137-697: Hundreds of Empire ships were employed by the Government of the United Kingdom . They were acquired from a number of sources: many were built for the government; others obtained from the United States ; still others were captured or seized from enemy powers. Empire ships were mostly used during World War II by the Ministry of War Transport (MoWT), which owned the ships but contracted out their management to various shipping lines; however, some ships requisitioned during
274-547: A tanker and fitted with a new diesel engine c1968. Sold in 1970 to D. & P. Theodossiou & Others, Greece. Still in service c1987 supplying Spetses with fresh water. Empire Farm was a 250 GRT tug which was built by Scott & Sons, Bowling, West Dunbartonshire . Launched on 30 May 1942 and completed in June 1942. Sold in 1947 to Wilson Sons & Co., Brazil and renamed Lady Rosemary . To Wilson Sons SA Comercio Industria, Brazil in 1966 and renamed Marte . Empire Farmer
411-817: A Norwegian design with a prefix – Bel- ( Belmoira and Belpareil were two of this type) intended to carry bulky and heavy cargo such as locomotives and tugs. The ships had three large unobstructed cargo holds and heavy lifting equipment. The first pair of ships built for the Ministry of War Transport, Empire Charmian and Empire Elaine were diesel powered. The remainder, Empire Admiral , Empire Athelstan , Empire Byng , Empire Canute , Empire Ethelbert (launched as Beljeanne in 1946), Empire Marshal , Empire Viceroy and Empire Wallace , were powered by steam turbines to provide more speed and power. These ships were able to carry smaller vessels, such as tugs and landing craft, to support combat operations around
548-446: A curling pond. The tram terminus was demolished in the early 1970s. Workers housing was constructed to meet the demands of industrial development. Initially for mill workers in the late 18th century, cottages were located on Dumbarton Road that eventually formed Dalmuir Village around the current Burns Street location and bottom of Mountblow Road. The Post Office and housing clustered further east along Dumbarton Road, either side of
685-455: A damaged and unseaworthy state. Renamed Pengreep in 1943, to MoWT later that year and renamed Empire Fal . Scuttled on 2 July 1945 northwest of Scotland with a cargo of Italian gas bombs deemed too dangerous to discharge. Empire Falcon was a 5,144 GRT (7,500 DWT cargo ship which was built by American International Shipbuilding , Hog Island, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . Launched on 5 August 1918 by Mrs Woodrow Wilson as Quistconck for
822-451: A deadweight of 400 tons. They measured 148 ft oa by 27 ft beam. They had oil engines giving them a speed of 7½ knots. Chant 12 and Chant 28 were sold to France in 1946 retaining their names. The remaining survivors served various ship owners until their eventual scrapping mostly in the fifties and sixties. The last Chant vessel ( Success III , ex- Chant 12 ) was scrapped in 2002. The 'Ocean' type tankers were sometimes known as
959-558: A descendant of William Dunn (he also made a similar donation for a park of the same name in his birthplace of Rutherglen around the same time). The land around Dalmuir House was incorporated in 1908 to form the east part of the park. Located west of the Duntocher Burn, north of the Forth and Clyde Canal, Dalmuir Farm existed until the 1920s. In 1882, Robert Renwick was the farmer and in 1904, John Filshie. The Dalmuir West tram terminus
1096-474: A fast cargo liner of around 9,900 gross tons was introduced with a length of 475 feet (145 m) and a breadth of 64 feet (19.5 m). Thirteen "Empire"-prefixed standard class cargo liners were completed. Another was laid down intending to be given the prefix but was acquired by the Royal Netherlands Government and completed as Modjokerto . The design of the heavy lift ship was based on
1233-403: A flight deck of 413 feet (126 m) to 424 feet (129 m) ft and a breadth of 62 feet (18.9 m). A hangar on the lower deck was equipped with a lift to the flight deck and accommodated four Fairey Swordfish aircraft. The oil tankers had longer flight decks – 461 feet (141 m) – but no hangars. Three Swordfish reconnaissance planes were stowed at the aft end of the flight deck. In
1370-523: A golf course, bowling green, tennis courts and children's play areas. The park has main entrances at Mountblow and Overtoun Road and originally a level crossing at the original Collins Mill access close to the Beardmore tenements and Dalmuir Village. The replacement underpass tunnel was added in 1907, which gave access to the grounds of Dalmuir House, which were incorporated into the Park in 1908. The park went under
