The Original SSM Guestbook

The following entries have been copied from the original guest pages which were, very fortunately, saved by Willie Macfarlane. As a result of Willie's good work we have managed to recover around eighty of the original messages! He is to be congratulated!



Visitor's Name: Alasdair Mackenzie
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Stornoway
Comments: have already signed in with comments, but received a message from Willie Macfarlane, also an ex employee. Unfortunately have lost his e mail address, so was wondering if you could get in touch with him to ask him to e mail me again. thanks
Sign Time: October 26 2003 at 10:42:34


Visitor's Name: Brian Dodd
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Fleetwood, Lancashire
Comments: Hello All, was R/O on Cape Nelson and Baron Inchcape 1973-1974, Inchcape was a good run, joined in AMS with new engines and round the world to Avonmouth and pay off, bit of a fall out with pers dept, so left and joined BP. Good Times though Great site Ian keep it up Cheers Brian
Sign Time: October 23 2003 at 08:36:21


Visitor's Name: Iain Benzie
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Carnwath, Scotland
Comments: Worked on deck as an AB and GP1 on the following Cape Nelson 75, Cape Horn 76, Cape Wrath 77, Cape Howe 77, Baron Napier 78, Cape Rodney X3 78 to 80, Baron Renfrew 76..All other voyages with Seaforth Maritime (North Sea) Brilliant times, miss it a lot. Now a forensic psychi nurse at a max sec unit Scotland. Wood like to hear from anyone I sailed with , esp Barry Mackinnon...who introduced me to all things bizarre. ha ha.
Sign Time: October 13 2003 at 18:29:32


Visitor's Name: Peter Lightfoot
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Hull
Comments: This too is my second posting.Now living in Middlesborough and working as a Tees Pilot.Served with SSM From 82-86 on C.Finesterre and C.Rodney as Nav cadet.Interesting thing happened 3 years ago came across a Govan ship while working as a pilot on the Humber at Immingham turned out to be the C.Ortegal! they dont build them like they used to!!?.Hello to anyone who remembers me and hope to see you at this years re-union.
Sign Time: October 11 2003 at 11:46:59


Visitor's Name: Alex Milligan
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: East Lancs, originally Hamilton.
Comments: This is my second "signing". Delighted to see the site has progressed so well. Does anybody out there have full length photos of Cape York and Baron Renfrew? If so, I would be delighted to add them to my collection.
Sign Time: October 07 2003 at 10:59:43


Visitor's Name: Duncan Macleod
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Glasgow and parts North West!
Comments: Was deck cadet between '78 and 82 on C.Horn - twice (blame Jim Gray!), B. Belhaven, B.Pentland, C. Arnham. Some of you may remember me as the gadget who dropped a fuel pump into Sydney Harbour. Oh how we all laughed! Was chums with leckie Gary Gammage. Invited him to my wedding where the bugger got off with my sister! Officer & gent that he was, damn married the gal! I did enjoy my brief time at sea with SSM and sometimes reflect on what might have happened - had I passed my writtens! Freaky thing is that my eldest son is now at GCNS doing an engineering cadetship, albeit with some Johhny foreigner outfit. You can blame Jim Gray for that one too!
Sign Time: October 06 2003 at 13:58:50


Visitor's Name: Mike Coward
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Dalton-in-Furness
Comments: Have just found this webite and noticed a few old names. I sailed with SSM as Elect from 1977 to 1983. After several job I'm now working in the oil patch - offshore West Africa on a Drillship. What's this about a reunion? Is it held every year??
Sign Time: October 01 2003 at 16:49:28


Visitor's Name: Duncan Mackay [ FINGER`S son ]
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Dover previously Dunbar
Comments: I have recently been appointed lifeboat coxswain with the RNLI at Dover . So if any of my my dads old shipmates are passing through,feel free to give me a call . thanx to tommy and betty robson for all your support and robin kilpatrick for giving me a start offshore.hi to bob abercrombie,callum mclean and jim grey,ill keep in touch
Sign Time: September 25 2003 at 15:13:45


Visitor's Name: David Coe
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Staffordshire
Comments: Great to see so many names from the good old days of SSM. Look forward to seeing some of you at the next reunion whenever it may be.
Sign Time: September 22 2003 at 03:47:03


