One for 'Tynesider' ... maybe your Dad again?

Another import into the Tyne towage fleet
1906, 175grt
Alex. Stephen, Glasgow (418) as VICTOR for Steel & Bennie, Glasgow
1926 to P. McLeod, Alloa
1928 to The 'Ridley' Steam Tug Co., Newcastle as MARTY
1955 Ridley Tugs Ltd.
1959 chartered to France Fenwick and to Tyne Tugs
Broken up at Gateshead 05/1959

Hi George

Yes it could well be him, he was skipper of the Marty for six years before transfering to the Impetus not long after she arrived.

As a boy I learned to 'Skull' with one oar the hardway, taking crew members from 'Broads Landing' out to the tugs laying at the bouys and new many of the tug skippers including Hector Stuart off the George V and Boswell Whitaker.

My Grandfather was a stoker on the Homer,Wonder & Battleaxe, infact my Dad and my grandfather were both on the Homer together during the war when she was sent to Scapa Flow.

Now you can guess how my wee motorsailer is called Caer Urfa
Mike
Wonder and Venus departing Tyne Commissioners Quay with Harton Staiths in the background

Battleaxe off Tyne Commissioners quay waiting for the lock

Caer Urfa