Guestbook

My Father John V Morris was a Dems Gunner on the SS City of Cairo. He was 13 days in the life boat before he was rescued by the SS Clan Alpine and taken to St Helena Island.
Dad never told my sister, brother or myself anything about what he had lived through it was only by chance that my Aunt mentioned it to me when I was a teenager and we were able to discuss his experience with him.
We were always very proud of Dad.

A truly fitting memorial to those who served and those that were lost in the Merchant Marine.

I’ve read a lot on WW2 naval actions but had never heard of the City of Cairo, a tough tale but shows humanity is still there, even in a lifeboat after 52 days.

Thank you for remembering those who gave their all and ensuring future generations can see those who are gone but are still loved and missed by family.

It’s ages since I visited this site but thought about it yesterday without realising it was the anniversary. My father Dr Douglas Quantrill was on this ship and survived in a lifeboat to reach st Helena. He wasn’t much older than my son. Thank you for keeping this going.

Hello Hugh, I have commented on here in the past. I have just read the letter that Mark sent in about Miss Birchman's kind words about his grandfather Leslie Boundy. My father is his nephew and will be delighted to see it so thank-you Mark for sharing it and Hugh for putting it on this site. Dad said his Uncle Les went to his school and told the children about the SS City of Cairo.

Admin reply: Thank you Viv. I am amazed at the information provided to me from so many people - makes it all worthwhile. Each photo or piece of information tells its own story and I am just glad to be able to keep them in one place for everybody to access and to remember.
Thanks
Hugh

I joined ellermans as a young deck apprentice in july 1963, and recall with some awe obviously, information from officers on various ships about Capt Rogerson, I served with the company, for some 12 years ending as chief officer, eventually becoming a marine pilot with the harwich pilotage authority. It still saddens and irritates me that not enough recognition is given to the merchant seafarers of all ranks and nations that kept our country alive during these 2 wars, without which we would have without any doubt lost

I was born in Liverpool. I
cannot thank you enough; I tried for so many years to find out how my father died;
john nuttall. I am so sorry it has taken me so long to tell you; but with health problems & the joy of finding you; who told me all I had waited so long to know, I decided to tell you now how grateful I am. I hope you keep your good work going.
best wishes
irene.

Hi,
CoC is an old friend of mine, so to say it. Acentral factor of a short story, published many years ago in a very good, if small, book for youths. Author of that story was Mr. Angus Nelly, and its title was, as far, as I still can remind me of it, "Ordeal". The ordeal was one, through which the Crew and Passengers of the Coc had to go through.
I am myself writing now from Poland, that country which s about to celebrate its Centennial soon. Have no personal connection whatsoever with, or to, the CoC, but I still remember very good account of Mr. Nelly. In 2001 I was lucky to visit English City of Carlisle and there I got an English history of the Blue Star Line at war, with many similar stories of their ships perishing on all the seas. By the way I am well informed as to the history of OUR Merchant Marine during WW2, and would be happy to serve you with my knowledge of the subject. So long from Slupsk in Poland

G'day,
I am revising my Grandmother's memoirs "Our Name Wasn't Written - A Malta Memoir 1936-1943" and she refers to the loss of the City of Cairo of an example of the poor support the RN gave merchant ships travelling with civilians. She travelled on the "Orduna" from Port Said to London via the Cape and was always anxious about being torpedoed. Thank you so much for providing such valuable information about the ship, her travels and her travails.
David

My grandmother (Jane Davies), grandfather (David Davies) and aunts (Ann and Janet) were in lifeboat number 7. My grandparents were returning home to Wales from Shillong in India where they had worked as missionaries. My aunts were very young children at the time, both under 5 years of age, my mother had not yet been born. Thank you for keeping alive the memories of the incredible journey they endured and the bravery of the seamen who saved their lives. They will never be forgotten.

Admin reply: Thank you Emma - your kind comments are very much appreciated.
Hugh

I have read through your noble efforts to preserve the memories of those brave people. Well done -- my respects to you, Hugh. I have a lump in my throat and damp eyes.
regards
Harry (ex r/o Brocklebanks.)