Visitor's Name: Donald Campbell
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Stornoway
Comments: sailed in following ships as deck cadet/3rd mate from 1967 to 1972 cape howe,cape st vincent,cape nelson cape wrath,cape clear.Many happy memories,vancouver,new west,port pirie,pacific islands,n.z.now sailing with intrada ship management as 1st mate on gen.cargo ships.Wish todays life on the ocean was as good as it was then.
Sign Time: September 20 2003 at 09:04:22


Visitor's Name: Peter Shotton
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Philippines
Comments: I got a great surprise and delight to find your website. I sailed with SSM in the 70s on the Cape Horn, Baron Wemyss and the Renfrew. What great ships and great runs and of course the Glasgow boys who crewed them. I am retired and now live in the Philippines and would welcome contact with any of the boys who remember me. Although there are many who spring to mind I would mention Duggie McGuire, Con Gallagher and Jimmy Gaffney. Do any of the boys remember "Fiji Sue" and Bella the Fella" in good old Sydney? Ha-Ha.
Sign Time: September 16 2003 at 22:20:55


Visitor's Name: Tony Cummings
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Birtley,Co Durham
Comments: Great site,Sailed as extra 4th on maiden voyage of Temple Bar,including 6 weeks dry dock in Osaka!Great crowd,remember in particular Donald Morrison 4th eng,Jimmy Blackwood 3rd eng and Alec the chief steward who wanted to stitch my face after an accident one day out of Tampa!Happy days.
Sign Time: September 12 2003 at 09:47:13


Visitor's Name: Callum MacLean
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Stornoway
Comments: Delighted when Dougie Campbell told me about the site. Now retired though I periodically help out at Lews Castle College as a lecturer where I spent nigh on 13 years before retiring on 31st. March 2000, coincidental with the date they switched off the Decca!! Sent Email to site some days ago if anyone interested in reading it. Good to see some old familiar names still around. Iain Waters,note I heard from Kilpatrick ex Cape Sable last year. Working in Nigeria Loss Recovery or some such job for oil company. Glad to hear you are surviving Shetland and Moodie and a few others. Every success with the site. Regards Callum MacLean
Sign Time: September 10 2003 at 13:09:46


Visitor's Name: Phillip Richardson
Homepage URL:  
You are from: Troon, Scotland
Comments: Missed being on your Triad crew list by 4 months. Glad to see something of SSM.
Sign Time: September 03 2003 at 05:21:46


Visitor's Name: Willie Macfarlane
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Stornoway,Isle of Lewis
Comments: Sailed as GP1 on the "Cape Grenville" maiden voyage (1973) from Haugesund,paid off in Vancouver six months later. Next trip joined the Temple Inn in Vancouver seemed to do more flying than sailing. I have loads of photos from these days if anybody is interested.
Sign Time: August 31 2003 at 04:54:44


Visitor's Name: Alasdair Mackenzie
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Stornoway Isle of Lewis Scotland (Now Fife)
Comments: Was astonished to find this site. Sailed as GP steward on Cape Leeuwin,Cape Grenville and Baron Ardrossan. Actually did the maiden voyage on the Cape Grenville from Haugesund to Galveston.
Sign Time: August 29 2003 at 14:45:49


Visitor's Name: Tommy Goudie
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Shetland
Comments: Great to see this site, a blast from the past. I was Deck Cadet from 1979 to 1983, first ship was Cape Horn then Cape Ortegal, 2 days on Baron Ardrossan (paid off to go to hospital!), Baron Pentland. Too many great shipmates to mention. I occasionally see Sandy Ralph the Leckie as he now works on the ferries between Aberdeen, Orkney & Shetland.
Sign Time: July 27 2003 at 14:38:09


Visitor's Name: Iain Waters
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Orkney
Comments: Hello all, what a blast finding this sight!! I was told to search around the other day while slurping a pint with Jamie Pyper and Henry Aitchison - for once they gave me good advice. I'm working as a pilot in Scapa Flow these days with another ex SSM bod - Ernie Moodie. Mostly tankers, but the other day I brought in a 23000t geared bulker which only did 10knots and was running out of lube oil - brought back happy memories (although Jun-Jun may not agree). I'll keep in touch and try to make it in December. Burt
Sign Time: July 23 2003 at 08:42:58


