Considering the size of the 70s’ Esso fleet, I am somewhat surprised that there is hardly any mention in this forum of the small, hard-working vessels of 1,000 – 3,000 tons that plied our coastal waters serving power stations, cement factories, ocean liners and the occasional distillery in the Western Isles. I spent 2-1/2 years as 2M on several of these vessels namely Esso Inverness, Penzance, Tenby, Ipswich, Hythe and Woolston and generally had a great time exploring some of the more tongue-in-cheek glamorous venues of the Home Trade like Goole, Poole, Howden, Par, Leith, Port Jerome, Zelzate, and Old Trafford. Not to mention the really good times had down in St.Sampson, Guernsey whilst awaiting for something upon which to float or Penzance or even after bunkering the QEII and Canberra in Soton, parading through the regal halls in a manky boilersuit looking for the partying Chief Engineer who generally did NOT invite one in for a beer and an ogle at the scampily-dressed stewardesses whilst signing the chit!
The smaller Hythe-Class vessels, 50s’ vintage, had a real wooden helm that would creak and groan under duress when we steered down the West Solent hurtling past Hurst Castle on an ebb-tide, imparting the feel of working a real ship. (Did hear that one of these was still in service overseas after 50 years!). I must say I preferred these oldies to the Tenby-Class with its enclosed wing-to-wing bridge and stick steering. Also, I remember, the comraderie was at a more basic, chummy level on the smaller jobs. Working these boats was nothing of which to be ashamed despite the sometimes haughty looks from Ulidia, Scotia et al!! So shipmates, don’t be shy, speak-up or forever hold thy peace.(Thumb)
The smaller Hythe-Class vessels, 50s’ vintage, had a real wooden helm that would creak and groan under duress when we steered down the West Solent hurtling past Hurst Castle on an ebb-tide, imparting the feel of working a real ship. (Did hear that one of these was still in service overseas after 50 years!). I must say I preferred these oldies to the Tenby-Class with its enclosed wing-to-wing bridge and stick steering. Also, I remember, the comraderie was at a more basic, chummy level on the smaller jobs. Working these boats was nothing of which to be ashamed despite the sometimes haughty looks from Ulidia, Scotia et al!! So shipmates, don’t be shy, speak-up or forever hold thy peace.(Thumb)