Memories of My Early Years

My father, Ernie, always remembered his formative years around County Durham with love, although as a young lad he was frequently in hot water and his family went through hard times. However, little of the pain shows in his memoires and his reminiscences are gentle, humorous and affectionate, reflecting the man himself.

The earlier part of Ernie’s story shines a light on the day to day activities of a colliery family, and of growing up in the pit villages during the 1920’s and 1030’s. Leaving school at fourteen he entered the engineering industry as an apprentice, and in his spare time developed a passion for cycling and exploring his native Durham countryside. Meeting and courting my mother, Edith, who remained his enduring passion throughout his life, he joined the Merchant Navy in 1939 just before war broke out, to save enough money for them to marry.

The latter half of his book is devoted to his eighteen months in the Merchant Navy, serving on the SS City of Kimberly, a steam turbine driven cargo ship, and recounts his introduction to the engine room and his adventures travelling around the world.

Ernie’s story is an endearing account of simpler and less affluent times, related by an unusual young man whose glass was always half full, rather than half empty.

I promised my father that I would publish his memoirs, although it took me over three years to do so. There are many people to thank for their support during the process, but my biggest thanks have to go to my father. For simply being himself, for his love, and for writing an engaging and unusual record of historical interest combined with an international adventure and a love story.

Enid Moulder, Editor