- Aimee from the Poole Flying Boat Celebration website has been in touch to ask if anything is known about Captain Edward Poole, who was based in Durban at the flying boats during WWII. In particular, Aimee is keen to know whether he arrived in Durban aboard the SS Stirling Castle or was flown there via the Congo in 1940.
- Jacqui Canning wrote: “I am trying to find some information about The West End Hotel in Durban. My daughter in Australia is doing a family research project and has come up against a wall, as she is unable to find information on this hotel. It would seem that some of her names are linked to it – Messrs. Ghee, Leech and Drew keep appearing in her searches. I would be more than grateful for any pointers.”
Allan Hannah
Hi Jaqui
Some many years ago, whilst still gainfully employed, I met a gentleman on the Drakensberg Express between Durban and Johannesburg. I cannot remember his name but do remember that he had one leg! Somehow he seemed to be related to the beer industry, possibly why my memory is a bit hazy!!! He asked me which hotel bar I thought had the highest beer consumption in Durban!!!
I had no idea and was most surprised to hear that it was the West End Hotel! I never helped achieve this remarkable milestone as I never had the opportunity to kill a couple of frosties in their pub!!!
Maybe GeraldB has some useful input!!
Good Luck!!
AllanH
David Balie
Here’s my post on FAD facebook page with a little bit of info on the West End Hotel. The proprietor’s name was W. Doran (1897)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FactsAboutDurban/1266534700081381/?notif_t=like¬if_id=1486152881863967
Danny Moodley
I REMEMBER THE BARMAN. HIS NAME WAS. SOOBRIE PILLAY.. VERY WELL KNOWN.
. HE. THEREAFTER. TOOK OVER THE. HOTEL.. IT WAS ALWAYS BUSY..