PHOTOS FROM JOHN HENDY - 5

Vessels laying up at the Railway Quay

By John Hendy and Andy Gilbert

During the heyday of the port, the Railway Quay was often populated by visiting British Railways and Sealink ships. Sometimes they were here laying up for the winter months and sometimes they were moored up awaiting sale, at the end of their 'railway' careers.

The first photo shows the Dover-based car ferry Lord Warden in October 1975, often a winter visitor, with Normannia moored ahead of her.

The second captures one of those unusual moments. Normannia again, some three years later, but look closely. A white line has been added under the black top of her funnel and she's now apparently registered in Panama as well as London! This was in preparation for sale, but the deal fell through at the last moment, leaving the painting half done and the painting platform left in place!