| Home | Odd Conrad Holm | Hobbies | Genealogy | Links | Guestbook | Search |
Norwegian Merchant Fleet | Master Ship Index
Messages Page 7 - Starting Jan.-2007
Note that the oldest messages start at the end of this page.
E-mail addresses have been withheld to avoid Spam, but can be supplied on request
(my contact address is at the bottom of the page).
To see the menu, and to post a new message, please go to the main book.
|
_________________________________ Dec. 31 From: Kamil Super site Your site i very good _________________________________ From: Bram Risseeuw Solglimt Very interesting your site. When I was researching about 4" guns in South Georgia during WW 2, I found some information on your site with "Solglimt", one of the Norwegian victims of "Penguin". She carried 4 4" guns (I suppose as cargo)from New York for whale factories. I have the idea they were not for whale factory ships, but for the land whale factories in South Georgia. Is there an exact date of leaving New York (.. Dec.1940) and did she go to South Georgia before going to the whaling fleet? (she was captured 14 Jan.1941). Further the photo "before conversion" can't be of this "Solglimt", as you know she was a former passenger vessel, not a tanker (the photo is most probably from a later "Solglimt"). Best regards, (See Solglimt) _________________________________ Dec. 28 From: OZIRES MORAES Website on the war in the south Atlantic First of all I wish to congratulate you for your SUPERB website . It is one powerful tool for those afficcionate for WW II naval history. I am leading a group of researchers dedicated to gather all pertinent information regarding the history and participation of US Navy Fourth Fleet in South Atlantic during WW II. This study have led us to take into account on the deeds and the importance of that large fleet based at Recife, Brazil. All documents, books, magazines which cover the events are being translated into english, so that we can convert them into a full fledged account on Admiral Ingram's and his brave young and indefatigable american sailors in that mission in the south Atlantic waters. Based on collected data, we could verify the huge proportion of that fleet which comprised more than 150 ships under command of Adm Ingram. With hundreds of pages of text as well as pictures, we will show a never told history of the war in the south Atlantic waters. Now with due respect and with no intention than paying a timely tribute to those brave sailors we are asking your permission to include in our website, a link and a banner to your homepage as well as if possible we need to copy some of the pictures from Norwegian merchants sunk in the south Atlantic. We need to preserve this flame lit and pay an eternal tribute to these heroes of merchant navies. Several Norwegian merchants were sunk in south Atlantic area. Please click on www.sixtant.net/site. This is the only website which focuses the war in the south Atlantic with never shown details. With certainty of your positive response. Sincerely Capt. Ozires Moraes. _________________________________ From: Joe Baker D/S Prominent I was aboard the USS Lark on route to Australia from Tilijap when we picked up the lifeboat of the D/S Prominent which had been shot full of holes. No survivors. Captain of the Lark at the time was Hugh Pollard Thompson Lt USN Here's my page about Prominent _________________________________ Dec. 17 From: Ian Aitken-Kemp WW2 Merchant Shipping What a marvellous site!! Many Congratulations. I an researching WW2 convoys on behalf of my uncle, Alexander McNerney ('Mac') who, when he gained his Radio Telegraphist's certificate was the Marconi Company's youngest ever Radio Officer, taking up his first appointment at the age of just 16 on the 'VARAND' (No. 149958), a tanker. He was 2nd Radio Officer on the 'VARAND' from August 1940 to July 1941. _________________________________ From: Marc Buchmann S/S LEKA CAPTAIN UTNE 1940 Dear Mister Siri Lawson, I've just read the part of the story about the LEKA ship and the Norwegian Captain F. Utne. My grandmother and my mother on the Leka under the civilian refugees. I can say that Captain Utne saved their lives. They both came a shore in the harbor of Southampton in 1940 and lived in London England during wartime. After the war they came back to Antwerpen in Belgium. Myself I have the age of 51 years. At my home I have the story of the Leka in Dutch. Several Belgian families wer on board of the ship in 1940 and some came from Antwerp. Friendly Yours, Marc. Antwerpen, Belgium 12.12.2007. Splendid Historical Website. Congratulations. Here's what I have on Leka _________________________________ Dec. 11 From: Anne Tainer Tormund Gjertsen It is with great sadness that I tell you that Tormund Gjertsen passed away December 11, 2007 in Kristiansand, Norway. The world has lost a good person. He was so proud of his involvement with this site. Here's Tormund Gjertsen's story. _________________________________ Dec. 8 From: Heidi Cauvin HMCS FENNEL Crew photo I was hoping to get the email address of a Dave Williams from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada who posted to your site on July 14, 2007 in regards to a query on convoy lists of Atlantic Crossings from 1943 - 44. His father had served on the HMCS FENNEL. I have a picture that was sent to Mrs F. Edmand, mother of a crew member by the name of Murray Edmand in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada from the "Service Photographic Co., Chapel Road, Pirbright, Surrey." showing the crew of the HMCS FENNEL. I wanted to know if perhaps Mr. Williams wanted a copy of this picture if he did not already have one. Thanks for your help. Sincerely, (The message in question was posted in 2004 - Page 4 of the Guestbook) _________________________________ Dec. 5 From: Frank Nilsen Sinking of M/S Morviken 1940 Frank Nilsen My info about Morviken. (Addresses have been passed on). _________________________________ Dec. 5 From: Mark KOËDLESVAREG Bur 1940 I'm assuming Mark means the Norwegian Bur(?) _________________________________ Dec. 3 From: Anne Dunnachie HMS Manistee My husband's uncle Roderick Rory Dunnachie was killed along with his aunt's nephew Frank Mac Dermott when Manistee was sunk. I would appreciate any information on Manistee and any e mail adresses of people interested in Manistee especially Arthur Donnelly whose uncle was killed on same boat. I've supplied Anne with Arthur Donnelly's address - he posted a message in May-2005. (I'd like to remind everone again that questions about ships, and especially non-Norwegian ships, should be posted to my Ship Forum - please see my note in the main book). _________________________________ Dec. 2 From: Al Perkins USN/USAR Ret. Friends of my brother My brother past away last year and I was given his Certificate of the passing over the Equator. On it is the name of the U.S.A.T. Torrens. I have conflicting stories of my brothers service. Is there a way to check and see how long he served and in what capacity over the time he was aboard. _________________________________ Nov. 28 From: Teddi Dols Two names mentioned in post RE: message posted by istanbul 26/11 Russian Volunteer Fleet 1918- Dear Sir, I am an art historian from the Netherlands. Two names were mentioned in the abovementioned post of one of your members: A. Rizzo and C. Joffredy. I am currently searching for descendants of these two men from Constantinople who were sons in law of the tailor of Sultan Abdul Hamid (and part of the "fine fleur" of fin-de-siecle European Constantinople). Would you please ask for permission to give me the mailaddress of "Istanbul", so I can ask him what kind of record/source is used and cited here? Thank you very much. Kindest regards, Teddi Dols The post referred to here was on my Ship Forum, and it'll have to be responded to via the forum as well. _________________________________ Nov. 15 From: Michael South CONVOY HG 13 of 1939 into1940 CONVOY HG 13 - 31 December 1939 from Gibraltar to UK 10 January 1940 Ship 41 The name of the Captain was: Alfred Thomas CHURCH see:- Many thanks indeed for a brilliant, most helpful and much appreciated Warsailors website. :-) :-) Mike South ... who is researching a history of the Johnston Line of Liverpool, England ('Jessmore' [4th] was one of their ships. My wife is a Johnston descendant.) The name has been corrected on my page for Convoy HG 13. _________________________________ Nov. 5 From: Helen