Brian Norman

I'm looking for anyone who may have been on the Fresno City during April 1959 for my grandad. His name is Brian Norman and he was a 4th Engineer. He received a bravery award for saving the life of a fellow Engineer during a fire whilst off the coast of Japan in April 1959 on board the Fresno. He was 21 at the time .... WIlliam John Hill (20 at the time) was the name of the gentleman he rescued. Amy Burrell. Posted on the forum 01 July 2017.

I was an apprentice on mv Fresno City in 1959.We had loaded a cargo of bulk salt in Spain for Japan.Onarrival in japan at the port of Niigata most of the crew went ashore.We were woken up in the night by news of a fire in the starboard alleyway.As we had no idea who was ashore or not I was tasked with donning the Siebe Gorman breathing apparatus and going inside. I discovered in one of the cabins two prone figures which i could not move myself.On reporting back on deck we thought the best way to reach them was via the engine room door which led into the alleyway.Brian and someone else managed to get the two men out.They were both assistant stewards one of which was 19 year ols Raymond Cross who sadly died.I am glad to hear Brian is reaching his 80th birthday I am reaching my 78th in Oct. Where have the years gone.I live in whitby N Yorks at 27 Capt Cook cres yo224hl .PS The fire was started by the cook who fell asleep in his bunk with a lighted cigarette.The years of paint soon ignited and the fire reached the bridge.We lost the Gyro compass and came home on the magnetic compass. Craig Allison. Posted on the forum 29 July 2017.

I was an apprentice on board Queen City and knew Brian Norman well we did two long voyages together. Craig Allison. Posted on the forum 29 July 2017.

Hi Craig thank you so much for this info, I’m so sorry I’ve only just logged back in and found all this wonderful info. I have spoken with my granddad and he would love to speak with you on the telephone Craig. Amy Burrell. Posted on the forum 29 November 2017.

 

November 2017.