1507-417: A gross tonnage of 410 GT. with one single diesel engine, two holds and two 1.5 tons derricks. The hull was the same as the small coastal tanker series (CHANT); despite being a completely separate class from the tankers, the dry cargo Empire Fs were always known by coasting seamen as "CHANTs", possibly because they had the same hull form and initially all the tankers were sold to foreign owners and therefore there
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#17328845002271644-763: A kitchen garden and views across the River Clyde. The estate was purchased by William Dunn, then in 1908 by Clydebank Burgh Council when the grounds were incorporated into Overtoun Park. The building was demolished in 1929. Dalmuir Shore, the second settlement and village in its own right, grew around a soda works established in 1800 on an existing quay by the father of Lord Dundas under the supervision of Earl of Dundonald . The Soda works produced 30 tons of sulphuric acid weekly as well chloride of lime and oil of vitriol, employing nearly 100 people, all male working two 12 hour shifts each day for 11s per week. It had an unsightly appearance with low blackened range of buildings facing
1781-884: A leak on 10 February 1969 in the Yellow Sea , 50 nautical miles (93 km) south west of Barren Island ( 29°29′N 124°16′E / 29.483°N 124.267°E / 29.483; 124.267 ). Abandoned and later towed to Shanghai , China. Reported to have been seized by the Chinese Government . Empire Fairhaven was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Goole Shipbuilding & Repairing Ltd, Goole. Laid down as CHANT 30 and renamed Fabric 30 before launch. Launched on 22 June 1944 as Empire Fairhaven and completed in July 1944. Sold in 1946 to F. T. Everard & Sons Ltd and renamed Fixity . Arrived on 3 March 1961 at Thos. W. Ward , Grays, for scrapping. Empire Fairplay
1918-599: A number of Liberty type ships were transferred to Belgium between the years 1941 and 1943. Twenty-nine Empire ships were transferred or built for the Netherlands and several American-built ships including Ocean Athlete , Ocean Merchant and Ocean Victory were also transferred. Twenty-four Empire ships were purchased by the French Government after liberation in 1945. All were transferred in 1945–46. Empire Gala and Empire Jupiter were later placed with
2055-491: A population of 8,933. The overall population in Dalmuir and Mountblow reduced by 7% between 2001 and 2014, with the largest decrease being in the number of 16 to 44 year olds, for whom the population reduced by 15%. Male life expectancy is 73.7 years and female life expectancy 75.0 Years. Although life expectancy for males has risen by 6 years in the 14 years since 1997 and female life expectancy risen by 1 year, it has remained below
2192-462: A renovation in 2013. A municipal golf course is located at the north end of Dalmuir Park on Overtoun Road. The course is a highly rated municipal owned 18 hole course, 5349 in length and a par of 68. There is a bowling club, Dalmuir Bowling Club on Stevenson Street that was founded in 1883. Dalmuir Square is an open space created in the late 1970s after demolition of the Beardmore tenements on Dumbarton Road between Swindon and Dunn Streets. It
2329-607: A second station, Dalmuir Riverside, built by the Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway , which operated from 1896 until 1966, primarily serving the William Beardmore Shipyard area. Joshua Heywood Collins of Kelvindale, the son of the last paper mill owner was the Chairman of the Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway who cut the ceremonial first sod on 6 October 1891 at Maryhill for the railways ground breaking. Dalmuir
2466-746: A severe gale, damaged many of the Mulberry harbours and wrecked some of the blockships. Additional blockships were added in July 1944, including one more Empire ship, Empire Bittern , and two of the former Empire ships that had been transferred to the Norwegians: Norfalk (formerly Empire Kittiwake ) and Norjerv (formerly Empire Eagle ). Empire ships were armed. There were merchant seamen gunners. Also many British and Canadian merchantmen carried volunteer naval gunners called Defensively equipped merchant ship or DEMS gunners. The American ships carried Naval Armed Guard gunners. Merchant seamen crewed
