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  1. About the Elder Dempster project

    The Homeward Bound: A Liverpool-West Africa Heritage Project documents the lives and memories of Elder Dempster’s seafaring and office staff. As part of the project, we recorded 25 oral testimonies.

  2. Elder Dempster events

    Throughout the year, we hold a number of events relating to Elder Dempster Lines. We'll post details about upcoming events on this page. Read more about the workshops, talks and training we've held in the past.

  3. John Martin

    John Martin was a catering officer with Elder Dempster Lines. Read his account of his experiences with the shipping company.

  4. John Goble

    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.

  5. Barry Groombridge interview – Elder Dempster

    Barry Groombridge joined Elder Dempster Lines aged 16. Barry’s first voyage was from London to the United States, via West Africa. The voyage lasted nine months. Listen to Barry’s interview to hear about the Christmas he spent with nuns in Madeira and what life was like as a purser at Elder Dempster Lines.

  6. Ray Riley

    Ray joined Elder Dempster Lines when he was just 16. Ray worked in Hamburg, before returning to Liverpool to marry. Listen to Ray's interview.

  7. Olu Olaseinde

    Olu Olaseinde was a passenger on the Elder Dempster lines. Read his story.

  9. Steve New

    Steve New began working for Elder Dempsters in 1962 as an Indentured Deck Officer Apprentice. In his interview, Steve talks about those early days in the engine room, the dangers of cleaning wheelhouse windows and about why Steve joined the Merchant Navy.