Welsh Journals

Chief Petty Officer Kosco Ross CHARLES JONES THE WIND changed its direction bringing the taste of sea to the lips. The drizzle of rain stopped, and the sun peeped from behind a dark cloud, hesitated, then came out in all its glory, changing a dreary morning into a lovely summer's afternoon. What were we doing down in Cardiff's Tiger Bay— to tell you the truth, I still don't know. But there sure enough was Kosco, pointing to a white painted steamer moored alongside a jetty, and saying — 'What is home without a mother, and what would the old Bristol Channel be without one of the White Funnel Line chugging up and down it.' 'All aboard!' He shouted 'All aboard for Flat Holms! Steep Holms! Weston! Ilfracombe and all compass-points west!' I wondered what was coming next. I didn't like the look in his eyes, and wondered would we finish up in Ilfracombe, or would it be in Dublin Fair City, in time for the Horse Show. Plainly in my imagination I could see the Statue of Liberty-I panicked. Run like hell I would, until I was way out of sight. For you didn't have to join the Navy to see the world when Kosco was around. As though aware of my thoughts, he moved across my path, saying — 'The tang of the sea. Isn't it grand. Look, Charles?' Pointing to a poster carrying the date, day and times of sailing, he took a deep breath, saying with relish- Smells good. I think a trip on the briney would be beneficial to us both. Improve us mentally and physically. Lashings of sea air, and plenty of time to relax in the sun. That's it! What better than a trip down the dear old Channel. Even the thought of it makes me all excited-sort of reminds me of my youth.' Beating his chest with his'fists, he shouted- Sea air! Sea air, Boy! You can't beat it! I wonder when the next boat sails.' I stood there not saying a word. But my thoughts were working overtime, wondering when I'd see dry land again. 'Plenty of sea air.' repeated Kosco 'And time to relax in the sun. Don't you agree. What better on a day like this, than a trip on the ocean wave?' I nodded half-heartedly. Kosco looked at his watch, saying excitedly- Must find out what time the next boat sails'. I kept my fingers crossed, hoping there'd be nothing doing in the sailing line for at least a couple of hours, or better still, no more trips for the remainder of the day. Kosco moved his finger carefully up and down the print. I'll say this, there aren't any time-tables, rail, road, sea or air, that holds any secrets for him. 'That's queer.' He remarked. A puzzled look on his face. 'There doesn't appear to be any sailing times scheduled