailing Mozambique to Bombay
John
Engel, South Africa - Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 18:33:25
I would like to make contact with Vren
Humphris, Alasdair Duthie, Catherine Morris, Myra Davies, Rosalie
Enstrom. They commented on my entry. I have photos taken abroad
the Amra hospital ship
that they may be interested in. I can be contacted via e-mail
Tony
Plackett, UK - Thursday, November 28, 2013 at 15:49:57
I have found among family papers a Christmas
Day Menu for the ms Sangola; Capt.
Fred Mears, Commander, dated 20th Dec 1957. It
lists the officers, Petty Officers and Steward-in-Charge, some
Autographs and drawings of some crew members, menus, route details
(Kobe, Hong Kong, Penang & Calcutta), and the ship's particulars. If
anyone is interested I have it scanned as .jpg files per page
(x16) and will be happy to send copies by email or answer any
questions. Regards
Capt. Fred Mears' nephew.
John
Engel, South Africa - Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 10:54:22
Hi Vren Humphris. Your entry on 23 Feb 2013 refers. My father also
served on the Amra. I would like to make contact with you.
Lesley
Heard, Australia - Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 01:20:43
My father Frank Heard sailed with BI for many years. We lived
in Bombay for some years then moved to Perth Western Australia.
Although dad passed away 1991 my mum is still alive & remembers
lots about the BI days.
Bill
Swan, Argentina - Monday, November 18, 2013 at 16:04:45
Some time ago there was a project to
compile a book on the Nevasa similar
to the book written on the Uganda.
Was this ever accomplished?
John
Alder, US - Monday, November 18, 2013 at 03:34:51
I am looking for Mike King. We
were cadets together on the Bamora in
about 1966 and I was best man at his wedding.
Mika
Mason, UK - Sunday, November 17, 2013 at 17:42:23
Travelled several times from Mombasa
to UK, in the 60s, and once from Mombasa to Durban via Zanzibar. Fond
memories except for the dragonlike matron in the children's
nursery.
Alan
Sutton, UK - Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 15:28:00
My Uncle was Albert Edward Carter, ships
Master from 1922 to 1946 of Durenda,
Mundra, Ozarda, Chakdara, Chantala, Egra, Ellenga, Ellora,
Varela, Khandalla, Takliwa, Karagola, Sir Harvey Adamson, Juna,
Chakdina, Amra, Talma, Shirala, & Galana.
Born in 1891, master in 1917 until he died in 1946 (I believe
he was buried on Karachi)
Sally
Wells - Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 15:54:24
My Grandfather was the fourth engineer officer of the ss Baroda mentioned in your article. Rowland Hill.
Ernest
Barrett, Australia - Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at 06:36:40
Now retired, left Marconi 1961, joined
AWA in Sydney NSW 1961 left last ship mt Seakap February 1992.
List of BI ships, being Palamcotta Dara Karanja Itaura Orna
Durairajoo
T, Singapore - Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 13:45:57
I
am doing research on ss Rajula which plied the route between Madras
(Chennai) and Singapore.
Colin
Govier, UK - Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at 22:17:40
I'm looking for pictures or anything to do with cruise 57 in 1967
on the ship ms Devonia. It was a school trip to Spain, Portugal
and France. Anyone from the junior school, Street, Somerset.
John
Engel, South Africa - Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at 11:51:07
Dear Ann Lovina Gates. I see you tried
to make contact with me. My father who served on the Amra is
still alive and we would like to see the photo. My father has
a photo of the rugby team but he can't remember the names of
the people. You can contact me by email or by telephone. I
hope you get this message.
John
Engel, South Africa - Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at 19:34:28
My father Josias Engel who is still alive served as an orderly
on the Amra. He would like to know if there is others from South
Africa who served on the ship still alive. He is especially interested
to make contact with someone from East London who slept in the
bunk above him and used to keep a diary every day. He was hoping
that maybe the diary was used to publish a book. He has a lot of
photos taken abroad the Amra.
Brian
Maskell, UK - Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 19:10:49
To Keith walker re aug 23rd, yes remember
Scottish camping trip after far east finished, Carpentatia gave us memories so did that trip. Remember us thinking Glasgow
smelt bad, but it was battery heating up. Would like to contact
you again, think you lived in routh Cardif. Find me on fb.
Salaams
Derek
Hargreaves, UK - Friday, November 1, 2013 at 15:50:05
For Pamela Burke, Australia (August 31,
2013). There is no reference to the Waroonga ever
being in the Arctic during WW2. With a large refrigerated space,
cargo and considerable passenger capabilities she was employed
almost exclusively on UK to Australia / New Zealand routes
both east and west bound on voyages lasting about six months.
The most northerly latitudes she reached would be during convoys
to and from the US east coast via
the Panama Canal trying to avoid U boat attacks. This failed on
her last attempt to reach Liverpool in Convoy HX231 when she was
sunk in 57 degrees North carrying 2000 tons of meat and 5000 tons
of butter.
Derek
Hargreaves, UK - Friday, November 1, 2013 at 15:03:19
For Umbereen Rahman (29 September 2013).
You may be interested to read "Lest I Forget" an
autobiography by Khwaja Sayeed Shahabuddin who was a Cadet
in Chilka and imprisoned with
your Uncle by the Japanese. It is printed entirely on the Internet.
Jack
Bradley, South Africa - Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 14:46:48
Just checking my discharge (seamans record)
book & today is
the 50th anniversary of signing on Devonia in Liverpool
for transfer to Eastern Service. 31 Oct.1963. A few officers were
also aboard for the same purpose & I wondered if there's anyone
out there who was with me?