Visitor's Name: Kenny Macaulay
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Clynder,Dunbartonshire
Comments: Joined SSM as a deck cadet in 1970.Served on Cape Nelson,Cape Race,Cape Horn,Baron Inchcape & Temple Bar. Left SSM in'74 to join M.O.D. Now senior pilot at HM Naval Base Faslane.Time with SSM the best so far! Spooky thing is Jim Grey who started me with SSM also started my younger son Ross with Maersk. Just goes to show tempus really does fugit ! Still in touch with Jim Grey, Peter(the polis)Brennan and Ian Macleod.
Sign Time: July 05 2003 at 13:46:22


Visitor's Name: Daniel Cerda Rojas
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: La Serena, Chile
Comments: I have many wonderful moments onboard the M/V Cape Leeuwin. I sailed with Montenegro and Andrades in 1977. If anybody is still in touch with Jimmy Nelson (3rd. Engineer), tell him to contact me at f_cerda@hotmail.com. Thanks for the website
Sign Time: July 05 2003 at 00:27:19


Visitor's Name: Bill
Homepage URL: http://www.ba.com/
You are from: Started in Glasgow but now London
Comments: great to stumble on this site. I joined ssm in 1976 as galley boy. didnt stick at it for various reasons, went off and obtained an education now transatlantic P1 on 747s ( jumbo jet Captain )never looked back since.
Sign Time: June 27 2003 at 12:48:10


Visitor's Name: Greg Copley
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Originally Fremantle. Now Hong Kong
Comments: It was a pleasure to find this site although I regard myself as a Baron Line apprentice I sailed on quite a few Cape ships and later joined Eastern Bulkers of Hong Kong which was I suppose the Pheonix which rose from the ashes before Kelvin Shipping made an appearance. First vessel was the Baron Maclay followed by Baron Inverforth, Baron Minto, Baron Wemyss, Baron Cawdor, Baron Forbes, Cape Sable, Cape Nelson, Cape Franklin, Then Blue Star and British Telecom before moving on to Eastern Bulkers where I served on the Kilmun, Sea Taian, Taichu, and finally the Baron Murray which was renamed briefly before being sold. Then worked with the Kalapati, Acasia 1 and the Adelpha before coming ashore permanantly. Surveying out of Hong Kong for most of the interim period up to the present. The apprentices such as Mike Smith, Colin Green, Arthur Riley, Hector Macgibbon, Chris Armstrong, all seemed to vapourise just as SSM materialised.
Sign Time: June 23 2003 at 06:37:14


Visitor's Name: Stuart Carling
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Middlesbrough; now Benidorm, Spain
Comments: I joined Cape York in Vancouver in '73 as cat. boy. First port was Lyttleton, NZ. Crossing the line was fun for me but the Greek junior eng. didn't think so. He hid but was found and got the treatment! I remember hurricane "Tracy" off the west coast of Australia! It went on to devastate Darwin. Peter Mawston (2nd cook at the time) regularly thrashed me at table tennis! I did 2 stints in Cape Howe during '74 (Murmansk run and west USA/Canada run) and 1 in Baron Wemyss, January to July, 1975. I'm not hot on names but a few in the Triad '77 list ring a bell. They were the best 2 years of my life.
Sign Time: June 15 2003 at 08:31:28


Visitor's Name: Peter Isaac
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Sydney, Australia
Comments: Great to find your website. I sailed as R/O on the old Baron Kinnaird in the late 60's. The Master was Paddy Minards, and I believe the Chief Officer George Towers. We had some most eventful moments during our 7 months aboard this vessel! Anyone remember those days?
Sign Time: June 14 2003 at 23:04:33


Visitor's Name: David Betts
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Leeds
Comments: Joined Hogarths in 1965 and sailed on the Baron Ardrossan ( old one), Baron Belhaven, Baron Inverforth, Cape Howe, Cape Clear, Baron Ardrossan, Cape Rodney and the Baron Dunmore. I left SSM in in 1971. Went to Anco and and finally went ashore in 1986. Live in Houston.
Sign Time: May 26 2003 at 04:51:25


Visitor's Name: charley riddell
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: hawick
Comments: hi all i sailed with s s m from 1976to 1981 and enjoyed every minute now work offshore
Sign Time: May 24 2003 at 08:10:17


Visitor's Name: John Gallagher
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Paisley
Comments: It has been great reading the geust book comments.I only have good memories of S.S.M. and the crews I sailed with(didn't seem like it at the time) Leckie on the Cape York, Cape Sable and Baron Cawdor. Any one interested can email me at jgallagher@absamail.co.za
Sign Time: May 23 2003 at 11:48:31


