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T. S. S. EMPIRE BRENT -- OFF TO AUSTRALIA IN 1948

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T.S.S. EMPIRE BRENT ex LETITIA - - Source: http://www.nlwarbrides.ca/ships.html
In March 1948 our family were passengers on the first post WW2 emigrant ship to leave Glasgow, Scotland for Australia. I was one of the 906 onboard. When we finally reached Melbourne along with 'Rupert the Rabbit', we were met by Uncle Bill
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I wanted to explore the Empire Brent by myself. However, the ship's policeman didn't think it was such a good idea at 3 years of age!! -- (Family Photo: C. Milligan)

S.S. STRATHNAVER -- RETURNING TO ENGLAND IN 1954 -- VOYAGE OF A LIFETIME

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S.S. STRATHNAVER ship board post card (Card location: Chris Milligan)
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The 1954 route -- Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth-Fremantle, Colombo (Ceylon), Bombay (India), Aden (Yemen), Suez Canal, Port Said (Eqypt), Marseilles (France), and Tilbury (London, England) - Source; Chris Milligan
                                                                                                                                                                                                Click here for additional route information 

What a fantastic adventure trip this was for me at nine years of age. I still have vivid recollections of the entire five week voyage. We had 2 two-berth inside cabins. The four person cabins were too expensive. My father and I occupied one and my mother and sister had the adjoining cabin. Although we had a memorable "Crossing the Line" ceremony at the Equator in the Indian Ocean with a certificate and food all day that was fit for a King; and, experienced various  Sports Days, and special Children's Teas. -- What I remember the most were the visits to ports in exotic countries.  I've crossed the Arabian Sea. Sailed the Red Sea to Suez, and made a transit through the famous Suez Canal to Port Said, Egypt.  The Strathnaver's Capt. Peter even made a minor adjustment to our homeward route so his pasengers could  pass close by an active Italian volcano named "Old Stromboli".  From Marsailles, France we journeyed southward passing Gibraltar, then headed westward passing through the Straits of Gibraltar out into the North Atlantic Ocean. The final leg of my trip was northward, across the Bay of Biscay, the English Channel, and finally docking at Tilbury, London, England. Here is a selection of the sixty year old photos from our 1954 Family Trip Album. .....Enjoy!
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