THE COURIER (1) & (2)
Maria Blatchford who's Great grandad was the Chief engineer of the Courier ships has kindly let the following images be placed on this website.
"Albert Blatchford was born on 10 March 1858, and died on 22 August 1955. His father was Oliver Blatchford, who was the part owner and Chief Engineer of the Courier before him."
In the photo Albert is 80 years old and for his age was very fit - he even went back on the Courier (2) after the WW2 when he was 89. He lived to the grand old age of 97.
An obituary from the front page of the GEP on August 30th 1955 says " A link with the early days of the ss. Courier has been severed with the passing of Mr. Albert Blatchford, which occurred at Les Cotils Home on Saturday. He was in his 98th year.
Mr Blatchford served as Chief Engineer of the Courier for very many years and his memories of the sea were extremely interesting. He retired nearly 25 years ago, but when the vessel returned to local waters in 1947 he temporarily resumed his old post.
He remained active until long past his ninetieth birthday, and resided at Anneville Bungalow, Bouet, until he was admitted to Les Cotils on account of his advancing years."
" Captain Nicholas Whales was Captain of both the Couriers which sailed between Guernsey, Sark, Alderney and Cherbourg. He is Maria's third great grandfather.