Visitor's Name: Bob Abercrombie
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Fife
Comments: Hi to all. Recently tried to forward photos of Cape Clear to Paul Holmes but unfortunately e-mail address was rejected. If you're still after photos of the Cape Clear Paul, let me have your up to date e-mail address. Great to see more well kent names appearing on the site. Well done to Ian Warner for taking the initiative. Regards to all Bob Abercrombie
Sign Time: May 17 2003 at 14:35:59


Visitor's Name: Eric Wallace
Homepage URL: http://
You are from:  
Comments: Hi I have signed the guestbook before.But I wonder if you could tell me how I could get a copy of the ships crew of the Cape Rodney for 1956. this was my first trip to sea and would like to contact some of the guys I sailed with. any help will be greatly appreciated. thanks Eric Wallace
Sign Time: May 16 2003 at 18:32:24


Visitor's Name: graham adams
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: stewartfield east kilbride.scotland
Comments: Well I was surprised and delighted to find this site with so many names and memories from old shipmates to read .The pitcures were great to see and remember the good times of those days.Some of you will remember me but to fill in the blanks I joined in 1969 with afew others I see on here (DAVEY FENTON,BOB ABERCROMBIE,PETE BRENNAN ,ALISTAIR LOGAN sorry if I missed anybody)I sailed on most of the fleet throughout the seventies and up to 1984 when it all really started to unwind .Iam sure like most of you we recall all the great thing about being at sea and run ashore etc.So I will keep logging on to checkout the "SUN SEX &MONEY"SSM DAYS.
Sign Time: May 16 2003 at 07:32:01


Visitor's Name: paul holmes
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: hull east yorks
Comments: sailed on cape clear 1969 and maiden voyage on cape horn joined her in stavanger. is there anyone out there with a photo of cape clear it would be much appreciated.
Sign Time: May 02 2003 at 06:38:53


Visitor's Name: JOHN RUSSELL (JUN-JUN)
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: CLYDEBANK
Comments: Served from 69-74, on Cape Howe, Cape Horn (maiden Voyage), Cape St Vincent, Temple Arch, Baron Ardrossan. was jun eng, then 4th eng. Love to hear from anyone who may recall times on the ships. e-mail me on: jr009a1413@blueyonder.co.uk
Sign Time: April 26 2003 at 11:00:39


Visitor's Name: kim nicholson
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Grimsby
Comments: I WAS ON MANY SSM SHIPS 1975 1982 MET MY WIFE ON THE CAPE TRAFALGER HELEN JAMES STEWDS GREAT SITE
Sign Time: April 24 2003 at 14:16:54


Visitor's Name: Mervyn Wilson
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Malaga Spain
Comments: Served my deck cadetship on 3 ships. 1966 to 1969. Cape Howe, Cape Rodney and 1st SSM ship the Baron Forbes.(Short one year trip and paid off with 7 quid!!!) Hired on by Marine Superintendent Captain Love in Princes Square. Best years of my life. Still afloat on drilling rig Gulf of Mexico. Anyone remembers me send an e mail.
Sign Time: April 22 2003 at 18:34:56


Visitor's Name: Eric Wallace
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: NH USA
Comments: Back again!I just saw a name that I recognise,J Dobson 3rd mate Cape horn 1977 I wonder if this is the same Jim Dobson I sailed with on the Hazelmoor in 1959? if so please contact me at Villagus11@netzero.com
Sign Time: April 11 2003 at 18:43:27


Visitor's Name: Eric Wallace
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Orig.kilsyth scotland now NH USA
Comments: forgot to add I was Jr Eng first trip on the CapeRodney back in 1955. I see the name mentioned much later than this was there another Cape Rodney.would like to hear from anyone on that trip. we started out in Belfast then was gone a year.
Sign Time: April 10 2003 at 18:43:39


Visitor's Name: Eric Wallace
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: NH USA
Comments: I sailed on the cape rodney my first trip to sea back in nov 1959 any info on her would be appreciated
Sign Time: April 10 2003 at 18:29:09


