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Comments for the year 2021
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Hi, i was on the Rangitane In 1964 from London to Auckland wth my parents Is there documents of this. Mr. Walter Porrett Mrs. Jean Porrett Kathryn Porrett aged 9 yrs old. Any info i would appreciate it & any photos of ship inside & out. Kathy O'Connor
17.01.21
A little more about life on the "Tekoa" in 1956.
Engineers' cabins on 'Tekoa' were on the main deck amidships and you stepped out of your cabin door into the open air of the main deck. There was protection overhead from the boat deck, but in rough seas the main deck would be awash with sea water and you had to time your run to the engine room or forward to the saloon for when there was the minimum of water. Both the saloon and the deck officers were up forward and in really bad weather lifelines were rigged so that we could make the trip to the saloon more safely. Not only were the engineers and mates housed separately but we engineers were given Lifebuoy soap in our cabins and the mates got Lux!
Being on the 4 to 8 watch I got a 30 minute relief each evening so I could get dinner. I arranged with the Chief Steward to have it in my cabin so that I did not have to clean myself up, change into uniform, dash to the saloon, gobble down some food and then change back into overalls, all in thirty minutes. Of course the Chief soon realised what I was doing and ordered me to eat in the saloon. Next evening as I entered the saloon he looked me up and down and told me to follow him. He took me to the Captain's cabin, pulled up one of my trouser legs and showed the Captain I was wearing my engine room socks, not uniform ones. The Captain was a sensible fellow, but of course he had to support the Chief and I was instructed always to appear in proper uniform.
I mentioned a few weeks ago in my first account of my trip on "Tekoa" that the 2nd Engineer was badly affected by the stress of operating five boilers on manual feed control when water only bobbed into the gauge glasses every now and then. He was not only affected emotionally but also physically and one of his fingers became badly infected and swollen. As it didn't respond to the Mate's medical treatment it was decided to lance the finger. At a few minutes after 4am the next morning the bridge called the engine room and asked me if the Mate was down there, he was due on watch and could not be found. Of course he wasn't in the engine room and I suggested they check the Chief Engineer's cabin as the last I had heard the Mate was to "operate" on the 2nd Engineer in the Chief Engineer's cabin the previous evening. In the Chief's cabin they found all four of them, Captain, Mate, Chief Engineer and 2nd Engineer all soundly asleep and empty whisky bottles on view. The 2nd had a bulky bandage on his finger and no one could remember what had been done to it. The infection went away, but the finger never looked the same again
Murray Wilson
07.02.21
toysteam31atgmail.com
The survivors of a vessel called Port Douglas that went aground off Saint Vincent Island part of the Cape Verde Group of Islands on 24th May 1872, were rescued by the NZ Shipping vessel -- Kaikoura.
My grandmother and her brother were both on this ship (The Port Douglas, when it got wrecked) Andrew and Mary-Anne Kelly. I have never been able to get any information on this ship. Mum would never tell us. it was only be accident that i was able to pick up the Kaikoura came to their rescue. Mon said the book is closed.
William Smith
22.03.21
fleuren39atbigpond.com
Hi Jeffrey Any help you can give to locate a stewardess (Head) who was on RMS Rangitoto 1940-50s. Edith Hosking (s). My grandmother & aunt befriended her about 1920 while on a ship to/from Britain and remained friends all their lives. She was on a hospital ship ? I remember snippets as a child when she visited us in Auckland NZ . Any info would be invaluable. Regards Cynthia Dickey
8.04.21
In 1971 I left London on the Hinakura with 23 Charolais cattle on their way to New Zealand. I was the stockman working for the cattle company looking after them. We had them on the deck in wooden pens although once we got going I was able to let the smaller ones roam the deck. They were very well behaved and the sailors seemed to enjoy having them on board. The trip took a few weeks with stops at Curacao, Cristobal for 2 days with engine issues, then a man-overboard drill up against the Galapagos Islands. The cattle were unloaded at Wellington and I stayed with them. That was the last I saw of the Hinakura. Sam Honey
19.04.21
We left Aukland on 15th Sept 1954 on RMS Rangatiki. We hove-to off Pitcairn Island a few days later and welcomed on deck a number of the islanders eager to trade their wares and carvings. We met a Miss. Christian (descended from Fletcher Christian). She was delighted to meet my father for several months previously, on the voyage from Southamption to Auckland Miss. Christian had been taken on board for an emergency appendix operation, and my father had assisted the ship's surgeon. Ian West
26.04.21
It is a long story but suffice to say on line. 3 decades ago I purchased an oil painting of a sailing ship titled the "Pride of SouthWold" in Salisbury England. Recently I have had the painting cleaned and realize the ship, a three masted bark/brigentine type, is flying the NZSC trading flag from it's main mast. It is not clear to me the vessels name is the Pride of Southwold or just the title of the painting. I have found a photo of a NZSC sailing ship, the Mataura that was in the service of the NZSC in the 1870s. In the photo it is docked but it is flying the NZSC flag from it's main mast like the ship in my painting. The Mataura's rigging and hull coloring is similar to the ship in my painting. I am interested in confirming the painting have could be the Mataura and obtain any information as to when this ship might have been in your service, it's routes, it's cargoes, etc. I can send a photo of the painting if you think it would help confirm that it is in fact the Mataura. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Regards, Larry Hartigan
07.05.21
Does anyone have information about the price of a fare New Zealand to London 1928 .My research subject sailed on the Ruahine and probably not steerage .but any approximate price would be welcomed or a guide as to where I could find this information. Many thanks for any possible help. Barbara de Lange
08.05.21
I have a distant relative, ARTHUR EDWARD DUNN, who in 1911 was in command of SS RAKAIA and in 1912 of SS KAIPARA according to his Royal Navy Reserve Officers Training Record. I would be most grateful if you can provide info on when he actually joined the NZ Shipping Co. I have his Apprentice Indenture that says he was indented to James P Corry & Co (STAR Line) for three years from 1894. From 1896/97 I have no record of where he served, hence the start date with NZ shipping Co would be helpful. I also have a couple of photos (originals) with him and some passengers of the day which I am happy to share. Sincerely, Max Speedy.
