ICM - Leeds Design Agency

A life on the ocean wave (part two)

So there I was aboard a magnificent tall ship thinking how absurd, a Yorkshireman aboard a ship that regularly travels the globe.

Than walking back through Falmouth town centre I stumbled across and exhibition of old photographs taken by a Yorkshireman, Geoffrey Robertshaw, aboard a tall ship over 70 years ago.

The photographs were taken on a Kodak Number Two Box Brownie, and, although they are around 75 years old, the quality is remarkable.

Geoffrey Robertshaw took pictures of his ship mates, rough weather, and general life onboard. He also kept his own personal diary which, being a seaman, he called a log. Every day of his voyages are recorded along with the date and ships position.

Alongside the photographs are entries from his log.

Day 14 Thursday March 8th 1934

At 4.30pm the sailmaker reports a cyclone heading straight for the ship and consequently all hands are called to make fast all sails except the two lower topsails.

All hands are completely tired, hungry and wet through to the skin, work like Trojans almost through the whole night.

It is impossible to explain what it is like to anybody who has not been afloat onboard a sailing ship deep laiden with cargo, the lee rails at times submerged, a deck standing waist deep in water, hail squalls incessantly beating down into their face almost blinding them, every man – mere boys – worn out.

The exhibition is an amazing account of a life that seems so far removed from anything today. It was enlightening to see that Geoffrey truly loved his way of life despite the adversity.

Day 127 Friday June 29th 1934

At 4am this morning we are dead opposite the Lizard Point.

I can plainly pickout the villages of Cadgwith, and Coverack and the dangerous Manacle rocks.

It may have been hell at times, we have been short of food, fresh water and cigarettes we have had fights, we have been wet through and hungry and thoroughly worn out with continuous work. But it has been worth it.

I love the sea and what is more I love the old sailing ships and without doubt Cape Horn will call me back again, and I shall not refuse.

Pictures and texts are courtesy of Geoffrey’s Cornish relative Elvin Carter and are to appear in a book titled Before the Mast which further details Geoffrey’s life in the great Grain Races of the 1930s.