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F.J. Waddington & D. Beedle. |
PAGE THREE
MORE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM D. BEEDLES COLLECTION
BEGUMS VISIT TO MINICOY ISLAND 1949.
During 1949 Begum called at the Island of Minicoy, this in its strictest interpretation was quite illegal for insurance purposes and probably done without Government permission but as the deck crew had been away from home for between two to three years it was thought by all concerned, including the company, that it was both right and proper for them to visit with their family’s for a couple of days. Under normal circumstances the only other way for them to go home would have been on leave, departing the ship in Calcutta and travelling by way of either Cochin, Galle or Colombo and then catching a native sailing ship, an extremely time consuming journey.
Begum stood about three miles off the island and Denis still an apprentice but Acting Third Officer manned the lifeboat that ran the crewmen through an entrance in the reef, which was marked by a tall bamboo atop which sat a basket. Once in the lagoon the boat dropped a grapnel anchor and lines were run ashore and attached to trees, the crew then waded ashore, but not forgetting “Sahib” who was carried ashore astride two of the crews shoulders. The party were met by the Head Man and the entire population of the Island with the men forming up on the left and women to the right, however on seeing Denis the women fled for cover back to their huts! The party enjoyed a repast of tea, bananas, coconuts and biscuits before being introduced to other local dignitaries, then a stroll round the island followed during which Denis couldn’t help but notice that the lighthouse and traders house were the only two solid structures on the entire island. On the north of the island lay an old German ship which ran aground during the thirties, Denis had noted that when he was in one of the villagers huts he’d noticed that a highly polished brass plaque from the engine room had taken pride of place on one of the walls. The children’s entertainment seemed to comprise of two pastimes, swinging on bench seats or surf boarding on old bits of wood that had been washed ashore. A few hours later after their time was up the crew were reunited with their ship and Begum proceeded on her way to her next port of call.
The Reception Party
Trader's House
With the Head Man
Note the state of Denis's trousers (in whites) after being carried ashore by the locals.
Base of the Lighthouse
On the Beach
On the Beach
A later run ashore in the Andaman Islands, on one of the rivers near Port Blair.
In the Andaman Islands
In the Andaman Islands
Page Four