Hamid
Mahmood, US - Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 19:35:58
To whom it may concern respect staff
of BI. I am the victim of mv Dara 1961.
At that time i were at the age of 41 days and all my family
were with me in that ship. I born in Kuwait Feb
1861 [1961 ?]. I were smallest passenger of the ship at that time.
Also I have original police prof. we were traveling from Kuwait
to Karachi Pakistan. I' m wondering the details of that ship
so that is why kindly give me its passenger list at my email
id I will be very thank full for you.
Nanette
Reid, Australia - Friday, October 18, 2013 at 10:12:41
My grandfather served on the Banfora
in KMF26, when the Rohna was sunk. Armand Di Rienzo, Could
you provide me with further details of this - I saw that you
mentioned this event in earlier entries. If anyone else has
information, would love to hear from you as well!
Iman
Ali, Australia - Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 00:55:58
Where can I get a picture of ss Virawa.
Angelina
Amaladoss, Malaysia - Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at 14:09:03
I am tracing a relative, Grace Paul who
travelled from Colombo to Malacca between 1915-1919. What ships
plied this route and are the ship's manifests from that time
period available and if so, how do I access this information?
What were the other ports, besides Colombo from which ships
left, then Ceylon (now Sri Lanka)
Patrick
Wild, UK - Monday, October 14, 2013 at 09:23:22
I am looking for further information
about two brothers who were marine engineers on BISNC ships
from 1916 to 1931. The older brother, Walter William Wild was
on a variety of ships: Morca, Margha,
Manela, Dumana, Mantola, Merkara. the younger brother
Gerald Claude Wild was on ss Margha in 1921. Many Thanks for
any info.
Katrina
Wheelans, UK - Monday, October 14, 2013 at 08:04:21
Spoke to Stan Summerfield in Melbourne
Australia he was B
I Engineer he is well and living in Australia
have contact addresses if anyone interested
Andrew
Parker, UK - Monday, October 14, 2013 at 03:52:52
My grandfather was in the Royal Horse Artillery and embarked on
the Neuralia in January 1930 to India where he was posted for six
years. Do you have any information about the Neuralia's movements
of that time? This information may also tell me which unit he was
in, his service record gives just the bare details and I would
like to know more. Many thanks.
Michael
Cocker, Australia - Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 08:29:58
i would like info on any part of the
engine room inc boilers on th C class ships
Jacqueline
Thomas, Malaysia - Monday, October 7, 2013 at 05:50:16
I am looking for the ship that my great great grand father. Captain
C. Antony from Malaya was in charge. It was a passenger ship around
19th century.
Cameron
Fyfe, UK - Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 18:29:40
My
uncle James C Fyfe was an engineering officer with the British
India company from 1936-48 in the far east. Could anyone advise
where I could find out more about his service?
| |
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Chilka
(BI 1922-1942) was attacked by a Japanese submarine on
March 11, 1942 and eventually sank in 00° 30'S, 95° 50'E |
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Umbereen
Rahman, Dubai - Sunday, September 29, 2013 at 12:58:43
My
Uncle had served in ss Chilka of
the British India Steam Navigation company in 1942 and
was on board when the Japanese bombed and destroyed the
ship.He was a prisoner of war under the Japanese for
3 yesrs. He is going to celebrate his 90th. birthday
and i thought i would give him a picture of the Chilka before
and after it was bombed. If anyone has or can tell me
where i can find pictures
of the ship after it was bombed i would greatly appreciate
it. yours sincerely. [Reports vary;
five or seven lives were lost in Chilka during the action
with Japanese submarine 1-2, in the vicinity of Padang,
from where the ship had beenordered to evacuate personnel
ahead of advancing Japanese forces. In the action, Chilka's
Cadet Shahabuddin, though wounded, attempted to put out
a fire with his bare hands, for which he was later awarded
the BEM and Lloyd’s War Medal. Survivors
reached land and a number, including the commander Captain
Walter Bird (see ref Logbook Jun 11, 2010), set sail
for Ceylon (again, reports vary). Some were only found
after 35 days at sea, off Madras (Chennai). (Sources:
L&P
British India S N; Valiant Voyaging; P&O Heritage
website). It seems unlikely - though not impossible -
that photos of the damaged vessel exist - Editor]
...sign
the logbook
J
Michael Fullingim, US - Friday, September 27, 2013 at 05:07:03
My
second cousin twice-removed and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Roy
(Vala née Fullingim) Dorsch,
were the only Americans aboard the Dara when
disaster struck the BI liner on 8 April 1961, and they were
tragically lost at sea along with many of their fellow passengers.
David
Turton, UK - Monday, September 23, 2013 at 09:12:41
Re
the Nowshera.
Came across this site while trying to find information on
the Nowshera. My hobby is Family History and for some years
have been cooperating with a couple of families in Australia.
Their ancestors travelled on the Nowshera on its first voyage.
Thanks Denis Matthews for mentioning the newspapers,Trove.
I had not heard of that source, wrong side of the world. Me,
that is, not you. Anyway. Brisbane Courier 26 th October. “The
Nowshera had a narrow escape, having only passed through
the Straits of Sunda some few hours previously”. That
and the other details in the papers have helped put meat on
the bones. Thanks
David
Henderson, UK - Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 14:46:23
Served
on Socotra, Rajula and Chandpara
Anila
(Baby) Kadwar, UK - Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 11:57:16
Passenger list and name of ship sailed from Porbander to Dar es
saalam today (tanganyika) in the years possibly 1964 to 1969 ss
Kampala, and ss Karanja.
