Being on the lower deck of life can lead to some interesting and memorable occasions.
And author Bill Ferguson has certainly enjoyed a full and lively life judging by his newly released book by Whittles Publishing.
The unusual maritime story looks at life from the lower echelons of a merchant ship’s company and the relationship between officers and crew, the deck department and the catering staff, recounting his life and experiences with people and places in Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
The books impressive title is a nod to Cunard House, the headquarters of Port Line Ltd, at 88 Leadenhall Street, London EC3, where all mail for the sea staff was addressed before being sent to the appropriate vessel, via the ‘care of’.
The building was a regular haunt for some staff going to or returning from, a port ‘boat’. For the average Briton, overseas experience was mainly confined to wartime service and serving in both the Merchant and Royal Navy.
Foreign places were an adventure, sights, sounds and smells would never be forgotten from their first voyage to sea.
c/o Cunard House provides an intimate account of a life and career on these vessels, from the hardships to the adventure and wonder of travel.
Bill tells how the ships carried a small number of passengers, often older folk making the trip to or from the Antipodes for probably the last time.
And several events are recorded that display the varied aspects of human life and attitudes, between passengers and crew, from the pompous to the polite!
This era of shipping has long gone, but in this book the memories remain as fresh as ever. It’s not only nostalgic but amusing and will appeal to the ex-Merchant Navy in its heyday and explores all aspects of working for a premier shipping company.
It’s a cracking book by Bill whose imagination was fired at an early age by reading Mr. Midshipman Easy. He then joined the Merchant Navy and served in the ships of the Port Line, a cargo liner company of the Cunard Line. He stayed in the shipping world until his retirement. Bill is the author of His Majesty’s Bristol Built Escort Ships and has had articles published in maritime magazines.
Published: 31st October 2024
ISBN: 978-184995-582-9
UK Price: £18.99
Format: 240 x 170mm, Softback
Pages: 224 pages, 60 b/w and colour illustrations
c/o Cunard House – 88 Leadenhall Street, London EC3
By Bill Ferguson
Published by Whittles Publishing
c/o Cunard House – 88 Leadenhall Street, London EC3 is available to buy on the Whittles Publishing website, WH Smith and from Amazon.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Book cover courtesy of Whittles Publishing
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