The Bosun's Watch

Bits and Pieces

My thanks to Les Howard for these and all the other pictures that he was good enough to send

You should be aware that there are a lot of pictures on this page, all depicting life aboard trawlers. Please be patient while they load.

The best way to get rid of a skinful is to sleep it off. Les does just that.

The Royal Navy was always partial to a free feed of fish. Here they come alongside to get themselves a 'fry'.

Outbound there was always time to relax a little before reaching the grounds.

Other boats were usually fishing nearby. Here is one of J.Marr &Son's vessels hove to with her cod ends hoisted over the foredeck. Note the ice in the background.

Before the cod end could be brought inboard, strops had to be passed around the belly. Here the deckies ready the net for lifting. The forrard otter door can be seen hanging from the gallows by its preventer.

Personal radio traffic was usually kept to a minimum but two-way radiogram messages were sent.The first one advises that the SSAFA would be docking at 06.30 on a Saturday morning.

The second message is a Christmas greeting.

Fishermen had to provide everything even down to the bed that they slept on. This receipt for stores illustrates the price of bed, blanket, knives and gloves.

Fred Hobbs in the Fishermens Club. Fred sailed with Bobby Nash in the Red Dragon and was with him when a sea took out the bridge windows off the Norwegian Coast. Fred also sailed in Red Rose and is the author of an article that was published in 'Life In Fleetwood' in 1992. He now lives in sunnier climes in California.

Two more pictures taken by Les Howard, of other trawlers

Les getting the washer ready.

Three on-board shots