John Oliver known as Johny No Hands

[Capt Popeye]

For those of us who frequented the River Medway in the 60s Johny was a well know person always doing this and that upon the river in his Motor Boat a small river tug, 'Hobbit' , moored just off the Rochester Pier; always ready to lend a hand to Yachtspersons and Boaters alike; he lived upon the River so he became a very able seaman especially allowing for the fact that he was severly disabled from berth; but when Johny became interested in boating and the river he persevered and learnt to handle his 'Hobbit' on his own, learning to tie knots and bends plus hitches using his stump arms plus feet, or toes really, he made it look all so so easy ; Johny gained income from assisting the Various Club Members and the visiting Yachtsmen when berthing in the River as well as being hired by the Ports Authority.

I understand that a close friend is preparing to write a book on his life at the mo.

Many fond memories I have of 'Johny' active on the Medway

 

[Wansworth]

I believe I might of met him when working on a coaster,he came aboard for tea after helping or piloting us on the river.

 

[Capt Popeye]

Hi Wandsworth most probably so, Johny was quite active with assistaing Craft Commercial and otherewise in Navigating the Medway especially around the Chatham and Rochester Docks areas.

 

[Wansworth]

I think it was Queenbough,that place that smelled of a charnel house,well it did in 1976.....

 

[Capt Popeye]

I think it was Queenbough,that place that smelled of a charnel house,well it did in 1976.....

Ah Queenbough eh, yes that place has changed over the years, its traded in all sorts over the years {# both on and off the water

 

[Wansworth]

I think we ran China Clay in from Par,in Cornwall

 

[oldgit]

Knew John Oliver. kept his boat a short distance from ours.
As a little un , fascinating to watch him roll a fag with his feet or use a spanner. Very well spoken and very intelligent educated man..
Strongly suspect would have told you where to go with all this recent syrupy lionisation of his life with a few short four letter anglo saxon words.!