The entrance to the River Tyne can be hazardous in bad weather for vessels under sail and was very much more so before the completion of the North and South piers.This fact posed many problems for Tyne Pilots operating a ‘Boarding Service’. Traditionally their craft of choice for this operation was the ‘coble’. The flat sterner coble was of unique design capable of being launched and recovered in adverse weather from the gradually shelving beaches found between Berwick and the Humber. The coble was developed for use in the coastal fishing industry and as such was originally in effect a cargo vessel. In addition to its capabilities aforementioned it was unrivalled in its ability to point very high into the wind. It is inherent that with increased specialisation in any area that there will be commensurate drawbacks in others. The coble could, in in-experienced hands, be a dangerous proposition. For pilotage purposes it was redeveloped more as a fast yacht. Pilots operating solely in the vicinity of their harbour often used a variation of the flat stem coble called a ‘mule’ but this variant could not be safely beached in bad weather.

Tyne Pilots generally ‘sought’ for ships between Berwick and Flamborough and for that reason did in the main hold to their flat sterner coble. These craft could not only live at sea in the most adverse weather but also were the craft which gave the best chance of beaching safely in an emergency. The problem for Tyne Pilots was that of getting out of the Tyne entrance under sail during periods of heavy weather from Easterly quadrants and in particular during the duration of the ebb stream. For many years they petitioned the Pilotage Authority of the day, Trinity House Newcastle, to provide a steam vessel to allow them to get to sea on such occasions. These petitions went unheeded.

Tyne Pilots eventually decided to provide a steam vessel for themselves to maintain a boarding and landing service in bad weather. To do this they entered on a program of both chartering and of owning steam vessels to act as Cruising Pilot Vessels. I have been unable to determine all of those vessels chartered from time to time but the ‘Great Britain’ and the ‘President’ were amongst them The first wholly owned vessel was ‘Pilot’ which operated very successfully, was the source of a deal of salvage money for the pilots and during the course of her duties also saved the lives of a number of pilots and fishermen. ‘Pilot’ was also used for coastal trips and probably was hired by Trinity House Newcastle from time to time for ‘Inspections ofLights and Beacons’ along the stretch of coast for which they had responsibility. ‘Pilot’ was built at the South Shields yard ofAndrew Woodhouse for the Tyne Pilots. Her particulars were as follows:Length 73Ft. B 165Ft. D 9Ft. Steam propulsion: 30 HP. Launched 18th August 1852. The accompanying illustration of ‘Pilot’ cruising off the Tyne Entrance is that of a painting by John Scott who was a famous marine and landscape painter. His birthplace was South Shields and spent his early life at sea before becoming a pupil of John Wilson Carmichael. Scott, unlike Carmichael remained on Tyneside for his entire life.

The second vessel to be purchased by the pilots to operate in this capacity was the ‘Robert Ingham’.

‘Authority’ for the provision of pilotage services in Tyne District was eventually taken out of the hands of Trinity House in 1865 and was vested in the Tyne Pilotage Commission. However it was not until 1907 that the Pilotage Authority at last caused to have built a steam vessel to act as a cruising pilot vesseL This vessel was named ‘Protector’ and was featured in the July 2009 issue of this magazine.

J.H.Bum.

Saturday 13^th June saw 14 traditional barges assemble for the 79^th Thames Sailing Race (or “Match” in sailing barge terms).

PLA pilot Chris Spurling on the helm with skipper Richard Tichener

The Port of London Authority’s (PLA) involvement is crucial to the management of this annual event since much of it takes place in the main shipping channel. VTS monitoring is supplemented by VHF information updates during the Match and further support is provided with moorings and other facilities ashore.  This year’s event coincided with the Centenary of the Port of London Authority and for the third year the PLA chartered the Staysail Class barge Wyvenhoe for the Match.

The Wyvenhoe was skippered by Richard Titchener and crewed entirely by PLA staff, including two PLA pilots, Chris Spurling and Dave Lloyd.  Richard ensured that Dave and Chris were aft at the wheel prior to the race, not just to assist with the main and staysail sheets but also to provide invaluable, up to the minute, “local knowledge” of the tides and depths, which allowed more use of the river.

The day started dry with a light Southerly breeze.  As always there was much manoeuvring of barges in the up-river end of Lower Hope Reach as the different classes of barge tried to keep clear of the start line until it was their turn.  Chris and Dave provided advice as to the best place to hold station above the start line,in order to stay out of the worst of the ebb tide and consequently Wyvenhoe made a good start, crossing the start line about 90 seconds after the gun and was the only barge in its class to avoid a time penalty for prematurely crossing the line.

