Report 1 – Here we go

No time left to gather any impressions. I had just arrived from Bremen when standing on the teak deck of the Pamir the old gnarled boatswain growled at me and my colleagues: „Leave your things right here and carry these bags to the front of the ship“, this was his friendly welcome on board.

Report 2 – First steps at sea

The first few days at sea were training days for young people. First, each one of us was sent up the 55-meter high masts to wave to his home for a last bye-bye. All of us enjoyed this.

Report 3 – Snatching Ice

We the decks boys had been warned. We should not set our minds on quickly sailing into the warm sun. And indeed, no sooner than reaching Land’s End and the North Atlantic, we set all sails and headed in WNW direction toward Hudson Bay.

…….Only the ship’s boys were still far away from the Lord’s years. It was not even clearly define what they really were. In their seafarer’s muster book they were called decks boys. In my book they wrote: “D’boy“. With or without the “s” in the middle is therefore unknown.

Report 5 – Saved by the hammock

From day one, our safety measures have been hammered into our heads. “One hand for yourself and one hand for the ship.”
It was forbidden to stand on a yard or work without life-belt in the masts. That was a slightly tarred rope with a snap hook on one end.

Report 6 – Neat and clean, locker and accommodation

………The personal body care and clothes care was affected by use of salt water. The soap does not foam and salt might not hurt brushing teeth, but the peppermint taste of the toothpaste is seriously ruined. A constant challenge was regular inspections of lockers, hammocks and our accommodation rooms.

Report 7 – Sailing with the trade wind

….When reaching the moderate climate at mid-latitude a complete sail change was pending. The winter sails had to be exchanged for the summer set, whereby the summer sails were nothing more than old winter sails. In other words, this was to keep the newer sail from early ageing in the sun and wind. The mature man tries to keep it that way as well.

Report 8 – Before, and after the equator

We came across the equatorial line. Those who thought that there would be a jolt through the entire ship, were bitterly disappointed. Instead there was a terrible noise from a rampaging mob of half-naked men, smeared with oil and blubber, chasing the trainees onto the prow, where every individual was grabbed and smeared with elixirs of life from top to bottom and subjected to a life-threatening baptism in a large pool of water.

Report 9 – Approaching the Coast – South America in sight

Whenever the cook’s mate tossed anything leeward over board, the gulls would plunge into the sea. The albatross did not do that, though yesterday as always someone eventually threw something into the sea.

Report 10 – One step ashore

…… The captain thanked for the warm welcome, and we paid tribute with applause – unfortunately, we were ordered: Back on board, to make the ship ready for unloading. To think about going ashore was no longer possible for me. I was really very tired.

….It continued with a railcar into breathtaking mountain scenery, combined with great technical railway building art. As we were only an hour from our goal, a small shunting locomotive came toward us to the single track. I was standing directly behind the train driver. There was no escape: We slammed together.

At least 30 men were still busy with sail recovery in the tops, as a huge wind-blast hit and the cross-upper topgallant sail that ripped from the leeches and it fluttered up and down with the roar of a grenade launcher. The order came quickly: “cut them loose”. The sailor and his knife went into action.

………….her people turned on a large gramophone, and to a worn out melody our Eve sang:  „Don’t cry for me Argentina… .“
That was wonderful, so nice that we had quickly learned the chorus and repeated it loudly. Now we worshiped this woman, but not for long, because hours later we were told that Juan Peron had fled the country to the President of Paraguay. Therefore, our role as blockade-runners was abandoned and our immediate departure was prepared. We remained with the song on the lips. It was humming and singing until all sails were set for the trip to Europe.