20.05.21
M.V.Huntingdon. LIverpool to Perth. 28 July 1950 to August 28 1950. My father Stewart Peddie was the medical officer for this voyage returning from work in the UK. David Peddle
02.07.21
I believe my grandad Eric G Bean died on the RMS Rangitiki on 22nd March 1957 whilst in dock in Belfast having set sail from Southampton. I have found his grave in Belfast but we have never had a death certificate as the records office sadly burnt down. I was wondering if anyone knew the route on these dates, had any photos or knew what happened to him. It’s a long shot but thought I’d ask. Many thanks Emma Reid
27.07.21
I sailed on Horrorata as steward we sailed from Avonmouth in March 1961 to NZ, 4 month voyage called in at Auckland, Timaru, The Bluff. The chief stewards name was Dermot Moore. Richard Smith
skathy014atgmai.com
14.08.21
Hi, here is the information explaining how someone might go about putting together an application to the New Zealand Defence Force for medals that their grandfather might have earned for being a NZ seaman on NZ merchant ships sailing in NZ coastal waters during World War 2.
I have amended the document to include information about the eligibility requirements of NZ Merchant Navy personnel for the various WW2 medals. This information was previously available on the Personnel Archives & Medals section of the NZDF website.
There are three standard medals plus three operational area medals, and there is mention of foreign awards.
As appropriate, for reference, and feel free to make it available to people looking for guidance on 'how to do it'.
Regards Graeme Coutts
I am reminded of the speech given by the Governor-General of New Zealand (Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, GNZM, QSO)at the 2015 Merchant Navy Day Commemoration in which he said: “Today, we acknowledge New Zealand's 'fourth service', the Merchant Navy.”: https://gg.govt.nz/publications/merchant-navy-day
To make a posthumous Medal Application to the NZ Defence Force for World War 2 medals for your Grandfather, a seaman and member of the NZ Seaman’s Union, crewing on a ship of the ‘merchant navy of New Zealand’ on New Zealand coastal voyages, during World War 2.
A seaman, employed as described above, should be eligible for the three ‘standard’ medals;
The 1939 – 1945 Star
The War Medal 1939 – 1945
The New Zealand War Service Medal
1.1 You will need to go to Archives New Zealand, in Wellington, and look at the ‘Merchant Navy War Medal Card Index’, for World War 2, to confirm that there are no records of medals having been awarded in your Grandfather’s name.
1.2 Take a copy of the Archives New Zealand search sheet, and make a note on the sheet that there were no medals.
2. Put together an application as follows:
2.1 A cover sheet would be a good idea; brief chronological history, and list of attachments.
2.2 Include a copy of the Archives New Zealand search sheet from 1.2.
2.3 Include completed NZDF form ‘MD1050 - Application/Declaration Form for NZ Military Personnel Records and/or Medal Entitlements”, aka Form No 1. https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/assets/PAM/NZDF-PAM-Enquiry-and-Medal-application-formAug-2020.pdf
2.4 Include a copy of your Grandfather’s Birth & Death Certificate.
2.5 Include a copy of your Father’s Birth & Death Certificate.
2.6 Include a copy of your Birth Certificate; this will confirm the Grandfather/Father/Son relationship.
2.7 A list of ships that your Grandfather has crewed on would be a good idea, in table format, giving; Vessel Name: Official Number: Owner (shipping company): Description of Voyage: Date of Engagement: Port of Engagement: Date of Discharge: Port of Discharge.
2.8 If possible, include a copy of the front page of the Federated Seaman’s Union of NZ Membership Book; this gives your Grandfather’s details. The NZDF will use his union membership number as his ‘Service Number’.
2.9 Include the individual Certificate Of Discharge form for each ship that your Grandfather served on. The words ‘Home Trade’ or ‘Coastal’ will be written in the ‘Description of Voyage or Employment’ box on each form.
3. Submit your application to;
NZDF Personnel Archives & Medals Private Bag 905 Upper Hutt 5140 New Zealand
Note a If your application is for medals for a relative other than your Grandfather, attach the appropriate birth & death certificates to confirm the relationship.
Note b If the Archives New Zealand ‘Merchant Navy War Medal Card Index’, for World War 2, indicates that your Grandfather has been awarded medals for his World War 2 service, and if these medals are some of or all of the medals that the application would cover, and you have no knowledge of the existence of the medals, then you need to have a discussion with the NZDF’s Medals Research & Entitlement Advisor, phone: 04 527 5280, or, 0800 334 772 (select Option 2 during business hours).