Having rounded the Sea Reach 4 buoy marking the outer limits of the course, the barge sailed close hauled onto the South shore (staying outside the main channel!).  Although there was less depth here than to the North,  the pilots’ tidal knowledge ensured sufficient under keel clearance to sail without the need for numerous tacking manoeuvres which the barges on the North (leeward) side had to undertake.  This enabled the Wyvenhoe to draw ahead.

In the Lower Hope (Mucking Channel), Chris and Dave calculated how close to the shores the Wyvenhoe could run which again reduced tacking and ensured that the lead over the rest of the field was maintained.

“Steady as she goes”, PLA pilot Dave Lloyd.

A similar tactic was adopted in Gravesend Reach for the home run and at 13.31, the skipper and crew were delighted to be first over the line to win the Champion Staysail Class, followed by Repertor who carried a 15 minute penalty for her false start. The skipper and crew had all worked hard and extremely well as a team to achieve their win.

Tactics discussed as Wyvenhoe draws ahead of Repertor

Following supper at the Three Daws pub in Gravesend the prize giving was held.  Michael Grey, former editor of Lloyd’s List, was on hand to present the trophies and congratulate the owners and their crews.  The “Mainsheetman Trophy” for the best performance in that critical role was awarded to Keith Golding of the Wyvenhoe.  Richard Titchener was awarded “Master of the First Barge Home” and he also won the trophy for “The Master Exhibiting the Best Seamanship in Rounding the Mark”.

The Thames Match had already been running for many years when the PLA started in 1909.  In this centenary year the PLA’s win was a fitting outcome, and congratulations go to all those involved for playing such a great part in preserving such a valuable part of  London’s maritime heritage.

Shelly Spurling

Photos: Chris Spurling’s collection

L-R: I Leask, D. Fortnum. M. Love. P. Pullen

The 34th meeting of the Marine pilots golfing society took place at Hollins Hall just outside Leeds on  Sunday 6th September to Tuesday 8th September 2009. Twenty seven pliots from eight ports,  Milford Haven, Manchester, Liverpool, Sullom Voe, Forth, Tees,  Ex Humber and Bristol taking part. Overall an excellent three days with winners coming from  Milford Haven, Sullom Voe and Ex Humber.

Winners were    Manchester Salver     I Leask  ( Sullom Voe )

Wimslow cup       M Love (Ex Humber)  P Pullen ( Milford Haven)

Hawkestone cup    I Leask  ( Sullom Voe )

Pilots Cup       D Fortnum  (Ex Humber (

Milford Cup     P Pullen  ( Milford Haven )

Nearest Pin   D Fortnum  ( Ex Humber )

Jim Purvis  Memorial Shield    D Fortnum  ( Ex Humber ).

The above was kindly sponsored by  Milford Haven Port Authority and Sviter towage Milford Haven.

Dave Fortnum suffering from post golf stress disorder!!

The only items that he didn’t win were the hat and the magical golf club that has wafted him to glory.

Submitted by D. Raddings

2010 EVENTS

Spring:  Staverton Park, Daventry 24th – 25th April

September: Whitfields Hotel, Rugby 5th – 7th September

If interested please contact me here and I will forward your details to Peter Ryder

JCB

]]> http://www.pilotmag.co.uk/2009/12/23/pilots-golfing-society/feed/ 0 http://www.pilotmag.co.uk/2009/09/10/45th-empa-football-tournament-ostend/ http://www.pilotmag.co.uk/2009/09/10/45th-empa-football-tournament-ostend/#comments Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:37:05 +0000 JCB http://www.pilotmag.co.uk/?p=1689 This year the Ostend pilots (LSOV) hosted the 45^th European Pilots Football Tournament.  Held since 1964, this is the 7^th time that Ostend has organised this great occasion.

