These photographs have been sent in by Ken Mugridge who was a Radio Officer on board in the early 1960s. If you haven't yet worked it out, GYKS was Caronia's call-sign in Morse Code.
The page starts with what is possibly a unique photograph of Caronia's radio room, with Ken sending a message. There were 5 Radio Officers maintaining a 24 hour watch.
I'd be very happy to receive additional photographs and any information that will identify persons as yet unknown.
Ken writes…
Chief Radio Officer George Parsons MBE., Stuart Richards and myself (right), with our steward Greg, on the 1962 South
Pacific cruise. George Parsons was the nicest chief you could have and was the original Chief Radio Officer on
Caronia's maiden voyage.
Left to right:
Mama-san, Grace (Nurse), myself, George (AP), Dan (AP), ?? lady AP, Marie (hairdresser), Garry
(AP), Mavis (Physio), Mama-san
Ken writes…
Late March 1962, in Yokohama having a sukiyaki evening. We shared accommodation on board with
the Assistant Pursers, so we did a lot of socialising together.
Assistant Pursers have a Cunard reunion in Southampton every year and three of the guys in this photo attended last year. My source is another AP I've kept in contact with over the years.
Left to right…
Van Barnfeld ( property tycoon), Red (chief operator of marine radio station KOK, whom we communicated with throughout
the Pacific part of cruise), Ken Mugridge 3rd R/O, Rod Dolling 5th R/O (who is STILL working, leading tour groups on
the QM2), “Mac” McCarthy 2nd R/O, Henry Matysiak 4th R/O.
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Page last updated on Thu, 27 Mar 2025
