I was a member of the crew of the Brisbane Star,I was 18 years of age then,I am now 80.There may be others who are computer literate,if so please contact me.Or perhaps children or grandchildren can help.
THE REUNION HAS TAKEN PLACE IN MALTA, IT WAS A GREAT SUCCESS.
Here are the names of the Merchant Navy Veterans who attended the 60th Anniversary Reunion.
Almeria Lykes: Robert Waxman. Brisbane Star: Edwin Armitage,Arthur"Ginger"Jones,Danny Omara. Deucalion: Peter Bracewell,Harold Highfield. Dorset: Donald Baskerville,Desmond Dickens. Empire Hope: Philip Andrews,Donald MacCallum,David Young. Melbourne Star: Douglas McDonald,Thomas Neilly. Ohio: Raymond Morton,Allan Shaw. Santa Elisa: George Nye. 16 Merchant Navy Veterans, 2-Luftwaffe Pilots and 1-Italian E-Boat Commander.
Hi Danny, I thought I would update you and thank you for what you have done. Last night Thomas Neilly phoned Jim Bowie and they spoke for the first time in 60 years. It would appear that they had been very friendly on board and Jim recognised Tom,s voice instantly on the phone after all that time. I believe they chatted for a long time on the phone but this is understandable as they had 60 years to catch up on. It was sad in a way though because Tom has thought for the last 60 years that Jim had died on board the Melbourne Star when she was lost at sea. He did not know that Jim took shore leave and he thought Jim had made the fateful last voyage of the Melbourne Star. I asked Jim about this and he said that his last memory of Tom was Tom walking down the gangway from the ship " presumably for his leave ". Other good news is that it turns out that Jim also knows the other reunion attendee from the Melbourne Star called Douglas McDonald. Although he could not remember the name at first when Tom reminded him of who Douglas was it came back to Jim instantly. It would seem that Douglas was in fact the Radio Operator ( not sure if there was more than one ) on the Melbourne Star. Would it not be fascinating if the radio dialogue that Jim has a copy of was in fact transmitted by Douglas. Tom Neilly is in contact with Douglas who now lives in Australia and he is going to pass on Jim,s details so they can get in touch again after all these years. It is a shame that Jim was not aware of the reunion before as I am sure he would have loved to attend it. So I must thank you again for all your help in reuniting them after all this time and Jim asked me to thank you too. I could not have managed it without you. You take care and if I hear any more that I think would interest you I will not hesitate to let you know. Many Kind Regards, Gregor Kinnes
Hi Danny Thanks very much for all your help. All the information regarding the manchester i received has been passed on to my uncle who is delighted..This would not have been possible without your help in finding links and other sources of information. Thank you once again. I'd like to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a peaceful new year. Brian.
Norfolk. England Comments: My uncle Dennis Henry was part of the convoy to Malta and told me many stories about his life in the merchant navy. This has been a fantastic site to visit and I have learnt a great deal. Dennis wouldn't let me read to him about the reunion as he said it was enough that he was there and lost many of his friends!! Thank you again for such a great informative site. September 24, 2003 19:55:23 (GMT Time)
from: Malta Comments: How can I ever thank you and the rest of the Pedestal people? You have made life for us today possible with your sacrifice. Thank you August 27, 2003 09:19:56 (GMT Time)
Toronto Canada, originally UK Comments: Great website. Magnificent men. An absolute crime that Governments act in such a disdainful manner to their Merchant Seamen. Those wartime MN men put them to shame. Never mind!, their courage is their testimonial and no amount of turning backs on them can diminish their unselfish contribution to their countries. God bless them all. Febuary 14, 2003 18:59:11 (GMT Time)
from: Malta Comments: My father served in the RAF during the war and he is 85 years old now. He always recounts his feelings of relief and joy every year at Santa Marija when he remembers the convoy coming into grandharbour. It is a shame that at the yearly comemoration at the harbour so very few people attend to remember the dead of the convoys. I do my best to pass on the memory to our children through the Scout Association ( I am 44years old and form part of Island Headquarters Scout Assoc). Congratulations to all involved in this venture, you are making me proud to be maltese. God Bless you all and I assure you that I will be attending the events in September July 30, 2002 19:05:46 (GMT Time)