Players are: L-R: Willy Terry ( Forth), Matt Easton ( Liverpool), Pater Flanagan (London), Kevin Walsh (Captain, Liverpool), Steve Blake (Tees), Terry Crowe (Ex Liverpool, cheerleader)

Mike McNeill (Manchester), Graham Langley ( Manchester)Devey (Ex Liverpool, cheeleader)

Front Row: Steve Swanick (Manchester), Chris Spurling (London), Dave Williamson (Liverpool) Kenneth McInnes (Forth), Zane Jaochim (Tees), Simon Wood (Liverpool)

On the evening before the tournament, our squad arrived at the venue for the draw where the teams, wives and guests were treated to food, drink and a bit of “leg-training” by way of a disco.  The draw for the tournament was made.  Here our team discovered that they were to play in an initial group consisting of Rotterdam and Weser Ems, (Described by team Captain Kevin Walsh (Liverpool), as the “Group of Death!!”.)

Ostend itself has a lot to offer, a fabulous beach and sea front, great shopping, restaurants and cafes.  The organisation and hospitality provided by the LSVO pilots was truly outstanding.  Coaches were provided to the Royal Ostend Golf Club for a day of golf and the wives could join a special guided tour of the city with lunch and shopping afterwards.

“Team UK” consisted of 13 pilots from Liverpool (5), Tees (2), London (2), Manchester (2) and Forth (2).  Special thanks must be given to the Captain, Kevin, who boosted the team with his inspiring team talks.  Peter Flanagan (London), with the birth of his third child imminent, caught the 6am ferry from Dover, joining the team on the day of the tournament, He only just missed the first game.  He went home as the football finished and Mrs Flanagan had a baby girl on the Monday after the tournament.  What commitment!

Team UK lost to Rotterdam in the first game 2-0, what do they feed those boys on in Holland?, they dwarfed most of the UK team, except perhaps for William Terry (“Big Willy”) from the Forth and Matt Easton the goalie.  During the second game against Weser-Ems, a shot by Steve Blake which re- bounded was finished off nicely by him to make it 1-0, unfortunately a contentious penalty decision went against us, ending the game 1-1.

Team UK Score!

Following a magnificent lunch, the UK team were drawn against the Kiel pilots. Dave Williamson had a great shot on goal that was saved and the end result was 0-0.  The last game was against a team from EMPA.  The UK team had gelled, and played really well.  Zane Joachim shot in the first goal after bringing the ball down from his chest neatly to his feet.  Steve Blake got the second and it was Zane again putting in the third after which EMPA got one back.  An impressive 3-1 win with exceptional performances from Simon Wood, Peter Flanagan and Kevin Walsh, but everyone played their part.

The UK pilots came 8^th out of 12 but only two points separated 8^th and 4^th. Alas for that penalty!  Beaten only by Rotterdam, who actually won the competition, was a fantastic result and the team enjoyed a good rest period in the sun afterwards with free beers all round.

A tense moment is defused!

That evening a dinner dance was held in the “Kursaal”.  A walk through the receptions halls on red carpet led everyone to wine, champagne and canapés and the presentation.  A wonderful four-course meal then followed in the grand hall accompanied by a seven-piece band and more complimentary drinks.

Team (UK)’s squad was small and far flung across the country but there was great camaraderie between them and the other European pilots that took part, around 180 in all.  Thanks to Simon Wood for his excellent organising of the UK pilot’s participation. The enthusiastic LSVO pilots delighted all their European colleagues with their incredible organisation and hospitality, making it an unforgettable and superb stay on the Belgian coast.

Next year the tournament will be held in Havre 13th – 15th May.

Wives are encouraged to come, excursions are arranged for them and a dinner dance and trophy presentation takes place on the evening of the tournament.

There is obviously a cost involved (hotels etc.) but the event itself is subsidised by the hosts. Any pilots who want to come just for the football can do so.

I’m sure our team with a larger squad will do even better.  France 2010 here we come!

Shelly Spurling

If you are interested in participating, please contact JCB here

May and June of this year saw the retirement of the last three serving pilots of the 1960 Liverpool intake of apprentices or “Boathands,” which was the legal, ‘Bye-Law’ term for trainee pilots.

The three retired on their sixty-fifth birthdays. with John Curry retiring on 26^th May, Stuart Wood on 20^th June and Geoff Rafferty on 27^th June..

There were six successful candidates from that 1960 Autumn interview and of the other three, David Temple sadly died at an early age in 1991, Simon Fearnett transferred to the Humber in 1988 (from where he has since retired) and Alan Green retired from Liverpool in 2005

The interviews were held at the purpose-built Pilot Office on Canning Pier Head to the South of the Liverpool Landing Stage on the famous waterfront and the interview panel consisted of Master Mariners, Pilots, the Superintendent of Pilotage, not to mention the ‘Marine Surveyor and Water Bailiff!’  How daunting was that illustrious gathering to a sixteen year old!

