A weblog site for 1DCLI Mates, mainly the Caribbean era 1954-1957. revised pictorially to show June 2009 photos taken at The Re-Union in Penzance & Bodmin. All pages live for comment & reply.
I think my Dad sailed on this ship also. He passed away in February of this year. I have the painful task of clearing out the house as Mum passed away 2 years ago. I have found so much of his memorabilia in the loft, it is absolutely amazing, just wish he had shared it when he was alive. I have found a bedding card for this ship, he was on deck F4, berth no. 60. He was in the Royal Army Medical Corps serving his National Service in Singapore in about 1950, 1951. His name was Charles Barnes, friend of Earnest Osbourne.
My uncle, Pte William F Howard, sailed on this ship from Liverpool to Korea leaving October 27th 1952 and arriving 20th December. He and his sister (my mother) exchanged around 20 letters each during the voyage which went via Port Said, Aden, Colombo, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Hi from Sweden. I was in Draft DAGWN of The Suffolk Regiment, and we sailed from Liverpool in May 1951. Also on board was 1st Bn Manchester Regiment on its way to Malaya. My draft was detailed for a very pleasant task for the voyage. Whilst the Manchesters had their morning parades we were active behind the scenes refilling the various bars on the ship, and when this was completed, we remained down in the hold and were provided with ‘refreshment’ of our own. We arrived in Singapore in June ’51 and transferred to Nee Soon Transit Camp for the night before travelling up-country the next day to Kuala Lumpur where we joined the 1st Bn, at Wardieburn Camp. I remember that on the Halladale we had four-tier bunks which were far from comfortable, but our ‘morning refreshment’ made up for it. We also partook in rifle practice from the deck, firing at objects thrown over at the bow. We had shore leave at Port Said and again at Colombo, and during the crossing of the Indian ocean, I personally suffered from – hay fever – mid ocean! Strange to think that all that took place 70 years ago, and many are the memories from that time being an impressionable 17½-year-old on his very first trip abroad. Not long after our journey, which took 28 days, a record of some 28 hours, I believe, was set up by the DH Comet from London to Singapore.
Barry W J Chandler, Sweden
Hi George, it’s been a while since you posted your comment so I hope my reply reaches you. From my research my father travelled from Southampton in September 1950, as part the 170th Independent Mortar battery of the Royal Artillery. I believe that it landed in Pusan around the 15th November. He was one of the WW2 reservists you mention, so may have travelled on the same journey as your self. He’d previously served in North Africa and was seconded to the Royal Ulster, Northumberland Fusiliers, and the Gloucestershire Rifle Regiments as part of the British 29th Infantry Brigade while serving in Korea. He was one of the few survivors who wasn’t taken prisoner by the Chinese, after the Battle of Imjin River, in April 1951. I’d be keen to make contact and maybe help fill some of your or my missing details from that time, if you haven’t gone upstairs yet? Regards Ken
I sailed on the Halladale from Port Said to Liverpool in April 1954. I was on National Service in Royal Signals in Suez, Tel-el-Kebir from Nov 1952 and we were returning to UK. Interesting enough is that in 2006 the British Army sent me a General Service Medal for my time in Suez!
Hi David, I hope you are well. I am doing some research research into my grandad who was in the RAF and posted to Suez. I have a letter he sent my Nana on his return on the 10th April 1954 so this would mean you were both on the ship. If you have any information pics, etc that would be great. His name was Glyn Williams (Taff). Thanks in advance. Chris.
7 May 21 and I only just today came across your comments on Empire Halladale. Yes I have an album of pics of my Suez tour and i could send you some pics of my return trip. Contact me on email kentfam @iafrica.com. Regards David K
Is there any way of seeing the passenger lists for the Halladale? We went from Changi Malaya to England (Dad was in the RAF). The King died while we were on the ship so I think it was 1952. I’m in my 70s now and not very good with these computer things.
I sailed to Malaya on the Empire Halladale in 1948/49. I notice you have the only reminiscence from the 40’s. I am trying to fill in a gap in my memory. I seem to remember we had bunks but hammocks on our return trip in another ship. I would imagine you would be able to get the documentation you require from the National Archives.
Hello Paul, we went out to Malaya in 1949 on the Orbita (another troop-ship) and came home on the Empire Halladale in 1952. I only remember the sort of things that kids do as I was only about 8 when we came home. The main thing I remember is seeing the aftermath of the war, the Jap prisoners working out – side the jail, ( we were told these were the war-criminals ), the huge holes in the ground in the jungle were the planes went in (I don’t know how we didn’t get killed when I think about some of the dangerous looking things we pulled out of these holes), the acres of planes, tanks, trucks, guns, you name it, were fenced in and we just climbed over and in we went. I remember running over the top of a huge plane’s wings one day. Another thing I remember was that because of the wages that the military got compared to the cost of living we were for the only time in our lives seemingly rich. It’s amazing the memories that stick in your mind from an interesting period in one’s life, one of the things I remember is the large number of Malayan men with limbs missing ( particularly hands).We were told that the Japs cut them off, we believed it then but I don’t know if it’s true. Anyway, wonderful memories all, Best Regards, Merv.
