The Merchant Navy Plaque for men from Ropner & Pool Shipping Co. Ltd. lost in service in two world wars. 2005. Photograph courtesy of Robert Dicken. 
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
The Merchant Navy Plaque for men from Ropner & Pool Shipping Co. Ltd. lost in service in two world wars. 2005. Photograph courtesy of Robert Dicken.
I sailed with Captain Tingle on the Thirlby 1979 and the Appleby 1981. I also sailed with Billy on Bolten Steam Ship the Reynolds – both great men.
What a fantastic idea of Mr McGee it was to have this plaque erected. My Father, Hector Alwyn Comb, was a seaman for the Ropner Shipping Co before and during WW2. Happily he survived the war but died of cancer in 1977. He served on the following ships SS Stonepool, SS Ainderby, SS Heronspool, SS Felldene, SS Glendene and the Kingswood. My uncle Peter Thompson (my Mothers brother) lost his life at sea on board SS Empire Hurst which sank 11th August 1941. If anyone has any memories of my father or uncle I would be overjoyed to hear from them.
I live quite close to Captain Colin Tingle and if anybody would like to contact him I”m sure Stockon Pictures will forward my email address so I can contact you.
I sailed with Captain Colin Tingle many years ago and would love to contact him again.
My Father in Law is Captain Derrick Barrow. He sailed with Ropners as Apprentice through to Captain. He then left to work as a Trinity House Pilot at Dover. He is now in his 91st year…Anybody out there sail with him?
I sailed with Captain Tingle when I was 3rd mate. I know he used to live at Hartburn, but no idea where he is now.
I don”t know if this is relevant Bob but John Frederick Lapsien married in South Shields in 1908 in the First quarter volume 10a Page 1073 an Emily Maud Jary, born 1886. There appears to be 7 children John F born 1910, Anne E born1913, Evelyn M born 1915, Irene E born 1920, Lorna born 1922, Vera born 1925, Walter born 1927. Nationality and Naturalisation: Lapsien John, from Germany. Resident in South Shields. Certificate 18660 issued 27 December 1909. See piece HO144/1049/186151 in the TNA Kew. Is it possible that he left the sea for a period, is there any record in Southampton Archives?
My grandfather, Johann Friedrich LAPSIEN/LAPZIEN also sailed in Ropner ships. I have copies of his Crew Agreements from 1905- end of 1909,on Dromonby, Gadsby, Aislaby, Coleby and Wragby – his favourite – (the family has framed prints of Coleby & Wragby) but then he disappears. Also missing a CA for him on Woodville, o/n 102028, for Oct 1905I have searched all the records in Maritime Museum in Newfoundland for all those ships in which he is known to have served,up to WW1 1914 but no luck.Nothing found either at Greenwich or Kew. He was born in Germany but naturalized 1910. Not known if he went back Ropners after 1918. I believe there was a ban on foreign nationals going to sea on UK vessels, immediately after the war, but no idea if this applied to Naturalized persons. Possibly he never went back to sea – he was killed in a roof fall, Boldon Colliery, 1942. Most grateful if anyone can point me in the right direction for the missing years 1910-1914; His last ship was Harrow, o/n 112705,owned by W.Cory. Lapsien left this ship in London, Dec 1909, and was not on board for the return voyage –to Dunstan although he lived in Sth Shields, and had a newborn son!
Oh my lord! I’ve tried for ages to find any details of my Great Grandfather, John Frederick LAPSIEN and his sailing/war years and here it is! Bob Price, I dont think John ever returned to sailing? but it looks like we are related! Johns daughter, Evelyn was my grandmother. I’m eager to learn more of his wartime life if anyone can help please?
I sailed with Captain Colin Tingle on numerous occasions in the 1980″s and would liketo get in contact again if anyone knows his whereabouts.
I sailed on mv Bridgepool for two trips in 1972, I can say Ropners were a good company. I think the memorial is an excellent way of saying thank you to so many brave seaman.
I was a cadet in the Thirlby 73 and would like to get in contact with Colin Tingle and for that matter anyone else from that time.
I picked up in this site whilst searching for some information regarding the Polzella. My great uncle James Brennan was one of the unfortunates lost in her sinking and Harry Rhodes does say that he has a photograph, hint hint.