2603-453: A speed of 11 to 12 knots to enable them to catch up with the convoys travelling at 10 knots after completing their rescue operations. Convoy rescue ships were also generally armed with AA guns for protection when they were separated from the convoy and vulnerable to enemy attack. The five Empire ships were 1,333 gross tons, length 236 feet (72 m), breadth 36 feet (11.0 m) with a speed of 16 + 1 ⁄ 2 knots (30.6 km/h). After
2740-502: A standardised prefabricated design. The ships were 425 feet (130 m) in length with a beam of 56 feet (17.1 m), with a deadweight of around 10,000 tons and a speed of around 10 knots (19 km/h). The first standard to be used was the PF(B) of about 7,050 GRT . These incorporated one 30-ton, two 10-ton and eight 5-ton derricks for cargo handling. The PF(C) design was introduced in 1942 to handle heavier military equipment, and
2877-510: Is 39% People with religious affiliation represent 64% of the population in the Dalmuir and Mountblow community council area. Dalmuir Barclay Church is a congregation of the Church of Scotland , located in the Dalmuir area of Clydebank , a town in West Dunbartonshire , Scotland . St Stephen's Church is a Roman Catholic church, established in 1907. The original church was destroyed in
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#17328845002273014-505: Is a merchant ship that was given a name beginning with "Empire" in the service of the Government of the United Kingdom during and after World War II . Most were used by the Ministry of War Transport (MoWT), which owned them and contracted their operation to various shipping companies of the British Merchant Navy . Empire ships came from two main sources: new construction, and capture and seizure. New Empire ships were built for
3151-400: Is located on Ottawa Crescent and has a current pupil roll of 246 A Catholic primary school, opened in 1974 is located on Castle Square and has a current pupil roll of 225 A Catholic Primary School, the building was replaced in 2001 and is located on Second Avenue with a current pupil roll of 251 The school was originally opened in 1873 as a temporary measure, until a new school
3288-589: Is situated mostly on the alluvial plains of the River Clyde , south of the former volcanic Kilpatrick Hills . The Kilpatrick Hills are a part of the Clyde Plateau Lavas. Near the west boundary is Duntocher Burn running down to the Clyde from the high ground that forms the north perimeter of the area. The area was initially accessed from the River Clyde via an old quay for loading and landing goods at Dalmuir Shore,
3425-497: Is the centre of retail and community facilities and also serves as a transport hub. The square is surrounded by the main shopping stores, community cafe and public library. In 2017 revitalisation work commenced to create a town square with the addition of a play area, landscaping, local cultural information, seating, lighting and signage. The area was at the most northerly-west part of the Roman Empire with Antonine Wall forts to
3562-577: The City of Glasgow Bank until it collapsed in October 1878. It was not completed and eventually destroyed in the 1941 Clydebank Blitz . Higher end villas were constructed in the late 19th century on the Hill, in the area now called High Dalmuir, around Duntocher Road. Approximately 15 large detached 2 storey villas with large gardens were constructed along with more modest homes. William Beardmore purchased several of
3699-480: The Clydebank Blitz and the magnificent new structure, with its prominent bell tower, which opened on 28 September 1958, was designed by the architect Thomas Cordiner. Dalmuir and Mountblow has a similar proportion of adults with qualifications at Higher level or above to West Dunbartonshire at 41%. Youths not in employment, education and training is 39%. A non-denominational primary school, opened in 1976,
3836-660: The Duntocher Burn at Dalmuir Glen, the water was diverted through the Mill Lade to the High Dam to provide power to the mill's Upper Works. High Dam was later converted to Overtoun Park's duck pond. Thatched whitewashed stone cottages for workers grew around the mills along Dumbarton Road, creating the village of Dalmuir. By the 1790s the statistical account records the paper mill as the fourth or fifth largest in Scotland. Also in 1790
3973-637: The Forth and Clyde Canal opened. The mill was run by Edward Collin's son, Richard Collins born in Dalmuir in 1752 who died in March 1822, then his son Edward Collins born September 1794, who died in July 1864. Edward Collins set up a steam-powered mill in Kelvindale in 1840. In 1845, the Dalmuir paper mill employed 180 persons (63 men, 91 women, 17 boys and 5 girls) and paying 10,000 in tax per year. The Collins mill closed in 1857 and manufacturing and workers were moved to
