Guest Speaker Repertoire
David’s list of currently available talks is as follows:
A Sailor's Life
The remarkable story of Captain Sir James Bisset, who started his career at sea as apprentice in sailing ships and eventually became Commodore of the Cunard Line.
Antarctic Antics
A narrative of the speaker’s experiences working as Navigating Officer in the research vessel RRS “John Biscoe” in Antarctica during the 1970s.
A time when the technology was more akin to that of Shackleton and Scott than to the 21st century. A look at work in Antarctica from the standpoint of operating a ship, with a few of the more humorous episodes.
Battle of the Atlantic - Part 1: Convoys & Corvettes
The story of the struggle during World War 2 to maintain the lifeline of merchant ships supplying Britain. This two-part story is a tribute to the men of the merchant navy who gave their lives manning this lifeline.
Battle of the Atlantic - Part 2: The Turn of the Tide
The continuing story of the battle against the U-boats, and the ways and means by which they were finally defeated.
Breaking the Siege
The epic story of the vitally important convoys to Malta in 1942, and the battles to get the ships and cargo through
Convoy HX84
Heroism at sea. The story of the liner “Jervis Bay” and the tanker “San Demetrio”
The Cutting Edge
A short description of the many and varied high-tech vessels engaged in offshore operations in the 21st century. This talk provides an insight to a vital marine industry that is largely out-of-sight.
Dreadful Looking Objects
The story of the massive programme during World War 2, for the construction of cargo ships to replace those lost to the U-Boat offensive.
Great Liners, Black, White and Gold
The story of two of the most famous shipping companies in the Merchant Navy; Orient Line, and British India.
The Kings Ship
The remarkable story of the mediaeval Swedish warship “Vasa”. The dramatic sinking of the vessel during her maiden voyage in Stockholm harbour, the discovery and raising of the wreck, the restoration of the vessel and the modern museum in which this superb vessel is displayed.
Liners at War
The story of the passenger vessel in wartime, including some of the more surprising rôles to which they were put. Passenger ships of all types were vital assets during time of conflict, and this talk describes their many rôles
Ocean Greyhounds
The story of the Blue Riband of the Atlantic and the ships which held this coveted trophy. How technology and national pride influenced sea travel during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Shipshape
“If it looks right, it IS right. If it don’t, it’s ugly and probably won’t work”. A look at what it is that makes a ship look attractive or “right”, and how those factors relate to the ship’s function. Some witty insights into the character of the naval architect.
Story of a Duchess
The remarkable story of an otherwise unremarkable passenger liner. Includes the Dr Crippen incident, and the biggest salvage operation ever undertaken in UK waters.
Three Voyages
Three short stories of individual epics of the sea, with a common theme of completing the voyage against all odds.
Titanic - The Dream
The story of the White Star Line from it’s inception to the building and sailing of the “Titanic” in April 1912.
Titanic - The Aftermath
The dramatic story of the rescue operation by the “Carpathia”, and the aftermath of the disaster.
Tramps and Ladies
Passenger ships, and cargo ships. A light-hearted look at the colossal changes that have occurred during the last fifty years, with some of the speaker’s own experiences included. Also, the story of a remarkable seaman.
Triumph and Tragedy
The story of the liner “Lusitania”. From the triumph of the Blue Riband to the tragedy of her sinking by U-boat, the biggest maritime casualty of the Great War.
Wherries and Waterways
A narrative of the speaker’s experiences in the restoration, preservation and operation of an important historical sailing craft. Many personal anecdotes from the days before “health and safety” ruled supreme.
When are you going back?
The most frequently-asked question of the merchant seaman on leave. The speaker describes his early years at sea in the 1960s; a world that has disappeared forever. Numerous anecdotes illustrate life in the merchant navy during this period of change.
In addition to the above, a number of short “filler” items are available as required.