Lorna
Whitmore, UK - Thursday, September 12, 2013 at 12:17:45
I
am searching for any information about Archibald Gilchrist
MacTavish who I believe travelled on the
Manora to Calcutta in 1903 and
died in Rangoon June 1914. I
have seen other entries regarding A G MacTavish and I wonder
if we are researching the same person.
John
Leeson, UK - Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 14:53:55
I
have spent many a happy time reflecting through this website
/ log book. Childhood memories to numerous to mention, either
at the Docks (usually the Royal Docks)or on the ships with
my late Father (Barney). What is outstanding and a true reflection
of the company BI is the pride and dedication of the retired
staff who continue to devote so much of their time and resources
in keeping BI very much alive today. I and on behalf of all
participants that enjoy this site, would like to express gratitude
and thanks all of which is highly appreciated. Past Seafarers,
Deskbound Shore Staff and others may be interested in "Classic
Ship Models" Web
address www.classicshipmodels.co.uk There is a lovely model
of the Rajula.
Liz
Evans, UK - Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 11:46:55
Excellent
site - found a reference to a BISN vessel Kangra in
FO 248/819 at The National Archives (an arms smuggling incident)
and wanted to check it out. Thank you.
Pamela
Burke, Australia - Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 01:19:45
I
am trying to trace the ship Waroonga's
involvement in Arctic convoy work 1940-42 because my
father served on her.
Joe
Pegg, UK - Sunday, August 25, 2013 at 20:43:20
Only
recently discovered this site and the message from Mike Small
of New Zealand about his uncle Harry and the Karapara dated
Friday August 23, 2002. We are also researching Harry and have
some photos of Harry, taken on the Karapara in the 1920s including
the one in Dry dock at Bombay. We would be greatful for Mike
to contact us.
Keith
Walker, UK - Friday, August 23, 2013 at 00:49:43
message
to Brain Maskell on April 6th. Hi Brian I scan the messages
I the hope of finding a familiar name. I was a Panch number on
the Carp and well remember the Air Force cricket match in Colombo,
the match was far from memorable but the return in the bar was
a Carpentaria success story. Do
you remember the Scotland trip after eastern service? would like
to make contact again. Regards
Malcolm
Monteiro, Kuwait - Thursday, August 22, 2013 at 06:12:39
My
grandfather was the local agent for BI in Kuwait from 1930
up to the early 60's. Prior to coming to Kuwait he was in Tehran,
Basrah and Bahrain. Do you have any records of when he left India
and the timeline of his assignments prior to coming to Kuwait?
Any information that is forthcoming would be appreciated.
...sign
the logbook
Harry
Ludgate, UK - Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 15:33:04
Hello!
My father...Basil [Ludgate] was
in command of his ship when he died in Calcutta harbour. Are
there any records of his career with BI that I can access?
I would be very grateful for any help you can give me. Many
thanks. [The
company archive of personnel records is held at National Maritime
Museum, Greenwich and available on personal visit and request.
The Public Record Office at Kew holds the records of the Registrar
General of Shipping and Seamen, which would undoutedly contain
documents of the death of a seaman (master in this case) during
the currency of a ship's articles
- Editor]
Shahid
Khan, Australia - Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 06:17:40
Looking
for passenger lists for the Karanja and Kampala between
1935 and 1941.
Doing some research on my family tree to trace my grandparent's
migration from India to South Africa.
Daphne
Painting, New Zealand - Saturday, August 10, 2013 at 08:12:41
Interested
to find name of ship my father, Ralph Hubert Colins, sailed
from Tilbury to Calcutta on or about 25 July 1931, calling
at Aden, Karachi and Colombo.
Also, I would like to discover the ship that Ada Florence Collins
and Daphne Joy Collins(child) travelled on several months later,
most likely at the onset of winter 1931. They used to erect very
small canvas swimming-pools by one of the forward holds once
past the Red Sea. I wrote to you a year or so ago about
the Modasa,
Domala, Santhia and Shirala. Unfortunately
I have no decent photos - just parts of ships - as either my
Dad or I were photographing something else usually on land. The
menus, with potted details of the ports to come, have long since
disappeared.
Phillip
Larnach, Australia - Sunday, August 4, 2013 at 12:10:16
I
am looking for any information regarding my grandfather, Walter
R Larnach, from Melbourne, Australia. I understand that he
joined BI as an apprentice engineer around 1896 and retired
sometime after WW1. He was recalled, voluntarily, during WW2
and his ship was sunk, he survived but was permanently disabled
due to his injuries. He lived in Bombay, Calcutta and Rangoon
for at least 20 years with his family. He passed away in mid
1960's. I would appreciate any assistance in finding more detail
about his time in BI.
Tom
Kelso, UK - Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 20:32:58
My
regards to Alec Mathews (02/02/13), Bryan Long (21/01/13),
John Page (15/07/13) : all Chantala,
and Steven Heeps (30/05/13), Tairea.