Hopeful query My father is currently compiling an information booklet on casulites of WW11 who are buried in Arnos Vale Cemetary Bristol. The purpose of the booklet is to raise funds for the cemetary to assist with the upkeep of the cemetary and preserving the history for generations to come. As part of the booklet he is currently looking for information relating to D/S Sollund and M/T Strix and possibly some pictures / postcards of these ships. He has been researching for over a year and has put a lot of time into the booklet. He is happy to credit any pictures etc to the source that they come from, his interest is to provide full information with some interesting pictures Please can you let me know if you are able to help, or know of anyone who may be able to help. Thanks for your time, and apologies if I have posted in the wrong place Many thanks Helen (Page about Sollund, and page about Strix - it's possible that the Maritime Museum in Oslo, or the National Archives of Norway might have pictures, address can be found at the bottom of the main Ship List page). _________________________________ Nov. 3 From: Theo Hunkirchen Research for convoys good evening, Came to your adress by a link from another uboat site. You have created an exellent site both in quantity and quality. Unfortunately I can not find some convoy # that are listed in the timelife of u622. My father sailed on this boat as a sergeant i think (maat) and he was on that sub while it operated against convoy: jw 52, jw 53, ra 53. thanks for any help in advance. best regards Some info on JW 53 can be found through my page for Arctic Convoys, the others are not listed. However, the page has an external link to a site that has them all. _________________________________ Nov. 3 From: Nigel Megson D/S Hop Hello. Today I came across a photograph of a ship. The ship was called the Hop. When I got home I researched it via the Internet and came across your fantastic website. This ship was under the Norwegian flag and was sunk by U 37 in Feb 1940. It is a really good picture taken from an Aeroplane. If you would like it for your database, it would give me great pleasure to post it onto you. Thanks, Nigel Megson Here's what I have on Hop. _________________________________ Nov. 2 From: Knut inge Tysnes Lidvard escape from Dakar First of all thanks for a very interesting site, my grandfather was Ch.Off on the "Sig" when she was sunk probably by a mine off Humber in November 39, I find great pleasure in reading your site, thanks. About the Lidvard, you whrite that the fake starting air pipes was made by 2nd and 3rd engineer in cooporation with Ch.off Sidselrud, this is not correct, the plan for making the fake pipes was made by Ch.eng Smoerdal and 2nd eng Karlsen, which also together with Capt Lindtner was awarded KRIGSKORSET, at that time the highest Norwegian decoration, no other of the crew, except from 3rd eng Utheim knew about the making of the fakes, Ch off Sidselrud was not at any time involved with the making, the three engineers involved, did it all by them selves, this is all stated in the book Flukten fra Dakar, This happening was created by skilful Norw Engineers, the ones that keept our vessels running during WW 2. Thanks to all of them Brgds Knut Tysnes Ch.Engineer. Here's my page about Lidvard (I've been told that the information in the book referred to is incorrect, therefore, I altered my own text accordingly). _________________________________ Nov. 2 From: Martin de Mol Convoy 44-45 Hallo.I thought this Thread might be of interest to you. http://www.militaria-fundforum.de/showthread.php?t=110526 If you would like to know more please don't hesitate to ask.Your Website has been a great help.Thank you. _________________________________ Oct. 26 From: Ann Whitfield Mr. George Whitfield - 1951 -1953 Whaling Experience I am trying to find out if anyone knows my father, Mr George Whitfield who, between 1951 - 1953, worked on the whaling ships out in South Georgia. The whaling co. was Charles Salveson Whaling Shipping Company from Leith, and the 2 whaling ships were Southern Harvester and Southern Ventura. If anybody knows my father, who is now 83, or knows of anybody who had dealings with him or the ships mentioned, please let me know. Thank you. _________________________________ Oct. 26 From: Manuel Carrasco Rubio Vapor "Gulnes" Dear Ms Siri Holm It may be of interest to you the fact that in the cemetery of my city (Seville, Spain) there stands a monolith in the memory of the four victims of the Gulnes. The Spanish inscription reads as follows: "En memoria de las víctimas del vapor noruego Gulnes, bombardeado en San Juan de Aznalfarache el 7 de diciembre de 1936" (In the memory of the victims of the Norwegian steamer Gulnes, bombed in San Juan de Aznalfarache the 7th day of december 1936). In the base of the monolith there's the following inscription in Norwegian GUDS FRED! The names and dates of the dead are inscribed around the column. They are as follows: ADOLF ALUNE ISTYRMAN ALFLED AASHEIM KOKK EUGEN MARINIUS HANSEN EGIL PLEYM NILSEN I haven't managed to find out by whose request was erected the monolith or when, as there's no record of it in offices of the cemetery. I'd thank you any information you could send me in that respect. If you're interested, I can send you photographs of the monolith and all the data I know about that tragic and curious event. Let me express again my thanks and my heartfelt regards Manuel Carrasco Rubio (Seville, Spain) The Forum thread referred to in this message can be found here. _________________________________ Oct. 25 From: Sian Albert Luff - pow Hi! Im trying to find information on my great grandad. His name is Albert Luff, and all I know is that he was in the Welsh fuisiliers and East Lancashire (?). I dont know which one he was in first. He was a POW, and never spoke about it - as far as i know - to anybody. _________________________________ From: Ron Ritter Hermion 1944 "Have just been reading about the Hermion and very interested about the two boys who died and were buried in Egypt. I am wondering if they were the same boys that my husband Hans Aamot told me about many times. There were two boys from South Australia, I think they were galley boys when Hans was cook. When they were in the Persian Gulf the boys got smallpox. Everyone was frightened to look after them so Hans was the only one that helped them. He looked after them and was so sorry for them, but unfortunately they both died. Sounds very much like the same boys. Hans had been innoculated for smallpox back in Norway when he was young and always said that that saved him catching the smallpox from the boys. He didnt know who their family were and would have liked to have contacted them when he came back to Australia. He often spoke of them. Iris has told me that her husband Hans may even have been steward at that time, in other words, I. W. Muchenberg may have been his own assistant". This I read tonite but my father's brother was supposed to have died on this voyage with the other 2 South Australians from small pox, but i cant see him name mentioned, he is supposed to be buried in Alexandria, but thats all we know. His name was Rolland Ritter, was supposed to be with other South Australians mentioned, it's a mystery, the seaman Hans doesnt even mention him, if anyone knows anything about him the third boy that died ?? The quote in the first paragraph here is from my page about Hermion. _________________________________ Oct. 22 From: MARY MERCIER I have just discovered your site. Found it very interesting, I have only read page 2 (being at work kind of slow my reading) Just to let you know very interesting, I will be back _________________________________ From: Trond Fredrik Brynie Hollund My Grandpa My Grandpa Fredrik Lindtner Brynie was 3. "styrmann" onboard M/T Glittre, together with 2. "styrmann" Harald Aursland. He survived the War, and just recenlty passed away 94 years old. He never spoke much about his 7 years abord M/T Glittre & M/T Dageid, even when we asked. Anyway nice page indeed. There are some storys in the book: _________________________________ Oct. 14 From: John Sweeney My Introduction Having served on HMS Allington Castle 1944-1945, I would like to congratulate you on your very good web page. _________________________________ Oct. 13 From: Erik S. Hansen Norwegian Merchant Marine I'm looking for my Grandfather from Trondheim who was a first or second