A White Star Liner, M.V. “Britannic” was making a flood-way approach to the Landing Stage when an excited John Curry rang his parents to inform them that he had been accepted into the service.

After medicals, enrolments and other interviews, which we all seem to remember we attended as a group, we were placed as cadet-officers with shipping companies to gain sea –time prior to being called into the Service.  John sailed with Clan Line to India and Australia, Stuart sailed with Brocklebanks to India and Geoff with Elder-Dempsters to the West Coast of Africa.

A young John Curry plots his future course

Within the following year we were called to commence training as apprentice pilots who crewed the four pilot vessels, which ran an efficient but costly Pilot Service for the Port of Liverpool.  The apprentices were cheap labour on the very low wages, which they were paid. Eventually, this four vessel system became too expensive, being less efficient than a fast launch service which eventually replaced it.

The Class of 1960 then worked their way up through the system to become Third Class licensed pilots during 1968 and 1969.  All six progressed to become First Class pilots five years later.  These six licences provided extras to cope with the busy trade, and brought the numbers of Liverpool Pilots to 185.  Sadly, the trade-bubble burst in the early seventies with the advent of the ever-increasing size of tankers, and the advent of containerisation the latter for which Liverpool was ill prepared.

The six quitted themselves manfully through both good times and extremely bad ones. During the over-manned years of the late seventies and early eighties, four, went off to “pilot in the sand” as we used to call piloting out in Saudi and other foreign parts, thus proving to many, that piloting is first and foremost having the ability, skills and knowledge required to be a ship-handler.  Geoff and John stayed on in Liverpool.

With the1988 Pilotage Act, we faced another new era.  An era of ‘employment,’ a state, which Liverpool Pilots resented from day one and vowed to fight their way out of.  This was eventually achieved in the summer of 1997.

This period also involved the necessity of “appropriation” (choice pilots) for the depleted numbers in the Service since an ever-increasing number of companies wished to avail themselves of this facility. The ‘big one’ of a number of appropriations which Stuart was to hold being Shell, and for Geoff and John, the ‘big one’ being Atlantic Container Line.

We also involved ourselves in the politics of pilotage.  Stuart becoming a Representative during the “Battle Years” when Liverpool fought its way back to self- employment and John served as Chairman of the pilots’ committee during the twelve  troubled years of employment.

Liverpool Tugs salute Stuart Wood on his retirement pilotage act on the MT “AQUA”

All three also involved themselves in many activities outside pilotage.  Stuart, amongst other activities, with sailing and sail-training.  He also gained a pilot’s flying licence for light-aircraft and has become involved with local radio.  Geoff amongst his other activities has become a fount of knowledge on animal husbandry and is also a very competent furniture restorer.  John has a Joint-Honours degree in French and German and has taught at the University of Liverpool.  At present, he is the Lifeboat Operation’s Manager at the Hoylake All-Weather Lifeboat Station.

The last of the Class of 1960, mourn the loss of their dear friend and colleague David Temple.  They themselves hope, however to enjoy long and happy retirements enjoying life after having served in a job, which brought each of them a tremendous amount of heartache, a whole lot of unbelievable fun, but above all, a great sense of job satisfaction for a job well done.

Stuart Wood (left) and Geoff Rafferty on board Geoff’s last ship, Helga Spirit

John Curry ‘signs off ‘from the V.T.S. and his career, outward-bound, clearing the main-channel aboard M.V. “Atlantic Compass,” which he and his wife, (who was on board with him), left in New York.

We wish all our serving colleagues, quite simply:  “Good Ships and many of Them!”

John Curry.  Liverpool Pilot, RTD.

Stuart Wood’s retirement was also covered by the Liverpool Daily Post in an article published on 8th June 2009 at the following link:

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-life-features/liverpool-special-features/2009/06/08/senior-liverpool-pilot-retires-after-40-years-of-great-change-on-the-mersey-says-peter-elson-92534-23812311/

Stuart Wood on his last pilotage passage

LtoR: Second Pilot, Adrian McLoughlin, SDW, Captain Soyalp.