4110-577: The Ionian Sea on 18 March 1963. Taken in tow by SS Lastovo but sank near Patras , Greece. Empire Facility was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Henry Scarr Ltd, Hessle. Laid down as CHANT 20 and renamed Fabric 20 before launch. Launched in October 1944 as Empire Facility and completed that month. Sold in 1946 to F. T. Everard & Sons Ltd and renamed Flexity . Scrapped in January 1962 at Krimpen aan den IJssel , Netherlands. Empire Factor
4247-615: The Mediterranean Sea ; Empire Parkeston and Empire Wansbeck operated as troopships between Harwich and the Hook of Holland . In 1942, shipowners who had lost ships (either as a casualty of war or requisitioned by the Government) during the war, were able to buy ships built for the Government. Such ships were then managed by the shipowner on behalf of the Ministry of War Transport, until
List of Empire ships (F) - Misplaced Pages Continue
4384-537: The Soviet Union during and after the war. Transferred in 1944: Empire Nigel Dalmuir Dalmuir ( / d æ l ˈ m j ʊər / ; Scottish Gaelic : Dail Mhoire ) is an area nine miles (fourteen kilometres) northwest of Glasgow , Scotland , on the western side of Clydebank , and part of West Dunbartonshire Council Area. The name is a lowland Scots derivation of the Gaelic meaning Big Field. The area
4521-682: The Suez Crisis were also named as Empire ships. Most Empire ships have since been lost or scrapped; however, a few still remain in active service or preserved. Empire Fabian was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Henry Scarr Ltd, Hessle , Yorkshire . Laid down as CHANT 15 and renamed Fabric 15 before launch. Launched on 9 July 1944 as Empire Fabian and completed in July 1944. Sold in 1947 to Booker Brothers, McConnell & Co. Ltd and renamed Karani . To Booker Shipping (Demerara) Ltd in 1950. Sold in 1969 to L Gibbs & M McIntosh, Georgetown, Guyana and renamed Gibmac . Empire Fable
4658-521: The United States Shipping Board (USSB). Completed in November 1918. To Lykes Brothers - Ripley Steamship Co. Inc. in 1933. To MoWT in 1941 and renamed Empire Falcon . Sold in 1946 to Rowland & Marwoods Steamship Co. and renamed Barnby . Sold in 1952 to Societa de Navigazione Maliveras SA, Panama and renamed Mariandrea . Scrapped in March 1953 at Troon , Ayrshire . Empire Falkland
4795-693: The Varne Lightvessel , English Channel and sank. Empire Farrar was a 1,923 GRT cargo ship which was built by Stettiner Oderwerke , Stettin . Launched in 1944 as Michael Ferdinand for H Ferdinand, Germany. Seized in May 1945 as a war prize at Sønderborg , Denmark. To MoWT and renamed Empire Farrar . Placed under the management of Stratton Shipping Co. in 1947. Sold in 1949 to Stanley Steamship Co., Hong Kong, and renamed Admiral Hardy . Sold in 1955 to Sig S Aarstads Rederi, Norway. Sold in 1965 to Scanship Corp, Panama, and renamed Dumai Trader . Operated under
4932-454: The 'Three twelves type', being about 12,000 tons deadweight with a speed of around 12 knots (22 km/h) and a fuel consumption of 12 tons per day. They were used for the transport of fuel and also for refuelling at sea. Some were fitted with triple expansion steam engines ; others were diesel powered . The 'Norwegian' type were slightly larger and were constructed only by two builders, Sir James Laing & Sons, at Sunderland (who had built
5069-519: The 1750s the area was called Damur or Dalmar and in 1768, Dalmuir Burnfoot. In the 18th century the area was mostly arable land, undivided moor capable of grazing 266 sheep, with a small mansion, near the Duntocher Burn, called "Dallmuir House" Owner of the Duntocher Mill, Faifley Mill, and the Mountblow lands, William Dunn , purchased the Dalmuir lands in 1828. To the west was Dalmuir Farm and
5206-604: The Auchentoshan Estate, the Mountblow Estate was created in 1767 and Mountblow House built by Robert Donald, a tobacco merchant. The house was also destroyed in the Clydebank Blitz in March 1941. The first industrialisation was the paper mill opened in 1747 by Edward Collins. Originally from Shropshire, he moved to Scotland in 1745, initially setting up a paper mill in Kelvindale. He died in January 1784. Powered by
5343-479: The Canal bridge. After the demolition of Dalmuir Shore in 1860, Clyde Navigation Trust constructed workers tenements further east along Dumbarton Road at Nairn and Boquhanrans Streets. The Dalmuir Co-operative constructed tenements on the other side of Dumbarton Road around Gladstone Street. The Crescent was a semi circular three storey tenement located at Dalmuir Station built as a speculative development and financed by