Note c If you do not have Certificate Of Discharge forms then you will need to put together a collection of other documents (shipping company records, ships logs, crew listings, They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. World War 2, NZ Merchant Navy, Seaman, Medals, Coastal/Home Trade Rev C | 24 May 2021 Page … 2 of 4 etc) that the NZDF will accept as proof that your Grandfather crewed on a specific New Zealand ship (or ships) on New Zealand coastal voyages during World War 2.
c1 The New Zealand Defence Force has previously advised; “The merchant navy was not a part of the Royal New Zealand Navy and New Zealand merchant sailors were not attested members of the New Zealand military. As such, neither service files nor medals for merchant sailors are held at NZDF Personnel Archives & Medals.” The Personnel Archives & Medals section of the NZDF website currently makes no mention of the Merchant Navy. You can see their website at: https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/nzdf/personnel-archives-and-medals/
c2 Archives New Zealand in Wellington hold numerous Merchant Navy records, eg: 7460: Seafarers’ Records of Service 7461: Merchant Navy War Medal Card Index 7463: Index to Seafarers’ Certificates 16633: Ships’ Logs, Articles of Agreement & Crew Lists 16634: Index to Ships’ Logs, Articles of Agreement & Crew Lists https://archives.govt.nz/search-the-archive/researching
c3 The Wellington City Archives hold some records of Union Steam Ship Company employees, mostly for the period after it moved its head office to Wellington in 1922: https://archivesonline.wcc.govt.nz/
c4 The Hākena Heritage Collections catalogue holds some Union Steam Ship Company documents, but they are mainly administrative: https://hakena.otago.ac.nz/scripts/mwimain.dll/144/DESCRIPTION/WEB_DESC_DET_RE P/SISN%201340?sessionsearch
c5 The New Zealand Maritime Museum, also referred to as the Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum, does not hold crew lists or records of Merchant Navy service, but may be able to suggest locations for remaining shipping company archives. https://www.maritimemuseum.co.nz/collections Danielle Carter : Archives & Library Manager : Bill Laxon Maritime Library : NZMM E: danielle@maritimemuseum.co.nz Phone: 09 373 0810 The New Zealand Maritime Index enables you to search for vessels, organisations, subjects, and people, mentioned in a number of publications currently being indexed by the NZMM. A good place to start if you have a ship’s name &/or official number. http://www.nzmaritimeindex.org.nz/
c6 FamilySearch holds a collection of digitised passenger lists that also, in some cases, include crew lists. It can also be worth searching here, particularly if your relative was likely to have sailed to or from Wellington. https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1609792
Note d If the word ‘Foreign’ is written in any of the ‘Description of Voyage or Employment’ boxes on any of the Certificate Of Discharge forms, then your Grandfather is probably eligible for at least one more medal (for example, the Pacific Star), depending on what documents you can put together that the NZDF will accept as proof that your Grandfather served as a NZ seaman on a specific New Zealand ship (or ships), in a specific Foreign area (for example, the Pacific), during World War 2.
4. I used some of the above sources for information required to compile the application for my father’s medals. Having the original COD forms helped. If you should find other sources that enabled you to gather information and documents to assist with a submission to the NZDF PAM, I would be grateful if you could provide me with the details of the source so that I can update this sheet.
Graeme Coutts: gncoutts@yahoo.co.nz
Bannatyne Ernest Taylor Coutts | b. Victoria Cottage, Walls, Shetland, 1897 – d. Wellington, NZ, 1980 Merchant Seaman, World War 2 | 1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945, New Zealand War Service Medal They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.
World War 2, NZ Merchant Navy, Seaman, Medals, Coastal/Home Trade Rev C | 24 May 2021 Page … 3 of 4 The following is an extract from a 2014 version of the Personnel Archives & Medals section of the NZDF website. As previously noted, the current NZDF website (24 May 2021) makes no mention of the Merchant Navy. Medals for Merchant Navy service during the Second World War New Zealand Merchant Navy personnel are eligible for all of the Second World War campaign stars and war medals awarded to New Zealand Armed Forces personnel, with the exception of the Air Crew Europe Star and the Defence Medal.
The medals and campaign stars most commonly issued to New Zealand Merchant Navy personnel are:
1. The New Zealand War Service Medal - which is awarded for 28 days full time service in the New Zealand Armed Forces or 28 days service at sea by New Zealand Merchant Navy personnel between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. This medal was instituted by the New Zealand government in 1948.
2. The War Medal 1939-1945 - Qualifying service in the Merchant Navy for this Commonwealth award is 28 days service anywhere at sea between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. For Armed Forces personnel the equivalent qualifying criteria is also 28 days full time service.
3. The 1939-45 Star - which recognises 180 days ‘service afloat in areas of active operations (dangerous waters)’ between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. From 10 June 1940 to 8 May 1945 ‘dangerous waters’ are defined as ‘anywhere at sea’. Note that whether Merchant Navy personnel were based in New Zealand or at a port in a combat zone has no impact on their eligibility. It was the amount of time spent in ‘dangerous waters’ which is important. The 180 day requirement can be accumulated over a number of voyages through ‘dangerous waters’.