One thing is certain, and that is that with this site there are very few days when something of interest does not crop up. Memories of the Old Town, names and faces of friends and acquaintences whose existence has been overtaken by our day to day struggle to survive. And sometimes coincidences that are surprising. And the entry by Ken Perry regarding his Grandfather and the sinking of the S.S.Polzella is one of those coincidences. For the last couple of years I have been in daily contact with one of the Perry family, now living in the USA and in April of this year he began to make enquiries into the sinking of the Polzella and the loss of his Grandfather. Knowing that I was formerly a Merchant Navy Officer he thought that I would be interested, and I was of course. From your posting Ken it looks as though you are also interested in the fate of your Grandfather, and I wonder if you have done any research into the incident. At the risk of relating facts of which you may already be aware, the S.S.Polzella carrying Iron Ore was sunk by torpedo fired by U68 under the command of Kapitan Richatd Wolfgang and all hands were lost. It is of interest to note that 2nd Engineer Perry, at the age of 74 was the oldest Merchant Seaman to be killed in the Second World War. I do have a photograph of the Polzella.
My Grandfather Frederick William Perry went down on the SS Polzella aged 74 he came from Stockton, is he named on the Memorial. I remember when I was young about 1946 going to a Ropner Park just outside Stockton. I went on a cruise to North Cape a few years ago and the skipper kindly took us over the wreck of the Polzella at Muckle Flugga. A very moving moment when we said our prayers at 0230 in the morning.
Hi Roy, Very interested in your photo as my father Paul Antoine Pfisterer died on 26th July 1943 in Syracuse on this ship, aged 34. I am at present visiting my son in Brisbane but will be home in England on 16th July and would love to see the photo.
Hi I am going through some old family photos and hace come accross one of “SS Fishpool loading pit props Newfoundland” Ther is no other info on the photo but assuming it is the same vessel the photo must have been taken sometime between 1940 & 1943. Whilst there is no reference on the photo to my reli who was a chief engineer one could assume he was on her. My reli was lost overboard under somewhat strange circumstances.
My book “Ropner”s Navy” (ISBN 978-0-9558593-5-9) is due to be published and released by Cormorant Publishing Hartlepool around August 2008. It details the history of the Ropner family and the Ropner Shipping Co. from 1874 to 1997 when the Co. was taken over by Jacobs Holdings Ltd. Also included are the ships owned during the partnership with the Thomas Appleby Co. from 1866 and also includes all ships managed by the Co. for the MOS/MOWT and those supplied to the British Government on the WWII Bareboat Charter during WWI & II. There is fleet list of some 284 ships owned and managed by the Co. 1866-1997, detailing date & yard built, tonnage, name changes and eventual demise. The third part details all 70 WWI & II losses due to enemy action detailing cargo, convoy, how and where lost & casualty figures. It is also a reference book detailing where all the WWII Log Books & Crew Agreements files are held at Kew for each ships war service for those wishing for a more in-depth research.The final part is a Book of Remembrance and details the individual names of the 736 men lost from Ropner ships registered with the CWGC (80 from WWI, 656 from WWII). There are also 66 black & white photographs dating from 1889 to the 1990″s. It is hoped WH Smith will sell a small number. The book will also be sold direct from Cormorant Publishing as well as the Author himself.
Just tried to locate a copy of your “Ropners’ Navy” but it seems to be unavailable. Can you tell me where I may be able to buy a copy please?
I too am trying to locate a copy of Ropners Navy. Desperately trying to find out more about a relative David Hood Young who we believe died at sea on Willowpool in 1937/9.
Interesting site, found by accident when researching family tree; my great uncle, Christopher Yare, was the Master Captain of SS Salmonpool when it was captured by Germans in Saudafjord, Norway 5th March 1940. Later awarded OBE for his work in POW camp Marlag & Milag Nord
My uncle, Jack Irving, died when the M.V.Fishpool was attacked on its maiden voyage in November, 1940. I don”t know much about the Fishpool”s story, but I believe she suffered engine failure (proper sea trials were a luxury at that stage of the war)and was attacked from the air. I”m told Jack died in hospital from the effects of exposure suffered when in a life boat, even though the ship didn”t sink and was towed back to port. I”d be glad to hear from anyone who knows more accurate information.
My Great Uncle was Joe Hugill who was Mate on the Fishpool and who was killed during the air attack, I believe that he is buried in the CWGC Rothesay wity others who lost their lives. I still have some of his papers somewhere.
My uncle Charlie (chuck) Gurney was first mate on the Fishpool when she was sunk. I do not know much about him but would be grateful for any information.
Thanks to Ray Buck and AD Blokland. Will recheck UB 123 and try mercantile marine org, re sinking of MV Kolchis
I was Radio Officer on the Pikepool, sunk by a mine off Smalls Light in November 1942. I wondered if anybody knew of anyone else who was on that ship. I was only 22 at the time. The Mate told me to “mind those wires, Sparks” as we prepared to jump off the up-ended ship. I never saw him again. Its a lonely feeling being so young and in the water in the dark, in November, with no ship,no lifeboat, just a few bits of rubbish. I found the Captain a while later with a raft, and 4 of us we were picked up 5 days later, by Norwegians.