5480-589: The Clyde. The village closed in 1859. The Clyde Navigation Trust became responsible for dredging and maintaining the river as a result of the Clyde Navigation Consolidation Act 1858 ( 21 & 22 Vict. c. cxlix). Around 1860 the Trust enlarged the old quay at Dalmuir Shore and developed the surrounding 8 acres for workshops to maintain their dredging equipment. In 1886 the Dalmuir Shore area,
5617-555: The Duntocher Burn. The bridge at Dumbarton Road was replaced with a swing bridge in 1915 and in 2010 by the only drop lock in Europe, as part of the canal's revival and re-opening. The railway arrived in 1858 with the opening of the Glasgow, Dumbarton and Helensburgh Railway linking Queen Street Station Glasgow with the Caledonian and Dumbartonshire Junction Railway at Bowling. The station
List of Empire ships (F) - Misplaced Pages Continue
5754-636: The Gouvernement Generale de L'Indo-Chine, along with 10 Park -type Canadian-built ships. Nineteen Empire ships were transferred to the Norwegian Government in 1941–42. More were transferred to the Norwegian Government in 1946. Three Empire ships and a number of US ships were built or transferred to the Polish Government in 1942–43. One was built directly for Poland in 1942 as Bałtyk . A number of Empire ships were transferred to
5891-584: The Greek Navy. Empire Faversham was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Henry Scarr Ltd, Hessle. Laid down as CHANT 17 and renamed Fabric 17 before launch. Launched in June 1944 as Empire Faversham and completed in September 1944. Sold in 1947 to Whitehaven Shipping Co. Ltd and renamed Fawdon . Operated under the management of Anthony & Bainbridge Ltd. Sold in 1952 to Booker Brothers, McConnell & Co. Ltd and renamed Maduni . A new diesel engine
6028-491: The High Dalmuir villas for their management, particularly at Regent Street and Duntocher Road. After 1900, Dalmuir & West of Scotland Estates Co, owned by Beardmore, constructed and managed 110 four-storey tenements, completing the expansion west to Mountblow Road for workers and east to Agamemnon Street, which housed foremen. The Mountblow estate north of Dumbarton Road was completed in 1933. Prefabs were constructed on
6165-457: The Kelvindale factory, however a calico print works continued until the early 20th century. In 1882 The Gazetteer of Scotland, by Rev. John Wilson, described the village - "DALMUIR, village, 6 + 1 ⁄ 4 miles [10 km] east-south-east of Dumbarton. It has a post office under Glasgow, a railway station, extensive paper-works, and a public school with about 75 scholars. Pop. 936." A proposal to incorporate Dalmuir Village into Clydebank
6302-747: The MoWT or obtained from the United States to increase Britain's shipping capacity and offset losses to German U-boats , commerce raiders , bombing and other enemy actions in the tonnage war Germany was waging against Britain's sea transport around the globe. Others were captured or seized from enemy powers and some were acquired by requisition or normal purchase or lease. New Empire ship construction represented an enormous undertaking that included classes of freighters, tankers, aircraft carriers, fast cargo liners, tank landing ships, deep-sea salvage and rescue tugs and several other categories. Total production numbered in
6439-635: The South Goodwin Lightship, a total loss. Empire Farnham was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Goole Shipbuilding & Repairing Ltd, Goole. Laid down as CHANT 34 and renamed Fabric 34 before launch. Launched on 2 September 1944 as Empire Farnham and completed that month. Sold in 1946 to Metcalf Motor Coasters Ltd and renamed Jim M . A new diesel engine was fitted in 1959. Engine removed in December 1964 and ship scrapped in January 1965 at Thos. W. Ward , Grays, Essex. Empire Farouche
6576-592: The West Dunbartonshire and Scottish average. The proportion of the population aged 0–15 is 18%; 16-64 is 65%; 65-74 is 8% and 75 and over is 9% (13% higher than in West Dunbartonshire as a whole). Black and minority ethnic groups represent 1% of the population. Owner-occupied households is 44%; privately rented households 4% and Council rented households 52%. People in employment is 59%; 22% are claiming out of work benefits and income deprivation levels are at 21% with children in poverty at 24%. Youth unemployment