4. The Atlantic Star - which, following entitlement to the 1939-45 Star, is awarded to personnel who served a further 180 days in Atlantic waters, including in the United Kingdom ‘Home waters’ and in the convoys to North Russia (including time spent as a Prisoner of War). This Star is also issued for any length of qualifying service in the last six months of the War in Europe (8 November 1944 to 8 May 1945).
5. The Arctic Star – This award was instituted by the British Government in February 2013. It is awarded for service of one day or more north of the Arctic Circle between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945. Merchant Navy personnel who served in the convoys to North Russia qualify for the Arctic Star.
6. The Pacific Star – which is awarded for service of one day or more in the operational areas of the Pacific between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. For Navy and Merchant Navy personnel the 1939-45 Star (180 days service afloat in areas of active operations) needs to have been qualified for first, before the Pacific Star can be awarded. The Pacific Star is also They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. World War 2, NZ Merchant Navy, Seaman, Medals, Coastal/Home Trade Rev C | 24 May 2021 Page … 4 of 4 issued for any length of qualifying service in the last six months of the War in the Pacific (7 March 1945 to 2 September 1945).
7. Foreign awards - Some Merchant Navy personnel have also qualified for and received one or more foreign awards for their sea service – usually a Russian award(s) for the veterans of voyages to North Russia. These Russian commemorative medals (e.g. for the 60th anniversary in 2005) were not administered by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), were only issued to living veterans, and are no longer available from the Russian Embassy in Wellington.
How to apply (updated 24 January 2014) New Zealand Merchant Navy veterans, and the families of deceased veterans, are still able to apply for the issue of any unclaimed British Commonwealth and New Zealand awards, including the recently instituted Arctic Star.
Applications should be sent to the Medals Office, NZ Defence Force, Private Bag 905, Upper Hutt 5140.
Application forms can be downloaded from the NZDF Medals website, or a paper copy of the form can be requested by phoning (04) 527-5270.
Applications should include as much detail as known on Ship name(s), the name of the Ship’s Captain, the name of any foreign shipping companies they may have sailed with, and enclose copies of any relevant documents. NZDF does not hold files about New Zealand Merchant Navy service.
The surviving information is in the Shipping Company records (when these records still exist). To try obtain information and/or documentation about your deceased relative's Merchant Navy service you can start by contacting Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum in Auckland, who can provide contact details to you of New Zealand and foreign institutions which have archived records of crew members from New Zealand owned shipping companies.
If you have some information on the ships served on, or a partial name of a shipping company, this information may assist Voyager staff to identify the correct Shipping Company.
Please note there are thousands of shipping companies world-wide and not all of their records have survived. End of extract
gncouttsatyahoo.co.nz
03.09.21
Poem by Emily Valentina Lydford (nee Day) to Captain of SS.RAKAIA in Oct. 1879 on their arrival into Wellington. Two A4 pages of 2 full columns each. A very full description of the trip out and the people on board. Pamela Lydford
15.10.21
ON BOARD THE SHIP “RAKAIA” May-August 1879 Upon the last bright day of May There sailed from Plymouth Sound, The ship “Rakaia” with emigrants For a far distant clime.
In this good ship for three long months Three hundred souls or more Would try to make a happy home Until we reach the shore. Old England’s shore we grieved to leave And all kind friends so dear, But in New Zealand we will try Friends as kind to make.
Some have friends to meet them And how jolly they will be And what a lot there’ll be to tell Of friends far oe’r the sea. Now we will try and tell you Of how we spent the time And tried to make things pleasant Before we crossed the Line.
The Captain was a jolly man As you’d ever wish to see, He did his best to please us all And well he did succeed. On Sunday morn he always held A service for us all That though upon the sea so wide We might not heathens be, And in the evening of that day A lecture he would give, And hymns we’d sing so very sweet - Pamela Lydford
25.10.21
Hi There, This relates to an old post by Bruce Henderson. His Uncle was John Collier Tuckett, Master of the SS Hertford, sunk in March 1942. The post is from 11 Feb 2012. Bit of a long shot but his post said he has lots of information. The reason I'm interested is that my Great Grandfather was in the same lifeboat as JC Tuckett. Any help greatly appreciated! Stuart Bertie
26.10.21
Thanks for this! Yes, it is my Great Grandfather (he was 54 when he was sunk) I tried the email address (changed the at for @) but got a bounce back.
I recently received the war diary of the U-Boat that sunk the Hertford...amazing to read it from the perspective of the U-Boat Commander as he had a conversation with the crew of the lifeboat my Great Grandfather and Jack Collier Tuckett was in (the U-Boat surfaced after the sinking to offer assistance)
Really hoping to find Bruce Henderson but conscious the post is almost 10 years old. Fingers crossed!
Many thanks, Stuart
27.10.21
In case it is of any assistance, I have a passenger list for m.v. Rangitiki which sailed from Tilbury Dock, London, in December 1949 and docked in Wellington, New Zealand January 1950. W Mills
14.11.21
Did the Sussex of the NZ shipping company carry frozen goods from Bluff to the UK? I was working on it as my first trip to NZ in 1967 aged 19. Donald Graham
15.11.21
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If this is your first visit to the site I strongly recommend that you start from the beginning as there are some great stories and links.