Congratulations to Billy McGee on his efforts in supporting this cause so dear to him and many others. His efforts are obviously valued by so many, well done mate! Darran
My name is Adrienne, I am from Canada, my grandfather John Victor Webster served on the Fishpool and was one of the survivors when it was blown to bits in 1943, he married later after his rescue and recovery and he and his wife and Daughter(my Mum) moved to Canada. He enjoyed many years of life belonging to the Canadian Legion and a play was eventualy written about his experiences in the merchant Navy the Play was called “On Convoy” Written by Paul Ciufo, it was developed later as a Radio Play on CBC Radio Canada…sadly my grandfather passed away at the age of 80 never able to see the play performed but he had okayed the script. The play was dedicated to his memory John Webster 1918-1998.
My grandfather was killed on SS Polzella, 1940. His wife worked at the Ropners estate as a scullery maid – does anyone know where that estate is/was??
my uncle george arthur cooper was killed on the fishpool at syracuse 1943.my father jack cooper was also in the merchant navy. sadly he died in 1980 and we dont know which ships he served on. does anyone remember my uncle or my dad
MV Kolchis was sunk by U-123 on 22 November 1940, as one of 6 ships torpedoed by this U-boat that day.
Hello, i have been tracing my family tree and discovered that my gt grandfather William Hill was posted at Ropner & sons by order of the ministry of munitions during WW1. I have found his war records at the national archives at Kew, As far as i can make out at the start he was at Irvine shipbuilding, then Armstrong & Whitworth, before joining Ropners on 6/10/1916. He seems to have had a history in shipbuilding as on most of the certificates he says he is a “holder up in the shipyard”(1903)&(1918) “Labourer at shipyard”(1907)
Hello My father was on ss welcombe when she was sunk. Trying to find a picture of the ship and one of ss wearpool another ship he sailed on, thanks chris.
This is such an old post not sure if you’ll get to read this Chris. My late father was one of the surviving crew on the Welcombe. Assuming by now you’ve seen a photo of the ship. I would be interested in any other info / recollections from your dad you may have,
PFISTERER, Steward, PAUL ANTOINE, M.V. Fishpool (West Hartlepool). Merchant Navy. 26th July 1943. Age 34. Son of Paul Antoine and Isabella Pfisterer; husband of Lily Pfisterer, of Carshalton, Surrey. I have full casualty list if required. SS Fishpool, 4,950grt, built 1940 (Sir J. Laing & Sons, Sunderland) for the Pool Shipping Co. Ltd did not have much of a charmed life. She was attacked and damaged by German aircraft on her maiden voyage with loss of life. After being repaired she was later damaged during an air raid in 1941. Fishpool became the focus of an air attack at Syracuse on the morning of the 26th July 1943 by German JU-88’s & FW-190’s attacking the port in two waves. Fishpool received a direct hit amidships causing a fire amongst the drums of petrol and ammunition. This was soon followed by a further two direct hits igniting the cargo blowing the ship to pieces. Amazingly eighteen of her crew survived.
Hello Billy, I am doing some research for a friend regarding her father who served on the Fishpool. Her father’s name was Wilson Wharton. She was only a few months old when he was killed. I would be extremely grateful if you could let me know if he is on the casualty list you have as she is not sure just when he died. Thanking you in anticiaption. Regards Eileen Neill
My Grandfather, Paul Antoine Pfisterer, was one of those who lost their lives when the SS Fishpool was sunk off Siracuse, Sicily in 1943. Apparently, he was only on the Fishpool because he arrived late back at port and missed his own ship (I can”t remember the name of this one). He was put on a charge and then joined the Fishpool. Does anyone have any photos of the Fishpool or any other information? Thanks, Dean.
Sylvia – “Kolchis” Official No 162095. Originally built as “Sybil” 1909 owners when complete Cie des Chargeurs Francais (Plisson), Bayonne Subsequent History: 1931 – WALDINGE. 1937 – KOLCHIS She may have still been under a French flag Missing – sailed Sydney NS 22.11.40 for Belfast You may try posting on the website for mercantile marine.org, Billy, Roger & Hugh may be able to shed more light on the disappearance.
