Comments on: Colin Ross, Docker

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 20:18:32 +0000

This is an incredible story, and an incredible life.

I am doing research at University into the lives of the Dockers at the London and St Katherine’s Docks just at the point of closure (66-69). Are there any dockers out there that worked the docks that then moved downstream, or left the industry? It is so hard to get the voices of the dockers into the historical record – one docker told me he was too old and people just forgot him but too young for his story to be re-told ( from the archives) – I really want to help change this.

By: susan Frances allen

susan Frances allen — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 17:41:49 +0000

Both my uncles worked at East India Docks. My uncles (twins) were George and Harry Redknapp. They were close friends of Jack Dash. My uncle George travelled the world as a Merchant Seaman. I have been to the Guildhall and traced my family back to 1700. They have very good records. The Museum of Docklands is a must to visit too.

By: Matthew Rosenberg

Matthew Rosenberg — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 10:31:58 +0000

Really interesting article. I met Colin last week as I am running a schools history project to explore the history of the people who worked in the docks. He’s a lovely guy with an important and fascinating history.

For our project we are recording the history of people who worked on the docks, getting them to come and meet small groups of primary school children in London to talk about their working lives. If there are any of you who worked on the docks who would like to get involved please have a look at our website and get in touch.

http://www.thamesdockers.org.uk

By: Alex

Alex — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 16:44:35 +0000

Hello, I currently have a contract to write a book, which aims to help people trace their docker ancestors. Would it be possible for me to use the images from this page in the publication? Thanks Alex

By: dave

dave — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 18:03:51 +0000

a good crowd of guys

By: dave

dave — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 18:02:13 +0000

i remember the dockers at rochester unloading sacks of food starch by hand on to pallets This could be day in day out and when it got wet it turned into a thick glue i was only a lad in the early seventies and would tell my parents about how the dockers grafted and all the banter that went on Take my word these guys could work Il be interested to read this book

By: Mick Barnes

Mick Barnes — Sun, 10 May 2015 14:07:32 +0000

I had the privilege of going to sea with Colin on a round the world trip 13 months through google I have found him after 50 years quite amazing.
I have just read his book it was fascinating like in life the press only print half truths.
Mick Barnes

By: TONY BANFIELD

TONY BANFIELD — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 14:51:09 +0000

HI COL.
I CONSIDER IT A PRIVILLAGE TO SAY I WAS A SHOP STEWARD WITH YOU AT TOM WALLIS ,STEVERDORING ,IN ROYAL GROUP OF DOCKS, FOR MANY YEARS,BEFORE AND AFTER THE CONTAINERISATION CAMPAIGN.
AND FOR ME YOUR MY WORKING CLASS HERO
TONY B

By: Mick Barnes

Mick Barnes — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 03:28:20 +0000

Hi Colin,
Are you the same Colin Ross who used to live at David Street Stratford.
Also the same Colin who couldn’t get a ticket for Wembley when the
Hammers were in the cup final.
We had just got back from a deep sea voyage in the 60s you then came
to my parent place at Colchester for the weekend you were much worse
for wear, Oh they were good days.
Regards Mick Barnes

By: Chris Tilley

Chris Tilley — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 10:55:18 +0000

Hi Colin this is a great article and all the comments are very intresting as well.
My father was in the Royals as a Stevidore, and he died a couple of years ago of a asbestos related disease. Some of you may have known and worked with my dad i’d really like it if some of you would get in touch with me to see weather you remember him.
His name is George Tilley from Custom House worked in the Royal’s from late 40’s 50’s then got moved to Tilbury and finished in the 80’s.

My email address is ctilley@talktalk.net

Many thanks in advance
chris Tilley