Maryport History (click here for home page)

History
Sea Breezes started life in 1919 as the in-house organ of the Liverpool shipping firm, Pacific Steam Navigation Company (PSNC), but soon expanded its focus to include news about commercial shipping in general. Initially, ten editions were produced each year.

This was the case until the late 1930s, when, to further reflect this change in focus, and the awareness that shipping was of considerable interest – not only to seafarers – but many people from all walks of life, the title was changed to Sea Breezes – The Ship Lovers’ Magazine.

During that time, it was published by Charles Birchall and Sons, 17 James Street, Liverpool. The normal production of the magazine ceased in October 1939 for the duration of World War Two. Paper had become difficult to source and the editor at that time – Lieutenant- Commander J Francis Hall, RD, RNR – was on active service with the Royal Navy. However, it did continue during the war as a weekly (Saturday) column in the Journal of Commerce and Shipping Telegraph.

Full production of the magazine as a separate publication resumed in January 1946, when the title had changed again, this time, to Sea Breezes – The Ship Lovers’ Digest.

Since then several different straplines have been used to accompany the main title. In 1965, twelve issues were produced each year. A colour photograph was used on the cover for the first time in August 1973, with the most significant format change being introduced in January 1999, with the change from A5 to A4 size.

Editors
The first editor of Sea Breezes was Thomas Edwin “Pardy” Edwards. In 1924, he was succeeded by Captain FW Siddall, who held the post until it was taken over by Captain Otho F Mc M Nicholson in 1929.