Ian Hart is working on a history of Brazilian whaling and is trying to track down pictures of two vessels which were operated by the Union Whaling Company as the R. L. GOULDING and R. K. FRAAY until sold to a Japanese company that operated them in Recife as the DAISHIN MARU NO. 1 and DAISHIN MARU NO.2. Please contact me if you can help.
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John Taylor
The John H. Marsh Maritime Research Centre will in all probability have photographs of these vessels in their immense collection. Google the name to get to their website.
Allan Jackson
Hi John. That was my thought too, but even though they have the names listed, their pictures show different vessels.
Patrick Westbrook
Cassie was a Captain on one of the catchers in Durban.He may be able to help.Try to locate him at the Dutch Club or the Assigi Moth club both in Durban on the Bluff.
Hope this will help
John Taylor
Empire Catcher
Empire Catcher was a 533 GRT whaler which was built by Akers Mekaniske Verksted, Oslo. Launched in 1942, requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine on completion and named Flandern. Seized by Norway in 1945 and renamed Suderoy VII. Allocated to MoWT in 1946 and renamed Empire Catcher. Sold in 1948 to Union Whaling Co Ltd, Durban and renamed R K Fraay. Sold in 1957 to Taiyo Gyogyo KK, Japan and renamed Toshi Maru No. 11 Sold in 1959 to Hokuyo Suisan KK, Japan and renamed Daishin Maru No. 2. Scrapped in Onomichi in August 1964.
[edit] Empire Catcher II
Empire Catcher II was a 533 GRT whaler which was built by Akers Mekaniske Verksted, Oslo. Launched in 1942, requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine on completion and named Helgoland. Seized by Norway in 1945 and renamed Nor IV. To MoWT in 1946 and renamed Empire Catcher II. Sold in 1948 to Union Whaling Co Ltd, Durban and renamed R L Goulding. Sold in 1957 to Taiyo Gyogyo KK, Japan and renamed Toshi Maru No. 8. Sold in 1959 to Hokuyo Suisan KK, Japan and renamed Daishin Maru No. 1. Sold in 1963 to Nippon Reizo KK, Japan, then sold in 1967 to Sanwa Sempaku KK, Japan. Name removed from shipping registers in 1980.
derek austin
Found this on the net as well. Ships of the South African Navy Past & Present.
Minesweeping Whalers
•HMSAS Goulding, T503 (T03; R.L. Goulding, —; Southern Maid). For the full list go to this link http://southerncape.co.za/history/military/forces/sa_navy/ships.php also I found this on the net as well. Thanks to the efforts of David Asgeir-Nilsen it’s now possible to take a Whaling History Tour, visiting what remains of the factory and viewing a large collection of photographs, newspaper articles, whaling artefacts and memorabilia. To contact David click on this link http://molegenealogy.blogspot.com.au/2010/02/whale-of-time-in-natal.html he has a video that he shows so perhaps he has pictures of these boats. Also what about those black and white newsreels they showed in the cinema before the movie started?
Hope this helps Derek.
Sharon Kool
Does anyone know anything about R. K. Fraay . There is an R K Fraay institute, but I cannot find any information regarding him, or even if he was associated with the institute. I have an old book (1902) with his book plate.
Michael Cook
Sharon
R.K.Fraay was the founder and Chairman of The Unit Securities and Trust Company based in Fox Street Johannesburg,
They became the largest shareholders in Union Whaling Durban in about mid 50’s. My father Edwin “Ted” Cook was appointed Manager of Union Whaling by Unit Securities after the share purchase The R.K.Fraay was named after RK and the Hovelmeier was named after the Secretary of Unit Securities based in Fox St Jhb The catcher Kos 50 was renamed the Edwin Cook after it was purchased
Jenny Madath
Edwin Cook was my mothers brother, I just came across Michael Cooks message re Union Whaling, so interesting my mother Sheila Cook left S.A in 1944 for England.Michael Cook came to my wedding in 1970 (1st and last time we met). Have not heard from this side of the family so would love to hear if anyone reads this.
Oystein Ronander
My father Oivind Ronander worked for Union Whaling from -51 to -54 before he moved back to Norway. He worked onboard the factory ship Abraham Larsen during the Antarctic season, and on R.K. Fraay off the coast of Durban between seasons. We have gone through his old stuff after he passed away in February at the age of 86, and found many pictures from his time in Durban. There is one taken from R.K. Fraay, the ships name is clearly visible on the life boat.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vzhxdbjocl4v85f/IMG_4513.JPG?dl=0
Gill Rolfe
Hi,
My great grandfather was RL Goulding and we have a painting of the ship and the ship bell…other photos too. Happy to chat further.
Thanks,
Gill
Gerald Buttigieg
Hi
Which ship are you referring to? Can you write up a story and post as a reply to this.