mate on 8-10 merchant fleet vessels. (Dad said he was a Capt. but I am doubting this claim). If he sailed on Norwegian ships, the National Archives of Norway will have information on which ones, including the dates of his signing on/paying off. _________________________________ From: JOHN LEWIS MS FERNBANK AND MS MAUD My father, Ludvig Angel Marthinussen was Chief Engineer on MS Maud (February 1943 to July 1943) and on the MS Fernbank (August 1943 to April 1946). Do you know if there are any records from these ships which would indicate a 'wedding ceremony' which would have taken place on board ship. Do you know if there are crew lists available. Many thanks John Lewis Not sure where such records could be obtained, but I suggested the National Archives of Norway. Both these ships are included on my website, the easiest way to find them is via the Master Ship Index _________________________________ Oct. 2 From: Vincent Cuiule Clovis Victory My father, Frank Cuiule, was a Navy crewman (Armed Guard) on the Clovis Victory on its voyage across the Pacific in April-May 1945 and the Battle for Okinawa. He was the signalman for the ship. My father would like to have any information about his shipmates who were on board the Clovis Victory with him. He is also very interested on the learning more about where the Clovis Victory went following the Battle for Okinawa and then Guam in June 1945 where he left the ship. Many thanks for your thoughtfulness in creating Warsailors.com If anyone can help Vincent, I can provide his E-mail address via my contact address at the bottom of this page. _________________________________ From: George Kulstad Norwegian Merchant Marine POWs Thank you for the marvelous work you have done with this website. My father, Alv Kulstad (and my mother, and my brother and I as the anonymous 2 children) are listed in the section "Norwegian Merchant Marine Prisoners of the Japanese". George's family is listed under the K's on this page of my site. The names came from a book called "Ingen nåde" by Kristian Ottosen. I'm afraid I couldn't help with George's other questions, but the National Archives of Norway might provide further assistance. _________________________________ Sept. 28 From: Marion Abbott Murmansk Convoys MY UNCLE WAS A ROYAL NAVY GUNNER HIS FIRST ENFORCED DIP IN THE BRINEY CAME ON HIS 20TH BIRTHDAY IN APRIL 1941 WHEN HE WAS RETURNING WITH A CONVOY FROM CALIFORNIA THE SECOND WAS IN JULY 1942 WHEN HIS SHIP EITHER THE BOLTON CASTLE OR THE VOLTAN CASTLE WAS BOMBED AND SANK ON ITS WAY TO RUSSIA IT WAS PART OF THE PQ17 CONVOY WHICH BECAME FAMOUS BECAUSE SO FEW SHIPS GOT THROUGH. HE SPENT NINE DAYS IN A LIFE RAFT BEFORE BEING PICKED UP AND WAS TAKEN TO A RUSSIAN HOSPITAL TO RECOVER HE LEFT THE NAVY IN 1946 AND WAS UNABLE TO WORK FOR ALMOST 20 YEARS BECAUSE OF A HEART CONDITION. HE WAS PRESENTED WITH THE SOVIET MEDAL IN 1986 TO COMMEMORATE THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ALLIES' VICTORY. IT WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A LETTER FROM THE RUSSIAN EMBASSY. MY UNCLE ALAN SMITH CAME FROM A SMALL VILLAGE IN NORFOLK CALLED HINGHAM HE WAS ONE OF 12 CHILDREN. MY MOTHER IS HIS SISTER. I FEEL VERY PROUND TO HAVE HAD HIM AS MY UNCLE. _________________________________ Sept. 28 Fra: Clive Richardson U-105 I found your account of the sinking of the Svenor very interesting as my uncle was lost with the Narragansett a few days before on the 25th March 1942. She too was on her way to join a convoy. His family believed that any survivors were shot but I find that hard to believe after reading your account. You have read the U-105 log and I would very much like to see the entry for the 25th. Could you please let me know how I can do this? My page about Svenør is here. I'm afraid I don't have U-105's log (but U-boats were not in the habit of shooting survivors). For info, U-boat.net has some details on the sinking of Narragansett on this page (external link). This ship is also included in several of the convoys on my site, use the Search page to find them. _________________________________ Sept. 25 From: Klaus Günther von Martinez Rebekka Congratulations to your excellent site. (I always appreciate tips like this). _________________________________ Sept. 23 From: Bill Greathead D/S Thyra Dear Sirs I am currently researching the Swedish merchant ship Thyra and would like some help clarifying some information please. The ship I am interested in, sailed in convoy HG-76 during December 1941. The official convoy sailing document states that the Thyra was of 1,796tons vessel pf Swedish nationality. The Thyra on your listing shows an almost identical vessel, however shows that this ship sank in collision with a R.N. destroyer on the 27 May 1941 Therefore could not be the ship I am researching, would anyone know of another ship called Thyra and advise me on how to find information about her? regards Bill Greathead The Thyra in my ship list is the Norwegian Thyra. For info, the Swedish Thyra is listed in several convoys on this site. They can be found by going to the Search page, using Thyra as keyword. _________________________________ Sept. 10 From: Deanna Borgestad (Norma Nergaard) Hi there, I am Norma (Hayes) Nergaard's cousin 2R. I found your site most helpful, thankyou. I'm hoping you are still in contact with her niece Julliette as I would love to connect with her. (E-mail addresses to relatives have now been passed on to Deanna) _________________________________ Sept. 9 From: Brian Brown M/S Jupiter My father served on the Jupiter when it was requisitioned in WW1 from Aberdeen to Bergen. Regards (I'm afraid I could not assist with this). _________________________________ From: Kristine (Mathews) Vega Daniel Hezelgrave SS BOKN Thank you for providing so much information regarding the circustances of the sinking of my grandfathers ship. I happened to look his name up randomly on the internet and your website was the very first to come up. I see that my sister (Annemarie Mathews ) has previously posted a thank you. Best Wishes and your hard work is appreciated. Here's my page about Bokn. _________________________________ Sept. 6 From: Joe Hinds Research Your site has been most helpful in locating merchant ships that plied the Northern waters during the WW II. Thank you for your hard work. Joe _________________________________ Sept. 5. From: Gail Ekloff Norwegian uniform I was wondering if you could help me find out what emblem the Norwegian merchant marine cap might of had on it. I would like to get one make up for my husband who served on the ships during the war. Unfortunately I have no idea what they would look like ...I'd like to have it put on a baseball cap for him. _________________________________ Aug. 23 From: Andre Chissel Convoy KMF-5 Dear Sir, I am writing (what now appears to be) a small book about Convoy KMF-5 (missing from your list). As I have a great deal of information about this particular convoy that I would like to send to you, for the website, would you mind letting me have an address that I can send the material to ? If anyone has any information/pictures of this convoy and would like to scan and e mail me them I would appreciate it ! Faithfully Andre Chissel The convoy has now been received, and will be added to my Convoys section in due course. If anyone can help Andre, I can provide his E-mail address; my own addrss is at the bottom of this page. _________________________________ From: Irene Shore Edward Jones 'Korsfjord' Dear Siri, Your site is marvellous and must have taken a considerable amount of hard work. My father, Edward Jones - mess hand Korsfjord - was 17 years old when the Korsfjord went down in the Atlantic 200+ miles NW of the Butt of Lewis (not 20 miles). He was born in Liverpool. He loved the sea and told us that he had sailed on various ships from about the age of 14 or 15. He recounted that he was part of a ship's crew that were pesented to the King of Norway (possibly in Hull after June 1940)and they were given a commemorative medal but this was lost with all his belongings on the Korsfjord. He did not speak often about his wartime experiences but he did tell me that the cook on the Korsfjord was very kind to him. He also told me that when his ship was struck he was in his bunk and hit his head badly. He remembered being dragged up onto the deck by an old man who gave him a life jacket and owed his life to him. He said he could see that the ship