The Branches of The Watch Ashore - Bringing Together Families at Home

Welcome to the Watch Ashore

Find Your Local Branch

Closed Branches

In 1958 there were branches /sections of the Watch Ashore in 20 ports, but obviously we now don’t have so many. There are several branches of The Watch Ashore that have since closed. We have had the Chains of Office of these branches framed and displayed in the Merchant Navy Hotel in London. A new home is being located as the Hotel has since closed.

Aberdeen formed in 1946
Belfast formed in 1945
Bristol and Avonmouth 1944
Merseyside formed in 1934
North East Coast 1943
Penarth 1940
Manchester 1959
Dovercourt
Fleetwood & Fylde 1965
Teesside formed in 1945
Burton and Derby 1978

The Watch Ashore Chairman Badges Handover Ceremony

The Handover ceremony of The Watch Ashore Chairman Badges took place on the 19th November 2009 at Hull Maritime Museum.

Mrs Margaret Gray, the National Chairman attended along with the Humber branch. Mr Robin Diaper, the curator, was delighted to receive the badges standing in front of a very effective backdrop of shipping posters.

Mrs Margaret Gray spoke a little of the history of The Watch Ashore and of these now defunct badges and that the association was delighted they were going to an ideal museum for safe keeping and display when appropriate. Mr Robin Diaper spoke of the museum’s appreciation in receiving the badges followed by Mrs Mary Pounder replying on behalf of the Humber branch Articles about the badges have featured in the Yorkshire Post and The Telegraph and there will be a display board at the AGM of the ceremony.

First of all, The Lady Headley Badge which has been framed separately from the others. She lived in Ayrshire, Scotland and was President from 1944-1976. She travelled around the country and was a great asset to The Watch Ashore, stirring great interest in its aims.

Secondly, the oldest Badge on display. The Chairman Badge from Merseyside which was founded in 1934. Their first meeting was in a cafe in Birkenhead but developed into a thriving branch doing a lot of great work.

Thirdly, the Manchester and District Branch founded in1959. Again starting with a small number but swelled to fifty in 1963. In 1980, the Chairman Mrs Williamson lost her eldest son, aged 21 when the SS Derbyshire disappeared. Their badge of office was purchased in 1965 in the same year as Dame Anna Neagle joined members for luncheon in the Grand Hotel.

Then on to Fleetwood and Fylde, which started in 1965 but only initially as Fleetwood but then broadened to take in the Fylde area in the hope of attracting more members. During a postal strike the Chairman seemingly collected mail weekly and gave it to her boss to post on the continent. It was so important the men receive mail from home.

Then Burton and Derby was formed in 1978 but because of it not being a sea port never had a particularly big membership, but they made up for it with their enthusiasm! Mrs. Liz. Swan, a dearly loved member of the Watch Ashore but now sadly in a nursing home, was working in a local radio station in Derby and because she had two sons and two nephews at sea was asked to interview two ladies, Joe Ingram and Jean Simmons, both wives of Merchant Navy Officers, who wanted to start a local branch of The Watch Ashore. There was a good response but without being near the sea didn't attract a large membership. But again, very enthusiastic and worked tirelessly for naval causes. Mrs Liz. Swan eventually became a National Chairman.