News


Once again we are humbled and grateful to the Whittlesey Royal British Legion, for flying my rather old and tattered ‘Red Ensign’ to remember and commemorate the vast numbers of Merchant Seamen who lost their lives during 2 major world wars and other conflicts.(30,000+ in WWII).My thanks also to Barry […]

Today September 03rd Is Merchant Navy Day   Recently updated !


I’m sure I can speak for us all, in thanking Bob for attending the funeral of Vel Athans.Unfortunately I have recently come out of hospital and have many appointments which clashed. Here below, is an e-mail from Vel’s daughter, ‘Viki’ Hello Bob, It was lovely to chat to you yesterday, […]

Vel Athans Family Request   Recently updated !


Our/my thanks to Robert (Bob) Blake, who has kindly sent the following, the funeral took place Thursday 28th August. There was a good turnout of family members, although not all could attend being age related and unable to travel from the Greek Islands. Tino Duris was unable to attend as […]

VIP “ Vel Athans”   Recently updated !




I have been informed today, that Ex long employee, Chief Engineer and SuperintendentVal Athans passed away yesterday (11th August).My source who I have spoken with is 92 year old Malcolm Mcquire.At present I have no further information. If a picture comes up, this is a ‘glinch’….

Passing of Vel Athanassiadis






Hi Roy, During the summer of 1964 aged 15 and still at The London Nautical School I managed to get leave and take a trip on the Avon Ranger (Avonmouth, Puerto Ordaz, Trinidad, Kilingholm). I shared a cabin with the deck cadet who might have been Welsh. It was a […]

Anyone Remember – Clive Heathmarsh