I have a ticket to allow entry to the ‘reserved enclosure on the landing stage’ for the departure from Liverpool of HMT Empire Halladale dated 2nd December 1953. I can only assume this was to allow my Mum to see my Dad off (both sadly passed away now so can’t ask them). The only thing is, I have my Dad’s RN service records which state that on 1st December 1953 he was an AB on HMS Crane (Tamar) until 20th June 1955 when he was transferred to HMS Drake. I know the Crane was an actual ship, but I believe that HMS Drake was the shore establishment in Devonport. Can anybody shed any light on this anomaly please? Perhaps this had nothing to do with my Dad, in which case why did he (or my Mum) keep this pass all these years?
I was 8 years old when we left Bombay for Liverpool accompanied by the Black Watch Regiment. All Brits were advised to leave India at the start of the uprising. We came back through the Suez Camel. Does anyone else remember this journey?
I have just found this – 3 years late. I was on the Halladale and joined the ship with my parents in Karachi. My father – Nevillel Blair – was the commander of the Black Watch, the last British regiment to leave Pakistan. I have a lot of memories of this time. I was about your age. If ever you get this do get in touch – (email removed – contact Editor if required).
I sailed out in her from Tilbury to join HMS Cardigan Bay in April 1950. As I recall we passed through the Suez Canal and called at Colombo, Singapore and terminated at Hong Kong. With no aircon only Punkah Louvres (blew air in from outside) she was as hot as a furnace in the tropics. We only had fresh water in the basins. The showers were salt so you always felt sticky. As I recall, she only had a cruising speed of 12/14 knots so it would have taken well over 30 days, allowing for her stops on the way.
Please can someone help me. I left Hong Kong in June or July (mum is 96 and can’t remember!) 1953 on the Empire Halladale homebound for UK. I’d like to know when exactly we left and how long it took to get to Liverpool. My dad was already in Korea so his army record is no use.
My dad sailed on this ship to Pusan Korea in 1951. He says they sailed from Liverpool and through the Suez but what he would like to know is how long it would have taken. Can anyone help?
I too sailed on this ship from Liverpool to Pusan through the Suez Canal, I can’t remember how long it took but I do remember a rough passage through the Bay of Biscay. We stopped at Columbo then Hong Kong then to Pusan. The Royal Fusiliers were on the ship too, but I was Royal Signals.
My mother three sisters and I sailed to Cuxhaven on this ship from Harwich 7th Nov 1946. We landed up in Cuxhaven for two days.Then it was on to Beilefeld in Germay which took us a furter 6 days. We were the first married family to arrive there. There were others there but we were the first with children as such. We moved all over the BAOR with my father but here’s the strange thing; on our retunn to the UK we came home, and this was then in 1954/5, on the same ship.God bless the old boat.
My father was Oxford/Bucks first then went over to RE’s. We ended up in Hameln. eldest sister and my twin sister went to King Alfred School in Plon for two years.
Hi George Bodaly. My dad was shipped around about the same time. He was a Royal Fuselier. He loved the trip. He keep on saying he going to go another cruise. His name is Desmond.
Dear Sir. I have read your note on the web. My father when 1st Btn Glosters in August 1950, went from Liverpool. He cap badged over from the Royal Hampshires. Hope this is some help. Regards Allan
I sailed to Korea on Empire Halladale some time between August and Oct 1950. I believe that this was the first time she took troops to Pusan Korea. She was not a pleasant ship, I didn’t mind too much because this was a new experiece for me, but most of my oppos were Z reservists, some having been recalled after serving though WW2 even having been in Stalags & Jap prison camps in Burma.
As I was only 18 at the time, I learned to be a good? soldier from them. This standing me in good stead for the rest of my sevice, 22 years. What I can’t remember is the exact sailing date, or even if it was Portsmouth or Southampton. Still someone might remember before I go upstairs.
LIGHT INFANTRY MOST WANTED 
I think my Dad sailed on this ship also. He passed away in February of this year. I have the painful task of clearing out the house as Mum passed away 2 years ago. I have found so much of his memorabilia in the loft, it is absolutely amazing, just wish he had shared it when he was alive. I have found a bedding card for this ship, he was on deck F4, berth no. 60. He was in the Royal Army Medical Corps serving his National Service in Singapore in about 1950, 1951. His name was Charles Barnes, friend of Earnest Osbourne.
