Elder Dempster Lines was one of the UK’s largest shipping companies. As part of the Homeward Bound project, we’ve spoken to a number of Elder Dempster’s former employees and passengers, recording their ‘real’ stories and experiences. You can listen to their Elder Dempster stories here.
As part of the Homeward Bound project we’ve collected 25 oral testimonies from Elder Dempster Line’s seafaring and office staff. Listen to the interviews.
Please contact us using the details below if you’d like to find out more about Elder Dempster Lines or the Homeward Bound Project. We welcome enquiries from schools, teachers and community groups.
Expand your knowledge of Elder Dempster with our teaching and learning resources.
Read more about the history of Elder Dempster Lines - the largest UK shipping group between Western Europe and West Africa from the late-nineteenth century to the 1980s.
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.
John Martin was a catering officer with Elder Dempster Lines. Read his account of his experiences with the shipping company.
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.
Jim was a Purser at Elder Dempster Lines. Listen to Jim's interview.
Ian Walker was a Fourth Engineer for Elder Dempster Lines. Listen to Ian Walker's interview.