was holed badly and could see the engine room below with steam bellowing upwards. He thought he was blown into the sea by an explosion and was unconscious for a long time. He said that, although he was declared unfit for further Merchant Marine Service, he was called up for Army Service in 1941. He needed surgery several years later for imjuries that he sustained during the sinking and he was ill for many years during my early childhood. He was a wonderful man - husband, father to four children and grandfather to nine grandchildren. He sadly passed away on Regards Irene Shore (England) 16 August 2007 Read about Korsfjord on this page. _________________________________ From: Gavin Mcilwraith Information relating to torpedoing of D.S. Blink In response to an email posted on 2002 Oct. 3 by Ashley McGowan, my Grandfather George Johnston (surviver) has provided the following message: My Grandfather George Johnston was a survivor of the torpedoing of D.S. Blink, and he currently lives outside Glasgow. On the 9th of February The Blink did in fact leave from Tampa (not Charleston), from where it took its cargo of phosphates. In reply to Ashby McGowans request for information concerning John Donachie, my grandfather has the following message: On the 2nd night after the D.S. Blink had been torpedoed, my grandfather reported that the waters were calm. After a nights sleep, my Grandfather awoke in the morning to find that both John Donachie and Frank George had disappeared during the previous night; and that was the last he saw of either man. My grandfather has informed me that he would be happy to get in contact with the the poster of the message and relay the above message to them by email. Regards George Johnston/Gavin Mcilwraith (A link to the Guestbook message posted by Ashby McGowan is available on my page about Blink). _________________________________ Aug. 6 From: Tom Irwin Dell Rapids SD connections I saw you note on letters written by relatives in Dell Rapids SD. My ancestors, the Irwin's, were among the first residents of Dell Rapids and lived there from about 1886 until 1958. (Susan Irwin Dean, Evaline Irwin, Mary Anna Irwin Cropley, Mary Irwin Herr, Jugertha Irwin, William Conrad Irwin, Gertrude Harrington, and others). I have been working on a family history, and trying to get a "flavor" of life in Dell Rapids during those years. If you have any information you'd be willing to share in that regard, or suggestions on what to look at, I'd appreciate it. My grandmother, as well, was from Dell Rapid. She was an Aker and her mother was a Tollefson -- all from Norway. There has been histories done on that family. I've been working on the Irwin (Scotch-Irish) side, of which little was known. Thanks. You have a very well done website. _________________________________ From: Allan Besant Norwegian Tankship VARDEFJELL Hello Siri, Kind Regards Vardefjell is discussed on this page. _________________________________ From: Sarah McDonald (nee O'Callaghan) Hai Hing / City of Corinth Hi - I've just come across your fine site which I am going to enjoy exploring. My dad (also died in 1992) served on Norwegian MV Hai Hing and was sunk by torpedo (U-178) on 4th Nov 1942. I have photo of him with 4 other (mostly Norwegian) surviving officers with their names, after their rescue. I also have a photo of my dad with 4 officers of the City of Corinth, Bombay 1941. My dad was a radio officer - his name was Jeremiah (Dermot) O'Callaghan. I intend to research both ships and find out more. Thanks for the great site. Here's my page for Hai Hing. _________________________________ From: Bill Webright WWII - Tamesis Hello, My dad, John E. Webright, was stationed with the United States Coast Guard at Hatteras Inlet Station (USA, North Carolina, Outer Banks/Atlantic Ocean) from April 6 - October 8, 1942. His duties included beach patrol and lookout for German U-boats. This specific area of the Atlantic was called "Torpedo Junction" for the havoc and destruction caused by the U-boats. I have a small, undated picture (9 x 6.5 cm) of the Norwegian Motor Merchant Tamesis near the Hatteras Inlet as viewed from my dad's lookout tower. Smoke can be seen off the ship from the fire damage caused by the U-701 torpedo. A second ship is near the Tamesis. Knowing that the Tamesis was damaged on June 26, 1942, at the position reported 34.59N/75.41W would place it within unaided eye sight from the Hatteras Inlet during the time of my dad's tour duty. The photo is too small to see any specific markings or shape characteristics of the Tamesis. The only "proof" of it being the Tamesis is what my dad wrote on the back of the photo: 'From our Lookout' '"Tamesis"' If you are interested I will send a jpeg file of the picture to you. Bill Webright (Here's my page about Tamesis). _________________________________ From: Steve Johnsen Glittre Survivors My father John Johnsen was the Steward on board the Glittre when it was torpedoed in Feb 1943. Great web site great information. My Dad passed away from a stroke several years ago, he would have loved to see your web site. Thanks Steve Johnsen Here's my page about Glittre. _________________________________ July 17 From: Charlie Cockerline Family name I had a family member Frederick Cockerline who died Oct. 27, 1942 on the ship Sourabaya, Convoy HX-212. Got to thinking about our name. Does anyone know if it is Scandinavian in origin...Norwegian, Danish, Swedish? Have another name in the family I am curious about: Thorgetson (or is it Thorgetsen?). Anybody ever heard of this name and if Scandinavian, where could I trace it? Any help gratefully received. The name Cockerline does not sound Scandinavian at all, but the second name mentioned could be Torgersen or Thorgersen, which is very much Norwegian, usually spelt without the h. _________________________________ July 17 From: Kelvin Johannesen Contact Guest - Erik Andersson Hi, I just came across your page by accident and found my name mentioned. Feb 7 2006 my old university friend, Erik Andersson, left a message in your guestbook about my great grand father, Gustav, who worked as a merchant seaman and was born in Moss Norway. He came to Australia sometime in the early 1870's and stayed for the "Gold Rush" of that period. The message referred to can be viewed here. E-mail address has been passed on - hopefully they'll find each other again. _________________________________ From: Jim Barnes M/S Tarifa My father, the late Albert Barnes was one of the crew of HMS Avon the rescuers of the survivors from the Tarifa. He obtained a compass manufactured by Hallgren, Kobenhavn from one of the lifeboats. I have it on my desk now. In a note of his wartime exploits which he wrote at my request shortly before his death in 1982 he remembered this event vividly. Interestingly, he assumed that the Japanese were responsible for the sinking. The compass has no marking which would link it to the Tarifa but my father always said that it came from a torpedoed Norwegian ship. Jim Barnes, Angus Scotland Here's my page about Tarifa _________________________________ From: John Stubbs Operation Performance Andrew Pyle was 4th Engineer on the Romanby, sunk at Narvik in April 1940. He survived a forced march over the mountains (to Helsingmo Camp?) only to be interned in Sweden. He volunteered as Steward of the D/S Charente for Operation Performance, the planned breakout from Gothenburg, which ended in failure for the Charente which was scuppered in the harbour. Andrew Pyle survived into retirement and died at the age of 67 at Hunwick, County Durham. Both of his sons Henry and James became sea captains but Henry was killed in 1971 when his ship the bulk carrier Ocean Bridge blew up in the Atlantic. Andrew had 6 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and a newly-arrived great great grandson. Andrew Pyle was my wife Kathleen's grandfather. (Operation Performance is discussed on this page - here's a crew list for Charente, where Andrew Pyle is included. _________________________________ July 9 From: Alan Richardson s.s.Lafonia I have a photo of the ship S.S.Lafonia (Alan is referring to this query on my Ship Forum). _________________________________ From: Clive A Fisher Motor Tanker Vera Would your website be interested in an image of this Tanker Vera, while not perfect it is the best I have yet to see and can let you use it if you wish, some of the detail from your site below. Please contact if you wish Clive