6713-567: The assault phase, and Empire coasters were involved in the beaching of supplies and in ferrying cargo from the larger merchant ships anchored off-shore. The success of the Normandy invasion depended on the successful construction of the Mulberry ports . These were prefabricated ports, constructed at Southampton , Gosport , Portsmouth , Tilbury Docks , and even as far north as Birkenhead and Hartlepool . Two hundred tugs then took three months to tow
6850-525: The bascule bridge at Dumbarton Road. Watched by a crowd of 200,000, the last Glasgow tram left Dalmuir West Terminus on 4 September 1962. The journey was featured in the film, 'Nine Dalmuir West' - A Record of the Last Weekend of the Glasgow Trams. The No 9 Dalmuir to Auchenshuggle service was replaced by the number 64 bus. The Dalmuir and Mountblow community council area in West Dunbartonshire has
6987-488: The beach and sunk by a British destroyer. Chant 69 , this time carrying water performed a similar evolution a short while later. It was then decided to bring all the class into the confines of the gooseberry shelters until a Royal Navy Constructor could carry out stability tests. Others carried out sterling service, Chant 23 lying off Sword Beach had been hit by an enemy shell in her engine room and disabled but still continued to fuel anything that came alongside. Chant 7
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#17328845002277124-450: The channel. Empire tugs were used to ensure the safe crossing. On reaching Normandy they were scuttled in five groups, codenamed Gooseberry 1 to Gooseberry 5 . Gooseberry 4 at Juno Beach included four Empire ships: Empire Bunting , Empire Flamingo , Empire Moorhen and Empire Waterhen . Gooseberry 5 at Ouistreham included three Empire ships: Empire Defiance , Empire Tamar and Empire Tana . Between 19 and 23 June 1944
7261-480: The components of the harbours from where they were constructed to assembly areas on the South Coast. Between 7 June 1944 and the end of July, the tugs towed the materials across the channel to Normandy. Before D-Day, sixty old merchant ships and four old warships were selected as blockships , to be scuttled in a line to give protection to the small craft. The blockships were stripped before setting out in convoy across
7398-482: The convoys. Catapult-armed merchantmen or CAM ships, were merchant cargo ships operating with the convoys and converted to launch a Sea Hurricane fighter by means of a catapult . As there was no means to land the Hurricane on the ship again, it was only possible for a single launch and the aircraft then had to return to land or ditch in the sea. However they did provide important convoy cover when no other air cover
7535-600: The current Second Avenue. On the Auchentoshan Estate lands to the north was the old Roman Road and predecessor route of the Great Western Road An act of Parliament in 1768 authorised the construction of the Forth and Clyde Canal starting "at or near a place called Dalmuir Burnfoot, in the county of Dumbarton". With an initial investment by Sir Lawrence Dundas, 1st Baronet , the canal was completed on 28 July 1790. Two narrow timber double-leaved bascule bridges were located at Dumbarton Road and at Dalmuir Farm next to
7672-484: The current location of the Golden Jubilee Hospital . Prior to 1790, Bridge Street ran from Dalmuir Shore directly to Dumbarton Road. The main thoroughfare through the village is Dumbarton Road that was originally a toll road from Yoker Bridge to Old Kilpatrick and onto Dumbarton. In 1777, there was a second road from approximately Duntocher Road connected Boquhanran and Kilbowie to the north-east running along
7809-485: The defence of Malta and Arctic convoys to North Russia. They took an active role supporting the invasions of North Africa , Sicily and Italy and in the Normandy assault and in the assaults on German-held ports of Western Europe. In June 1944 ninety-seven Empire merchant ships were involved in the cross-channel convoys that carried troops and supplies ready for the Normandy invasion. Empire landing craft were involved in
7946-407: The early part of the war shipyard capacity was fully engaged with naval ships, including aircraft carriers, repairs to ships following Dunkirk , and orders for tankers and tramps. By 1941 there was criticism that ships being built were too slow. A few fast ships (capable of 15 to 16 knots (28 to 30 km/h)) were however being built; many of them with refrigerated capacity. In 1942 a new standard for
8083-582: The end of hostilities. Seven were charted from the Ministry of War Transport as ferries and given the "Empire" prefix, operating between Tilbury and Hamburg from September 1946 and also between Preston and Larne from May 1948. Twelve of the landing craft were recalled to service and given "Empire" names in 1956 during the Suez Crisis and used as military transport ferries in Malta , Aden and Singapore . These were: Three Empire ferries ( Empire Chub , Empire Dace and Empire Roach ), were completed to
