Thomas (Tommy) Richardson

Biography
After an apprenticeship with Clark, Chapman & Co. Gateshead, he sailed with Sir R. Ropner & Co. from February 28th. 1947 until January 18th. 1954. from 5th. up to 2nd. Engineer. He obtained his 2nd Class Certificate (Steam) No.95750 at Newcastle in May 1954. August 6th.1954. Joined C.N.Co. on Agreement with excellent references.

May 1st 1955. Promoted 2nd. Engineer.

Sailed as 3/E on the Hunan II and Hupeh II, then as 2/E on the "Fengning", obtaining his Part A Ist Class cert. in Sydney in February 1957. Unfortunately he spent 2 weeks in Yokohama hospital with infectious hepatitis in Nov. 1958, Later in 1958 after returning from home leave had an appendicectomy in Hong Kong.

'''June 30th. 1959'''. Promoted Chief Engineer.

February 1959, Hong Kong. Obtained his 1st Class Certificate of Competency (Steam). Then sailed as 5/E on the "Kwangtung II" and 4/E on the "Szechuen III" in order to obtain motor time. Obtained his Motor Endorsement for the 1st Class Certificate of Competency - October 1959.

In December 1959, he again contracted infectious hepatitis, which necessitated his being hospitalized, and returned to duty on February 25th. 1960 as C/E on the "Fengtien II"

He then sailed as C/E on the "Anshun II", "Funing I", "Chekiang II", Szechuen III", and "Chengtu II", for short periods as by this time he was employed on "special duties", i.e. becoming involved with C.N.Co. dry dockings and repairs etc.

'''January 18th. 1963.''' Proceeded on Home Leave. On return from Home Leave on September 24th. 1963. Tommy was appointed to the position of Assistant Superintendent Engineering (Shore Staff), reporting to W (Bill) Adam. ( William David Adam )

The various dockyards carrying out repairs etc. on the CNCo vessels found him to be fair and very good to deal with, due to his straightforward and fair no nonsense approach. These attributes, along with his dry wit, earned him respect and popularity from C.N.Co. staff and the dockyard personnel.

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