My father was Radio Officer aboard ss Drakepool during 1940. He changed ships Sept/Oct 1940 to go on ss Kolchis bound for Quebec; on leaving Quebec to return they appear to have joined SC-13 Convoy around 20th November 1940. There is no confirmed trace of Kolchis after this date. We have recently spent many hours – my daughter in particular – sweeping the web and have uncovered a great deal of information but it is contradictory – that is showing Kolchis as having been torpedoed but later showing that she foundered in a storm with no survivors. It appears strange to us why no message got through if they were in a storm. We were hoping to find some way of discovering a list of the crew members aboard Kolchis at this time. It is, even so many years after the event, to accept nothing is known for certain as to what happened to the ship and her crew. Would love to receive any infomation of help regarding the previous. At present in Australia returning to UK in 2008
I joined thirlby in 1961 in channel dry dock cardiff sailed to abadan capetown lourenco marques lisbon & point a pierre trinidad paid off in liverpool great ship great crew
In my Church this morning (St Paul”s Cathedral Malta)I was asked by an elderly ex-seafarer if I could ask my sons, who sailed with Ropners, if they could get a photograph of MV Salmonpool later renamed Irene K. Brian sailed on her 1954-55. I am not giving his full name because I haven”t asked his permission, I will next time I see him. I would like to give him a surprise because he has photos of all the ships he sailed on except the Salmonpool. If anyone could oblige I know he would be thrilled. Thank-you
I was electrian on MV Stonepool 1970 1971. Captain Dunn Chief Engineer J Bualk also MV Wandby 1971 also MV Stonepool 1971-1972; MV Rudy 1972-1974; MV Thirlby 1976; MV Lackenby 1977-1978 enjoyed all my time with ropner and miss all my friends I sailed with.
Hi Ian, I remember you well, I was on the Stone pool in 1971. We were at Long Beach – do you remember the longshoreman’s strike? I had my 21st birthday there – Dave Sharples Jnr.
nice to see the ww 2 merchant seaman being remembered, long overdue——–john bernard falmouth 4th generation merchant seaman
Further to my previous note about my father Capt Arthur Riding. I have discovered photos of Alderpool, Drakepool, Fishpool, Danby, Clearpool and Wansford, Ainderby, Rosedale Park, not sure if all these are Ropners. My father received his OBE for services whilst Master on Danby. The photo on the Drakepool is of Officers at King George dinner in Montreal given by the Canadian Navy. I also have Xmas menu 1942 for the Danby 1941 for the Drakepool on which ship my father acted as Commadore also have plans from Grays Hartlepool for building the Clearpool. A photo also of SS Welcombe. Just thought this little bit of nostalgia may bring back some memories for some people. He has also served on the Wearpool and Bridgepool which may bring back some memories to someone connected with Ropners
I SAILED WITH CAPT TINGLE ON THE THIRLBY AND FOUND HIM TO BE ONE OF THE BEST IN THE ROPNER FLEET I ALSO SAILED ON THE NORSE VIKING AND WHAT I BELEVED TO BE THE FLAGSHIP OF THE FLEET THE RUDBY THIS WAS 1972/1973.NORSE VIKING1973/74. THIRLBY 1974/1975.
Liz – There are records of your uncle also being 1st officer on the “SS Heronspool” in September 1922 And as Master of the “SS Fort Finley” in 1946 these records are on the Ancestry web site under the US immigration and crew manifests, no doubt there will be other record at the TNA in Kew. If Billy Magee reads this thread he may be able to provide further information on your relative, he has done a lot of research on the Ropner Shipping (Billy did all the organisation & fund raising to have the memorial plaque made and erected in Ropner Park )
Hello I’m looking for information on my grandfather Jens Marius Jensen that I believe was on the SS Heronspool about 1922 can you help?
My great uncle…Ernest Wilfred Jackson. Master Mariner.O.B.E. sailed with Ropners for quite a number of years. He flew his Commodore”s Pennant for the first time as he sailed out on the new “Thirlby” in 1951. He survived 2 world wars and a spell in a Japanese prison camp…does anyone remember him???
My late father Capt Arthur Riding OBE served with Ropners navy for a number of years and luckily survived right throughout the war. Born and bred in Hartlepool the names of the ships he served in I will have to dig out from my archives as I only came on this site tonight but the Danby was mentioned above and I know that was one of them I have all his documents whilst training in South Shields also photos of a number of ships.
I was interested to read the comments and thoughts about the Ropner Ships. My father served as an engineer aboard SS Danby, a Ropner Lines ship which was registered in West Hartlepool. I did a little research on the vessel and learned it was a 4,258 tonner, and built in by William Gray in West Hartlepool. In 1952 it was sold to a company in Spain and renamed the Astro. It was sold on again in 1971 when it was renamed Gopegui. Five years later it was scrapped. I will be submitting a photograph of this ship within a day or so.
