Hi All, Just joined the ship and would like to introduce myself. Now well retired and getting on in years but not quite ready for the breakers. A former seafarer with 12 years on deck( navigation) with BP and Esso until the mid 60s.
Both sides of my family were connected with Tyne shipping but particularly interested in Crosthwaite Tugs of North Shields which was founded by my great grandfather in 1883 and existed until finally taken over by Lawson Batey in the early 60s.
Unfortunately, family records of the business are scant, to say the least and information that I have has been gleaned from public records such as newspapers. Also, much infornation was had from John Proud's excellent book and personal contact with him put me in touch with other aspects of the family history.
One always hopes that there is more to be found and in this sense I would be very interested indeed to hear from anyone who just might have the odd piece of info. ....perhaps a relative who served on one of the tugs etc. Or a photograph.
With thanks
peegee
(Pete)