If you have not already done so, I recommend you join the
BIship group, for many more contacts. Bot salaams
Bryan
Long, UK - Thursday, August 1, 2013 at 20:16:39
Hello
to John Page and Stan Mathews 1954 seems a long time ago. Please
let either have my email address.
| |
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Tairea
(BI 1970-1973) pictured as the former Salsette
(P&O), built in 1956 |
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Maara
Tairea, New Zealand - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at 12:04:43
Kia
orana. I am rapt to see that
our family name Tairea has been
taken to other parts of the world. We the Taireas originate
from the island of Mauke in the Cook Islands. Can you tell
me how the boat Tairea IMO:5308017 get it's name? Is there
any Tairea living on that side of the world? I'll be happy
to hear from you. Kia orana and thank you. [BI's
two vessels named Tairea - a passengership of 1924 and a
cargoship of 1970 (ex Salsette, ex Aradina) - are believed
to have been named for two towns in Japan (one on the east
coast of Honshu, now spelled Taira), and a village in Uttar
Pradesh, India. Information from Laxon & Perry British India
Steam Navigation Co - Editor]
Sheena
Henderson, New Zealand - Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 22:12:40
My
Father, Ron Moore, was a Passenger Manager with BI in Glasgow
at the start of the school ships. Although I travelled with the
family each summer until I was 5 when my father moved company,
I never travelled on the Uganda by
the time I was of age to do so. Memories include Dad running
the daily competition for how far we had travelled each day,
being well looked after and eating duck for the first time interspersed
with recollections of countries visted, Pompeii, Etna's fireworks,
guns in Tangiers, being told about wanting to go on a small fishing
boat in Bergen, having disembarked after a stormy North Sea crossing
and the crew laughing, when I was but a toddler.
John
St Andrews, UK - Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 14:08:17
Very
interested in any information on BISNCo ships lost coastal
waters NE England, Grateful Regards
Martin
Aquilina, Malta - Saturday, Jul 20, 2013, 13:15
I
have in hand a photo dating to the 1890s which has been reversed
to be able to read the names on the glass of a
large door. The names showing are: British India Stm Nav
Co. London, ? Stm Ship Co. Liverpool and ?ilson
Sons & Co. Hull. Would you be able to tell me if there
was an agent in Malta for the above mentioned companies and
the office address. [Other Logbook readers may be
able to help with the location of this photo. It is known
that BI's Malta agent in 1904 was Mr T E Smith. The agency
was later to become Thos E Smith & Son and Thos C Smith & Son,
although BI did not always keep that company as its Malta
agent (at times in the 20th century, agency passed a Mr Burt
and a Mr Messenger but eventually came back to the Smith
family). Latterly, Thos C Smith was at 12 St Christopher
Street, Valletta. The third company named on the door is
almost certainly Thomas Wilson and Sons Co, a Hull shipowner.
Part of that company later became Ellerman Wilson Line.
From dates of incorporation and operation of BI and TW&S
the photo is probably from between 1862 and 1916 - Editor]
...sign
the logbook
John Davison, New Zealand - Thursday, July
18, 2013 at 13:55
Re
Rachel Dwyer's question [Logbook Jun 16, 2013: BI
Club] I stayed
at the BI Club several times between 59 and 62. The address then
was top floor of Kodak House, Hornby Road, in the Fort District
of Bombay. The road name has changed to Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Road,
referred to now as Dr DN Road, and the building now houses Deutche
Bank's India headquarters. I went to the club in 1983. It was called
Mackinnon Club, owned by the guy who bought M and M, the Dubash
familyy. The club was very run down and I had tears in my eyes
when I recalled how it was before. However, there was a picture
of the queen there and at the entrance, the large brass sign British
India Steam Nav Deck Officers Club.
John
Page, Australia - Monday, July 15, 2013 at 02:02:34
Re
Alec Mathews contribution, sailed with him Chantala /Aronda would
like to contact him could you forward my email address. Thanks
Denis
Matthews, Australia - Thursday, July 11, 2013 at 00:18:15
Thanks
for comments on Anglo
Indian. I have
followed its voyage to Australia in 1883 in contemporary newspapers
(Trove)and discovered it was travelling in tandem with the Nowshera.
The Anglo Indian passed through the Straits of Sunda under the
erupting Krakatoa less than a week before the island exploded,
so the Nowshera which was following must have had a very close
shave, but the Nowshera arrived in Brisbane first because the
other ship had to off load immigrants and cargo at each Qld port
including Railway locos and rolling stock in Townsville. By the
time the other ship arrived in Brisbane a migration enquiry had
been completed into the voyage of the Nowshera. Interesting reading!
Terry
Gardner, Canada - Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 22:24:15
Re
the messages from Alec Matthews. He was 2nd Officer on Okhla with
me, and I would sure like to contact him again. Please fwd
my e-mail address to him
Roy
Harvey, Australia - Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 22:13:38
My great grand father William Gardner ( known
as gruffy Gardner) was the labour master (stevedores) in
the London docks,
(Royal Albert dock) I understand he was was not the
most popular of men hence the nickname gruffy. Three of his
sons worked for B.I. as stevedores, his son Walter my grand father
was killed falling into the hold of the ss Chantala in
19015
Christine
Jagger, US - Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 02:53:17
Reference the attack on and sinking
of Devon in
the Pacific on August 19, 1941, the German raider Komet
started on her homeward journey via Cape Horn At
the end of September 1941. She arrived at Hamburg
(via Cuxhaven) on 30th November 1941 after a
cruise of 515 days. Komet's prisoners of war who were merchant
seamen, and included Devon's crew, were sent to Milag
Nord camp
near Bremen, where they remained the rest of the War, until
the liberation of the camp on
28th January 1945.