Stuart receives a signed H flag from Captain Soyalp

]]> http://www.pilotmag.co.uk/2009/09/10/liverpool-pilots-retire-another-end-of-era/feed/ 1 http://www.pilotmag.co.uk/2009/09/10/obituary-john-frankish-1922-2009/ http://www.pilotmag.co.uk/2009/09/10/obituary-john-frankish-1922-2009/#comments Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:15:46 +0000 JCB http://www.pilotmag.co.uk/?p=1965

John Frankish, retired Trinity House Cinque Ports Pilot, died on the 19th May 2009 at the age of 87.
Born on the 22nd March 1922, John and his twin brother Michael were educated at the King George VI School, Bury St. Edmunds. In 1938 at the age of 16, John joined HMS Conway, leaving in 1940 to serve in the Royal Mail Line.

On the 1st July 1942 Convoy OS.33 departed Liverpool. John was a Cadet on the SS Siris, which on the 11th July wasdispersed from the convoy with 6 other vessels to proceed to South America. At 0413 on the 12th July a torpedo from U-201 struck the SS Siris amidships and she began to sink. The crew, 55 people in all, took to 2 lifeboats: 6 Officers, including John, and 22 men in one lifeboat sailed for 10 days and 800 miles towards the African coast. 150 miles from the coast they were rescued by the Royal Navy, whilst the other lifeboat reached the Cape Verde Islands in 16 days.

In 1944 John was Chief Officer of the Empire Bittern which was scuttled at Arromanches as part of the Mulberry Harbour and went on to survive the war. John’s twin Michael was not so lucky, an RAF Pilot, he lost his life in 1941.

In 1952 John became a Cinque Ports Pilot serving 35 years until retirement in 1987. An unflappable character, a quiet man with a devastating sense of humour, John calmly piloted every type of vessel from Schuyts to VLCCs.

John married Jo in 1955 and filled the role of family man equally as well as that of a Pilot. He and Jo had three children, Hilary, Gillian and Michael travelling far and wide in their caravan between sailing their boat at Broadstairs and John playing golf at the North Foreland Club. Hilary was an asthmatic and sadly died at the age of 16. Gillian married Simon and they live and work in Marseilles with grand-daughter Sarah. Michael, an avid sailor, lives in the Medway Towns.

In latter years John had arthritis. Although disabled they led a full social life. John fmally died quietly at home, a fme seafarer, a lovely man, he is sadly missed by his family and friends.

John Godden

PS: Further details on the sinking of SS Siris, the survival story and the history of the U- 201 can be found at the following link: www.convoyweb.org.uk/os33/index.html?siris.htm~mainframe33

JCB

The MN Medal recipients with Admiral Lord West of Spithead. All photos: John Neligan

Further to last year’s Merchant Navy medal awards which saw retired Liverpool pilot Dave Devey receive the medal for “services to UK and European pilotage” (see pilot 292) December 4^th last year saw two UKMPA serving pilots receive the award from Admiral Lord West of Spithead at St Michael Paternoster Royal Church, City of London.

John Freestone

London pilot John Freestone received the medal for “services to Thames pilotage and youth sail training” and of particular note Tees Bay pilot, Colin Pratt received the award for his bravery in rescuing fellow pilot Paul Dunn (see issue 295) from the freezing waters of the N. Sea.

Colin Pratt

On April 17, 2008, Colin was in the pilot cutter when Paul lost his grip whist boarding the coaster Karina G, and in the darkness and heavy seas fell into the sea. Although a lifebuoy was thrown to him from the pilot cutter, the cold had numbed him so rapidly that he completely lost the use of his hands and was unable to attach it to his harness to enable him to be winched back on board. Without hesitation, Colin donned a survival suit and in the pitch dark and heavy swells, jumped into the sea where he secured the rescue line to Paul. Once safely on board the cutter, Colin wrapped him in blankets and kept up a stream of conversation to stop him losing consciousness as they sped back in to port. 

He then accompanied Paul to hospital and waited with him until his wife arrived. In his 20 minutes in the water, Paul’s body temperature had fallen to 31C (the norm is 37C and 29C is regarded as being fatal), and clearly he could not have survived much longer. The nomination for Colin’s medal praised his “unselfish act of courage which undoubtedly helped to save the life of a colleague”.

JCB

In addition to Colin and John, nine others also received the award:

Michael Grey (services to marine journalism and merchant seafaring)

M. Coombs (services to cruise liners and the South Atlantic Medal Association)

Capt M. J. Morton (services to coastal shipping)

Capt E. M. Scott, RNR, (services to merchant seafaring and the exploration and scientific research)

CPO J. W. Summers (services to polar exploration and research)

A.R. Todd (services to marine surveying and consultancy)

B. J. Wattling (services to cruise liners). 

Honorary awards were made to: 

Miss A. P. Haines (services to the welfare of merchant seafarers)

Cdr C. F. Heron-Watson, RN (services to the welfare and education of the dependents of needy merchant seafarers). 

