[BITList] Extra Master/ Chief Engineer Certs

[HUGH]

Ron,

And a Happy New Year to you.  While "staff" on Uganda, Oct/Nov 1956, I visited or was taken aboard either Kenya or Nevasa (RA Docks), where I had a drink with the 2E/O.  He, I was later told, had his Extra Chief's. Along with this, I was told possession of the Extra Certificate could hinder promotion in BI.  At the time, it was my intention to go on for Extra Chief's, but after problems getting steam time (with Clan Line), and too many short trips allied to getting engaged to the lady who is now my wife, I packed the text books away and settled for 2nd's and Part A Chief's and a life ashore.  On Chakdara I sailed under Scientific Sid Hammond, Chief Engineer Extraordinaire, and of him it was said he went ashore to study for Extra Chief's, but alcohol interfered with his plans, so he didn't sit the exams.  What truth there was in this I cannot say, but I can vouch for the role alcohol played in his shipboard life, though I never once saw him incapacitated.  Pissed, often - drunk, never.  Sid Hammond and Jock Dewar were the two Chief's I recall most fondly, for widely different reasons I won't go into here.

Hugh.
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