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From: "Graham McMorland" <>
Subject: [ZA] Able Seaman Just Nuisance
Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2003 10:14:53 -0700


Nuisance was not a stray -- he had an owner and a home -- but just decided
for some reason to adopt sailors as his companions. Only ratings, mind you
-- he spurned officers! He was later rated AB, so that he could be eligible
for his food and other privileges. He did travel between Simonstown and Cape
Town, usually taking the last train back at night, so as to shepherd the
drunks safely back to the docks. The railway officials tried many times to
put him off the trains, but eventually admitted defeat and gave him a free
pass.

He spent his last days in the Royal Naval Hospital, Simonstown (in a real
bed, just like all the other patients) and was given a full naval funeral.
His grave can be visited at the naval camp on the hill above Simonstown.

The naval museum in Simonstown has (or had) copies of the book for sale --
well worth reading. I think I also saw it in Universal Books at the
Waterfront Centre.

Graham McMorland
Vancouver, Canada

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