Visitor's Name: Kenny Martin
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Gourock, Scotland
Comments: Searching web and was delighted to find this site! Brought back many happy memories & good times! My last period at sea before going ashore was with SSM between 1971-1972, sailed as Electrician on Baron Cawdor, Cape St. Vincent and Cape Wrath, on which trip my wife Frances joined me. Sorry not to see any of these ships pictured, though. I've just retired from Strathclyde Police after 30 years, having joined Renfrew & Bute Constabulary on coming ashore in '72, hence the reason I've got plenty of time to surf the web now! Great site, keep it up. In the words of Big Arnie, "I'll be back!"
Sign Time: April 09 2003 at 14:08:33


Visitor's Name: George Ramshaw
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Perth Western Australia
Comments: I joined SSM in Feb.'70 and left Dec.'75.My first ship was Cape Clear as Jnr.Engr.the Chief was (Wee)Jack McLennan and the Captain was John(Candy)Cain.I then went to Baron Dunmore,Cape St.Vincent,Cape Sable,Cape Hawke,Temple Inn,Cape York and Baron Mclay.I met some absolutely wonderful people during that time John Drury,Frank Taylor,John Gallagher,just to name a few and without a doubt were the best years of my life to date.Apart from the memories(good and bad-mostly bad)of the AO Ruston engines I don't see much mention in the guest book about the wives that were travelling on board.My wife came with me on three trips and we have some great memories.I am currently Superintending new builds with Seacor Marine in Singapore.This is a wonderful site and look forward to the time I can make it to a reunion in December in Glasgow. Best Regards to all old shipmates.
Sign Time: April 03 2003 at 22:47:17


Visitor's Name: Stuart Boyd
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Boscombe Down
Comments: I was one of Jim Gray's young Nav Cadet offsprings from 1979-1983. 3rd Mate from 1983-84. I sailed on the Cape Grafton, Cape Leeuwin, Baron Pentland (twice), Cape Trafalgar (twice). Left the merchant navy (various companies) in 1986 to join the RAF as a Tornado Navigator. Served during Gulf War 1. Have just retired from the RAF 3 weeks ago and am now heading off to Auckland NZ to be a university lecturer. It was all those Nauru Is to Kiwi runs that got me hooked. Great sight and some familiar names.
Sign Time: March 25 2003 at 13:01:08


Visitor's Name: John Drury
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Whitley Bay
Comments: The first Lyle ship I joined was the Cape Howe in May 1967. Apart from a couple of times when I felt that the grass could be greener elswhere I was with SSM up until the flagging out in 1984. After a couple of years offshore in the Italian Adriatic I came ashore in 1986 and have worked in the frozen food industry ever since. I look forward to the annual reunions in Glasgow and meeting up with a bunch of old ship mates. A mass swinging of lamps. I keep in touch with several ex SSM personnel including John Gallagher in Cape Town & George Ramshaw in Perth WA. Nearer home I frequently see Davey Noble and Jimmy Miller. Moss Dalby was Master of my last ship, Cape Grenville. We keep in touch, making the annual pilgrimage to Glasgow together and sometimes meeting up at St James Park. Without a doubt my time at sea and particularly my time at SSM could not have been better.
Sign Time: March 25 2003 at 12:39:17


Visitor's Name: dugald campbell.
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: campbeltown originally, now Hayton, near carlisle
Comments: best regards to all who may remember me fr om 1963, Cape Nelson to Cape Rodney 1984 also various other Acomarit vessels until 1994
Sign Time: March 22 2003 at 03:23:37


Visitor's Name: Charlie Boomer
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Glasgow
Comments: Now living down in sussex. Sailed on the Cape Grenville in the early sixties. Had a great time on the Grenville. Jumped ship in Aussie. I'm trying to trace any old ship mates that might still be out there.
Sign Time: March 20 2003 at 15:31:11


Visitor's Name: JEREMY MOORE
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: OBAN, SCOTLAND
Comments: I was an AB from march 84 to the end when the Kinnaird went in Hong Kong in Aug 86. If it hadn't Id probably still be there. Some of the names on that crewlist are a real blast from the past. Great site, well done.
Sign Time: March 18 2003 at 12:18:39


Visitor's Name: Flann Howard
Homepage URL: http://cssl.ennis.ie/
You are from: Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland.
Comments: Also nearly died when I saw my name on the m/v Cape Howe crew list. Tony Honan also ex SSM R/O still lives in Ennis. I really enjoyed my time with SSM which I joined in 1975 and served on the Cape Nelson Cape Howe, Baron Belhaven, Cape Horn, Cape York, & the Cape Rodney which was my last ship before coming ashore in 1978. Now employed with the Irish Aviation Authority for the past 23 years. Keep up the good work and regards to anyone that remembers me from my time with SSM of which I have very happy memories.
Sign Time: March 10 2003 at 14:12:23