A Fisher, Sydney Australia. Manager: Halfdan Ditlev-Simonsen & Co.,Oslo Built in Gothenburg 1934. Captain: Martin Andersen all through the war. On charter to Australian Motorists Petrol Company until Dec. 25-1942, at which time she was taken over by Anglo-Saxon, until the end of the war. (The picture mentioned in this message has now been added to my page about Vera). _________________________________ July 2 From: Peter Mulvany Irish MN POWs, Sandbostel-Milag Nord- Farge Hello Shipmates, _________________________________ From: Frank Dünnebier M/T Marina Thorvald Berg, Tønsberg 9898 gt Hello and good day from Deutschhland! I have come with the search after information over the German Baltisch-Amerikanische Petroleum-Import-Gesellschaft (BAPIG) on small detours on your Website. In Germany, they would say that from before the information-flood, and my respect before the whole work, that may stand behind this Website. But I look also for information over a German tanker-bloke, which was built at the Bremer Vulkan in Bremen-Vegesack and with the Deutsche Werft in Hamburg in series, as I can determine again and again. He is something like my favorite-tanker if one can say this so. With the letter "M" found the M/T Marina, where you have probably found none wider detail. From pure habit, I have inputed the ship-name in connection with the shipping company-name with Google and have come with it upon following Spanish Website, which I would like to let come you as link once at least, would like. http://www.buques.org/Navieras/Pereda/Pereda-03_E.htm On the Website, a picture of the ship is to be seen from later years, where it under the name "Rio Besaya" in the harbor lies. In the hope, to have done you a pleasing with this piece of information, I give a farewell the very truly yours! Frank Dünnebier PS. Sorry for the bad english, it was from a translation-programm!!! Here's what I have on Marina, mentioned in the above message. The URL provided in this message goes to a picture of her as Rio Besaya. _________________________________ From: Patrick Rogers M/S Olaf Fostenes I was thrilled to find a picture of this ship, I was one of the 251 survivors of the Volendam torpedoed 30th August 1940 in the Atlantic. I was just 9 years old at the time, we boarded Olaf Fostenes in one of the baskets used to load bananas. I well remember how kind the crew were to us, and was sad to hear of the fate of this good ship, but very pleased that none of the crew were lost. Whenever I see the Norwegian flag I think of the Olaf Fostenes. Thanks for the picture I shall treasure it. Pat Rogers Here's my page about Olaf Fostenes. _________________________________ From: Walter Greenwood M/S Mogen in 1962 The year I graduated from high school in Arlington, Virginia my cousin Ragnwald Hansen, a ship chandler in Baltimore, phoned and asked if I still wanted to take a voyage on a Norwegian freighter. I said you bet, and soon went through my physical, joined the Norsk Seamans Union and took a bus to Norfolk, Va., where I and a fellow named Honesto Lubag from the Phillipines boarded the Mogen as engine boys. In the next ten weeks I gained 15 pounds (from 165 to 180) and learned what hard work was all about. We carried a load of coal to Kawasaki, Japan, and returned to Norfolk empty. I have some photos from that trip but they're on film at present. I do recall one fellow, Sigurd Klopp, a good guy. That voyage on the Mogen was one of the best experiences I've had. $45.54 U.S. per month. (Mogen was one of my mother's ships). _________________________________ From: John Giblin D/S Ingerfire Sadly Gunner David Pearson (British) past away the evening of 15 June 2007. Spent many an hour reading these pages. Deeply missed. Here's my page about Ingerfire. _________________________________ From: Caroline Boon Nyholt sunk 1942 Hi I have been researching my grandfather's war years, and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission tells me that my grandfather died at sea on the 17/01/1942. As the Nyholt was the only ship sunk that day I guess he was on this ship. I noticed on the crew list he was not mentioned, so I'm guessing he is the on that is not named. His name was Edward Joseph Boon, he was a gunner with the 5/3 Maritime regt., Royal Artillery. Your web site is very good, I found out alot about how the ship was sunk, information my father did not know. Cheers Caroline. Here's my Nyholt page. _________________________________ June 3 From: Jean-Pierre Vanhoof D-Day ships I'm looking for some information on following ships participant at the d-s.daylanding, ships who I had found nothing about or little information. and also on the (64 ?) RAF rescue launches not mention; numbers and classes. My Ship Forum is the best place for questions on ships. _________________________________ From: Jaap Vermeer Lauritz Othar Godø Hello, I have a picture from Lauritz Othar Godø and Odd Svins who where on a fishingboat, going from Norway to Scotland. Godø later flew a Spitfire Mk IX with 332 Norwegian Squadron and crashed on the 24th February 1945 near Putten, Holland. Four days later Oluf Ragnar Wagtskjold crashed also near Putten, Holland, both were On the 5th May 2007 we had a Crashsite Tour. We also visit the crashsite of Godø and Wagtskjold. From a farmer we receive the both tires of Godø's Spitfire, Take care, regards Jaap I believe 2 of the above mentioned men escaped from Norway with Klegg (Lauritz Godø and Odd Svinø). _________________________________ Jacqueline, you didn't leave me a correct E-mail address, so I cannot reply to your mail. May 20 From: Jacqueline Lewis Jorpeland Hello. _________________________________ May 18 From: Christine Swift Wilfred Benson Tingle Wilfred Benson was my grandfather, all I know of him is that he was killed during WW2. Many thanks I've informed Christine that there's a website about City of Cairo (however, Wilfred Benson is not named as captain at the time of her loss, nor is he mentioned among occupants in the lifeboats), and also gave her links to several pages on my own site where this ship is mentioned (misc. convoys, and my page about Victims of the German raider Michel, under the heading "Transfer to Rhakotis" - this ship picked up 3 survivors from City of Cairo). I can't find the message referred to above, but have forwarded Christine's mail to Billy. _________________________________ May 17 From: Ruth Young Ships of the Headline Co., Belfast My Grandfather, Samuel Sloan, and his 2 brothers John and James were Engineering Officers on most of the ships of the Belfast based Headline Co., N. Ireland. Doing family research, I would love to hear from anyone with any info on any of these ships, would be especially interested in crew lists with home addresses on them. Unfortunately, Grandfather perished on the S.S Orlock Head in July 1940 when she was sunk by the German Airforce, off Nth Scotland. So glad I found this site, have found the stories most interesting, many thanks If anyone can help Ruth, I can provide her E-mail address (my contact address is at the bottom of this page). _________________________________ May 15 From: Walter Guthrie Royal Artillery Gunners on Norwegian Ships - 1939-45 Hi there many thanks Walter Guthrie (Info on Tabor is available on this page, and I believe the casualty list there is complete - among a number of other things, I've suggested he contact the Public Records Office at Kew). _________________________________ May 13 From: Paul Gee Merchantship Topdalsfjord I have listened to my fathers war stories and recently he mentoned several of the ships by name. He served in the Britsh merchant marine between 1942-45. He was 14years old in 1942! Sevaral stories he told me were confirmed by the pieces on the Topdalsfjord in warsailors. He served on the Fort Lac La Ronge- Fort Livingstone-Stanhill-King Steven-Hera-Samwinged-Empire Stalwart-Iron Baron. Of these the Topdalsfjord was his favourite. He has several more stories about the goings on aboard that ship as he has an amazing memory, often mentioning many on board by name. Anyhow of all the ships he served the only ones with anything about them in detail are the Topdalsfjord and Iron Baron on your site. Thank you for this as i have never seen my father move so quick as he did when i showed him the articles on those 2 ships. Should you or anyone else require info on any of the ships my father served aboard please feel free to contact me...regards Paul Gee-New