My uncle, Pte William F Howard, sailed on this ship from Liverpool to Korea leaving October 27th 1952 and arriving 20th December. He and his sister (my mother) exchanged around 20 letters each during the voyage which went via Port Said, Aden, Colombo, Singapore and Hong Kong.
My dad was on this crossing – he was a subaltern with 1 RTR to Korea. What was your uncle? Mark
please email selwaym@tcd.ie
Editor: I’ve displayed your comment verbatim Mark, but advise if you get spam and I’ll remove.
Hi from Sweden. I was in Draft DAGWN of The Suffolk Regiment, and we sailed from Liverpool in May 1951. Also on board was 1st Bn Manchester Regiment on its way to Malaya. My draft was detailed for a very pleasant task for the voyage. Whilst the Manchesters had their morning parades we were active behind the scenes refilling the various bars on the ship, and when this was completed, we remained down in the hold and were provided with ‘refreshment’ of our own. We arrived in Singapore in June ’51 and transferred to Nee Soon Transit Camp for the night before travelling up-country the next day to Kuala Lumpur where we joined the 1st Bn, at Wardieburn Camp. I remember that on the Halladale we had four-tier bunks which were far from comfortable, but our ‘morning refreshment’ made up for it. We also partook in rifle practice from the deck, firing at objects thrown over at the bow. We had shore leave at Port Said and again at Colombo, and during the crossing of the Indian ocean, I personally suffered from – hay fever – mid ocean! Strange to think that all that took place 70 years ago, and many are the memories from that time being an impressionable 17½-year-old on his very first trip abroad. Not long after our journey, which took 28 days, a record of some 28 hours, I believe, was set up by the DH Comet from London to Singapore.
Barry W J Chandler, Sweden
Hi George, it’s been a while since you posted your comment so I hope my reply reaches you. From my research my father travelled from Southampton in September 1950, as part the 170th Independent Mortar battery of the Royal Artillery. I believe that it landed in Pusan around the 15th November. He was one of the WW2 reservists you mention, so may have travelled on the same journey as your self. He’d previously served in North Africa and was seconded to the Royal Ulster, Northumberland Fusiliers, and the Gloucestershire Rifle Regiments as part of the British 29th Infantry Brigade while serving in Korea. He was one of the few survivors who wasn’t taken prisoner by the Chinese, after the Battle of Imjin River, in April 1951. I’d be keen to make contact and maybe help fill some of your or my missing details from that time, if you haven’t gone upstairs yet? Regards Ken
I sailed on the Halladale from Port Said to Liverpool in April 1954. I was on National Service in Royal Signals in Suez, Tel-el-Kebir from Nov 1952 and we were returning to UK. Interesting enough is that in 2006 the British Army sent me a General Service Medal for my time in Suez!
Hi David, I hope you are well. I am doing some research research into my grandad who was in the RAF and posted to Suez. I have a letter he sent my Nana on his return on the 10th April 1954 so this would mean you were both on the ship. If you have any information pics, etc that would be great. His name was Glyn Williams (Taff). Thanks in advance. Chris.
7 May 21 and I only just today came across your comments on Empire Halladale. Yes I have an album of pics of my Suez tour and i could send you some pics of my return trip. Contact me on email kentfam @iafrica.com. Regards David K
Is there any way of seeing the passenger lists for the Halladale? We went from Changi Malaya to England (Dad was in the RAF). The King died while we were on the ship so I think it was 1952. I’m in my 70s now and not very good with these computer things.
I sailed to Malaya on the Empire Halladale in 1948/49. I notice you have the only reminiscence from the 40’s. I am trying to fill in a gap in my memory. I seem to remember we had bunks but hammocks on our return trip in another ship. I would imagine you would be able to get the documentation you require from the National Archives.
Hello Paul, we went out to Malaya in 1949 on the Orbita (another troop-ship) and came home on the Empire Halladale in 1952. I only remember the sort of things that kids do as I was only about 8 when we came home. The main thing I remember is seeing the aftermath of the war, the Jap prisoners working out – side the jail, ( we were told these were the war-criminals ), the huge holes in the ground in the jungle were the planes went in (I don’t know how we didn’t get killed when I think about some of the dangerous looking things we pulled out of these holes), the acres of planes, tanks, trucks, guns, you name it, were fenced in and we just climbed over and in we went. I remember running over the top of a huge plane’s wings one day. Another thing I remember was that because of the wages that the military got compared to the cost of living we were for the only time in our lives seemingly rich. It’s amazing the memories that stick in your mind from an interesting period in one’s life, one of the things I remember is the large number of Malayan men with limbs missing ( particularly hands).We were told that the Japs cut them off, we believed it then but I don’t know if it’s true. Anyway, wonderful memories all, Best Regards, Merv.