Comments for the year 2021 |
Email / Date |
Editors Note:Due to concerns about spam and spam bots we now replace the @ symbol with the actual word “at” so that spam bots don’t steal peoples address.We still encourage you to contact each other just remember wherever you see the letters “at” together just replace it with @ when you send an email and it will work. |
|
| Hi, i was on the Rangitane In 1964 from London to Auckland wth my parents Is there documents of this. Mr. Walter Porrett Mrs. Jean Porrett Kathryn Porrett aged 9 yrs old. Any info i would appreciate it & any photos of ship inside & out. Kathy O'Connor | 17.01.21
|
A little more about life on the "Tekoa" in 1956. Engineers' cabins on 'Tekoa' were on the main deck amidships and you stepped out of your cabin door into the open air of the main deck. There was protection overhead from the boat deck, but in rough seas the main deck would be awash with sea water and you had to time your run to the engine room or forward to the saloon for when there was the minimum of water. Both the saloon and the deck officers were up forward and in really bad weather lifelines were rigged so that we could make the trip to the saloon more safely. Not only were the engineers and mates housed separately but we engineers were given Lifebuoy soap in our cabins and the mates got Lux!Being on the 4 to 8 watch I got a 30 minute relief each evening so I could get dinner. I arranged with the Chief Steward to have it in my cabin so that I did not have to clean myself up, change into uniform, dash to the saloon, gobble down some food and then change back into overalls, all in thirty minutes. Of course the Chief soon realised what I was doing and ordered me to eat in the saloon. Next evening as I entered the saloon he looked me up and down and told me to follow him. He took me to the Captain's cabin, pulled up one of my trouser legs and showed the Captain I was wearing my engine room socks, not uniform ones. The Captain was a sensible fellow, but of course he had to support the Chief and I was instructed always to appear in proper uniform. I mentioned a few weeks ago in my first account of my trip on "Tekoa" that the 2nd Engineer was badly affected by the stress of operating five boilers on manual feed control when water only bobbed into the gauge glasses every now and then. He was not only affected emotionally but also physically and one of his fingers became badly infected and swollen. As it didn't respond to the Mate's medical treatment it was decided to lance the finger. At a few minutes after 4am the next morning the bridge called the engine room and asked me if the Mate was down there, he was due on watch and could not be found. Of course he wasn't in the engine room and I suggested they check the Chief Engineer's cabin as the last I had heard the Mate was to "operate" on the 2nd Engineer in the Chief Engineer's cabin the previous evening. In the Chief's cabin they found all four of them, Captain, Mate, Chief Engineer and 2nd Engineer all soundly asleep and empty whisky bottles on view. The 2nd had a bulky bandage on his finger and no one could remember what had been done to it. The infection went away, but the finger never looked the same again Murray Wilson |
07.02.21 toysteam31atgmail.com |
The survivors of a vessel called Port Douglas that went aground off Saint Vincent Island part of the Cape Verde Group of Islands on 24th May 1872, were rescued by the NZ Shipping vessel -- Kaikoura. My grandmother and her brother were both on this ship (The Port Douglas, when it got wrecked) Andrew and Mary-Anne Kelly. I have never been able to get any information on this ship. Mum would never tell us. it was only be accident that i was able to pick up the Kaikoura came to their rescue. Mon said the book is closed. William Smith |
22.03.21 fleuren39atbigpond.com |
| Hi Jeffrey Any help you can give to locate a stewardess (Head) who was on RMS Rangitoto 1940-50s. Edith Hosking (s). My grandmother & aunt befriended her about 1920 while on a ship to/from Britain and remained friends all their lives. She was on a hospital ship ? I remember snippets as a child when she visited us in Auckland NZ . Any info would be invaluable. Regards Cynthia Dickey | 8.04.21 |
| In 1971 I left London on the Hinakura with 23 Charolais cattle on their way to New Zealand. I was the stockman working for the cattle company looking after them. We had them on the deck in wooden pens although once we got going I was able to let the smaller ones roam the deck. They were very well behaved and the sailors seemed to enjoy having them on board. The trip took a few weeks with stops at Curacao, Cristobal for 2 days with engine issues, then a man-overboard drill up against the Galapagos Islands. The cattle were unloaded at Wellington and I stayed with them. That was the last I saw of the Hinakura. Sam Honey | 19.04.21 |
| We left Aukland on 15th Sept 1954 on RMS Rangatiki. We hove-to off Pitcairn Island a few days later and welcomed on deck a number of the islanders eager to trade their wares and carvings. We met a Miss. Christian (descended from Fletcher Christian). She was delighted to meet my father for several months previously, on the voyage from Southamption to Auckland Miss. Christian had been taken on board for an emergency appendix operation, and my father had assisted the ship's surgeon. Ian West | 26.04.21 |
| It is a long story but suffice to say on line. 3 decades ago I purchased an oil painting of a sailing ship titled the "Pride of SouthWold" in Salisbury England. Recently I have had the painting cleaned and realize the ship, a three masted bark/brigentine type, is flying the NZSC trading flag from it's main mast. It is not clear to me the vessels name is the Pride of Southwold or just the title of the painting. I have found a photo of a NZSC sailing ship, the Mataura that was in the service of the NZSC in the 1870s. In the photo it is docked but it is flying the NZSC flag from it's main mast like the ship in my painting. The Mataura's rigging and hull coloring is similar to the ship in my painting. I am interested in confirming the painting have could be the Mataura and obtain any information as to when this ship might have been in your service, it's routes, it's cargoes, etc. I can send a photo of the painting if you think it would help confirm that it is in fact the Mataura. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Regards, Larry Hartigan | 07.05.21 |
