Jim,you've opened up a whole host of memories with your mention of Poti.
Though having sailed on a number of Houlder's i.e. Elstree Grange , Oreosa .Orepton, Orelia .My trip to Poti was on the Ormsary .of Denholms. She was very new then .I believe ,with the Gleddoch, the first of the Ore carriers to be built to what was then, Port Talbot specifications. Followed closely later by the six ,Houlder's fleet of , prefix Ore ,carriers
I don't think anyone on board had heard of POTI before the destination was announced.
We arrived Christmas Eve 1953.Amidst some trepidation ,as at that time the relationship with the West was not too stable.
On tying up. First up the Gangway were a number of armed soldiers,followed by Ofifcials, mostly in uniform.
one ray of light was a beautiful slim Blonde.Who we ascertained later ,was the interpreter.
The shore gang got themselves organised,The Grab operators climbed to their positions .Big buxom middle-aged ,Sheila's.The soldiers went through the accommodation ,collecting any cameras ,and radios.to be returned on leaving. Alll crew were ordered to the officers Rec.room. lined up outside .Called in individually by name. Course .some joviality amongst us outside."Salt mines for you" ,etc, remarks. made.
Strangely the Ships radio was on ,'B.B.C. London overseas news.led off with. *In Moscow today the execution of the Head of Police, BERIA took place.
Later the Captain, Addressed us and said that although we could go ashore ,he advised against it.As there was nothing he could do to help ,should we transgress.
Needless to say ,the mood was set and none had any inclination to venture down the gangway. Many of us held Xmas parties in Cabins on a Welll -found ship .Plenty of good food and grog.
The Ruski's don't have xmas anyway.
