Not a bad shot Jim. Here's the version from Jim Mageean's recording on Of Ships And Men (where a 25 years younger Mick Pearce can be heard in the backing singers):
^^
YER OLD SHIPMATE

Safe and sound back home again, Let the waters roar, Jack.
Safe and sound back home again, Let the waters roar, Jack.

 Chorus:
 Long we've tossed on the rolling main, Now we're safe ashore, Jack.
 Don't forget yer old shipmate. Fol-de-dol de-rol de-rol de-ri-do.

Since we sailed from Plymouth Sound, Four years gone or nigh, Jack,
Was there ever chummies now, such as you and I, Jack?

We have worked the selfsame gun, Quarter-deck division,
Sponger I and loader you, through the whole commission.

Often times have we laid out, Time of danger fearing.
Tugging out the flapping sail To the weather rearing.

When the middle watch was on And the time went slow, boy,
Who could tune a rousing stave, who like Jack and Joe, boy.

There she swings, an empty hulk, Not a soul below now.
Number seven starboard mess Misses Jack and Joe now.

But the best of friends must part, Fair or foul the weather.
Hand yer flipper for a shake, Now a drink together.


Jim's notes say "The song was collected by Richard Runciman Terry in Blyth, Northumberland...". According to the Roud broadside index there is a version of Don't Forget Your Old Shipmate in Firth: Naval Songs & Ballads (1908) pp.337-338.

Mick