Devon City (3)

Comments from the forum - 1

Builders model. Devon City model is, I believe, still owned by the Vancouver BC Maritime Museum. I think I have a picture of it somewhere which I took a number of years ago when it was on display. I will check it out and report back. Tony Crowther. Posted on forum 15 May 2009.

Mystery voyage. This is probably a very long shot but it's a thing that has niggled me for many years.
In March 1967, I joined the Devon City in Saint John N.B. as Chief Officer. The Master was Mark Higgins and Second Mate Kalnins. I seem to remember Trevor Griffiths as Ch. Engineer. We proceeded to the Mississippi where we loaded grain at Destrahan Where we delivered that cargo I have no idea. We did end up in Astoria to load grain- again I don't know where we transported that
In Astoria, Mark Higgins was relieved by George Harvey and somewhere else along the way, George was relieved by DLG Jones (not many people can claim they went through three Masters in one voyage!!)
Tuticorin rings a bell where we anchored about two miles off to discharge into sailing barges- (how idyllic can that be) and finally we ended up in (yes) Marmagoa to load for Antwerp.! There were other bits of this voyage that remain vague and un recallable!!We finally ended up in Falmouth 31st Jan 1968. If anyone out there has any info about this voyage PLEASE put my curiosity at rest!! John Cann. Posted on forum 9 June 2009.

First view of RSL ship. I have no information about the voyage but the Devon was the first Smith's ship I saw. She came into the County wharf (the one side on and nearest to the town). A guy called John Walls had previously sailed with the company, but had returned to Falmouth Docks to work where I first met him.
The ship was there for two or three days as I remember and I was an apprentice at the dockyard. I remember being impressed with the cleanliness of the ship and the engine room and I made my mind up to join Smiths (although I had to wait another two years to do so.

I finished my time in September 1970 and as early as July that year I traveled to Cardiff to meet Graham Hardy who indicated there would be a position for me but to contact him nearer the time (in September), which I duly did. I worked for another two months in the yard to save the money necessary for the kit recommended by the company and top obtain the necessary papers, books and take the medical.
The kit cost me £100 (almost one month salary with Smiths) and I remember I bought the uniform second hand. The weight allowance for flying was double that normally allowed for luggage.

And then finally the letter arrived with the news that I would be required to travel to London to fly out to join the Houston City in St John NB.
And that was all down to John walls and the visit to the Devon City in Falmouth. David Ricketts. Posted on forum 15 August 2010.

Master/Marriage Counsellor. I made my first trip Master in the "Devon City" in April 1970. Joined in Hamburg - Safmarine charter-loading General for S.A. My trusted friend, Tony Crowther C/O Chalky White C/E.
All went rather well until we arrived Capetown and the mail delivered on board. Next thing, I have the Electrician knocking on my door in an agitated state.
Captain, you must pay me off and send me home. My wife and daughter have left me and walked out of the family home! I just cannot carry on etc. etc.
Now me, being a bit green and not too well versed in marriage counselling- (did'nt do that in Orals) had some sympathy with the chap. so we both wept a few tears and I contacted RSL for advice.
We progressed around the S.A. coast awaiting a reply. Eventually, John Mathews arrived at my door with a cable which went something like this.
"We have made enquiries regarding your Electrician and have established that he is wanted by the Pontefract Police on charges of bigamy (twice!) and other related offences. Strongly advise he remains with you."
Armed with this information, my feelings completely changed and my friend was summoned to my room where another marriage counselling session took place!! Needless to say he opted for discretion and retired gracefully!!
Must say- he was one of the most willing Electricians I've ever sailed with!
Yes, gentlemen- just another aspect of Command. Johm Cann. Posted on forum 15 August 2010.

Disclaimer: The statements on this page are the views of the person who posted them on the forum. The events took place many years ago and in most cases rely on those people's memories, and so we cannot guarantee the accuracy although every effort is made to check it.

Devon City. Page [1] [2] [3]
Memories from RSL staff. Page No. [1] [2]