| Does anyone have information about the price of a fare New Zealand to London 1928 .My research subject sailed on the Ruahine and probably not steerage .but any approximate price would be welcomed or a guide as to where I could find this information. Many thanks for any possible help. Barbara de Lange | 08.05.21 |
| I have a distant relative, ARTHUR EDWARD DUNN, who in 1911 was in command of SS RAKAIA and in 1912 of SS KAIPARA according to his Royal Navy Reserve Officers Training Record. I would be most grateful if you can provide info on when he actually joined the NZ Shipping Co. I have his Apprentice Indenture that says he was indented to James P Corry & Co (STAR Line) for three years from 1894. From 1896/97 I have no record of where he served, hence the start date with NZ shipping Co would be helpful. I also have a couple of photos (originals) with him and some passengers of the day which I am happy to share. Sincerely, Max Speedy. | 20.05.21 |
| M.V.Huntingdon. LIverpool to Perth. 28 July 1950 to August 28 1950. My father Stewart Peddie was the medical officer for this voyage returning from work in the UK. David Peddle |
02.07.21 |
| I believe my grandad Eric G Bean died on the RMS Rangitiki on 22nd March 1957 whilst in dock in Belfast having set sail from Southampton. I have found his grave in Belfast but we have never had a death certificate as the records office sadly burnt down. I was wondering if anyone knew the route on these dates, had any photos or knew what happened to him. It’s a long shot but thought I’d ask. Many thanks Emma Reid |
27.07.21 |
| I sailed on Horrorata as steward we sailed from Avonmouth in March 1961 to NZ, 4 month voyage called in at Auckland, Timaru, The Bluff. The chief stewards name was Dermot Moore. Richard Smith | skathy014atgmai.com
14.08.21 |
Hi, here is the information explaining how someone might go about putting together an application to the New Zealand Defence Force for medals that their grandfather might have earned for being a NZ seaman on NZ merchant ships sailing in NZ coastal waters during World War 2. I have amended the document to include information about the eligibility requirements of NZ Merchant Navy personnel for the various WW2 medals. This information was previously available on the Personnel Archives & Medals section of the NZDF website. There are three standard medals plus three operational area medals, and there is mention of foreign awards. As appropriate, for reference, and feel free to make it available to people looking for guidance on 'how to do it'. Regards Graeme Coutts I am reminded of the speech given by the Governor-General of New Zealand (Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, GNZM, QSO)at the 2015 Merchant Navy Day Commemoration in which he said: “Today, we acknowledge New Zealand's 'fourth service', the Merchant Navy.”: https://gg.govt.nz/publications/merchant-navy-day To make a posthumous Medal Application to the NZ Defence Force for World War 2 medals for your Grandfather, a seaman and member of the NZ Seaman’s Union, crewing on a ship of the ‘merchant navy of New Zealand’ on New Zealand coastal voyages, during World War 2. A seaman, employed as described above, should be eligible for the three ‘standard’ medals; The 1939 – 1945 Star The War Medal 1939 – 1945 The New Zealand War Service Medal 1.1 You will need to go to Archives New Zealand, in Wellington, and look at the ‘Merchant Navy War Medal Card Index’, for World War 2, to confirm that there are no records of medals having been awarded in your Grandfather’s name. 1.2 Take a copy of the Archives New Zealand search sheet, and make a note on the sheet that there were no medals. 2. Put together an application as follows: 2.1 A cover sheet would be a good idea; brief chronological history, and list of attachments. 2.2 Include a copy of the Archives New Zealand search sheet from 1.2. 2.3 Include completed NZDF form ‘MD1050 - Application/Declaration Form for NZ Military Personnel Records and/or Medal Entitlements”, aka Form No 1. https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/assets/PAM/NZDF-PAM-Enquiry-and-Medal-application-formAug-2020.pdf 2.4 Include a copy of your Grandfather’s Birth & Death Certificate. 2.5 Include a copy of your Father’s Birth & Death Certificate. 2.6 Include a copy of your Birth Certificate; this will confirm the Grandfather/Father/Son relationship. 2.7 A list of ships that your Grandfather has crewed on would be a good idea, in table format, giving; Vessel Name: Official Number: Owner (shipping company): Description of Voyage: Date of Engagement: Port of Engagement: Date of Discharge: Port of Discharge. 2.8 If possible, include a copy of the front page of the Federated Seaman’s Union of NZ Membership Book; this gives your Grandfather’s details. The NZDF will use his union membership number as his ‘Service Number’. 