Break from ship life

I was very interested to read the article on Calcutta swimming club,” writes Jim Taylor of Ladybank. “During my time in the merchant navy as an engineer officer I had the privilege of visiting the club on two separate occasions in the 1960s.

“As we were on a British ship, all the officers were given an open invitation to use the club while in Calcutta. It was a lovely break from ship life, especially when having dinner there. The food was amazing. I remember having these beautifully-dressed gentlemen standing just to the back of us with these big fans wafting cool air on to us. We used the outdoor pool often and were even waited on at the poolside with glasses of ice cold lager – heaven!

“The downside was seeing the poverty in Calcutta at that time. As soon as we left the port gates we were surrounded by beggars and had to walk through an area where people were sleeping on ratinfested pavements. I still have a very clear memory of that today.

“We were normally in Calcutta for about three weeks as the dock cranes were continually breaking down. We loaded jute for London and Dundee.

“I was never lucky enough to sail into Dundee as when we arrived in London the ship’s articles were closed and we were all paid off and a new crew were taken on. I did enjoy my time in India and would have liked to go back.”