BHP Shipping

Merry Christmas to you all wherever you may be

My favourite ship of all time to sail on as 2nd Engineer. The Iron Warrior Mark 2. It was the very basic vessel in steam engineering with two 30 KW steam generators for the DC power and lighting which required the power for the cool rooms to be off during breakfast as the new salamander making toast would black the ship out. A blackout did not effect the main engine or steering however as these were steam reciprocating engines and kept running regardless. It had a steam exhaust turbine that, when clutched in, contributed an extra knot to the ship's speed (Approx. 11 knots max)
All auxiliary engine room equipment as well as deck winches were steam operated as well.
She was loved by all 2nd Engineers...(JE)

Just found this programme for the 50 Years of Marine Deck Apprentices and Deck Cadets from 1938 to 1988 and thought I would share it with you. May bring back some memories of those you sailed with and hopefully put a smile on your face...(JE)

I have just received this message from David Baxendale in regards to the passing of Richard (Hagar) Merckx. He received the information from Nils...

Dear all,

Herewith I sadly have to inform you that on Friday September 29 Richard Merckx, known to some of you as “Hagar” left on his last voyage.

For those of you who have not seen him for a while, the years were starting to count for him and visits to the doctor became more and more frequently. He was hospitalized on Monday with covid-19 and a pneumonia. Shortly after that he suffered 2 strokes. That was too much for him and after 2 more days in hospital with Eliena on his side he passed away early friday morning.

He will be missed very much by Eliena and us. I have no doubt all of you will have fond memories of him. He talked a lot about you, his friends from all corners of the world.

This Friday, October 6th he will be buried in Harlingen, the town he felt very much at home for the last 25 years. Please think of him this day…

At the moment Eliena has a pneumonia as well and she is recovering from Covid. As you can imagine she is exhausted and very emotional. For the next few days all is focused on getting her fit for the funeral on Friday. Therefore I want to ask you not to contact her right now but wait until after the funeral.

All the best to all of you,

Nils

They keep on passing, it was only recently that I learned that a fellow Newcastle Crankcase Club Member and old time BHP Marine Engineer Alan Morgan, passed away 22nd July at the Warners Bay Pallitive Care Hospital. He was 92 years old. Our condolences go to his family and friends. R.I.P. Alan, fair winds and a following sea to take you home mate...

John Elloy
It is once again with regret that I must inform all of another passing, Richard (Hagar) Merckx passed away in a Nederlands hospital, at 0530 hours this morning, where he was admitted with Covid. Whilst there he suffered a massive stroke and was unresponsive to all treatment. He was a great bloke to sail with and I had that pleasure on the Heavy Lift Iron Baron...Rest In Peace Hagar, you have earned it mate. My condolences to all his family and friends. Clear skies, smooth seas and a following breeze to take you home mate...

We have suffered the loss, once again, of another seafarer. A master mariner who sailed as Captain on BHP Shipping vessels.

Huw Goronwy Thomas Ellis Death Notice - | Newcastle Herald CAPTAIN ELLISHuw Goronwy Thomas Yn wreiddiol o Mor Ewyn, Aberaeron, symudodd Huw i Awabakal Country, Awstralia yn y 1960au. Bu farw ar 5ed Awst 2023, yn 82oed. Priod annwyl Dorothy, Tad balch Hywel a Gwilym, Tadcu cariadus Angus a Matilda. Ewythr hoff i Carys, Dafydd, Awen a Fflur. Roedd yn falch la...

Received these photos of an younger Des Kinsella from Ian Wright, Des's funeral is at the R.C.Church in Forster at 1400 hours today (Thursday) Sorry for the late notification...(JE)

Photo taken at a BHP Shipping Reunion...

Just received Ian Wright's posting on Facebook's home page and have transferred to BHP Shipping page for all who knew Cap't Des Kinsella...

Ian Wright
Sad to report that ex BHP Master & Newcastle Pilot, Captain Des Kinsella passed away suddenly at Coolongolook, NSW early on the morning of 14th June, 2023. Sadly missed by all who knew him.