Visitor's Name: Flann Howard
Homepage URL: http://cssl.ennis.ie/
You are from: Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland.
Comments: Also nearly died when I saw my name on the m/v Cape Howe crew list. Tony Honan also ex SSM R/O still lives in Ennis. I really enjoyed my time with SSM which I joined in 1975 and served on the Cape Nelson Cape Howe, Baron Belhaven, Cape Horn, Cape York, & the Cape Rodney which was my last ship before coming ashore in 1978. Now employed with the Irish Aviation Authority for the past 23 years. Keep up the good work and regards to anyone that remembers me from my time with SSM and I have very happy memories of my time with SSM.
Sign Time: March 10 2003 at 14:11:15


Visitor's Name: Phil Webb
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Lenzie, Glasgow
Comments: Enjoyed my 11years with SSM from 1972 -1983 probably the best years of my life. These days still sailing the oceans - closer to home - a bonus recently sailing to some old familiar grounds down under. Interesting site to visit - well done.
Sign Time: March 07 2003 at 11:13:27


Visitor's Name: Peter Brennan
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Helensburgh, Scotland
Comments: Nearly died when I saw my name in crew list M/V Cape Race, 2nd Mate. Left SSM in 1980. Been in Strathclyde Police for the last 23years (just over 2y to go). Still close to Val Walker, Tommy Walker's missus (master on M/V Cape Rodney/1977) . He sadly passed away in 1986. Also in contact with radio officer - Tony Honen. Reside fairly close to Val and Ken Mcauley - 2nd mate. Fantastic site!!!!! Thanks for the 'old' memories. Would love to try the sea again once retired......... :-)
Sign Time: March 02 2003 at 15:34:12


Visitor's Name: Pete Broers
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Dumfries
Comments: Joined SSM straight from school in 1969 sailing on the MV Cape Howe. Left in 1984 when the company was flagging out. Many happy memories brought back reading through the Triad crew list.
Sign Time: February 14 2003 at 05:38:57


Visitor's Name: Jim Gray
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Helensburgh
Comments: Was R/O on Cape Franklin and Baron Forbes 1971/72 then Personel Dept until the demise of the Company in Oct 1986. Plead guilty to starting many Cadets over the years(also with Clyde Marine from 1988 until swallowed the anchor Sept 2002).Happy days indeed with SSM.Enjoying names from the past appearing in this site. Great site Ian.
Sign Time: February 10 2003 at 14:21:10


Visitor's Name: david ,f.wilson
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: kilmarnock ayrshire
Comments: great to read the site well done ian warner, its great to see all the old salts at annual reunion lunch in iron horse a xmas it brings back memories of many good days and the occassional bad one regards to all
Sign Time: February 04 2003 at 13:09:27


Visitor's Name: Neil Campbell.
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Glasgow (originally South Uist)
Comments: Found this lovely site with google I was an electrician with SSM from '76 to '83 and was delighted to see all these familiar names. Happy times and mostly good memories (it is true-you forget the bad ones).If any of my old pals read this be sure and drop me a line.
Sign Time: January 31 2003 at 15:38:07


Visitor's Name: Ken Webb
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Near Tilbury. Essex.
Comments: I was an AB on the Baron Belhaven 04/61 to 02/62, if anyone would like a photo of this ship just call me, does anybody know what became of Cpt Duncan MacGreggor from this time. Ken.
Sign Time: January 27 2003 at 06:43:06


Visitor's Name: Alan Hill
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Chalgrove Oxford UK
Comments: Went to sea in 1963 with Lyles as a cadet. First ship the ore carrier "Cape Nelson" followed by "Cape York" "Cape Sable" "Cape Howe" did 2nd Mates at Leith 1966 then stood by the new geared bulk carrier "Cape St Vincent" fitting out at John Brown's went on her trials before joining her sister "Cape Rodney" in Porto Maghera (Venice) did 10 months in her then 2 months on the "Cape Nelson" before leaving Lyles stayed at sea until 1978.
Sign Time: January 26 2003 at 12:16:55


