Hull

 

The Brynmoor Jones Library (University of Hull)

Things I love about the University of Hull.

• It's an excellent Campus out of town and with lots of space around the buildings.
• The mixture of old and new buildings is very much like Huddersfield.
• And the library, more specifically the Observatory on the 7th Floor of the Library.

These views are amazing.

Of course, I didn't visit just for the Views I visited to collect my SCONUL Card and to check out their nautical book collection. I was not disappointed. 

Lots of reading to do now.

After the University we popped into the Ferens Gallery, mainly to avoid the rain, but in the Gallery, I was thrilled to find this Painting by Alexender Johnston (1868). Though painted in 1868 the painting is set in 1798, and clearly depicts the clothing worn by sailors and junior officer.

The Press Gang 

Press Gangs 

Maritime UK Week

 This week is Maritime UK week.

As an Island nation, the UK is a Maritime Nation, with shipping playing an important part in our infrastructure.

Maritime UK

Books, Books and more Books

The reading pile grows on a daily basis, and I think I may have a problem. For every book, I read I find five more that are relevant and a couple more I need in my life generally. 

The essential reading pile well a small part of it. 

Some are about study skills, others about writing and of course are related to my research. 

Captain Charles Fryatt

 Another fascinating rabbit hole.

While looking at information on Cap Badges, I ended up looking at information on the introduction of a standardised uniform for merchant seamen.

The 19th Century saw many new merchant shipping companies all with their own uniforms and identities, different rank systems and different uniforms.

The first world war saw a need for the introduction of a standardised uniform, this was in part due to Captain Charles Fryatt.

In March 1915 Captain Fryatt's ship the SS Wrexham was attacked by a German Imperial Navy U-Boat. His ship managed to outrun the Uboat with deckhand helping stockers to load the boilers.

Three weeks later while captain of the SS Brussels he was ordered to stop by the U-Boat U33, Captain Fryatt was not planning to take orders from a U-Boat and tried to ram it as it dived. 

In June 1916 the SS Brussels left the Hook of Holland, a passenger appears to have signalled to the shore, and in minutes 5 destroyers surrounded the Brussels. Official papers were destroyed and passengers were put into lifeboats. The ship was taken by the Germans.

Once in Bruges Capt Fryatt was arrested and charged with sinking a German U-Boat illegally. The U33 was in fact still on active service, but the gold pocket watch that had been presented and inscribed to Capt Fryatt by the admiralty was used as evidence. On the 27th July 1916, he was sentenced to death by a naval firing squad. 

The Mercantile Marine Uniform Act 1919

Capt Fryatt

Nautilist - MN uniforms

Merchant Navy Day

 Today 3rd September is Merchant Navy Day.

Image Courtesy of the RMT

Its easy to forget that as an island nation even now we rely heavily on our merchant navy. Many of the goods we use on a daily basis arrive on our shores thanks to one of the many companies that make up the merchant navy, from food to fuel, toys to the cars we drive.

For me I have a personal connection with the Merchant Navy through my Father who served with BP.

He became a Master Mariner and as a child, I have many happy memories of my time spent on board the HQS Wellington, Headquarters of the Honorable Company of Master Mariners, and of their wonderful library. I look forward to visiting again as part of my research.

For more information on Merchant Navy Day, visit the Seafarers Charity website.