We were asked for a list of all the IRON boats , here is a list in order in order, Monarch, Baron, Prince, K**b, master, prince, warrior, baron, king, knight, chieftain, monarch, duke, yampi, kimberley, derby, wyndham, whyalla, knight, spencer, flinders, dampier, warrior, clipper, cavalier, hunter, endeavour, somersby, banbury, baron, sirius, parkgate, monarch, duke, cumberland, arnhem, york, kestrel, kerry renamed kirby, capricorn, mittagong, gerringong, bogong, carpentaria, curtis, shortland, sturt, myarra, whyalla, spencer, prince, newcastle, kembla, pacific, gippsland, baron, flinders, dampier, chieftan, I sailed on 17 and worked on another 11 of them

Today is not a good day, After reading the 'On Watch' I noticed the the Obituary for David Gray was posted. Dave though as most of us knew him as 'Daffy" passed away on the 28th December 2022.

I sailed with Dave, got into trouble ashore with Dave, had a lot of good times with Dave R.I.P. mate.

Fair wind and following sea mate

We have just been advised that Tony Vankrevel
passed away on the 3rd April, just 16 days short of 81. He is predeceased by three of his seven children, namely, Anthony, Sherrie and Jason. He is survived by children Gary, Lindy, Suzanne and Christopher, also wife Julie.

His wake is today on the GCT. RIP, Tony

Fair weather and a following Wind Mate, always enjoyed sailing with you R.I.P.

Attended Dennis (Potsy) Price's funeral service and found it well attended by family and friends and found two of my own shipmates there as well, Bob Murray and Leon Stepa.
Found it amazing that Dennis was born and passed on the same day, 2nd March, 80 years apart precisely....(JE)

PRICE
Denis Anthony

PRICE Denis Anthony 'POTSY'
Aged 80 Years of East Maitland
Please find below the details of Dennis (Potsy) Price's Funeral... (JE)

Dearly loved husband of the late Judith Price. Much loved father and father in law of Robert and Ella Kate, Gary and Bronwyn, Angela and Peter, Kerrie and Martin. Adored Pa of Lucinda, Jonah, Hayley, Danielle, Ashleigh, Lauren, Emma, Matthew, Max and Chloe, and Great Pa of Theodore and Gracie. Loved member of the Price and Preece families.

Family and friends are warmly invited to celebrate Mass of Thanksgiving at St Joseph's Catholic Church, King St, East Maitland on THURSDAY, 9th March, 2023 at 11am.

I have just been updated in regards to Phil Wright's Funeral service and have attached a link to that service for those of you wishing to follow it on Monday afternoon 6th March...(JE) This info came from Peter Hoffman via Iain Steverson. My thanks to them both.

One Room

I have been informed that Dennis (Potsy) Price, has just crossed the bar. Although he never went to sea, he played a big part in getting Fitting and Machining Apprentices to sea as Marine Engineers by assisting with their training in Siberia, as the wharf F & M Workshop was affectionately known.
Dennis was also working with the maintenance of the BHP Newcastle Tugs,
He was, I am told, a committee member of the East Maitland Bowling Club.
Dennis will be remembered by all those who went through Siberia.
I have no information as yet of funeral arrangements but will revert as soon as these come to hand.
RIP Dennis, condolences to family and friends...(JE)

I have just been advised that Tom Griffiths (Ex Chief Steward with BHP Shipping) passed away last week at the age of 99 years and 2 weeks... I sailed with Tom back in 1963 on the Iron Whyalla when/where I was a first trip Junior Engineer and Tom was one of the Stewards. He was always found to be diligent in his duties and later excellent as Chief Steward. I loved his home made pickled onions...
There will be a Celebration of Tom's life at Fry Brothers in Bank Street, East Maitland, at Noon on Wednesday 22nd February 2023.
Unfortunately due to prior commitment I myself cannot attend, but I send my condolences to his family. He was a great shipmate...
RIP Tom, fair sea and a following wind mate...(JE)

Once again I come with sad news, I have just received word from Ian Wright with the following:

Captain Phil Wright.

Jack, Sad news the above fellow mariner passed away this morning. He had been unwell for some time.

Regards,
Ian

Phil served a long time with BHP Shipping and he managed my vessel, the Iron Gippsland on which I served as inaugural Chief Engineer after bringing her out from IHI Shipyard in Kure. I have no details on his funeral as yet but will post them when they become available...(JE)

Anne Tyrrell, here is one of Ron, it was taken at Russell’s place where they celebrated their entrance into the Septuagenarian’s Club…Jack Elloy.
Left to Right: Russell Stretton, Ron Tyrrell, Paul Bloink, Bevan Wilckens and Laurie Korttinen...

These three photos failed to get transferred across to the posting with the others. I have now got all posted. Sorry for that as I must have reached the limit allowed by FB...Jack Elloy

Photos of attendees at the 2022 BHP Shipping Re-union held Wednesday Night 26th October at Blackbutt Hotel and Thursday 27th October at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club...