Photo captions:

MNM 1: London pilot, John Freestone

MNM 2: Tees Bay pilot: Colin Pratt

MNM 3: The 2008 Merchant Navy medal recipients with Admiral Lord West of Spithead

The pilot cutter “Protector”

Although not as common as in WW2, there were many civilian deaths in WW1.

People died as a result of Zeppelin raids or naval bombardment; they died from explosions in munitions factories; and they also died serving the war effort in other ways, with the Red Cross, the YMCA, as chaplains, as civilian staff of the Admiralty and as pilots on the river, among others.

River pilots, aboard cutters, were employed to guide ships safely into harbour, and in this capacity they ran the gauntlet of mines laid by the enemy during WW1.

One such was the pilot cutter “Protector”.

“Protector” was built in 1907 by Rennoldson at South Shields on the Tyne.

On New Year’s Eve 1916, “Protector” left the Tyne to escort a vessel inwards; the crew, looking forward to a swift return to celebrate the New Year, never saw 1917.

“Protector” was devastated by a mine in the entrance to the Tyne and was sunk with the loss of all 19 men aboard. The oldest man lost was aged 70 and the youngest was just 16.

All of these men were from Tyneside.

It seems that only one body was recovered: Robert Phillips, Pilot 1^st class, the oldest man on board at the age of 70, is buried in Tynemouth cemetery.

The other men were lost, and are all commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

Here they are, in alphabetical order:

John Swinney BONE

John was a Pilot 1^st class, and he was 36 when he died. He was born in South Shields, the son of Thomas and Ann [Alice?] of 155 Lawson Terrace, South Shields.

In 1901 the family lived in Henry Street. John’s father Thomas was also a pilot, as was his brother Thomas. His brother Robert was a fireman on a tugboat. All the family were born in South Shields.

John is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

Charles BURN

Charles was a Pilot 1^st Class, and he was 53 when he died. He was born in South Shields, the son of Charles and Catherine of 21 The Lawe, South Shields. His father and four brothers all worked on the pilot vessels. All were born in South Shields.

Charles married Margaret Elliott Wright in 1893 and they lived in Roman Road in 1901 with children Catherine, Margaret, Charles, and Lancelot.

The family later lived at 41 Trajan Avenue in South Shields.

Charles is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

John Hart BURN

John was a Pilot 2^nd class, and he was 39 when he died. He was born in North Shields, the son of Ralph and Annie of 13 Walker Place, North Shields.

John was one of at least 9 children, some born in North Shields and some in South Shields.

His father Ralph was also a pilot, born South Shields.

John married Charlotte Louise Garred in 1903 and their last known address is 15 Coburg Terrace, South Shields. A daughter Ellen was born in 1912.

John is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

Robert CHAMBERS

Robert was a Pilot 1^st class, and he was 48 when he died. He was born in South Shields, the son of Robert and Ellen. His father was also a pilot, and in 1881, at the age of 13, young Robert was already a pilot assistant.

Robert married Margaret Ann Bell in 1892 and by 1901 they were living in Baring Street, South Shields with children Robert, Caroline, William and Joseph.

Robert is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

John Cawthorne CREE

John was a pilot assistant, and he was 19 when he died. He was born in South Shields, the son of John and Elizabeth. His father was also a pilot, born in Jarrow.

In 1901 the family lived at 43 Trajan Avenue in South Shields and John’s last known address was 60 Kensington Road.

John is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

William Robert FORSTER

William was 1^st engineer, and he was 39 when he died. He was born in North Shields, the son of William and Margaret. His father was a publican in Middle Street, North Shields in 1881.

In 1901, William Robert was serving as an engineer aboard the vessel “T.W.Mould” and was unmarried.

He married Edith Annie Downie in 1908 and the last known address of his wife was 115 Howdon Road in North Shields.

William and Edith had three children: Edith, Kenneth, and Sidney.

William Robert Forster is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

Thomas HERON

Thomas was a Pilot 1^st class, and he was 42 when he died. He was born in South Shields, the son of Benjamin and Esther. His father and two brothers were also pilots.

