by Charles Nelson

This is a record of a voyage. It fulfils the need to give a historical reference to a lost time.

As a young man of 21 and after completing my apprenticeship of 3 years and 9 months with Alfred Holt and company, I had to think about my future. I had passed my Second officer certificate and after working, as mate, on a Dutch barge through the canals of France, Holland, Germany and Switzerland, I had to decide whether to become a landlubber or earn some sea time for my next certificate.

I paid off in Basle and went to the pool, the Shipping Federation Employment offices in East London Dock Street.

The adventure began 12th October 1964. The pool gave me the choice of three ships. I chose the Hereford Beacon.