Via Suez (British): Blue Funnel Line (Merchant Navy Series Book 3)

After two voyages on the Glengarry, the author returns from leave to be told that he is rejoining her as 1st Radio Officer/Purser and, although he objects to the re-promotion, he is compelled to accept it.

On passage to Hong Kong, the Glengarry experiences the violence of a typhoon and, with the Chinese revolution still in progress, the Kuomintang are maintaining a blockade on communist-held Chinese ports. Because of this, the Glengarry proceeds to Japan via the Bashi Channel with a large Red Ensign spread over No.3 hatch. On her homeward passage, an enjoyable Christmas is spent in Colombo.

On the following voyage, radio silence is being maintained when the ship goes to communist-held Taku Bar, in north-east China, but passengers are still keen to listen to the BBC broadcasting the Grand National from Aintree.

Having decided to leave the sea, the author requests a final voyage to Australia, but it is not immediately granted and he is sent to coast the Elpenor/Glenfinlas, Helenus, Patroclus, Medon and Clytoneus between home and Continental ports.

Via Suez is the penultimate book in the author's Merchant Navy Series, the first being "Life Aboard a War-time Liberty Ship" (published by Amberley) which has received excellent reviews.

The author’s post war Merchant Navy Series includes:

Outward Bound
Back To Sea
Via Suez
Last Voyage and Beyond

All four books include historical photographs.