Zealand. Here's Topdalsfjord, and here's Iron Baron (note that there was also a British Iron Baron). _________________________________ May 12: From: Gerald Turner Yarrowdale POW Hello, My name is Gerald Turner, I am the great grandson of Robert Turnbull, second engine-room engineer aboard the Yarrowdale. I have an article from a local newspaper around the Vietnam war era documenting his capture and treatment. My great grandfather spent two years in 11 different pow camps. He was kept a total of nine months in solitary confinement for three attempts at escape. The newspaper article tells of the actual overtaking of the ship by the Germans and other detailed accounts of the event. I might be able to get you a copy of the newspaper article if you are interested. I was wondering if there is any books or anything else documenting the capture of this ship or anything pertaining to this event. _________________________________ May 8 Convoy ON 181 My Grandpa (Capt. RP Fuller) recieved his Capt. Certifcate (#4584) in Canada 1924. He commanded Canadian National Steamships all over the world up to 1939, at which time he transford over to Port Line and his first ship was "Port Halifax". Other Port Line ships he commanded were " Port Fremantle", "Sameden" , "Port Huon", "Port Quebec", "Port Montreal" and "Port St. John". I have been exploring the convoy records on your website, and found convoys that my grandfather was in. The convoy "ON 181" April 30 1943, has the Port Fremantle listed, and the Capt of that ship listed as being the Vice Commodore, that Capt would be my grandpa (Capt. Ralph P. Fuller, as he was commander of that ship (from April 27 1943), this reference is from "Lloyds Captain List" and family reference. If you check the convoy (ON 181) you have listed on your website, you will see that the Fremantle Capt . was the Vice Commodore in the convoy, but his name wasn't mentioned, but he was my grandpa. If you like, you can add his name to your record, (Capt. RP Fuller) I would be very proud to see it. Kind Regards: George Fuller in Winnipeg Canada Convoy ON 181 is available on this page. _________________________________ From: George Fuller Convoy HX 203 Hello, I live in Winnipeg Canada, I have been browsing your site, and it is very interesting. I found my grandfather (Capt. RP Fuller) listed in convoy HX 203. He was at sea his whole life since age 14. He was a Capt at CNSS and then Port Line, I have been researching his history for the past 7 years, and I was very happy to see him mentioned on your database. Your database is very informative, I will visit often Here's my page about Convoy HX 203 _________________________________ May 6 From: Jim Dickson The Merchant Navy Man & Bamse Hello The poem mentioned in this message can be found on this page, and my info on the dog Bamse is available on my page about Thorodd. _________________________________ From: Jane Rose Bonde I've just found your brilliant website and read with interest the information about D/S Bonde. My Grandfather was Alfred Rose, one of the Gunners sadly killed during a U-boat attack on the Bonde on 5/5/1943. It was at once fascinating and heartbreaking to read the story, and I am very pleased I have been able to find out more about my Grandfather's history. Thank you Here's my page about Bonde. _________________________________ May 3 From: Andrea Can you help? I am researching my family history and I know my grandfather was a merchant seaman from about 1915 to 1920. All I know is that the ship he was on was Norwegian and may have had a port home in Liverpool as he ended up here. I know he sailed to the USA and Mexico and Montevideo and the ship's name began with S .... but as it is Norwegain I am sure it is spelt in-correctly. Can I search on your site with such details and how do i become a member and trace more about my grandfather. Thank you so much _________________________________ May 3 From: B. Roeleveld Lilian Drost In het blad forum zag ik een oproep voor meer gegevens over het schip Lilian Drost. Helaas kon ik daar niet op reageren. Het schip is op 8 mei 1915 vergaan. De hele bemanning werd gered door een visserslogger de VL 93 "Noord Brabant" Schipper op de logger was mijn grootvader Bastiaan Roeleveld. 1e stuurman op de Lilian Drost was E. Hellesen en 3e stuurman was F. Jons. Ik heb veel gegevens gekregen van het Deens rijksarchief te Kopenhagen. Here's the Forum thread referred to in the above message (I have notified the poster of this additional info). _________________________________ Apr. 19 From: Colleen Fancote SS Willy Looking for any information on the SS Willy. My father EDWARD ALFRED PALMER was an engineer sometime on this ship. Around the 1930's. This ship was something to do with the Shell Petrol company. Great site. Here's what I have on D/T Willy. _________________________________ From: Andrew Webb ss Borgholm How interesting I should find this website. My father served on this ship for much of the war. He was radio officer and the only British subject on board. Not long ago we came across a letter written by the ships captain. He talks about how the ship was under attack and how the men had to man the guns in the middle of the night. My dad being one of them. Ithink he was writing the letter to the ship's owners. If you are interested maybe I could send you a copy of this letter. It's very interesting. My fathers name was George Webb. Thank you for reading my e-mail. Here's my page about Borgholm _________________________________ Apr. 17 From: Danielle Miles SS Tovelil In Spring 2006 I found your superb site and mentioned that my father (RAF AIRCREW) was rescued by the Danish SS Tovelil during the war. Danielle's 2006 message is available on my Ship Forum. _________________________________ Apr. 12 From: Mikchael Davis SS ULEFOSS I sailed onboard the Ulefoss from 1965 to her being scrapped. After serving the Mancester - Oslo run (coal and pulp paper) we were sent around the Middle East before coming back to Manchester then Norway for scrapping. Does anyone have a photograph of this lovely ship. It was a pleasure to serve aboard and I have some great memories. (This is one of the ships on which my dad served at one point). _________________________________ From: Michael Leichsenring Mystery Ship Darwin Harbour 19 Feb 42 Hello from Australia Down-Under. Cheers M. Leichsenring (Tony Cooper, England has told me this was probably the Norwegian Vera). _________________________________ From: Hans Hauss Want to provide an e-mail address. I would like to provide an e-mail adress for any one trying to get in touch with me regarding the M/T Fenris a Norwegian tanker that was torpedoed 2/21/1944. My birth father is Wilfred Gulbrandsen. Any infomation regarding him or his ship would be appreciated. Thank you Hans Hauss Here's my page about Fenris. _________________________________ Apr. 2 From: John Davies Photograph Dear Siri, Most grateful if you can help me to obtain a photograph of the tanker M.T. KALDFONN which I served on during the war. Many thanks and Kind Regards John _________________________________ March 28 From: Samuel Olaf Bull KNM AEGER DO YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING TO THIS VESSEL. (For questions about ships, please use my Ship Forum - link at the top of page). _________________________________ March 26 From: Susan Malone Re Kronprinsen Hi, As a child I remember my Father telling me about the torpedoing of the Kronprinsen and how, with a dory, he and some other men rowed out to the wreck and salvaged some bags of flour. In those days, flour was scarce around here, and my Mother was more than grateful to get this flour. My husband also remembers that his Father also got some flour from the wreck. They lived on the Charlesville shore, quite near where the Kronprinsen lay. I was so pleased to visit your site and learn more about this ship! Here's my page about Kronprinsen _________________________________ March 22 From: Alice Edwards Omori POW Great site. My Uncle John (Jack) Meagher Sgt. American died in this camp. May 26 1945. It was good to read about the life that you shared. Answered some questions for me. Still have more but I will keep on looking Thanks again Alice is referring to my page Life at Omori _________________________________ March 22 From: Ralph Arnesen A silver medal I have inherited a medal from my father, Reidar Arnesen, the inscription reads-"vor aer og vor magt harhvide seil os bragt" I