For those of you who would like to follow Bobby Edwards funeral video, you can do so on the below link…(JE)

https://streaming.naoca.com.au/e/7397b3cf-c241-42ea-969d-c4aaf0b5b03f

Robert Edwards

Also found this article on the Iron Pacific...(JE)

Some details I have just dug up on the Iron Kembla and thought to share them here...(JE)

Further to my last notification on the passing of Bob Edwards, for all those wishing to attend, I have been informed that Bobby's funeral Service will be held at Stan Crapps Funerals, 125 Manning St. Kiama, Friday 9th September @ 2 pm...(JE)

Once again I am the bearer of sad news. I was recently notified about the passing of a great friend of all seagoing Officers and Crew.
Bob Edwards oversaw the mechanical repairs to all BHP vessels that visited Newcastle and later Port Kembla. He contracted a stomach bacteria during a visit overseas some time ago and was recently hospitalised for the last 4 weeks or so with it and finally succumbing to it.
He will be missed by family and friends and BHP Shipping offer our condolences to them.
Fair winds and a following sea mate, rest in peace...

Iain Steverson has kindly supplied us with some background into John Buchanan Hammond's maritime life for which BHP Shipping thanks him...(JE)

Some facts about John’s BHP service from the records that maybe of interest

John was born 25 November 1929

He went to sea in July 1947 serving his cadet ship with Paddy Henderson’s (Henderson Line -British & Burmese S.N.Co.Ltd.) fleet trading from the Glasgow/ Liverpool to Red Sea Ports and Rangoon what was then Burma
Their ships also were chartered to voyages to West Africa and also charter voyages to Australasia on occasions.

He later served as a Deck Officer with Port Line trading to Australia and New Zealand meeting his future wife I believe in Hobart.
John was 3rd Mate onboard Port Macquarie on the morning 26 January 1953 under pilotage she ran high and dry (as the ships used to do at Broome WA) at Seaforth , Liverpool at to the entrance to the River Mersey safely floating off on the afternoon tide !
It made a spectacular picture

John joined BHP transferring as C/O of AUSN’s Caloundra 8 March 1961 . He remained as C/O for the delivery voyage with the intention of leaving at the end but then decided to stay with the new owners BHP a good career move.
She was eventually renamed her Iron Warrior. He served in various ships including the bulk carriers Iron Dampier ,Iron Clipper, Iron Spencer (2) and Iron Endeavour which he stood by and sailed as C/O on a new build at Sunderland in 1969
John was promoted Master 21 April 1969 as Master of the Whyalla built 1944 Iron Duke . Later commands included the cargo liner Iron Banbury which he commanded on a voyage to Iran.
His favourite was the geared bulk carrier Iron Prince which he stood by the building of Master in Japan in 1980 and bringing her as delivery Master,
He was chosen as one of the two initial Masters of Iron Pacific and together with the delivery and alternate Master Captain Derek Bolas they attended with Harbour Pilots from Port Kembla and Newcastle simulator trials in the Netherlands at the Marin facility near Arnhem
John undertook the first voyage from Australia and he relieved Captain Bolas when the ship was caught in dry dock in Subic Bay , Philippines when she was caught in the Mount Pinatubo eruption. The ship was returned to Australia and became the largest shi
ever to transit the Inner Route of the Great Barrier Reef in June 1991.
John remained as the alternate Master of Iron Pacific till his retirement on 25 November 1991 following 45 years at sea including 30 and a half years with BHP.

( part information from Captain Paine’s (who joined Caloundra as 3rd Mate) interview on John’s retirement in Iron Ships magazine March 1992

A consummate ship Master with an impeccable record, a fine friend and advocate

John Buchanan Hammond 1929-2022 RIP...

I have just been notified by Shane Jay that his grandfather, John Hammond, passed away last week. John was Master with BHP Shipping and a good seafarer. I sailed with John back in the eighties on the Iron Kerry where he was the Master and I was Chief Engineer. We had great cargoes and port destinations and I found John to be a great shipmate...
Shane has asked me to ask anyone who knew John and/or sailed with him to please leave comments about their association with John as he did not know much about his grandfather's sea going life.
BHP Shipping offer John's family and friends our condolences.
R.I.P John, fair winds and a following sea mate...(JE)

In regards to David Wellington's funeral, Iain Steverson delivered a Eulogy which I have posted below...(JE)

