I joined the British & Commonwealth (B & C) Shipping Company as a Radio Officer (R/O) in November 1965, starting with a coastal voyage aboard the Rowallan Castle under Capt. Dryden.

This was followed by a year-long trip on the Hector Heron with Capt. Stan Hay. I then sailed on several vessels, including the King Arthur (about a year, with Capt. Ian Shearer), and did three voyages aboard the Clan Maclay — two with Capt. Basil Biggs and one with Capt. Sam Hagan.

My final voyage with B & C was a double-header on the Clan Sutherland with Capt. Sandy Kennedy, from April 1970 to January 1971.

After that, I left the Merchant Navy for about 18 months, returning to sea briefly with CP Ships to keep my ticket valid.

I had many happy years with B & C and was fortunate to sail with some great shipmates on a variety of fine ships. Over the years, I've even met up with a few of them again. It's good to find so much information gathered in one place — I’ll have to spend some time exploring it all.

There are many fond memories — some not exactly suitable for family discussion! One in particular stands out: a voyage from Walvis Bay to Genoa aboard the Clan Maclay, with Capt. Basil Biggs as master. We transported a menagerie of animals destined for a zoo in (I believe) Germany. The cargo included zebra, giraffe, kudu, eland, and a variety of antelope, all accompanied by a keeper.

I recently learned that Capt. Biggs has passed away. He was a fine master and a fine man — it was truly a privilege to have known and served under him.