would like to know if it is from the Arendal Seilforening or some other organisation. He sailed on the convoys as an Norwegian seaman before the US got involved and joined the OSS after going in the US Army. If anyone can help Ralph, I can provide his E-mail address. _________________________________ March 12 From: Tyler Hetland Family My great-great-great grandfather, O.A. Hetland was born in a poor Norwegian village, I was just wondering if we're like related? And I think we are but anyway. Email with the answer please. Thanks, Coke _________________________________ March 12 From: Paul Fieldhouse MS Nordkapp 1942 Can you help with some research please? My dad, Frederick. M. Fieldhouse, who is 87, wants to find out what happened to a ship he was on in the war in 1942. The visitors to my Ship Forum can probably help with this _________________________________ March 12 From: CATHIE SWAIN MS OREGON EXPRESS 1943 I am just introducing my 82 year dad to the wonders of the internet and as he was in the merchant navy we have just looked at the Oregan Express on your site. My dad was on board when it was sunk in 1943 and was upset that he was not on the crew list. He can recall everyone of the crew and has some interesting and sometimes amusing stories about his Merchant Navy days. At the end of the crew list it states "+ 3 more?" Please can my dad be added to the list. His name is EDWARD SWAIN and he was MESS BOY along with his mate William 'Billy' Bull. Here's my page about Oregon Express and here's Hill. _________________________________ March 6 From: Marc Douglas I need contact email addresses of all contacts here - pls get back to me as soon as possible. I almost deleted this message, but decided to include it just for laughs.... the nerve of some people!!!! _________________________________ March 5 From: Richard Hansen Information Hello I am writing because you wanted any information regarding the 'Frihetsmedaljen' or 'Haakon VII's frihetsmedalje - Haakon VII's Liberty Medal. His ship was hit by a torpedo and him and a few others managed to bring half a ship back to port, while other seamen drowned and burned alive. Like your father my grandfather got the medal 40 years after the war. In fact fact he got it several years after his death. hope this information helps Richard Hansen I believe the ship referred to here must have been Vardefjell, though she was not torpedoed. The War Medals are listed on this page. _________________________________ March 4 From: Jean-Paul LeBlanc Medals Nice website. Jean-Paul _________________________________ March 3 From: Connie Nice site, well put together _________________________________ From: Patricia C McCormack M/T Norland Glasgow 1942 Dear Author Yours truly from James Glovers Daughters Here's my page about Norland ___________________________________ From: Mike Kinch M/S Bonneville My father Thomas George Kinch perished with the sinking on 9 3 43. The account I read was very harrowing yet it helped me enormously to come to terms with his death even after all these years. I have further information on the surviving British seaman and will send this to you. I also tried to contact Paul Lusher but the e mail bounced back so could you please see if he is ok with me contacting him, with your help though!! Here's my page about Bonneville. ___________________________________ From: Malcolm Roberts Suderoy 6 Southern Gem Ref article by I Mc gill, my late father served on the SG during the war I have some Pics Suderøy 6 is listed on this page. ___________________________________ Febr. 22 From: Kelly hi I just love your site ___________________________________ Febr. 22 From: Ingrid Willhoft Freighter Soederbaum Baltic Sea 45 I was a refugee from Danzig who at the end of January 1945 was taken via the Soederbaum to Swinemuende. Is there a record of this ship? For a while I thought the freighter was called Soederham but it seems my mother mentions a Soederbaum. That is why I am looking and would appreciate any help you can give me. Ingrid I have recommended by Ship Forum for this query. ___________________________________ From: Karen Novik Kaare 11, Ottar novik Hello; I see you have written a bit about Ottar Novik and his journey over the Atlantic Ocean in 1940. (I feel so proud when others take interest about that great journey) I am his grandaughter Karen, named after my great aunt, Karen Nøvik whom was a passenger on the motor vessel. My father is Kaare Novik, Ottars only son whom was 3 yrs old at the time of the journey. I would be very happy to tell you what you need to know if you are interested. I see you wrote Bjørg Nøvik was among the passengers. This is incorrect. She is my mother whom married my father in 1967. But there might have been a Bjørg Nøvik on the vessel. This I must investegate about. I would be very happy to hear from you. Sincerly yours, Karen Novik Karen is referring to this vessel. ___________________________________ Febr. 12 From: Andrew Unknown sailors 1942 - Maine Hi, Your web-site is extremely interesting and a excellent tribute to all those who served. I am researching the background of four unidentified sailors who were found off the coast of Maine in the United States during the spring and summer of 1942. They are all buried in a cemetery in Rockland, Maine. I believe that it is a good possibility that at least one might of been from one of the Norwegian vessels sunk in the area during that time period. Here is a link to web-site that I have started. http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeu99jm/index.html Regards, Andrew ___________________________________ From: Jean-Pierre Charest S.S. TOPDALFJORD Bonjour Siri! I have found another little treasure in my collection that might be of some interest to you: it is a picture of S.S. TOPDALFJORD built at Montreal (Québec) by Canadian Vickers Ltd (hull no 82) following her launching in May 1921. It comes from an album of ships photographs built by this shipyard. It's not a top quality one (scan from a photocopy), but looks good and nice to have! Please contact me so I will reply with the attachment. Congratulations for this fantastic web site! Best regards from Québec city, ___________________________________ From: Valerie Vance M/K Haugland I Thomas Boge is my father's uncle and I have the actual log from that trip from Norway to England in 1941. Valerie is referring to this ship. ___________________________________ From: Jean-Pierre Charest Norwegian ship KAPLAND Bonjour! I have found in a family album a good photograph of S.S. KAPLAND (port of registry is Sanderfjord) anchored in front of Matane, a small village located on the south shore of the Lower St Lawrence river (Québec). She shows typical identification marks on her hull sides that suggests this picture was taken during WWI. Please contact me to the above address so I will reply with an attachment Best regards from Québec city. This was probably the ship that sailed as Solhavn during WW II. ___________________________________ Febr. 5 From: Jackie Cemeteries My family are looking for information about my great grandad who was an Royal engineer. He was killed in the Jamaican Earthquake in 1905 and was buried in the Port Royal Cemetry. If anyone could help us find a list of people who are buried there we would be grateful. My great grandfather's name was Thomas Russell Warburton. Jackie, you didn't leave an address, so nobody can contact you. ___________________________________ Jan. 31 From: Kor Kok Motorship "Tommeliten" I was searching for ships, built in Groningen, the Netherlands. Thanks to you I found the motorvessel Tommeliten, built in 1916 on the shipyard of Drewes or Wilmink. At that time my grandfather worked at that shipyard. When my father was 17 years old, he joined his father and worked on the same shipyard: first Drewes, later named Scheepsbouw Unie and in 1964 it was named NNNS. ___________________________________ Jan. 30 From: Fatty Richmon Great site Fantastic site with some very interesting information. Keep up the good work. ___________________________________ From: Andrew Stainer Skjelbred Thanks for the great website. My grandfather travelled on the Skjelbred in 1942, from the Suez to Adelaide, Australia. He told me that they travelled with no escort, so I am surprised that they even made it back to Australia (the trip took a month - I have just received his WW2 record which shows the dates). He served in the Middle East during the