I served as an engineer with Ropners from 1962 to 1971 & sailed on maiden voyages on Stonepool & Norse Viking. I also served on Thornaby (her last voyage for Ropners) Thirlby (great ship!),Barlby (now at the bottom of the Pacific, Romanby (also her last voyage for the firm) & also Wandby. I enjoyed those days – hard work in the Engine room but set me off for life. All the best Mike
I sailed with captain tingle on the MV Thirlby back in 1974,i was 2nd cook he used to pick up the flying fish and I use to fry them for him, a great man. I had 5 happy years working for Ropner Shipping, I had my first trip on the Norse Viking, was on her for 13 months, also had trips on Rudby, Stonepool.i was on the Bridgepool for a few weeks before they sold her, I did my last trip on the Stonepool then sadly came ashore for work great memories
Billy McGee is a great friend and servant to the Merchant Navy, all who have met the man know the Red Duster runs through the man, the work he did to get the Ropner memorial not forgetting the very hard work he does in providing people from all over the country with information on the War Records & ships our fathers and grandfathers sailed on during WW11, this man has for a long time worked to see our merchant veterans receive the medals they are entitled to as so many of these men were forgotten after the war ended, I also know of the many hours of work he put in to see that our Arctic Veterans receive recognition for the Arctic Convoys during WW11, I count Billy McGee a good friend to me and my family, my own father was a very young merchant seaman during WW11, he never sailed on the Ropner ships but like god knows how many men both young and old answered the call and many never came back and those that made it back were forgotten very quickly as they wore no uniform, to this date many a merchant veterans medals lay unclaimed but thanks to the likes of Billy McGee the veterans wont be forgotten, its about time we had a memorial perhaps at Middlesbrough dedicated to all the merchant men from our area to be finally recognised, all the best to all Derek
I ATTENDED THE UNVEILING AT ROPNER PARK AND WATCHED MY FRIEND SKIPPER COLIN TINGLE UNCOVER THE PLAQUE. WELL DONE BILLY ANYBODY SAIL WITH COLIN?
Michelle Nunez, are from England. Well, I can tell you that I am one of your relatives. I was born in Hopkins Village, Belize and there are a lot of Nunez”s their. Contact me at this same website.
I have a DVD of the unveiling of the memorial if anyone is interested. I was the person responsible for setting up the Ropner Memorial Fund in 2005 to raise the money for the plaque and organising the unveiling attended by 18 standards, Dari Taylor MP Sockton South and Mr Geoff Morton MBE, a survivor from the Ropner ship Fort Pelly. Also in attendance were 100 locals. I visit the park regular to check the plaque and clean up when needed. Each year I will be laying a wreath in memory of the 650 men I traced lost from Ropner ships. I am also compiling a book on the history of the Ropner & Pool Shipping Co. and the 259 ships they owned and managed between 1874-1997. I am also in contact with a number of the Ropner family. Contact Billy1963&ntlworld.com
hello,my name is michelle nunez.my granfather was phillip edward nunez he was born in belize he came over to england in 1941 he came over with the forestry commision and had previously been in the merchant navy.i know this is kind of a needle in a haystack but i would love to hear if anybody maybe knew him. kindest regards michelle taylor
Hello Harry, It was nice to read of your experiences with Ropner Shipping etc. As you will know the Merchant Navy was a much neglected force, and not many people (in official places) recognised them until for a lot of them it was too late. I notice that you regularly contribute to the wonderful Picture. Stockton web site. I took this picture November 2005 with the wreath and poppies and it has been built right next to the new Pavilion and the new children’s play area. I am a member of the Friend of Ropner Park and I live close by. Were you a regular visitor to the park in the old days? My first memories were about 1934. I do not think many days went by with out me either being taken or going there on my own (yes we could go without fear in those day’s) I have quite a lot of photographs on disk that I could send you if you are interested please send me an email to rdicken@gmail.com
To Bob Dicken with thanks for the photograph of the Merchant Navy Memorial to the Men who lost their lives in the two World Wars. Where is this Plaque located? I do have an interest in the Ropner Shipping Co. as I signed on with them at their Coniscliffe Road Head Office in Darlington in 1951 and sailed as an Engineer aboard their Motor Vessel Daleby. Yesterday, April 25th was Anzac Day in Australia, and this year there was a special tribute paid to the Merchant Navy (The forgotten Service). Whilst I marched through Melbourne with the British Airborne Forces, I found space on my blazer lapel for my old Merchant Navy badge.