S.S. British Sovereign (1950-1959)
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- čas přidán 12. 04. 2014
- A B.P. Film with thanks to Vickers-Armstrong Ltd. of Barrow-in-Furness. Produced by Associated British-Pathe Ltd. Written by Jack Howells, Commentary by Ian Sadler,
Music by Edward Williams, Conducted Marcus Dodds.
Pan over deserted shipyards at Barrow-in Furness. A lone man walks through the yard, he tells us he is the "Hull Inspector" but there is no hull to inspect. A large metal plate is being lowered, the modern equivalent of the old keel. Int. ship yard managers office, the Manager and Inspector look at the plans of a ship.
Ext. British Tanker Co. in London, interior man is sitting in a reception area next to a model of an Oil Tanker a receptionist leads him away. Five men sit round a boardroom table. On a wall hangs a large graphic of many oil tankers, pan down to a ships plan as a drafts man works on it. It is the "SS British Sovereign" capacity plan. Effects transition to metal being cut by blow torch. Massive metal section of a ship is being moved in ship yard. Large oil containing sections are moved by vast cranes. Men are using "electric welding" torches. Completed sections of up to 40 tons are moved around. A steam train moves among the metal parts. In the "mould loft" lines of the vessel are chalked full size onto the floor. Templates are removed and as each section is made they are added to the ship. Various angles and top shots as the ship assembles. A 26 ton screw, propeller, is having the shaft fitted. The deck plates are fitted. Lloyds insurance inspectors check oil compartments. The turbine engine is assembled.
The ship with its nameplate is now ready for launching. After 'firing the stays',the cradle is greased to ease the ships 'slipping into the water'. Ropes are hauled under the ship. Last minute welding. Wedges are removed. A launch party of VIP's stand on a platform at the bow of the ship and a lady releases the bottle. From various angles the ship slides down the slipway and into the water, CU's as the workers watch.
Tugs tow the ship to it's fitting out basin. VG shots as the ship is towed down river. Safely berthed the Chief Engineer walks across the quay. Top shot as the engine is lowered into the hull. Various parts of the ship lay around waiting to be assembled. An "army" of tradesmen and fitters join the ship. Stores, ropes and lifeboats come aboard. A man hoses a water tight door to test it. Below decks char women clean as electricians and fitters complete their work. A man enters the "Captains Cabin" and looks around. He is the future "Master" and points to features the carpenter is working on.
Down in the engine room there is a lot of activity as parts are fitted. The compasses are being prepared and tested. The Captain inspects the bridge as it is being fitted out. More preparation and cleaning goes on topside, and across the life boats we see the funnel with "BP" in big letters. The ships sides are painted and life buoys fixed. Ships officers meet each other, and the Captain walks around his new cabin. All are now in ships uniform.
Early morning across water as the ship prepares to sail. Below deck the props turn, and the propeller turns in the water. Various shots as the ship is towed from the river to the sea. The anchor is dropped as part of the trials. The ship is now underway using its own power.
A stop watch is started as it comes up to the "Measured Mile". Shots of the coast as the ship
passes, tension in the engine room and on the bridge. The bow cuts through the water. Stop watches are compared and the ship has passed the speed test. The owners, shipwrights and Officers have a celebration and toast to success. The ship sails away ready for service.
FILM ID:2287.01
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British Pathé also represents the Reuters historical collection, which includes more than 136,000 items from the news agencies Gaumont Graphic (1910-1932), Empire News Bulletin (1926-1930), British Paramount (1931-1957), and Gaumont British (1934-1959), as well as Visnews content from 1957 to the end of 1984. All footage can be viewed on the British Pathé website. www.britishpathe.com/
My Dad was Ch Officer from 27/8/55 to 21/12/55 and again from 24/1/56 to 3/9/56 and we have his old discharge book bearing those dates. Fascinating to think that some of the steel being assembled in 1950 could one day be walked upon by my Dad. He went on to become Master on his next trip and for the last 5 years before retirement, was Commodore of the BP fleet. Thanks for posting this, it brought back many memories of visiting him when his ships were in UK ports or drydock.
I always find it fascinating and interesting watching these old documentaries about how ships used to be built in the days of riveted hull construction.
My Dad (Gilbert Bayliff) worked there in late 40's early 50's. Thanks for that is as I was born in 1949. Too young to remember! x♥
As an LR surveyor for 30 years I was particularly interested in the oil tank testing, it’s not changed in all these years!
Thank you, very much!!
thank you.
Quelle évolution depuis 1900 à 1950 !!!
Compelling clarity! I admire the men and the lack of woke nonsense. Duty , honesty and hard graft. Happy days perhaps?
there is nothing NOW