I joined the 'Enderby' as apprentice in Leith, May 1959 and went South with her for the last season.

Besides the Setters, the HW vessels I remember on that last 1959 season were Balaena, Enderby and Thule and occasionally the 'Heron' from Capetown.

Japanese superintendents joined the Enderby off Grytviken and we left the fleet early just after Xmas. I transferred to 'Heron' at Saldhana Bay January 1960.

Joined the 'Hawk' at Boelewerf at Tamise, Belgium, for commencement of the Petrofina charter.

Posted on Facebook 4 Jan 2024

Just found this photo of me, first tripper on "Enderby" at Grytviken anchorage December 1959.

"Hector Heron" in background outward bound somewhere, probably Capetown for bunkers.

( I was wearing my new "company jacket", Christmas present from Hector Whaling ! )

Stayed on the the 'Hawk' until July 1962 when B&C took over full management and changed crews.Originally had Rotterdam pool crews then changed to Chinese in late 1961. Regrettably I did not own a camera in those fun days but I did learn how to operate the Walport projector !.......

When B&C took over they sent me on a MAR Course (MAR 01) 1962 and then to the U-C Mail Boats as J4/O on the 'Windsor' and 'Athlone'. A major cultural shock after Hector Whaling !.............