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I used to love going down the docks in the late 1950’s with my
Dad to see the ships arriving and departing. In my child’s eye, they
were going to exotic locations around world. It never crossed mind
they were probably headed for Wales, not New South Wales, or
Ireland, not a Pacific Island.
Years later, when I joined the Merchant Navy I was relieved of
such romantic notions. The reality of life on a tanker meant such
picturesque views as this tank farm at Ras Tanura, (Right), were
yours to enjoy for as long as 48 hours.
For Christmas 1965 my parents bought me a Kodak Brownie 127; I wasn’t old enough for the BSA Bantam 125 I really wanted. But,
you can’t have everything - Where would you put it all?
This introduction to photography was to nurture a life-long love of the subject. In 1964, I wanted the Nikon F Ringo Starr was
wearing? in the Beatles film “Hard Days Night” or was it “Help.” It took me until 1990 to be able to buy a Nikon, but it was worth the wait.
The photos here, are mostly mine*, taken from the mid 60’s to the mid 80’s. On the next page (they get older - and better).
*Neither of the truck photos are mine.
Wagon leaves the Anchorline with what looks like paper pulp
ABOVE: Atlantic Fisher.
RIGHT: Cable Laying ship.
United Owner’s “STYRSO”
MV ASHINGTON departs, an unusual ship being fitted, at one point,
with ‘Hi Tech’ sails, to aid economy
BNFL Nuclear Terminal under construction
Now, International Nuclear Services Marine Terminal
Another view of ‘Anneka’
A loaded Brady’s artic leaves the Anchorline c.1962
Poor quality ‘Brownie’ pix. Houlder Bros “CRINAN”. “City of Oxford” arrives. circa. 1966.
United Owner’s “DORIS” off the ‘Bullsnose’.
RIGHT: Dad reflects on the reflections of this week’s ships.
What looks like a Swedish flagged ex-’Liberty ship. Liberty
ships were mass produced in America as part of the war effort,
during WW2. There was a surprising number of them still tramping
the high seas in the 1960’s
An unknown “Clan” boat, they were regular visitors.
Captain Stainton (above), was Habour Master in the 1960s
when they looked like seamen, not office managers.
Dad, (right), ponders as Houlder Bros ‘Oregis’ lies idle in
the background during the 1966 Seamen’s strike.
The Harbour Master’s office, below
Another view of the Oregis. 1966.
The tower was removed in the 60’s, this scene is very different now>
Launching dock gates fabricated on the site where the British Gas
condensate off loading berth is now. c.1969
