Vela Tour Post Script, 16 Sep 19

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I thought I would describe the wonderful surprise that happened last night to those of you that are still technically following the blog. My uncle who has been an avid reader throughout, presented me with this beautiful pocket watch in recognition of the successful completion of my tour of Britain in Vela. The watch has a marvellous history; it belonged to my great-grandfather, Henry Archibald Thomas Candy who was a mariner of some skill.

He was Chief Officer of the SS Philadelphia, a passenger liner that regularly crossed the Atlantic in the early 20th Century. In February 1915, he came to the rescue of the Captain and Crew of the SS Chester, a tanker owned by the American Petroleum Company which, having been badly damaged in heavy weather, was sinking. He led a lifeboat of six volunteer seamen from the Philadelphia to save 22 out of the 33 men on board the Chester. A second boat then launched to pick up the remaining 11; no lives were lost – remarkable in the horrendous conditions. In gratitude and recognition of his heroic action, the company awarded him the gold pocket watch. An account of the rescue was carried in the New York Times. I love to think that the watch is in his top pocket in the picture above.

He went on to join the US Naval Reserve Force for the duration of America’s involvement in WW1, he became Commander of USS Harrisburg which was the new name of the Philadelphia (there already being a Navy ship of that name). The Harrisburg carried mail and troops across to the battlefields of Europe and brought the survivors back at the end of the war. In one account of the ship’s life, the author has dedicated the book to him.

The esteem in which Captain Candy was held by his men is typified by the cartoon – a reference presumably to his broad shoulders both literal and metaphorical! His story and this wonderful watch of which I am now a grateful custodian will hopefully continue to inspire me in future adventures.