Syrian Campaign of 1941 and travelled over on the Queen Mary and came back on the Skjelbred. Anyway, thanks again for the great info on the Skjelbred, my grandfather is still alive and will be interested to know the fate of the ship Cheers Here's my page about Skjelbred. ___________________________________ Jan. 23 From: John Connor Hi! Nice Site! ___________________________________ Jan. 22 From: Gordon Thomas J Jensen Great uncle Jens, Stokke/Takstaas Thanks to the person/people who done this site, it is great and easy to use, thank you... Ive just started doing research on my family history tree (Jensen). At the moment im on My great Uncle Jens Refsahl Jensen, born in Fredrikstad, Norway. First job was from 1924 to 1927 aboard Stokke, was renamed Takstaas in 1927 and he continued to serve under the new owners until Dec 1927 when he immigrated to Arvida, Quebec. He was then employeed in 1932/1933? to join his Uncle Charles (captain) onboard SS Lampas. (If anyone has a picture of SS Lampas id love to hear from you.) for about 2 years. From 1936 to 1940 he obtained a postition onboard Fenris. (Have to look this one up yet. Any pointers?) Things get a little hazy here and would love to find out the names of these ships. I hope this is enough info, I know maybe not alot to go on but would love to know the names of the ships he commanded on or before and after D-day. Very kind regards Gordon (The Norwegian ships mentioned in this message are available on this website - see link to Master Ship Index at the top of this page. For other questions, please use my Ship Forum). ___________________________________ Jan. 22 From: Woody Nice site ___________________________________ From: W. Pop Convoy SC 77-s.s. Kelbergen Dear Sir, W. Pop I believe Mr. Pop means Convoy SC 78, which left Halifax on Apr. 5-1942 (SC 77 left on March 30). Here's my page about SC 78 ___________________________________ Jan. 17 From: C. Golding ss Alpherat Good day. I was on the Alpherat when she was sunk in the Med in 1943. ___________________________________ Jan. 16 From: Janet Bernd Anna Holm Hello, I have been working on my family tree and in doing searches on the Internet I came across your website. Anna Holm and Anton Wold are my great-great grandparents through their son Leonard Albert. He changed his last name to Wald. Leonard married Mathilda Martens and through a series of moves wound up in Contra Costa Co., California. Grandpa Wald died April 25, 1957 and Grandma died Jan. 6, 1953. They had 6 children (not quite sure of birth order): Doug, Beryl, Leonard, Glen, Lila(Sorahan), & Lois (Allison) (my grandmother). Glen is still living in Northern California and Lila lives in Hastings, NE. My grandma Lois passed away just last December and she is the one who tried to keep me in touch with my family heritage. Lois has 3 children: Deanna(Lane)[my mom]lives in Liberty, KS;Larry, lives in Surprise, AZ;Linda(Cowan) lives in Caney, KS. I live in Cherryvale, KS with my husband and 2 children. I would be very interested in learning more about my Norwegian family and would love to help you fill in more information in your family tree. I will gather as many birth/marriage/death records as I can find for our next correspondence. I am looking forward to it! Your cousin, ___________________________________ Jan. 13. From: Joe Schmodle Great Site! I really like your site. I especially enjoyed the English Entries from 2005! ___________________________________ Jan. 12 From: Mia Webster Looking for photos of D/S Inger Elisabeth Hello Great website, informative and easy to use. I am looking for photos of the Norwegian ship "D/S Inger Elisabeth". As you mention on your site, she was torpedoed and sunk by the German U-517 in the Gulf of St Lawrence in Sept 1942. She was previously known as "Cissy", until 1939. I have tried to contact the shipping company JACOB KJØDE AS. I have a phone number, but there is never an answer. Does anyone know of an e-mail address, or have another number? Or any other potential source of photos? (the Norwegian Maritime Museum has nothing). Thank you (Mia's E-mail address can be provided via my contact address at the bottom of this page) ___________________________________ Jan. 10 From: Glenn Andersen Hi Have talked with you before. Dad sailed on Norwegian ships from 1938 through 1946. He passed on this last Dec. 13, 2006. re: M/T Solfonn, it sailed late May, 1944, from the East coast of the U.S., to partake in the D-Day Armada. Dad, Harry Leonard Andersen, was on the ship. June 11, it arrived in Britain and unloaded its cargo of diesel oil there. During the war Dad was on Trondanger, Brandanger, Berganger, Fernmoor, Granville, Herma, Solfonn, Emma Bakke, Ida Bakke, and Buenos Aires. From June 1944 to January 1945 he attended the radio operators school in London. The Germans had reported to his family that he was dead, and it was not until the war was over that his family found out that he had survived. He suffered from post-traumatic stress and alcoholism. He will be greatly missed. (All the ships listed above are included on this website - ref. link to "Master Ship Index" at the top of this page). ___________________________________ Jan. 8 From: Don Hunter Merchant Navy Memorials Hi Siri, Thought you would be interested I was the Founder of a Merchant Navy Memorial in Arromanches, Normandy to the seamen who lost their lives in the Normandy Landings in June 1944, where I served on an LSI (Landing Ship Infantry). Our Memorial was unveiled by Sir Winston Churchill Grandson. I am now the Founder of a proposed Merchant Navy Memorial in Dover UK. Regards Don Hunter ___________________________________ From: Arthur Winger Hermion Olaf Rye Winger Thank you for posting my guestbook message to you regards the Hermion (see Jan. 4 below). I am his son Arthur Winger. His daughter is Kathleen Winger. Louise is my Daughter. I was the one who wrote to you I have been using your Norwegian ships listing for some of my fathers merchant navy history, the ships he worked for some 20 plus years. Louise has made application to NAA [National Australian Archive] to have his application papers to become an Australian Citizen in 1946 be now made available. This was done just before Xmas 2006. I was able using Pages 16 and 15 of his application to find what Norwegian Ships he served on and by using your Ships listings obtain pictures and history of some of the ships. Thanks again I would like to suggest that you visit the NAA web site National Archives of Australia | Home Page The central repository for Australian Commonwealth Government records. The main focus of the collection are records created since the formation of the ... Click on RECORD SEARCH GO TO PAGE 16 FIRST THEN 15 FOR A LIST OF NORWEGIAN SHIPS HE SERVED ON 1926 TO 1946 I TRUST THIS SUGGESTION IS OF SOME HELP TO YOUR WEB SITE GROW A LITTLE ARTHUR WINGER ___________________________________ Jan. 6 From: Gudjon Bjarnason SS.Induna Thanks for your website, I have got a lot of information from your website about SS Induna and her destiny. I would be grateful if you please give Pete Smith my e-mail address Thanks (This refers to a message posted to the Guestbook in Nov.-2006, on Page 6) ___________________________________ From: Nigel Williams SS Henry Keswick - Corigidor Greetings! My father's father was the master of the Henry Keswick when she was captured by the Japanese. Hugh Hoskin Williams. He told my father that he had asked permission to scuttle her, but it was denied. Interesting to hear of your connection with the Henry Keswick. Any information you have about shipmates would be appreciated. I have a bit of info about Hugh at: Thanks Nigel Williams (Referring to my text on page about William Strachan) ___________________________________ From: Arthur Winger Hermion I wish to thank you for you efforts to establish your Web site My daugher Louise, has been researching my Father History and I informed her that I know that Dad was an Officer on the Norwegian Hermion before the start of WWII He was in Toyko one week before Pearl Harbour was bombed and did spend he last part of WWII in merchant service around Australia. Met My mother in Port Adelaide during the war. I was born in Adelaide in September 1947 His Name is Olav Rye WINGER born 25 April 1911 Stavanger; Is there any web sites that you know of that I may use to further my research of the Hermion travels during WAR time eg Ship Log. (Here's my page about Hermion). |
