Offer:Look-up Liverpool (Mersey) Pilots 1734/1990

[glenburn]

Further to my last message, anyone with sea-faring ancestors or relatives likely to have been employed by the Liverpool Pilotage Authority and who disappeared around 1917 may be interested in the following post from someone in Holland over 4 years ago :-

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=28705

Regards
Gordon

[arevans777]

Gordon, thank you for that link!

I also noticed that attached as a 1st class pilot on the same boat is James S Holmes (S=Samuel?).  I came across this Liverpool Pilot in Census when tracing William J's ancestors. William named his first child James S (S=Stewart).  With 31 years age difference it is tempting to think that James S might be his father, but I could only find contrary evidence. Still, they may have been related.

I was thinking it was lucky that William was not on the ALFRED H READ or I might not have been here asking the questions, but then I recall my grandmother was born in 1909, so I would have made it anyway. 

[arclightzero]

Here is a photo of William Evans sitting on the fantail of what is supposedly his pilot boat (maybe the George Holt?). I don't know if anybody is familiar with the designs of the pilot boats and can verify that this was indeed taken aboard one of the them or if this was a different vessal... There is a large steamer in the background so I assume this was taken in Liverpool harbor, again lending some validity that this was taken aboard a pilot boat.

[davecigar]

Ryan,
A pilotage colleague was visiting yesterday, who just happens to be making a scale model of No 10 the'George Holt'. He is convinced that this is the stern of No 10 as he says it was cut away twice and the first cut is clearly visible.
Also the end of the boom is visible above his head.
We think that she is in the vicinity of the Bar Light Vessel with the steamer proceeding past her stern, probably towards the channel and Liverpool.
Another immaculately dressed Liverpool pilot!!
Regards
Dave

[arclightzero]

Dave, thank you for helping to confirm that! I suspected it may have been the George Holt based on William's age in the photo, but I couldn't be sure. As you had mentioned before, the George Holt was the last of the schooners, so I wonder if this photo was taken as a momento on one of the final voyages? It's unfortunate that there is no date to be found on the picture anywhere.

[davecigar]

Anthony,
William J Holmes:
The first record I have is from the "Returns Relating to Pilots and Piloting" from 1895. William is attached to No5 Boat, the schooner "Criterion", aged 23 and a Boathand (Apprentice Pilot). The "Criterion" was built in 1854, as No 10, by Thos. Harvey & Sons of Ipswich. She was 74'5" long, 15'2" beam, 9'8" draft and 61grt. She became No5 in 1888, withdrawn in 1898 and sold to the Dunkirk Pilot Service. In 1900 he is attached to No 4 Steam Pilot Boat "David Fernie", aged 28 and is a 2nd class Pilot. (Restricted to a certain tonnage). The reason I say 'attached' is because that particular boat is his base. In order to pilot ships into Liverpool he would board the ship in question and assist in the navigation. Pilots are always contracted in an advisory capacity, hence the entry in the Ship's Log, 'TMO&PA', (To Master's Orders and Pilot's Advice).
In 1906 he is on No1 spb "Francis Henderson", aged 34 and a 1st class Pilot (any size of ship).
He was born on 4/2/1872 and entered the Pilot Service as a Boathand on 23/5/1891. He was licenced as a 3rd class Pilot on 28/7/1898.
Leslie Thomas Holmes born 21/12/1902, joined the Service as a Boathand on 9/7/1919 and became a Pilot on 7/4/1927. Any relation?
William Clifford Holmes, born 24/9/1905, joined the Service on 23/5/1922. Any relation?
James S Holmes in the "Returns" in 1870, aged 26, an Apprentice with a 500 ton licence attached to No 3 Boat, the schooner "Duke". Have you found a family link? In 1895 he was on No2 schooner "Leader".
Let me know if there is a link and I'll give you a bit more info
Regards
Dave

[silverscouser]

[do you have any record of my father RUPERT NICHOLLS .Pilot from1935 1960 


Peter Nicholls

[davecigar]

Hi Peter,
Well I don't have any record per se, but as I've outlined before, a record of his pilotage career can be found in the Pilot Character Book at the MMM, Albert Dock, Liverpool.
I do remember him being a pilot whilst I was 'serving my time', but nothing specific.
Regards
Dave

[silverscouser]

Dave,  thanks for your response.I'll have to make a pilgrimage back home from the West country one of these moments.I've had a look at the MMM web and think I'll need a couple of days at least.I was intrigued to see Norman Morrisson mentioned,he was dad's best pal and my God -father.
Will be in touch...PETER