Radio Caroline

ALL PHOTOS, UNLESS OTHERWISE CREDITED, WERE TAKEN BY MIKE DAVIES IN 1987 & 1988

Photo taken by an aerial photography company in February 1988. I purchased a set of four photos at a later date. That’s me in green on the back deck, along with James Day, Steve Conway, and a chap from Leicestershire whose name I have forgot!

 

The Ross Revenge with the aerial system first erected in 1988

 

Mike Dixon/Davies/Coconut with the mail in December 1987

 

Christmas on Caroline 1987. Chris Kennedy, John Bibby, Steve Conway & Mike Dixon/Davies

 

Christmas on Caroline 1987. Rowena Wilde, Steve Masters and John Bibby

 

Radio Caroline’s very own ‘Wilde Child’ Rowena

 

The Bellatrix pulling alongside, bringing supplies

 

Fred Bolland and Noel welding the base for the Strumech Versa Tower to the deck

 

Rowena Wilde climbing to the top of the Versa Tower to attach a pair of her knickers. Yes, Radio Caroline had a ‘topping out’ ceremony to celebrate the erection, and completion, of the first proper aerial system after the big tower came down a few months before.

 

Two men on a mast…

 

One of the infamous ‘bucket’ aerial systems!

 

The Olau Britannia, The Poolster and the aerial photography airplane. Quite a interesting day for us on the Ross Revenge!

 

The legendary tender operator Dave ‘The Fish’ Fisher

 

Rob Harrison and Steve Satan (Andy Bradgate)

 

Nick Jackson and Ian Miles

 

Shaun Tilley, Ron van der Plas, Peter Moore

 

Leaving the Ross Revenge on the Dreamboat Annie tender

 

Nigel Harris, Dave Richards and Colin Peters

 

Arie Swets/Harry Anderson

 

Station Manager Peter Moore

 

Neil Gates

 

Newly made cross arms for the aerial tower

 

Fred Bolland working on the new aerial tower

 

Radio 819 deejays Walter Simons and Colin Peters

 

Fred Bolland working on the base for the new lattice tower. French TV journalist observing

 

Getting ready to start building the lattice tower

 

First sections of the lattice tower are erected

 

Firmly bolted to a steel plate welded to the top of the gun mounting!

 

DJs, aerial tower erectors, and even a holidaymaker (true!)

 

Arie Swets working on the mast

 

Andy Bradgate having a picnic!

 

Neil Gates. I was always climbing the tower to take photos!

 

Two tenders arrive at the same time, much like London buses

 

Ron van der Plas

 

One very drunk Arie Swets!

 

That tower is looking impressive

 

Oops, over we go!

 

The Dutch studio after a bad storm!

 

Peter Chicago, hero to many, something else to many others…

 

A calm North Sea evening

 

Mike Watts and Mike Dixon/Davies

 

Nick Jackson, Mike Dixon/Davies, Ian Miles – photo by B.Dom

 

Ian Mac looking out for a supply tender!

 

Beautiful night on the North Sea

 

Tower erecting

 

Ian Mac and the rainbow!

 

Steve Masters & Mike Davies in their typical fashion gear

 

Poolster circling the Ross Revenge

 

Mr Cool at the controls; Ron van der Plas

 

Fred van Amstel

 

Dutch studio mixer & cart machines

 

Mr Smooth; Dave Asher

 

World Mission Radio/SW studio

 

Dutch, Irish & Brits all happily doing radio on the North Sea

 

Steve Conway, Dave Asher, Mirjam & Walter

 

North Sea gossip session

 

You need big tractor tyres!

 

Dutch DJs: Walter, Mirjam, Erik & Fred

 

Noel hauling the ropes!

 

Poolster