2.9 Include the individual Certificate Of Discharge form for each ship that your Grandfather served on. The words ‘Home Trade’ or ‘Coastal’ will be written in the ‘Description of Voyage or Employment’ box on each form. 3. Submit your application to; NZDF Personnel Archives & Medals Private Bag 905 Upper Hutt 5140 New Zealand Note a If your application is for medals for a relative other than your Grandfather, attach the appropriate birth & death certificates to confirm the relationship. Note b If the Archives New Zealand ‘Merchant Navy War Medal Card Index’, for World War 2, indicates that your Grandfather has been awarded medals for his World War 2 service, and if these medals are some of or all of the medals that the application would cover, and you have no knowledge of the existence of the medals, then you need to have a discussion with the NZDF’s Medals Research & Entitlement Advisor, phone: 04 527 5280, or, 0800 334 772 (select Option 2 during business hours). Note c If you do not have Certificate Of Discharge forms then you will need to put together a collection of other documents (shipping company records, ships logs, crew listings, They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. World War 2, NZ Merchant Navy, Seaman, Medals, Coastal/Home Trade Rev C | 24 May 2021 Page … 2 of 4 etc) that the NZDF will accept as proof that your Grandfather crewed on a specific New Zealand ship (or ships) on New Zealand coastal voyages during World War 2. c1 The New Zealand Defence Force has previously advised; “The merchant navy was not a part of the Royal New Zealand Navy and New Zealand merchant sailors were not attested members of the New Zealand military. As such, neither service files nor medals for merchant sailors are held at NZDF Personnel Archives & Medals.” The Personnel Archives & Medals section of the NZDF website currently makes no mention of the Merchant Navy. You can see their website at: https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/nzdf/personnel-archives-and-medals/ c2 Archives New Zealand in Wellington hold numerous Merchant Navy records, eg: 7460: Seafarers’ Records of Service 7461: Merchant Navy War Medal Card Index 7463: Index to Seafarers’ Certificates 16633: Ships’ Logs, Articles of Agreement & Crew Lists 16634: Index to Ships’ Logs, Articles of Agreement & Crew Lists https://archives.govt.nz/search-the-archive/researching c3 The Wellington City Archives hold some records of Union Steam Ship Company employees, mostly for the period after it moved its head office to Wellington in 1922: https://archivesonline.wcc.govt.nz/ c4 The Hākena Heritage Collections catalogue holds some Union Steam Ship Company documents, but they are mainly administrative: https://hakena.otago.ac.nz/scripts/mwimain.dll/144/DESCRIPTION/WEB_DESC_DET_RE P/SISN%201340?sessionsearch c5 The New Zealand Maritime Museum, also referred to as the Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum, does not hold crew lists or records of Merchant Navy service, but may be able to suggest locations for remaining shipping company archives. https://www.maritimemuseum.co.nz/collections Danielle Carter : Archives & Library Manager : Bill Laxon Maritime Library : NZMM E: danielle@maritimemuseum.co.nz Phone: 09 373 0810 The New Zealand Maritime Index enables you to search for vessels, organisations, subjects, and people, mentioned in a number of publications currently being indexed by the NZMM. A good place to start if you have a ship’s name &/or official number. http://www.nzmaritimeindex.org.nz/ c6 FamilySearch holds a collection of digitised passenger lists that also, in some cases, include crew lists. It can also be worth searching here, particularly if your relative was likely to have sailed to or from Wellington. https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1609792 Note d If the word ‘Foreign’ is written in any of the ‘Description of Voyage or Employment’ boxes on any of the Certificate Of Discharge forms, then your Grandfather is probably eligible for at least one more medal (for example, the Pacific Star), depending on what documents you can put together that the NZDF will accept as proof that your Grandfather served as a NZ seaman on a specific New Zealand ship (or ships), in a specific Foreign area (for example, the Pacific), during World War 2. 4. I used some of the above sources for information required to compile the application for my father’s medals. Having the original COD forms helped. If you should find other sources that enabled you to gather information and documents to assist with a submission to the NZDF PAM, I would be grateful if you could provide me with the details of the source so that I can update this sheet. Graeme Coutts: gncoutts@yahoo.co.nz Bannatyne Ernest Taylor Coutts | b. Victoria Cottage, Walls, Shetland, 1897 – d. Wellington, NZ, 1980 Merchant Seaman, World War 2 | 1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945, New Zealand War Service Medal They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. World War 2, NZ Merchant Navy, Seaman, Medals, Coastal/Home Trade Rev C | 24 May 2021 Page … 3 of 4 The following is an extract from a 2014 version of the Personnel Archives & Medals section of the NZDF website. As previously noted, the current NZDF website (24 May 2021) makes no mention of the Merchant Navy. Medals for Merchant Navy service during the Second World War New Zealand Merchant Navy personnel are eligible for all of the Second World War campaign stars and war medals awarded to New Zealand Armed Forces personnel, with the exception of the Air Crew Europe Star and the Defence Medal. The medals and campaign stars most commonly issued to New Zealand Merchant Navy personnel are: 1. The New Zealand War Service Medal - which is awarded for 28 days full time service in the New Zealand Armed Forces or 28 days service at sea by New Zealand Merchant Navy personnel between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. This medal was instituted by the New Zealand government in 1948. 2. The War Medal 1939-1945 - Qualifying service in the Merchant Navy for this Commonwealth award is 28 days service anywhere at sea between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. For Armed Forces personnel the equivalent qualifying criteria is also 28 days full time service. 3. The 1939-45 Star - which recognises 180 days ‘service afloat in areas of active operations (dangerous waters)’ between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. From 10 June 1940 to 8 May 1945 ‘dangerous waters’ are defined as ‘anywhere at sea’. Note that whether Merchant Navy personnel were based in New Zealand or at a port in a combat zone has no impact on their eligibility. It was the amount of time spent in ‘dangerous waters’ which is important. The 180 day requirement can be accumulated over a number of voyages through ‘dangerous waters’. 