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Staff List 1976

Sandy Mowat Sandy Mowat was the boss - the Officer in Charge of Wick Radio. At the rank of Radio Assistant Superintendent (RAS), Sandy was the senior Coast Station man in Scotland (There were others at RAS rank in Ship Radio inspection Offices) and was once referred to by the head of one of the large Scottish fishing fleets as the "chief radio operator". Sandy was to be feared! He was an old time Post Office man, with a nack of picking you up on the one minor error you had made all day ! The role of Manager of the Radio Station was viewed locally as one of significance. Sandy could often be seen taking coffee with others with significant roles in the town, such as Bank Managers.
Jimmy Kay Jimmy Kay was a Glaswegian who spent many years at GKR, serving the local community at a Wick Town Councillor. Despite his service to community, he was reminded by locals that he would never be a Wicker. "But", said Jimmy, "my daughters are." "They will be", responded the locals, "but not 'till you're deed". After serving as the station's Overseer, following the retirement of Sandy Mowat Jimmy was promoted to Radio Assistant Superintendant and, in the role of Field Manager Scotland, was the liaison Manager for all Scottish coast radio stations.
Bob Dixon Taken in 1977, Bob was leaving GKR to take up post at Station Manager at Oban Radio/GNE. Picture is taken at the 2nd RT position in the main operating room. Bob (front left) is receiving a Caithness Glass lamp from Robbie Sutherland. Also in the picture are John MacAskil, Dave, John, Paul Dewes, Neil Muir and Steve Fell
Tom MacLennan Tom is pictured sending a TTT/Securitay message on 431kHz at the GKR distress watch and 500kHz working point. Tom was the man responsible for sending the close-down message from GKR on 500kHz.
Charlie Gregory Charlie served at GKR from 1958 to 1974 before moving on to become Station Manager at Northforeland Radio/GNF and later to Cardiff Ship Radio Inspection Office. Charlie is a self publishing author. His book "Fated" can be downloaded or purchased on Lulu. You can preview part of the book on Google. Or you read a full chapter of the book, all about a Sunday at Wick Radio, on Charlie's blog. Another piece of work from Charlie's pen (or is it his old telegraph typewriter?) is "Sailing with Hunters". This is not yet available in paper form but an early version of it can be read in full online. Both of the above works give a flavour of the marriage of the sea and radio.
Some GKR men - 1976 left to right Bob (half hidden), Steve, Dave, Tony, Sandy
and their GKR Wives
Glasgow College of Nautical Studies This class of radio students, taken in June 1971 in the college radio room, contains no less than three future Wick Radio/GKR staff members (Bob Dixon / Les Anderson / Sandy Steel) together with one existing Oban Radio/GNE staff member (Donald Macleod). The teacher is Bobbie Corcoran (GM3HZA), well known to hundreds of radio officers who were taught by him at GCNS or the James Watt College in Greenock
George Mochrie George was born in Muirkirk Ayrshire 31st March 1944. He trained at the James Watt College Greenock and joined MIMCO (Marconi Marine) in June 1962. Joining London & Overseas Freighters in November 1964 until 1970. He then worked at Wick Radio, Sealink, the REOU (Radio Officer Union), P&O, DTp, IDB Mobile, SES and finally back with Marconi in Chelmsford prior to retiring in 2004. George was in hospital in April 2006 having an operation when he suffered a post operative heart attack from which he never recovered, passing away on the 18th April 2006, survived by his wife Ruth, son Neil and daughter Shona.
The Men at the End At the end, staff numbers at GKR were considerably down on it's one-time complement of 30 Radio Officers. In 2008, ten years after the station was de-manned, those who had served at the end met for a reunion meal. Click here or on the picture for a larger image and more information.
A Christmas Card from Wick Radio