Having started on a second cruise, Komet
was sunk by British destroyers off Cap de La Hague, in the English
Channel. [According to Wikipedia, Komet
was attacked by British motor torpedo boats on Oct 14, 1942 near
Cap de la Hague and hit by a torpedo from MTB 236, and sank. On
her one successful raiding voyage, Komet sank seven merchantmen,
including NZSC's Rangitane (jointly with raider Orion), and Devon
- Editor]
David
Young, Australia - Sunday, June 30, 2013 at 05:56:50
My father sailed as a passenger down
the East African coast, boarding at Mombasa on 15th July
1931. The vessel visiting Zanzibar 17th, Dar-es-Salaam 18th,
Mozambique 22nd, Lourenco Marques 27th, arriving Durban at
daybreak 29th July 1931. As he had sailed from Bombay to
Mombasa six weeks earlier on the BI vessel Karagola,
I imagine his onward journey down the EA coast was also by BI vessel.
From the supplied dates, is it possible to identify the name of
the ship my father travelled on?
Rachel
Dwyer, UK - Sunday, June 16, 2013 at 23:05:07
I wondered where the BI Club was in Bombay?
Carl
Toomey, Australia - Sunday, June 16, 2013 at 10:22:23
Cadet 1962-65 Carpentaria
Bamora Woodarra Kenya Chakla Chakdina Dwarka. Have just retired after
a 51 year seagoing career, the past 20 years as a Torres Strait
Pilot.
John
Westbury, UK - Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 07:14:25
I served on the Chakla from 1967 to 1969 and have fond memories
of the ship.
...sign
the logbook
Zul
Khoja, Canada - Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 17:14:35
At age 8, I travelled with the family
from Lourenco Marques to Dar es Salaam in 1946. We were in
Dar to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the late Aga Khan
III.
Any information would be helpful on this memorable trip on the
ss Khandalla. I slept under the stars for a few nights.
Marina
Loudon, UK - Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at 20:01:40
One of my male relatives was awarded the King's Medal for his work
with the BI, does anyone have any idea where I can find out what
he did please? He was an engineer called Loudon.
Marty
Stewart, Northern Ireland - Friday, May 31, 2013 at 20:03:47
I would like to make my grandfathers
(Chief Engineer William
Martin Foster from South Shields) collection of ships he served
on complete. I am needing pictures of Garada (laid
down as War Bat) 1919, Homefield (launched
as War Balsam) 1919 and Warina (ex War Loch) 1918. Any help will
greatly be appreciated.
Nigel
William Morgan, Germany - Friday, May 31, 2013 at 09:53:27
Dear Mr. Bracher. As requested in your
message of 09.04.2011, my e-mail address. Many thanks in
advance.
Steven
Heeps, Singapore - Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 17:07:25
I joined Tairea in September
1972 as first trip junior engineer in Avonmouth. Had a really
good trip out to India and returned to Avonmouth in May 1973.
Master was Tom Kelso and C/E Gordon Simpson. Happy days.
Now working as class surveyor in Singapore.
Fae
Bolton, Australia - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 19:57:15
I am trying to locate my grandfather,
Arthur Richard Bolton. The badge on the front of his cap is
what seems to be a white base with a darker coloured cross
over
it and surrounded by what appears to be gold surrounding
the whole badge.
The cap has a seemingly plastic type peak. The tie he wears
appears to be
like a bow tie. The coat is a really nice looking wool with
the double
banding on the sleeve I explained to you about. [The
houseflag in the cap badge looks almost identical to that
of NISM, the Dutch company owned by BI, but the letters in
the quadrants do not match. The flag is also close to that
of the Chilean company Companía Sud Americana de Vapores
(CSAV). Ideas anyone? - Editor]
Kenneth
Miln, UK - Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 17:44:35
I am keen to know about the BI Karagola -
routes she sailed during the 1930/1940's. As a retired jute wallah
(Calcutta) and son of jute wallah parents I sailed at least once
on the Karagola. We also sailed on the BI Aronda -
Bombay/Durban I seem to recall. I believe that Jim Corbett (Maneaters
of Kumaon fame) sailed on the B.I. Aronda around that time: Is
there any possibility of obtaining Jim's sailing dates? Thank
you.
Fiona
Whitehurst, UK - Friday, May 10, 2013 at 02:45:29
Philip Evans was my great uncle. He sadly died in 1990 but I'll
never forget him telling me about his experiences with BI especially
crossing occupied Greece and being torpedoed.
Susan
Handley, UK - Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 22:35:40
I would like to find out about my father,
Frank Denton Beal, who
died on ss Pundua on 14 May 1955? He was chief officer.
Rajan
Murugan, US - Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 20:20:08
I
enjoyed this site very well. My great grand parents
were passengers on the ss Bhundara that
arrived in Mauritius in 1900. I
am hoping someone can help me find a picture of the ss Bhundara. Thanks
for your help.
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Captain
Peter Wright, appointed BI fleet commodore, 1955
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from
BI News, issue 18, Jan 1956
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Peter
Wright, UK - Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 21:19:19
My
grandfather was Commodore Peter Wright 1955. My childhood
was full of stories of the BI be interested to hear of any
history anyone has of him. Regards [Peter
Wright joint BI as 3rd Officer in July 1919. Ships included Coconada,
Cooeyana, Margha, Warora, Amra (troopship then hospital
ship, WW2),
Orna, Shirala, Daressa, Kampala and
Karanja. He was in command of Cap St Jacques when in March
1944 the ship evacuated 600 French women and children from
Tourane (now Da Nang) when the province was overun by Chinese
communists - Editor]
Garrett
Murphy, Ireland - Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at 16:35:13
v.g.site, well presented. Would it
be a good idea to have a list of ex BI seagoing personnel,
with service details & perhaps
email addresses. It would enable people to renew old friendships.
i was a panch sahib on the Woodarra before
joining Trident. Kind regards. [Thanks
for your comments. You are eligible to join the
associated online BI staff group. For details see the application
form page. Contact with shipmates
old and new can be made via the group - Editor]
Ian
Hendry, Australia - Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 14:02:54
Am interested in finding the fare we paid on the Karanja 01 April
1971 from Mombassa to Bombay in 3rd Class
Alex
Barclay, UK - Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 01:00:28
I am the son of T.H Barclay, Superintending
Engineer at Bombay and Calcutta 1949 - 53. Thank you so much
for your well documented site. I remember many of the names
of my father's colleagues listed.
