Richard Edgar Selwyn-Jones

Biography
Joined the China Navigation Company on Agreement, arriving on 9th. April 1931, by the P.&O.S.N. ship Kalyan with his Masters Certificate No. 26061, which he obtained in Liverpool on 14th. June 1929.

Served on the China Coast and the Yangtse River vessels, and as required during World War 2.

On return from leave in November 1946, he served as Chief Officer on the Tsinan II, Nanchang III, Wuchang II, Hanyang II, Soochow III, and Fengtien II.

After taking the balance of his leave, he served as chief officer on the Changsha III, and Shengking II. Finally in June 1950 he had his first command as Master of the Poyang II, after 19 years, albeit in a relief position. Then as chief officer Fatshan II, and Kweiyang II. As relief Master on the Sinkiang II, and Chief Officer and relief Master of the Hupeh II, (refer for details re 1951 piracy) then as Chief officer of the Shengking II.

May 26th. 1953, he had now progressed up the seniority list and was promoted as Master, 22 years after joining CNCo.

On returning from Home leave in Jan. 1954, he sailed as Master on the following vessels:- Sinkiang II, Hunan II, Chengtu II, Poyang II, Hupeh II, finally retiring on 5th.November 1960 after 29 years service.

Events / Stories
R.E.Selwyn-Jones recalls earlier times to Christopher Cook in his book "The Lion and the Dragon" published in 1985.

When R.E.Selwyn-Jones joined CNCo, the company only engaged those who had their Master's Certificate as deck officers, or with Chief Engineers certificate as engineer officers. They were engaged for three years under an agreement. At this time there was a decline in in world trade and merchant shipping activity, hence jobs were hard to come by. On engagement the staff travelled on Alfred Holt's Blue Funnel ships to either Hong Kong or Shanghai. On engagement CNCo gave them each 10 pounds for their expenses on the voyage and 10 pounds on arrival. A poem at the time "The China Coaster" is:-

They say you'll find them most obliging people,'''

They'll pack you off to China in a trice,

Ten pounds to spend on voyage,

Ten pounds on arrival, Ain't they nice.'''

Images
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