I have a ticket to allow entry to the ‘reserved enclosure on the landing stage’ for the departure from Liverpool of HMT Empire Halladale dated 2nd December 1953. I can only assume this was to allow my Mum to see my Dad off (both sadly passed away now so can’t ask them). The only thing is, I have my Dad’s RN service records which state that on 1st December 1953 he was an AB on HMS Crane (Tamar) until 20th June 1955 when he was transferred to HMS Drake. I know the Crane was an actual ship, but I believe that HMS Drake was the shore establishment in Devonport. Can anybody shed any light on this anomaly please? Perhaps this had nothing to do with my Dad, in which case why did he (or my Mum) keep this pass all these years?
I have an old wooden box (named) with Major GR Wilson, Royal artillery, Empire Halladale Liverpool. Did anyone remenber this man?
Since found it’s Major R Wilson DSO and bar. A book was written about him on 1985 called Special Commando.
I was 8 years old when we left Bombay for Liverpool accompanied by the Black Watch Regiment. All Brits were advised to leave India at the start of the uprising. We came back through the Suez Camel. Does anyone else remember this journey?
I have just found this – 3 years late. I was on the Halladale and joined the ship with my parents in Karachi. My father – Nevillel Blair – was the commander of the Black Watch, the last British regiment to leave Pakistan. I have a lot of memories of this time. I was about your age. If ever you get this do get in touch – (email removed – contact Editor if required).
I sailed out in her from Tilbury to join HMS Cardigan Bay in April 1950. As I recall we passed through the Suez Canal and called at Colombo, Singapore and terminated at Hong Kong. With no aircon only Punkah Louvres (blew air in from outside) she was as hot as a furnace in the tropics. We only had fresh water in the basins. The showers were salt so you always felt sticky. As I recall, she only had a cruising speed of 12/14 knots so it would have taken well over 30 days, allowing for her stops on the way.
Please can someone help me. I left Hong Kong in June or July (mum is 96 and can’t remember!) 1953 on the Empire Halladale homebound for UK. I’d like to know when exactly we left and how long it took to get to Liverpool. My dad was already in Korea so his army record is no use.
Isobel Harrison (nee Griffiths)
Thank you for the reply. I have only just seen it. I am going to visit my dad over Christmas and will show him this web page.
My dad sailed on this ship to Pusan Korea in 1951. He says they sailed from Liverpool and through the Suez but what he would like to know is how long it would have taken. Can anyone help?
Ann-Marie Davy
I too sailed on this ship from Liverpool to Pusan through the Suez Canal, I can’t remember how long it took but I do remember a rough passage through the Bay of Biscay. We stopped at Columbo then Hong Kong then to Pusan. The Royal Fusiliers were on the ship too, but I was Royal Signals.
Dave,
Did you stop at Aden to disembark a polio case around 20th May 1951?
Tim
My mother three sisters and I sailed to Cuxhaven on this ship from Harwich 7th Nov 1946. We landed up in Cuxhaven for two days.Then it was on to Beilefeld in Germay which took us a furter 6 days. We were the first married family to arrive there. There were others there but we were the first with children as such. We moved all over the BAOR with my father but here’s the strange thing; on our retunn to the UK we came home, and this was then in 1954/5, on the same ship.God bless the old boat.
My father was Oxford/Bucks first then went over to RE’s. We ended up in Hameln. eldest sister and my twin sister went to King Alfred School in Plon for two years.
Happy days.
John Walker.Oxford.UK.
Hi George Bodaly. My dad was shipped around about the same time. He was a Royal Fuselier. He loved the trip. He keep on saying he going to go another cruise. His name is Desmond.
David Buckland
Dear Sir. I have read your note on the web. My father when 1st Btn Glosters in August 1950, went from Liverpool. He cap badged over from the Royal Hampshires. Hope this is some help. Regards Allan
George Bodaly ex RAOC Says:
Originally posted July 16, 2010 at 3:01 pm
I sailed to Korea on Empire Halladale some time between August and Oct 1950. I believe that this was the first time she took troops to Pusan Korea. She was not a pleasant ship, I didn’t mind too much because this was a new experiece for me, but most of my oppos were Z reservists, some having been recalled after serving though WW2 even having been in Stalags & Jap prison camps in Burma.
As I was only 18 at the time, I learned to be a good? soldier from them. This standing me in good stead for the rest of my sevice, 22 years. What I can’t remember is the exact sailing date, or even if it was Portsmouth or Southampton. Still someone might remember before I go upstairs.
George Bodaly Northampton