Eulogy of CAPTAIN DAVID JOHN WELLINGTON,
MASTER MARINER
I am deeply honoured, to have been asked to present this eulogy to David, a true friend and work associate of 50 years standing. To Lynn and David’s extended Family, I extend my sincerest condolences in your loss, a loss many of you today, will also be feeling.
As we proceed through life, one is indeed fortunate to meet individuals who combine humility, with outstanding talents, including the ability to meet and overcome any adversity that is thrust upon them. One such person was David John Wellington, who epitomised exactly the type of person, as Rudyard Kipling, described in his brilliant poem, ‘IF’.
David was an outstanding Seafarer, who enjoyed the challenges of his occupation, excelling at any task presented to him. He was an excellent person manager, as has been demonstrated by the numerous condolence messages, from his shore base and seafaring friends, that have been received since his sudden and unexpected passing last Thursday.
David’s Secondary schooling was at Trinity Grammar School, Sydney, with his Seafaring career commencing when he walked into Burns Philp large, and very intimidating Head Office in Bridge Street, Sydney, asking the Marine Superintendent for a shipping position. He was offered a four-year Deck Cadetship, in which he would have worked hard, with this once legendary trading Company with its Scottish financial and business acumen. The Company’s extensive coverage, of the Southwest Pacific area, required a fleet of cargo/ passenger ships, to cover the many Ports, Anchorages, etc., servicing BP’s extensive trading empire with additional voyages to Singapore and Malaya.
Obtaining his Second Mates Foreign Going (Deep Sea) Certificate, he joined an even larger Trading Company, the Swires Group, which had more impressive ships and trade routes. UK owned, with a Hong Kong based shipping fleet, the China Navigation Company, (CNCo). David, rose to Chief Officer on their Cargo-Passenger ships, trading to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, also the Southwest Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand. He also undertook a voyage on CNCo’s Pilgrim Passenger ship, carrying pilgrims bound for Mecca, for the Annual Muslim Haj pilgrimage. CNCo’s service contracts, were for two years, before leave, and with a desire to be regularly closer to home, a change of direction resulted following his obtaining a Foreign Going Master Certificate, studied at Sydney Technical College (now UTS).
It is interesting that Swires, eventually took over all the Maritime trading business of Burns Philp, and later the BHPT Fleets New Zealand, and Transpacific trading routes. Interestingly, David had links with each, working for all three Companies.
David, then joined an expanding BHP Fleet, in December 1969, which at that stage was mainly trading Coastwise around Australia, with Cargo ships, Bulk carriers, and no official passengers. Now with a Master’s Certificate, promotion was steady, and his abilities and hard work were noted. This resulted in being assigned to a most difficult undertaking delivery, as Chief Officer, in January 1972, to a new building specialist, heavy lift ship, IRON BARON (3) (10,800 dead weight tons), being built in Communist East Germany. This was before the Iron Curtain was lifted, and was an experience of considerable difficulty, with all the cross-border politics it entailed. As an example of extreme winter conditions for Sea trials, in the Baltic Sea, were undertaken with temperatures as low as minus 30 centigrade. The ship meanwhile, was painted by ‘Political prisoners’, who had to chip the ice off the steel hull, before applying paint!
David served in a variety of ships as Chief Officer, and in BHP’s various trades, both coastal and overseas.
Promoted to Master (Captain), in July 1980, he served on several ships, including IRON PRINCE (21,700dwt) a geared bulk carrier. Next was similar IRON CAPRICORN (37,000 dwt), then to command of the large bulk carrier IRON WHYALLA (141,000dwt), trading to Japan. 1991 saw David come ashore to inaugurate the operation of BHP Transport’s new oil bunkering barge, LARCOM at Gladstone. David returned to the fleet after a couple of years, next serving as Master on IRON BARON (4) where he spent a Christmas Day, in foul weather, in the Great Australian Bight, looking unsuccessfully for a man overboard. Sadly, the son of a popular Chief Engineer, David had sailed with on IRON WHYALLA. David’s next major BHP appointment was in 1996, to the newbuild MRS PIONEER (22,000dwt) managed for Mackay Refined Sugar Pty. Ltd., Mackay, Qld. A specialised refined Sugar carrier, saw David as the first Operational Master, of this new project described as a BIBO (bulk in, bagged on board out), being tasked with fixing up the many difficult problems, of a new ship and concept. MRS PIONEER traded Coast wise, with voyages overseas to Colombo, Singapore, New Zealand, retiring from this ship, after 40 years of exemplary service, with BHP in 2009. He also undertook various BHP special projects, beside his seafaring role, amongst them as Port Officer/Pilot at Groote Eylandt, Gulf of Carpentaria. He visited Northern Chile, to give advice to BHP’s Escondida Copper Mine, Port project at Puerto Coloso, near Antofagasta.
David then spent a few years piloting ships through the Great Barrier Reef, working with Torres Pilots, probably the last of a long line of Burns Philp ex officers, serving as a GBR Pilot.
Having settled in Gladstone, David continued his interest in shipping in various ways, amongst which was an association with the local Seafarers’ Mission, in that rapidly expanding Port.
David had a sophisticated liking for food, (little wonder after 40 years, of suffering variable ships’ Cooks) such as Pavlova, Oysters, Caviar, Anchovy Pizza, and a glass of Red Wine!
For relaxation, David enjoyed Classical music, listening to ABC Classical, playing Croquet, reading, which helped him at Trivia nights, his loyal Probus Club and his two dogs. Lynn and David both enjoyed various ways of travelling both in Australia and overseas.
Lynn and David moved to Forster in 2012, and we enjoyed each other’s company over lunches, when he visited Newcastle with Lynn, every few months. David and I were fellow ‘old school’ and ‘old salts’ from the same halcyon shipping era, so we reminisced about the good times.
I would like to finish, by paying a special tribute to Lynn, who was like so many loyal supportive seafarers’ Wives, who were always that, ‘Family anchor’. This was especially the case, in the old era of variable short leaves, as she bravely and stoically, soldiered on, raising the youngsters and dealing with all the problems, associated with running a home, basically single handed, as Mariner’s Wives did over the years.
David, a true gentleman who lived an exemplary life in all its facets, and left the World a better place.
Thank you

