RMS Orion - the William Rishton story

ssMaritime

With Reuben Goossens

Maritime Historian worth it

Orient Line

RMS Orion

I wish to thank Mr. William Rishton for all the images on this page, as well as a few of his recollections of his time onboard. In 1956 William and his mother, boarded RMS Orion and set sail for Australia. At that time Orion was still a two class liner and the Rishton's travelled in Tourist Class. Upon reaching Australia they lived in Queensland in a small township named Dinmore located just outside of Ipswich near Brisbane. However, in 1959, his mother decided to return to England and she booked her voyage on Orion once again. I am sure that all who have come to know, even have come love this fine old girl, will enjoy the content of this page, may it bring back some good old memories! Photographs and other interesting items shown on this page are from the 1956 voyage UK to Australia.

Mrs. Rishton relaxing on the tourist Class Promenade

William has fond memories of this fine old girl, even though she had many short comings, especially if you consider later Orient Line / P&O ships. William describes his voyage as follows … “Memories of my voyage on the Orion” … “we were berthed on H Deck (known by many of us as hell deck) the washing and toilet facilities were at the end of the passage, consisting of approx eight washbasins in a row and approx four toilets. If you wanted a shower, they were on a deck above and there was always a queue” … “I remember that our steward was named Tony Dimeo, he was a Londoner. The only passenger names I can remember is Billy Milligan, a Scot, who married an Australian lady and was emigrating to Brisbane to settle there, by the way he was a brilliant magician, another name that I can remember was John Trace who settled in Adelaide, apart from that, my memory is fast disappearing just like the ocean liners of yesteryear. To end on a happy note, I wish that I could do it all again and I would not change a thing. They say that memories last longer than dreams, and in my case they certainly do.”

Orion is seen on the right berthed in Naples

The bow

Relaxing and playing Deck Quoits on Sun Deck

Aft on Sun Deck

Table Tennis and Games Room

Race Meeting Thursday November 8, 1956

Race card

Race rules

Sunday 11 November, 1956

Second Race Meeting Friday November 23

Showtime - Note the name of Bill Milligan, he became a well know magician

in Australia, but performed under a stage name

Again thank you William Rishton for providing your memories with us!

Survey on Immigrant Ships

and their Passengers to Australia

Phillip Massaad, a long time supporter of ssMaritime, has requested that I place a special survey online to assist him with his thesis on Immigrant Ships and their passengers. Your assistance will provide him with a good source of information. Thus, If you migrated to Australia and came by ship, you may consider completing this special survey. When completed email it to Phillip at nma32832@bigpond.net.au

Your support is appreciated!

Reuben Goossens

Orion Index

RMS Orion Orion Mainpage

Photo Album Interior and exterior photos of the Orion

Passenger Contribution - 1 Ben Zuber heads for Australia

Passenger Contribution - 2 Jack Abbott - a Soldiers Tale - “Orion Oracle” No 20

Passenger Contribution - 3 Jack Abbott - a Soldiers Tale - “Orion Oracle” No 29

Passenger Contribution - 4 William Rishton

Passenger Contribution - 5 Anne Lee

Also Visit our Features on the following Orient/P&O Ships

RMS Orcades - SS Canberra - SS Oriana – SS Oronsay - RMS Strathaird

Buy the book

“Orient Line – A Fleet History”

Is available for £23.50 plus p&p from “Ships in Focus”

email: sales@shipsinfocus.co.uk

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If you have enjoyed this article, and you feel you might have something of interest to add, be it a story photographs, I would appreciate hearing from you - info@ssmaritime.com

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Photographs on ssMaritime –Cruise-Australia and all associate pages are: 1. By the author. 2. From the author’s private collection (including those photos the author has purchased outright and own copyright to). 3. As provided by Shipping Companies and private photographers. Credit is given to all contributors. However, there are some photographs sent to us without details of the photographer/owners concerned. We would therefore appreciate if owners of these photographs would make themselves known to me, that due credit may be given.

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