...sign
the logbook
Brian
Maskell, UK - Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 15:57:45
Was on Dwarka
Barpeta Chakrata and Carpentaria does anyone remember
cricket match against Sri Lankan airforce in Colombo and Sunday
net practice outside the bar?
Bronwyn
Lane, Australia - Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 22:22:38
My Father's parents came to Australia
on the Torilla.
Which departed London on 11 August, 2011 to Townsville, Queendland
and settled in Sydney, NSW. All the evidence I have is a copy of
the passenger list. Does anyone else have family who sailed on
this ship at the same time? I would be interested to hear from
you. Regards.
David
Worsfold, UK - Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 14:54:22
I am researching a book on my wife's grandfather Thomas Bernard
Kelly (1870-1949) who, after serving 30 years in India, Persia,
the NW Frontier and Mesopotamia as a doctor in the IMS, served
as a ship's surgeon through WW2 (in his 70s!). One ship we know
he was on was the Madura during the evacuation from Bordeaux in
1940 and would be interested in any information, cuttings etc from
then. Everything will be fully credited.
Stewart
Douglas, UK - Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 15:03:44
My
father John Leslie Gilmour Douglas was 3rd engineer with
BI & I
know he sailed on the Dunera among
others. He was born in Kirkcaldy in 1930. I believe he left BI
and the merchant navy around 1960-62. I would be happy to scan
some photos of himself, friends & ships and send
them in if you wish
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Madura
was well-known as the ship which lifted a large number
of passengers from southwest France in 1940 in the face
of the advancing German occupation |
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Philip
Emerson, UK - Sunday, March 31, 2013 at 18:34:25
Hello.
I'm looking for any information regarding the ss Madura (BI
1921-1953) that sailed from Le Verdon at the mouth of the
river Gironde in France on 18 June 1940 with about 1,800
British and other refugees on board, bound for Falmouth.
She arrived there safely about two days later. There were
members of my extended family on board. Does
anyone know where I could find the passenger list and photographs?
[What were their names? A passenger list of those who joined
the ship in East Africa, in April 1940 (Voyage 1055 Home),
does exist but does not include the passengers embarked on
the Gironde - Editor]
Ross
Scott, Australia - Sunday, March 31, 2013 at 06:42:13
My question is my grt grand parents came out aboard the ss Merkara arriving Brisabne 25th June 1889.What i would like to is know.
What route did they come by and ports etc did the vessel stop
at and the time it took to arrive in Brisbane? Would appreciate
your input, Thanking you
Brian
Warburton, UK - Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 08:21:01
For Sue Morgan, I sailed with your dad in 1959 on Woodarra, He
was on his way home after 2 years on the Indian coast. Had some
great times in Australia. did not hear from him after we arrived
back in UK. Heard from this site that he had passed away, not sure
when.
Gerald
O'Hara, US - Monday, March 25, 2013 at 22:54:32
Would like to contact Christina
Brodie-Jagger or anyone with information on the last voyage
of the ss Devon, August 1941. My grand uncle Gerald O'Hara
was ship's RO.
Gillian
Wright, India - Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 17:54:02
I am looking for passenger lists of ships sailing Bombay-Mombasa
in 1924, and also routes and ships and passenger lists relating
to Indian indentured labour being sent out to work on the Kenyan
railways. Any help appreciated
Ed
Matkin, New Zealand -
Monday, March 25, 2013 at 17:41:49
My father, William Pennington,
sailed to Calcutta on the Manela in 1922 and returned
to England aboard the Nirvana in
1929. I have a photo of the Manela but
would like one of the Nirvana if some some kind
person could provide one please.
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Nardana
(BI 1919-1941) BI cadetship from 1929 to 1939 |
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Derek
Hargreaves, UK - Monday, March 11, 2013 at 15:51:18
For
Janice Levinge's question of 10 December 2012. During the period
of your Uncle’s training with
BI there were two active Cadetships, namely Nardana and
Devon manned with 39 and 38 Cadets respectively which traded
mainly on the UK/Australia route. It is reasonable to assume
that he sailed in one or both of these ships but further precision
would need research at the National Maritime Museum or the
National Records Office.
You will be aware that he attended Pangbourne Nautical College
prior to joining BI which would see him completing his service
in August 1939 before Certification and volunteering for RNR
as a Midshipman. According to the 'London Gazette' of 22 March
1940, he was promoted from Midshipman to Sub Lieutenant from
January 1940 before dying in the extremely violent encounter
of HMS Glowworm with the heavily armed German Cruiser Hipper
in April. A very brave man.
...sign
the logbook
Joe
Mascarenhas, India - Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 12:37:16
Please
help me to find my grandfather info, i heard he was working
as barman on ss Tilawa during 2nd
world war, his name was Anton Xavier Fernandes from india, coz
his daughters are still alive but never saw their father, if you
can help me to find a picture of Mr Fernandes, thank you.