Iain Steverson
8 August 2022

I have just received this notification from Iain Steverson in regards to David Wellington's funeral arrangement...(JE)

FYI
Was advised this morning by the funeral Celebrant following

David’s funeral is to be held at Manning Great Lakes Memorial Garden’s Chapel . Pampoolah
At 1100 Thursday 11th August with arrival of mourners 1045 arrival .

This appears to be straight up the Pacific Highway about 2 hours drive turn right into Pampoolah Road

He died greeting people at the door of his Probus Club the day before he and Lynn’s 50th Wedding anniversary. Goodness

Regards Iain

BHP SHIPPING REUNION 2022

If interested email
[email protected]

My apologies for the lateness of this advice but we were holding off to see how the latest Covid outbreak would effect the possibility of a reunion this year.

I also up dated my 2012 Computer and transferring files has been a problem as has getting back into this email account.



We are looking at the 26th and 27th of October, with the same venues as last time (covid restrictions allowing), The Wednesday night at the blackbutt hotel and a lunch at the yacht club on the Thursday.



As before buy your own drinks at both venues, food on Wednesday night will be provided and the cost of lunch at the club to be finalized.



A reply of yes, No, or Maybe would be very much appreciated

And as always please pass this on to anyone you think may be intrestered.





Regards all

Sadness once again, I was just notified by Iain Steverson of the passing of David Wellington, former Master with BHP Shipping. See below for the notification:

Just advised by David Wellington’s Family in Forster NSW that David passed away yesterday following a heart attack at a Probus meeting.

There was instant response from Nurses and Paramedics in the group but he was unable to be revived.

It was he and Lynne’s 50th wedding anniversary today and his daughter were visiting.

David was a Burns Philp Cadet, and served as Chief Officer with CNCO , then Master with BHP and finally as Great Barrier Reef Pilot with Torres Pilots.

As Lynne said he loved going to sea.

A fine Seafarer and a true Gentleman.

RIP David

Iain Steverson

I sailed with David and agree with Iain on David's competence and disposition as a seafarer. He was a good shipmate.
R.I.P. David, fair winds and smooth seas mate.
BHP Shipping convey our condolences to Lynne, family and friends...(JE)

For anyone wishing to attend the service for Darrell Brown, it will be held at James Murray Funerals at Broadmeadow at 10:00am on Thursday the 28th July...(JE)

It is once again my sad duty to advise of the passing of another BHP Shipping Chief Engineer. Darrell Brown crossed the bar this morning.
I had the pleasure of sailing with Darrell when he was Chief on the old Iron Spencer and I was his Second. He was a good shipmate and pleasant to sail with.
R.I.P. Darrell, Fair seas and a following wind.
BHP Shipping offer our condolences to Gwenda and family.