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1. Elder Dempster events

   Throughout the year, we hold a number of events relating to Elder Dempster Lines. We'll post details about upcoming events on this page. Read more about the workshops, talks and training we've held in the past.

2. New finds and related archives – Elder Dempster

   Read more about new finds for the Elder Dempster Lines - the largest UK shipping group between Western Europe and West Africa from the late-nineteenth century to the 1980s.

3. Mike Ingham

   Mike was a Purser for Elder Dempster Lines. In his interview, Mike talks about the role of a Purser and the challenges he faced. Listen to Mike's interview.

4. John Martin

   John Martin was a catering officer with Elder Dempster Lines. Read his account of his experiences with the shipping company.

5. John Goble

   John Goble was the Chief Officer for Elder Dempster Lines. John joined Elder Dempsters in 1963 as Third Mate. In his interview, John discusses the challenges of working at sea, his first impressions on West Africa and how the impact containerisation had on the industry.

6. Jim Forsey interview

   Jim was a Purser at Elder Dempster Lines. Listen to Jim's interview.

7. Ian Walker interview

   Ian Walker was a Fourth Engineer for Elder Dempster Lines. Listen to Ian Walker's interview.

8. Derek Bailey interview – Elder Dempster

   Derek Bailey joined Elder Dempster Lines in 1957. In his interview, Derek recalls what it was like living on a ship with a wife and children at home. Derek also speaks about Elder Dempster Lines’ latter years.

9. Barry Groombridge interview – Elder Dempster

   Barry Groombridge joined Elder Dempster Lines aged 16. Barry’s first voyage was from London to the United States, via West Africa. The voyage lasted nine months. Listen to Barry’s interview to hear about the Christmas he spent with nuns in Madeira and what life was like as a purser at Elder Dempster Lines.

10. Alfred William Thomas interview – Elder Dempster

    Alfred William Thomas was an engineering with Elder Dempster in the early part of the twentieth century, read the account of his experiences with the company.