Nigel
Morgan, Germany - Monday, February 25, 2013 at 17:45:54
For Richard Bracher, Re your message October
10 2011, I would be very interested in information which you
may have regarding our convoy. I look forward to hearing from
you.
Vren
Humphris, South Africa - Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 19:46:19
My father, Erny Ender, served on the
Amra during WW2. I am currently working through his diaries
and it seems there is one, the last one, missing. I would like
to know the date of the Amra's last duty voyage as a hospital
ship.
Barry
Fraser, UK - Friday, February 22, 2013 at 12:45:05
I left a log entry on august 31st 2012
talking about my lovely painting of the Amra that was presented
to me upon my retirement. I had no direct connection with BI
but a business association with P&O cargo division at that
time. When I was a schoolboy my yearning to become a cadet
with BI was confirmed by an educational cruise on Dunera. My
careers master at my school supported my wish and arranged
a visit to Chantala and a short interview at BI through a friend
of his at the London office. Despite these best efforts I was
just not educationally good enough to get a cadetship and the
dream was shattered. Went on to good things though so no matter.
I would still love to know more about my Amra painting which
I was told was one of a series that did appear on various marketing
art in the early sixties . Its a bit of a big beast for the
average home and its gonna have to find a suitable place to
reside very soon.
John
(Jack) Bradley, South Africa - Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at
18:32:59
Have just been given an iPad and have
found this site! Fascinating as I am ex BI engineer 1963 to
1966. [Thanks for taking such an interest, Jack. You are eligible
to join the associated online BI staff group. For details see
the application form page.]
Kevin
Gomm, Australia - Friday, February 15, 2013 at 04:44:12
Am writing book on the sinking of US
T2 tanker SS Fort Lee torpedoed by German U-boat U-181 on
November 2 1944 in Indian Ocean. However a little earlier this
same U-boat sank the Dutch ss Garoet whilst en route from Bombay
to Durban. 88 perished including one Australian merchant
sailor, 21 year old Ronald Jacka who was the 2nd Radio Officer
on board. Only 10 survived, whereuon 5 were rescued by British
India vessel ss Nirvana and taken
to Mauritius. Would be very grateful for any information on
the Nirvana herself and this particular incident. The U-181
also sank the ss Tanda [not the BI ship
of this name] and King
Frederick off India. Please feel free to go our website as
well at: www.diggerpress.com Thank you
Alec
Matthews, UK - Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 10:54:23
When I joined my first BI ship, Chantala,
as cadet in 1952, I had the nickname "Stan" bestowed
upon me by the CPO Spike Taylor, whose name I have just come
across on this site. Also Barry McGregor, who taught me my
first words of Hindi at dinner my first evening aboard: "sub
chis!"!! I couldn't see
any cheese of that name on the menu, but Mac (Barry) said just
say it! So the kharna just kept coming!! Hi, Mac, how's it
going down there in Oz? See also Tom Kelso still going strong,
you were Cadet Instruction Officer in Chantala when I was xtra3/O.
John Page (Paddy?) was cadet then and was 3/o with me when I was
2/o in Aronda, to & from Karachi
- Chittagong via Colombo. Still trawling thro this site, happily
discovering more names of former ship mates, but not so happy to
note how many have 'crossed the bar!'
Alec
Matthews, UK - Monday, February 11, 2013 at 13:36:50
Recently found the site and working my
way thro' finding
many familiar names. Great memories!!
Alec
Matthews, UK - Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 16:25:06
Just found this site with names bringing
back such memories! One name in particular caught my eye in
this first day of browsing. Terry Gardner, R/o ss Okhla,
(Log Nov 25 2002 and Sept 7 2011). Terry, if you are still
reading this, I remember you and those happy (and sad) days
well. Trying to recall the name of 4e/o lost o'board up at
Basrah. I lost many of my records and photos in the explosion
and fire on board mv Heythrop [Trident
Tankers/P&O Bulk Shipping] in 1971.
You paid tribute to the cricketing prowess of Ken, 2e/o. But
I recall he was more than matched by one Terry G!! Love to
hear more from you.
Gian
Gopal, UK - Monday, February 4, 2013 at 19:28:28
I
believe I travelled as a 10 year old in September 1953 from
Bombay to Mombasa on ss Kampala with
my parents and younger sister. Would it be possible to get
the exact date of departure from Bombay and confirmation of
travel with my family ?
Bob
Harvey, Australia - Sunday, February 3, 2013 at 11:53:32
Do you have any information on William
Gardner (gruffly) labour master London docks, and his son Walter
killed by falling down the hold on the ss Chantala in 1915,
in the Albert dock?
Linda
Coombs, Australia - Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 10:40:54
My father was David Smith Wood, from
Scotland, and he was an engineer with BI from about 1936. I
believe he sailed on the Modasa,
the Chyebassa and the Chupra.
I can find no records of his time with BI and would be grateful
if anyone remembers him or these ships could give me some information
about him or his service. Thank you.
Jeff
Stewart, Australia - Friday, February 1, 2013 at 06:18:53
Can Jon Laird please contact me. He
is a researcher in Australia
Ken
Donoghue, UK - Monday, January 28, 2013 at 18:32:09
As always, great reading for an ex BI Engineer.
Deba
Kantha Roy, Germany - Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 12:45:14
I was a Trainee in B.I at One Aldgate
in 1959 sponsored by late Sir William Currie and under Mr Pakes,
Deputy Chairman. I do cherish with pride my time with B.I in
London. I lost contact of a collegue who joined Mackinnons
in Colombo Mr. Malin Abhayratna. I would be happy to meet him
if his contact address is available this February. If possible
please let me know. Thank you.
