Memories From A Nondescript Photograph
Quite rarely, a photograph comes to into my possession that raises more questions than answers. Below, I've posted another photograph of the Green Goddess, which on first sight I would have sworn was taken of her beside the breakwater at Nassau.
Once the print arrived and I started doing my research, it soon became obvious that this was not possible! The reason being that the vertical ladders giving access to the Boat Deck from the Promenade Deck are still seen in place. These were not removed until the first annual overhaul, this month in Liverpool.
Caronia's maiden call to Nassau would not take place until December 1949, when the replacement outside companionway had been installed. So, where was this mystery breakwater? Luckily, Pete Jelley was able to come up with an answer.
The ship is actually berthed alongside the West wall of Liverpool Docks. What probably makes the photo unique is that the ship at this point is totally devoid of human occupation. Having been heavily infested with cockroaches, the ship would need to be fumigated and left unmanned whilst the chemicals used took effect.
I've appended Pete's recollections below, but it's fascinating to hear about what transpired on the fire watch he refers to. As a rating without a “jacket job”, he was more likely than most to land this task.
Three shifts, 6am to 2pm, 2pm to 10pm and 10pm to 6am covered this important task. Usually, this would mean walking around the ship with a clock and making a unique imprint on a wax card from keys strategically placed around the ship. Each key had a different pattern, proving that the point had physically been visited at the appointed time.
However, with the ship unmanned, these shifts meant standing on the quayside, with no shelter. Remember, this is Liverpool, in November! During his breaks, Peter was able to go aboard the R.M.S. Georgic, dry-docked nearby. In the ship's galley was a great big pot of “scouse” which helped tremendously with the warming-up process.
If you can contribute any information, do please get in touch…
