Thomas Gray

Deceased Person

1832 – 1890

58

Who was Thomas Gray?

Thomas Gray, C.B. 1832-1890.

Thomas Gray was born in 1832 and entered into the British Board of Trade of Trade as a boy clerk in 1851, becoming Head of the Maritime Department by 1869, a position he held for over 20 years, becoming deeply interested in everything related to ships and seafaring.

In 1867, as assistant secretary, he wrote a pamphlet entitled "The Rule of the Road" also known as "The Rules in Rhyme", which became famous for its well known mnemonic verses. e.g.

Aids to Memory in Four Verses

Two Steam Ships meeting.

When both side-lights you see ahead

Port your helm and show your RED.

Two Steam Ships passing.

GREEN to GREEN — or, RED to RED

Perfect safety — go ahead!

Two Steam Ships crossing.

Note. — This is the position of greatest danger; there is nothing for it but good look-out, caution and judgment.

If to your starboard RED appear,

It is your duty to keep clear;

To act as judgment says is proper;

To Port — or Starboard — Back — or Stop her!

But when upon your Port is seen

A Steamer's Starboard Light of GREEN,

There's not so much for you to do,

For GREEN to Port keeps clear of you.

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Born
1832
Died
1890
Resting place
West Norwood Cemetery

Submitted
on July 23, 2013

Citation

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