Visitor's Name: T Coughlan
Homepage URL: http://tams-cam.members.easyspace.com/
You are from: Still Glasgow
Comments: Good site. I worked on three SSM vessels in the 70s, those were the days :-) and I noticed a few names in the Triad that I can still put faces to all these years later. From Norway to OZ, the Kiwi coast, Indonesia, Christmas Island, Japan, China, USA both coasts and everywhere in between. Magic. I've used a bit of old and unused web space to put my discharge book up there for anyone who want a look.
Sign Time: January 21 2003 at 07:36:23


Visitor's Name: Alex Milligan
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: East Lancs, ex Hamilton
Comments: Great site, I was an Engineer with SSM 72-75, twice on Cape Howe (including the "steel run" from the Tees as far as New Westminster), Cape York (reduced speed trip Port Pirie-Avonmouth) and Baron Renfrew. Recognise many names from the Crew List---enjoyable times! SSM = Sun ,Sea, Money, but not too much of the latter!! Keep up the good work.
Sign Time: January 13 2003 at 12:00:34


Visitor's Name: Andy Duncan
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: New Zealand
Comments: Sailed as Electrcian on various ships in the late 70s a really enjoyable part of my life. Sailed with many great characters
Sign Time: January 10 2003 at 02:09:01


Visitor's Name: Frank Parsons
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Glasgow
Comments: Found this site thru www.clydesite.com. I sailed with Lyle on the Cape Wrath,the Cape Sable,Cape York,and on the maiden voyage of the Cape Howe.These were the best years of my Merchant navy days .I started of as a Catering boy,then assistant steward in the early 1960'sI still have some old photos of the various ships and crews from the "Cape Boat" days If my memory serves me right the second steward on the Wrath was Big Geoff Daddy. Great to hear from any old shipmates.
Sign Time: January 06 2003 at 11:58:57


Visitor's Name: Bill Glen
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Edinburgh
Comments: Iwas an Engineer Cadet from 1975 - 1979. I know I was on the Cape Horn and about 5 other ships but I have sadly forgotton which ones. However I will never forget the ports and the good and not so good times I had.
Sign Time: January 05 2003 at 03:49:03


Visitor's Name: Robert Cutting ( known as Geordie )
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Newcastle upon Tyne
Comments: Great to find the website, I sailed on the MV Cape Wrath as a catering boy in 73 and on the MV Baron Renfrew as GP catering boy then GP stewart,i did not know it then but it was the best time of my life, dont think anyone will reconise my name as i was always known as Geordie, if anyone has any old photos of the two above ships please contact me on robjcutt@hotmail.com cheers Geordie
Sign Time: January 02 2003 at 17:09:34


Visitor's Name: Sandy MacCallum
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Perth.
Comments: Great to see the SSM Website. I was an R/O with SSM from 1973 till 1984, some of the happiest years of my life. Have been working as a Radio Op on the oil rigs since leaving the sea in 1984. Presently living in Perth but hoping to move back to Mull later in the year. Looking forward to meeting the lads at next years reunion.
Sign Time: December 26 2002 at 07:22:24


Visitor's Name: Ron Murray
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Dalgety Bay, Fife
Comments: Personnel Department from November 1972 until August 1986. First as Recruitment Officer then as Personnel Officer mainly in charge of engineers. What a great bunch of guys. Please keep in touch everyone. See you in December 2003 at The Iron Horse.
Sign Time: December 16 2002 at 14:06:20


Visitor's Name: Peter Lightfoot
Homepage URL: http://katiaandpete@hotmail.com/
You are from: Middlesborough
Comments: I served as a Deck Cadet with SSM from 1982 to 1986,the best four years of my seagoing career.Great to see this web site I will be a regular visitor to catch up with old friends and fond memories.
Sign Time: December 16 2002 at 10:29:19


Visitor's Name: gordon walker, ex Radio Officer
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Milford Auckland New Zealand
Comments: Been living in NZ since 1998, please to hear from any old ship mates
Sign Time: December 08 2002 at 13:50:51


Visitor's Name: Leslie Anderson
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Glasgow
Comments: Great to see a web site for SSM folk. Was R/O from 1973 to 1978. Happy days!
Sign Time: December 08 2002 at 12:10:24


