Simon Tompkins
Hi Graham,
l sailed with Simon on board the Osprey Arrow on her maiden voyage in 1985, he joined the vessel as third officer in Koje South Korea in early December. The Osprey Arrow was a 4th generation gantry crane ship at that stage partly owned by Jardine Matheson and managed by Jardine Ship Management of Hong Kong (at that time soon to be of Bermuda).
We sailed light ship across the north pacific to Vancouver Island and over Christmas/New Year loaded a full cargo of lumber at Cowichan Bay for USEC then on up to Europe to load for Indonesia where l left the vessel and the sea in May '86.
I have just recently moved house and whilst sorting through old letters l came across the last one received from Simon dated 20/12/1987, sadly l did not hear of his passing until 1989.(an hour ago I simply Goggled Simon Tompkins - RAF and found your thread)
In his letter Simon wrote about passing his mates ticket and receiving a Queens Commission as an acting pilot officer - quote: about as junior as one can get - the pay was appalling 250 pounds a month.
I did see Simon again after leaving the Jardine's, however l am a bit vague on the timing but it was in Hong Kong as he took me for a flight around the island in a Cessna - something not easily forgotten, I met his mother and socialised with both of them.
I must say Simon was one of the most decent blokes l had the pleasure of sailing with and as l read the thread was quite moved by the common sentiment expressed by all the contributors....a great testament to him.
I very much appreciate finally getting the full story - well the MOD version.
All the best
Martin