In 1901 the family lived in Edith Street in South Shields and the last known address is 114 Baring Street, South Shields.

Thomas is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

Alexander LESLIE

Alexander was a pilot assistant, and he was 21 when he died. He was born in South Shields, the 5^th of 6 children of Alexander and Mary Ellen nee Waugh. His father was also a pilot.

In 1901 the family lived in Pearson Street in South Shields.

His mother died in 1900 and his father re-married to Elizabeth Jane Robson. His father died in 1912. The last known address for Alexander junior is 10 Keppell Street in South Shields.

Alexander is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

William LESLIE

William was a pilot assistant, and he was 19 when he died. He was born in South Shields, the son of Robert and Mary [probably nee Layden].

In 1901 the family lived at Lawe Cottages and his father Robert was also a pilot.

The last known address for William is 42 Collingwood Terrace in South Shields.

William is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

[Alexander and William Leslie do not seem to be brothers, but they may have been cousins.]

James Matthew MACCONNACHIE

James was a fireman, and he was 36 when he died. He was born in South Shields, the son of John and Jane Isabella. His father was a coal miner from Scotland, and in 1901 James was also working in the mines, living in Commercial Road in South Shields.

He married Sarah W. Dixon in 1913 and a son James was born in 1914.

Their last known address is 77 Eldon Street, South Shields.

James is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

Thomas Haw MARSHALL

Thomas was a Pilot 1^st class, and he was 36 when he died. He was born in South Shields, the son of John and Elizabeth Ann. His father was also a pilot, and in 1901 the family lived in Baring Street, young Thomas employed as a pilot assistant.

He married Elizabeth Ann Miller in 1902 in Tynemouth and they had a son John born 1912 and a daughter Elizabeth born 1915. There were probably other children born earlier.

His widow Elizabeth Ann re-married in 1921 to Arthur Smith, and her last known address is 45 Fairless Street in South Shields.

Thomas is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

James W. NICHOLSON

James was a steward, and he was 45 when he died. He was born in North Shields, the son of John and Ann. His father John was originally a sail maker, but later worked in a factory, probably due to unemployment.

In 1901, James was also a factory worker living in Union Road in North Shields.

He married Elizabeth Ann Thompson in 1893 and they had a son James and daughters Ann and Isabella.

His last known address is 27 Stormont Street, North Shields.

James is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

Robert PHILLIPS

Robert was a Pilot 1^st class, and he was 70 when he died. He was born in South Shields, the son of Robert and Catherine. This family produced a long line of pilots; Robert senior, born about 1817, was a pilot, as was his brother Ralph.

Robert junior, born about 1846, married Elizabeth Scott in 1867 and they had at least 8 children including John, William, and Ralph who all became pilots.

By 1891, Robert was living in North Shields with Isabella Henderson described as his housekeeper, but there is no wife Elizabeth, and in 1901 he was living in Vespasian Avenue in South Shields with his “wife” Isabella.

No marriage has been found. Several more children were born.

His last known address is 53 Trajan Avenue, South Shields.

As Robert is buried in Tynemouth [Preston] Cemetery, his appears to have been the only body to be recovered.

Sadly his grandson Ralph was with him on the “Protector”.

Ralph PHILLIPS

Ralph was a pilot assistant, and he was 20 when he died. He was born in North Shields, the son of Ralph and Jane, and the grandson of Robert.

His father Ralph was, of course, a pilot.

In 1891, Ralph senior was a pilot apprentice lodging with the family of Sidney Smith in North Shields. He married Jane Ellen Smith in 1893.

The family were living in Walker Place, North Shields in 1901, and Ralph’s last known address is 14 East George Street, North Shields.

Ralph is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

Thomas REED

Thomas was the master of the vessel. No age or place of birth is given for Thomas but he was probably born in about 1844 in North Shields.

There is a Thomas Reed, pilot, aged 37 living in Adamson’s Broadway in North Shields in 1881 with a wife Mary and 6 children including Thomas aged 15 [pilot apprentice] and Matthew aged 14.

In 1891 they are at the same address, and in 1901 his son Matthew C. Reed, a pilot, is living in Beacon Street in North Shields.

As Thomas gives his next of kin as M.C.Reed, this is likely to be his family. However we cannot be completely sure; the last known address for M.C.Reed is 19 Toll Square, North Shields.