Mal
Cooper, US - Friday, January 25, 2013 at 17:55:26
Looking for crew/passenger list for the
Dorunda on her last trip, 1894, that ended on the rocks off
Portugal. My Grandfather
was a crew member.
Linda
Franks, Australia - Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 03:03:42
Info
wanted on Anna Bella Moore, 10 years, sailed with cousin Maria
Kennedy on the Waipara 26/11/1910
arrived Brisbane 22/1/1911. Thanks.
...sign
the logbook
Bryan
Long, UK - Monday, January 21, 2013 at 12:27:58
Joined Chantala 1954. Last ship Dwarka 1968
Robert
Jellicoe, UK - Monday, January 21, 2013 at 10:59:37
Do
you have anything on my great Uncle- Thomas Buxton Jellicoe.
He was chief officer in the ss Umeta and
escaped from her when she was hit by U-Boat 33 off Malta
in december 1915/ Also he was on ss Mercara and ran a gauntlet
of uboats in 1916. I have his BI buttons.
Linda
Coombs, Australia - Monday, January 21, 2013 at 07:14:14
I really hope one of your members can
help me. My father served with BI from about 1934/5 but my
info is scarce. His name was David S Wood, born in Scotland
1916. He was an engineer, poss 3rd or 2nd Class. He served
on ss Ethiopia and possibly Modasa,
Chupra and Chyebassa. I am hoping someone can help me find
records or info of his service. Much appreciated.
Philip
Braithwaite, UK - Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 14:09:04
A good school friend of mine served as
Radio officer on the ss Nowshera,
we last met in Hong Kong harbour in 1968, I was Electrical
Engineer aboard mv Glenearn an A/H [Alfred
Holt] ship. I went
on board the ss Nowshera and met Dave Langham. i wrote to him
over the years, but now have no idea what ever happened to him.
Any information would be gratefully received.
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Umeta,
Port Said for Marseilles, was sunk by U-33 112 miles
east of Malta on Dec 1, 1915, the first company ship
to be lost by submarine action |
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Robert
Jellicoe, UK - Monday, January 21, 2013 at 10:59:51
Hello. Do you have anything on my great
uncle Thomas Buxton Jellicoe. He was chief officer in the ss Umeta and
escaped from her when she was hit by U-Boat 33 off Malta in December
1915/ Also he was on ss Mercara (Merkara ?)and ran a gauntlet of
U-Boats in 1916. I have his BI buttons. Thank you.
Paul
Letham, UK - Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 23:09:22
Trying to trace history of an ancestor. Charles Sutherland sailed
with his family on a merchant ship The Lady Julia. He joined
the Indian Steam Navigation Company as a marine engineer.... Would
you have any records or history on Charles etc. Regards
Christopher
Sayers, UK - Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 10:34:43
I have been seeking information on my father, Herbert John Sayers,
who I knew to have left the BI sometime in the late 1930's. This
website has given me much information to expand on his Seamans
Record.
Jeff
Stewart, Australia - Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 00:08:07
MMS 35 and MMS 1584 in 1951-1952. Does
anyone know anything about them?
Denis
Matthews, Australia - Friday, January 11, 2013 at 23:28:08
My father travelled with his sister and
parents on the Anglo Indian Greenoch
to Brisbane July to October 1883. What was a supplementary
steamer? [Only in BI's sphere for three
years, Anglo Indian was, as Laxon & Perry describes her, "an
oddity", in that she was built for a competitor owner
for the Liverpool-Calcutta trade, and bought in 1884
by BI interests (Gray, Dawes & Co) probably to
remove a source of competition. She retained her original (non-BI)
name until after being sold on in 1887. The July 1883 trip
to Calcutta was almost certainly the ship's maiden voyage,
after being launched by Campbell, McIntosh & Bowstead,
Newcastle in April that year - Editor]
Mac Henderson, UK - Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 15:23:19
To John Robertson: Yes I sailed with you
on the Dara in 1952/53, happy
days, I hope you and the family are well, I see now in the US.
Ian
Gay, UK - Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 21:46:06
I am researching my family tree and I am trying to learn something
about my Great Grandfather, George Seton, born in Edinburgh, Scotland
26.03.1822, went to India about 1861 for eight years with his
wife Louisa, was editor of the Calcutta Times. Do you have any
passenger lists for that time? Any information you might have
about him would be greatly appreciated. Your website is excellent
and very informative. Regards.
Carole
Powell, UK - Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 21:39:57
V.
interesting site. Have you any info on the Australia involved
in a collision (21 Jan 1923) with General Steam Navigation's
Nautilus with the loss of three lives. The incident took place
on the River Scheldt near Antwerp. [The
collision was off the Royers Lock at Antwerp on Jan 20, 1923.
Nautilus sank immediately, while Australia sustained only superficial
damage. An account of Australia's career appears in Laxon &
Perry, British India Steam Navigation - Editor]
Trevor
Biggs, UK - Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 00:56:55
My Father was in 3RD RHA in the 50's and 60's. I have 2 photo's
one of the Nevasa and one of
Port Said. I am told by my Mother that we sailed from the UK
to Africa because my fathers regiment was posted to Gil Gil
in Kenya. I would have been 2 or 3 years old. I had 3 older
sisters plus Mum and Dad. I do not know whether we came back
to the UK on the same ship or not. I am researching my dad's
army history for my sisters and myself so if you can give me
any information, we would be in your debt. Many thanks for
having been a part of your Companies/Ships history. Kind regards.
...sign
the logbook
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