Guestbook

Hugh - a great website. You obviously have a great love of your research and I wish you well in the future. Don't regret what you did not ask - we all feel like that - just do what you can to make sure future generations get to know. Judith

Great site. My father’s brother, William Stanley Smith survived the sinking of the ss QUEEN CITY, but sadly, whilst on route home after being rescued, he went down with the ss Rosewood when she was torpedoed.

An excellent site, Hugh. I research Maidenhead history. I am trying to find out why a 49 year old retired soldier from Maidenhead - Capt. Francis Alleyne Marr DSO MC WW1 - was on the City of Cairo in November 1942. Is it possible that you have a casualty list, please?
Kind thoughts, Bridget.

I found your site very interesting, and wondered if anybody has any info about J Cullinane (assistant steward) I am fascinated to know if I am related to him as my name is also Cullinane.

just found your interesting site.
I see your father sailed on s.s. Aelybryn until 1939
my father was 2nd mate on this ship in 1938
Have you any further information that may help me?
Gillian

Don't know why I wanted to know about sinking of ss SS Bradford City. My brother in law, John Ruckley from Barry, who was a young radio officer in merchant navy in ww2, told me about a Joe Riley [or O'Riley] who used to sit next to me for a short while when we worked in the Tax Office in Cardiff. I listened to a couple of Joe's stories about running the French Blockade and that he knew without doubt that there would be a war with Germany. That was as about as much he said. I mentioned this stuff to John, who told me that Joe was on the Bradford as a [16?] year old cabin boy. I recall he spent 10 days in an open boat and finally picked up on the coast of West Africa. This snippet may be of interest to someone. I know I never forgot it and I'm 62 and have held it in my head for 40 years.
The site, especially regarding ss Cairo, seems very personal and I felt like I was intruding but it really is a celebration of lives. Bless you all.

Hello all

what a great site, well laid out and informative, a tribute to all seamen & women of the "Merchant Navy"
I was a electrical engineer on Ellerman vessel, mv "City-of -Exeter" from May 1955 to March 1958,she was a excellent ship with a great crowd of lads,

Hello Hugh -- Congrats on moving and evocative website.
You have done those gallant souls a great tribute.
Did you get my email re 'Clan Colquhoun' 1942 ? Met the Deck Cadet from then, he is now Captain Frank Surtees, who joined her 1942 (15yo)-- after Clan Line, career finished as a Master on H.M. Weather Ships..now retired in Glanton, Northumberland. Unsure whether he was involved in voyage where they conveyed Lascars ex-City of Cairo.
Best Regards. Ron F.

Admin reply: Hello Ron,
Thank you for your kind comments. I regret that I have not received an email from you though. Will try an email to you.
Regards
Hugh

Hi Hugh,
Have been reading your web on SS City Of Cairo.I find it sad yet heartlifting and a wonderful tribute to all M.N.including your father.You obviously served in the Falklands,and I salute you for that and the great work you are doing in this field.My very best wishes
Merv.

Admin reply: Thank you, Merv your comments are much appreciated,
Regards
Hugh

My father served on the `Empire Summer` at the same time as yours. He joined in 1942 and stayed until the end of hostilities when it became the `Stonegate` named after an earlier casualty. I've got some photos of the crew, most of them are of men I know were Robins Hoods bay fishermen however they may include your dad, if you email me I'll post what I have of the summer.