Visitor's Name: Robert Thomson
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Shetland Isles
Comments: Great to see someone has gone to the bother to put up a website. I served as deck cadet and third mate with SSM from 81 - 86. Still living up in Shetland, have contact with several other ex SSM people up here - 4 of us work for the same company. Brung back many memories reading the crew lists - a little before my time but I recognise lots of names. If anyone is looking to contact any other Shelties I would be happy to pass messages along.
Sign Time: December 04 2002 at 14:21:38


Visitor's Name: David Fenton
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Glasgow
Comments: I served with SSM from 1969 to 1978 and had a great time. It was good to see the names of previous shipmates listed in Triad and to see my own name! REMEMBER, we have an SSM reunion every year just before Christmas. Last year 55 shipmates attended. See Bob Abercrombie for details!
Sign Time: November 21 2002 at 02:18:40


Visitor's Name: Bob Abercrombie
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Now live in sunny Fife
Comments: Private message. Click here to read it.
Sign Time: November 18 2002 at 14:12:02


Visitor's Name: Ian Potter
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: GRIMSBY
Comments: I have viewed this site with great interest and even found my name in the list of crew from the "TRIAD" I would be grateful if anyone out there has any photo's (preferably colour) of the CAPE HORN and CAPE ORTEGAL that they would be willing to let me have a copy of. I am willing to pay the costs of copying and enlargement to 10" x8" and also the cost of p&p. I sailed on both ships during 1976 & 1977. Thanks Ian. Once again great website and I wish that there were more about for other shipping companies
Sign Time: November 10 2002 at 03:49:52


Visitor's Name: Brian Curtis
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: U.K.
Comments: I am researching family history. Could anyone give me any information on Radio Officer R. Gaches, listed as on voyage leave in the crew list 1977. I have a Gaches family tree going back to 1650 and am trying to fill in one or two of the more recent connections. Being an ex Marine Engineer I found the web site most interesting. Many thanks. Brian Curtis.
Sign Time: September 30 2002 at 14:35:48


Visitor's Name: Stephen Smith
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Witco Marine Services
Comments: Hello Their I don't know whether I am talking about the sam ship or not but in 1976 14th November in Matanzaz Venezuela South America ( or a place of similar name ) myself and my family were invited to a BBQ on board the Baron Renfrew. We were on board a ship called the Finnish Wasa (Salen / Whitco Marine Services ) and were docked along side this ship for a few days waiting for favourable weather. I am interesting in contacting anyone on board the ship who remembers us. Thank you. Stephen Smith
Sign Time: September 29 2002 at 18:57:33


Visitor's Name: Murray Moncrieff
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Annan
Comments: Served with SSM from 72 to 81 had some great times. Now with Scottish Fisheries, vessels a lot smaller now.
Sign Time: September 06 2002 at 15:55:04


Visitor's Name: John Trotter
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Brisbane (via Middlesbrough)
Comments: Ex R/O getting sentimental and blundered into site. Had a couple of character building years with SSM -'72 to '74 - Cape Clear, Baron Ardrossan {Ruston marathon}, Cape Leeuwin (fuel crisis - slow speed Mackay, Aust. to London - magic!). Best wishes to all and thanks for the site.
Sign Time: August 20 2002 at 09:54:15


Visitor's Name: duncan mackay
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: dunbar east lothian
Comments: Nice to view web sight brought back some great memories of passages with my father (John FINGERS Mackay) I still keep in touch with some of my dads old shipmates.available at the above E mail.
Sign Time: July 08 2002 at 21:47:34


Visitor's Name: Jim Mair
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Oxford
Comments: served my time with the Baron Line 1962....1966 would like to make contact with former shipmates
Sign Time: June 08 2002 at 05:00:41


Visitor's Name: JIM MAIR
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: oxford
Comments: deck apprentice from1962 with h.hogarth first ship baron pentland. first master capt pearson first mate doug innes enjoyed my time with the baron line.
Sign Time: June 08 2002 at 04:27:41


Visitor's Name: Martin Coward
Homepage URL: http://
You are from:  
Comments: My brother and myself both worked for the big S from 1976 to 1980 in my case and 82 in my brothers case. Great times and meet a lot of good people
Sign Time: May 23 2002 at 12:45:55


Visitor's Name: Ian Warner
Homepage URL: http://
You are from: Warrington England
Comments: I worked for SSM from 1976 to 1984 firstly as a deck cadet and then as a third mate. Great Site!
Sign Time: March 04 2002 at 15:50:00


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