4. The Atlantic Star - which, following entitlement to the 1939-45 Star, is awarded to personnel who served a further 180 days in Atlantic waters, including in the United Kingdom ‘Home waters’ and in the convoys to North Russia (including time spent as a Prisoner of War). This Star is also issued for any length of qualifying service in the last six months of the War in Europe (8 November 1944 to 8 May 1945). 5. The Arctic Star – This award was instituted by the British Government in February 2013. It is awarded for service of one day or more north of the Arctic Circle between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945. Merchant Navy personnel who served in the convoys to North Russia qualify for the Arctic Star. 6. The Pacific Star – which is awarded for service of one day or more in the operational areas of the Pacific between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. For Navy and Merchant Navy personnel the 1939-45 Star (180 days service afloat in areas of active operations) needs to have been qualified for first, before the Pacific Star can be awarded. The Pacific Star is also They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. World War 2, NZ Merchant Navy, Seaman, Medals, Coastal/Home Trade Rev C | 24 May 2021 Page … 4 of 4 issued for any length of qualifying service in the last six months of the War in the Pacific (7 March 1945 to 2 September 1945). 7. Foreign awards - Some Merchant Navy personnel have also qualified for and received one or more foreign awards for their sea service – usually a Russian award(s) for the veterans of voyages to North Russia. These Russian commemorative medals (e.g. for the 60th anniversary in 2005) were not administered by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), were only issued to living veterans, and are no longer available from the Russian Embassy in Wellington. How to apply (updated 24 January 2014) New Zealand Merchant Navy veterans, and the families of deceased veterans, are still able to apply for the issue of any unclaimed British Commonwealth and New Zealand awards, including the recently instituted Arctic Star. Applications should be sent to the Medals Office, NZ Defence Force, Private Bag 905, Upper Hutt 5140. Application forms can be downloaded from the NZDF Medals website, or a paper copy of the form can be requested by phoning (04) 527-5270. Applications should include as much detail as known on Ship name(s), the name of the Ship’s Captain, the name of any foreign shipping companies they may have sailed with, and enclose copies of any relevant documents. NZDF does not hold files about New Zealand Merchant Navy service. The surviving information is in the Shipping Company records (when these records still exist). To try obtain information and/or documentation about your deceased relative's Merchant Navy service you can start by contacting Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum in Auckland, who can provide contact details to you of New Zealand and foreign institutions which have archived records of crew members from New Zealand owned shipping companies. If you have some information on the ships served on, or a partial name of a shipping company, this information may assist Voyager staff to identify the correct Shipping Company. Please note there are thousands of shipping companies world-wide and not all of their records have survived. End of extract |
gncouttsatyahoo.co.nz
03.09.21 |
| Poem by Emily Valentina Lydford (nee Day) to Captain of SS.RAKAIA in Oct. 1879 on their arrival into Wellington. Two A4 pages of 2 full columns each. A very full description of the trip out and the people on board. Pamela Lydford |
15.10.21 |
ON BOARD THE SHIP “RAKAIA” May-August 1879 Upon the last bright day of May There sailed from Plymouth Sound, The ship “Rakaia” with emigrants For a far distant clime. In this good ship for three long months Three hundred souls or more Would try to make a happy home Until we reach the shore. Old England’s shore we grieved to leave And all kind friends so dear, But in New Zealand we will try Friends as kind to make. Some have friends to meet them And how jolly they will be And what a lot there’ll be to tell Of friends far oe’r the sea. Now we will try and tell you Of how we spent the time And tried to make things pleasant Before we crossed the Line. The Captain was a jolly man As you’d ever wish to see, He did his best to please us all And well he did succeed. On Sunday morn he always held A service for us all That though upon the sea so wide We might not heathens be, And in the evening of that day A lecture he would give, And hymns we’d sing so very sweet - Pamela Lydford
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25.10.21 |
Hi There, This relates to an old post by Bruce Henderson. His Uncle was John Collier Tuckett, Master of the SS Hertford, sunk in March 1942. The post is from 11 Feb 2012. Bit of a long shot but his post said he has lots of information. The reason I'm interested is that my Great Grandfather was in the same lifeboat as JC Tuckett. Any help greatly appreciated! Stuart Bertie
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26.10.21 |
| Thanks for this! Yes, it is my Great Grandfather (he was 54 when he was sunk) I tried the email address (changed the at for @) but got a bounce back. I recently received the war diary of the U-Boat that sunk the Hertford...amazing to read it from the perspective of the U-Boat Commander as he had a conversation with the crew of the lifeboat my Great Grandfather and Jack Collier Tuckett was in (the U-Boat surfaced after the sinking to offer assistance) Really hoping to find Bruce Henderson but conscious the post is almost 10 years old. Fingers crossed! Many thanks, Stuart |
27.10.21 |
| In case it is of any assistance, I have a passenger list for m.v. Rangitiki which sailed from Tilbury Dock, London, in December 1949 and docked in Wellington, New Zealand January 1950. W Mills |
14.11.21 |
| Did the Sussex of the NZ shipping company carry frozen goods from Bluff to the UK? I was working on it as my first trip to NZ in 1967 aged 19. Donald Graham |
15.11.21 |
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