New Westminster City (3)
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The photo on the right was taken August 1959 at Rosario, Brazil. In the forefront with hat is Eric Poingdestre 3/E, in the background facing Archie Bryan C/Eng, the back of Captain Doughty,and the side face of Oliver Lindsay C/O.
This was the same time as the stevedore and his son was shot on the gangway , and was described by Oliver Lindsay in the September 2009 issue of Shipmates.
Eric Poingdestre.
"Cocky" - the Cockatoo. An interesting tale is told by Commodore Higgins regarding the saga of the rescue of “Cocky” an evil and vicious Cockatoo from Geraldton, Australia. He was on the previous New Westminster City. Mr. Arthur Thompson, so recently retired as Superintendent, was the Chief Engineer and the Master was the one and only Captain Ward. Mrs. Ward was also on board.
Cocky’s favourite pastime was ear biting and was quite impartial whether it was Arthur’s or my ear he sampled during the time we would be in the Old Man’s Room cadging a drink or two.
We were anchored in Bombay Roads awaiting a discharge berth for our grain cargo. We had been there for weeks owing to congestion and the S.W. monsoon was blowing. One morning Captain Ward rolled his day room window down through which “Cocky” promptly made good his escape, as he was allowed the free run of the accommodation only using his cage to sleep in. As he disappeared through the window the wind took him away but fortunately he was observed making a crash landing on the wheelhouse of a Greek Liberty ship which was anchored several cables off. The lifeboat was lowered and manned by several of us and together with Cocky’s cage we set off in hot pursuit for the Greek vessel. The boat was secured and up the gangway the valiant party proceeded together with the cage. On reaching the deck we were met by some quizzical looking crew members who spoke about as much English as we spoke Greek. After much arm waving and gesticulating none of which made any impression on the communications barrier, we decided to throw caution to the wind and proceed to the top Bridge. We located “Cocky” perched on the wheel in the Wheelhouse and looking rather sorry for himself. It may have been our imagination but it seemed as if he perked up a bit when he recognized us. He entered his cage with the minimum of fuss. It appeared the Greek crew were not aware that they had a feathered stowaway on board.
Our retreat to the gangway was put in motion and a puzzled Greek crew were further mystified to see us returning not only with a cage but we now had a parrot in it. More arm waving, smiles, etc. as we moved en masse down the gangway and into the boat. We pulled away with a few parting waves to the Greek sailors who no doubt were suitably entertained for days discussing the vagaries of Englishmen in particular and parrots generally.
“Cocky” was returned in triumph to the New Westminster City where he was received with open arms by Mrs. Ward apparently none the worse for his aerial adventures. Captain Ward (or Alfie as he was affectionately known behind his back) suitably rewarded us with lavish alcoholic refreshments.
Commodore Mark Higgins
Editor’s Note: Apparently Commodore Higgins has written the above story with a good deal of modesty. Mr. Alec Osborne, one of our Superintendents, was one of the party in the lifeboat. He recalls that when they came alongside the Greek vessel the first man up the rope ladder was Commodore Higgins armed with the bird cage. After making the perilous ascent, and about to climb over the gunwale, he looked and saw the hideous face of a huge dog looking at him overside. Never has a man descended a rope ladder so quickly and unceremoniously. The situation was saved by the Radio Officer of the Greek ship who saw the performance. The party then proceeded to negotiate the ladder again. From the RSL newsletter March 1976.
The editor in those days was Chris John from the accounts department. He was a busy guy as he handled all cargo claims for Celtic Bulk Carriers as well as producing the monthly newsletter. He did a good job with both. Alec, who was sailing on this vessel was not to know that he too would take on the role of editor 23 years later when Tim Lawson crossed the bar. Tony Crowther.
Pets at sea were part of the life before H&S got in on the act. A few years before Mark wrote up the saga of "Cocky" for the Newsletter, I well recall being in a bar in Kobe with Mark and Alec and a couple of others, and they fell about as they related the story to us.
MikeJones. Posted on the Forum 11th January 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.
New Westminster City. Page [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]
Memories from RSL staff. Page No. [1] [2] [3]