Thomas is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

13/04/2010:

Note from Retired Tyne Pilot: John Hart Burn:

The Master-Thomas Reed: It was the practice at the time for those Pilot Assistants (Apprentices) who had obtained the required qualifications to be eligible to be examined for a first licence would be held close to the job so that they might be readily available for examination for that licence should a vacancy become available. They would be offered the job of Master of the steam cutter. Thomas Reed was one such. At a later date such candidates would be examined for the first licence and then if successful be offered the job as Master until a vacancy arose.

Bertram RUMNEY

Bertram was a cabin boy and he was only 16 when he died. He was born in 1901, registered as Bertram Thompson Rumney, in North Shields.

He was the son of William Rumney and Isabella Thompson who married in 1897. William was a coppersmith and the family lived in Dawson Street, North Shields in 1901.

However, in 1891 William was with his parents William and Mary at 27 Burdon Main Row, the last known address for Bertram. William senior was a boat builder.

Bertram is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

William H TINMOUTH

William was a Pilot 1^st class and he was 41 when he died. He was born in South Shields, the son of Thomas Young Tinmouth and his wife Sarah. His father Thomas was also a pilot, born in South Shields.

William Hopper Tinmouth married Mary Chambers Elliott in 1901 and they were living at 76 Edith Street in the 1901 census. Their last known address is 152 Fort Street in South Shields.

William is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

Matthew YOUNG

Matthew was a Pilot 1^st class and he was 42 when he died. He was born in South Shields, the son of Matthew and Margaret Young. His father Matthew was also a pilot, born in South Shields.

Matthew [junior] married Jane Taylor Downie in 1896 and by 1901 they were living in Henry Street, South Shields with children Jane and Matthew.

Their last known address is 77 Baring Street.

Matthew is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

William YOUNG

William was a Pilot 1^st class and he was 47 when he died. He was born in South Shields, the son of Thomas and Isabella nee Robson. Thomas was also a pilot, born in South Shields.

William married Priscilla McKenzie in 1887 in South Shields, and by 1901 they were living at 117 Baring Street in South Shields with six young daughters.

Their last known address is 58 Julian Avenue.

William is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

It is tempting to think that William Young and Matthew Young are related, especially as the families lived so close to each other, but the censuses give no suggestion that this is the case, and “Young” is a very common name in the area.

Sources;

“British vessels lost at sea 1914-18”

CWGC website

Censuses

GRO

WENDY CUMMIN 2008

Other pictures of the Protector

Paul receives a retirement gift from colleague Alan Hayward at the UKMPA conference.

The UKMPA conference saw a further reduction in the dwindling numbers of Trinity House pilots still piloting when Tees pilot Paul Dunn retired after 29 years of service.

Being a mere 60, Paul hadn’t been planning to retire just yet but an impromptu swim after falling into the water when transferring from a ship to the cutter in April provided a not unsurprising stimulus to the decision making process. As Paul told me at conference there are occasions when life provides you with a message and a fall into the freezing waters of the North Sea in April cannot be ignored especially since he was the first pilot to fall into the sea since 1979. In 1979 the pilot who took the swim was none other than Paul himself and he is probably not exaggerating when he states that   “I believe I am the only person to survive falling into the North Sea twice and survive – normally when someone goes in, the task is the recovery of a body”.

Paul Dunn prior to his first “swim”!

On both occasions Paul was wearing his SeaSafe jacket with the integrated auto inflating lifejacket and thus his swimming prowess has earned him the unique honour of being featured in a SeaSafe press release!
In no doubt as to the vital role that his jacket played in his survival he states “On each of these life threatening incidents I was wearing my SeaSafe coat and both times it worked brilliantly – inflating instantly, giving vital buoyancy and aiding recovery so, apart from the extraordinary endeavours of my fellow crew members, there is no doubt that I have my SeaSafe jacket to thank for being alive – twice over.”
Paul concluded, “My wife Carole and I were counting the hours to my retirement when this happened and it’s hard to comprehend that such life threatening incidents marked both the start and end of my working career as a river pilot – I must admit I would rather have gone out with less fuss!”

JCB

Left Billy Esler, Right: Liam Magee. Zoe is most definitely the one in the middle.

Belfast Port recently became the first UK port to be granted carbon neutral status.

To mark the occasion Zoe Salmon (Blue Peter presenter) was invited to launch the eco drive and by pure coincidence there happened to be a couple of Belfast pilots available at short notice for a photo shoot!

Their obvious discomfort at being included in the event is clearly evident from the photo. How we suffer for our profession!!

JCB