ARKADIA, 22424gt, completed Vickers Armstrong Ltd., High Walker, 11-1931
1931 MONARCH OF BERMUDA - 1949 NEW AUSTRALIA - 1958 ARKADIA - BU Valencia 18.12.66

For fuller details see also: http://www.tynebuiltships.co.uk/M-Ships ... a1931.html

From a negative in my collection sent to me by Errol Cornish (South Africa): Ron

Takes me back to 5 Nov. 1964 when I stood on Liverpool Pier Head with ARKADIA to my right on the Landing Stage, and across the river a stern view of her former sister QUEEN OF BERMUDA in Cammell Laird's drydock. Only 55 years ago!

Wish I'd been with you on what was my 19th birthday!
Instead, the previous night I had joined the Teesside Ship Society (as it now is).

Ron

Someone didn't wait for VE Day then?

George he was a war baby and there were fireworks when he was born!!!
Regards
Graham (aged 2yrs 6mnths at the time!

Graham, he was a war baby only in the sense that his keel was laid, but not at launching which would be my definition

Yes, according to my mother I "came with a bang" ... and she never forgave me for spoiling the first bonfire night after the war ended! I am proud to be a true first generation baby boomer, my parents married in January 1945 and I came along 10 months later.

Ron

.... and we've always thought of you as one of the best Guys around

Which is more than could be said for the ship. Replacing three splendid funnels with one and a smoking mast did nothing for her looks.