8220-649: The end of the war, tankers were released from requisition as they completed voyages after 31 December 1945 and dry cargo ships after voyages completed after 2 March 1946. However, passenger and troopships were still involved in the repatriation of servicemen, prisoners of war and refugees. The government therefore converted several captured German passenger ships to Empire troop ships. These included Empire Fowey , Empire Halladale , Empire Ken , Empire Orwell , Empire Trooper and Empire Windrush . Empire Comfort , Empire Lifeguard , Empire Peacemaker and Empire Shelter were smaller troopships operating in
8357-409: The end of the war. Tramps and colliers built before 1942 were sold on in this way, although some smaller ships remained unsold. Empire ships were also transferred to the representatives of governments of countries that had been invaded by Germany, in recognition of the losses suffered by the fleets of Britain's allies. Ten Empire ships and one Ocean type American tramp, Ocean Veteran , as well as
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#17328845002278494-551: The firm hard, and the shipyard was forced to close in 1930. Part of the site and some of the existing buildings later became incorporated into ROF Dalmuir in 1939, part was used by the General Post Office for their cable-laying ships . The site was sold to Babcock & Wilcox in 1957 until 1969. During the 1970s the site was converted into the Clydebank Industrial Estate and in recent years has also formed
8631-633: The former janitor's cottage remains. The remaining Dalmuir Secondary had previously been closed in 1971, when Clydebank High School became a comprehensive. The buildings are now the Dalmuir Community Centre. Dalmuir's only purpose built cinema, the Regal on Dumbarton Road, opened in 1916 by owners Dalmuir Cinema House. Originally it only showed silent films and was closed in 1966. Opened in 1906 and originally named Overtoun Park, it consists of 7 hectares (17 acres) of landscaped and open space with
8768-664: The hundreds . Empire ships were supplements to Britain's normal peacetime merchant fleet, swelling its wartime numbers to 12,000, then the largest merchant ship fleet in the world. Approximately 4,000 ships on the British register were lost between 1939 and 1945, a considerable number being sunk during the Battle of the Atlantic . Significantly before Britain entered the Second World War on 3 September 1939, preparations had been in hand to put
8905-476: The landings had been completed most returned to the UK and after the war were sold on to commercial operators. In wartime all ships carried the prefix "Chant" followed by a number. A total of 43 were built and were named Chant 1–12; Chant 22–28; Chant 42–45 and Chant 50–69. Chant 7 , Chant 61 , Chant 63 and Chant 69 were lost during the war. They were all built in 1944 and had a gross register of just over 400 tons and
9042-496: The largest and most advanced shipyard in the United Kingdom at the time. Notable warships produced included HMS Agammemnom , dreadnoughts HMS Conqueror and aircraft carrier HMS Argus . Beardmore expanded the activities at Dalmuir to include the manufacture of a variety of arms, armaments, aircraft, airships, motor cars, taxis and tanks. The site employed 13,000 people at its peak, resulting in rapid housing expansion along Dumbarton Road. The post war recession hit
9179-486: The location of the Golden Jubilee Hospital and the Beardmore Hotel. The old Collins' paper works at Dalmuir Glen was converted into a public park, with the High Dam made into a duck pond and the upper works forming the park's flower gardens. It was opened in 1906 as Overtoun Park, named after local businessman and philanthropist Lord Overtoun , who gifted the £5,000 required to purchase the land from Mr W P Macindoe,
9316-471: The management of Great Yarmouth Shipping Co. Ltd. Sold in 1951 to J. Carter (Poole) Ltd and renamed Selborne . Sold in 1956 to Whitehaven Shipping Co. Ltd and renamed Tynehaven . Operated under the management of Anthony & Bainbridge Ltd. Sold in 1959 to Desgagnés Navigation Ltd (Capt. Roger & Capt. Denis Desgagnés, owners in Saint Joseph de la Rive, Québec, Canada), and renamed Champlain . The trunk
9453-687: The management of Howard & Sons, London. Sold in 1954 to F. T. Everard & Sons Ltd and renamed Fortunity . Scrapped in February 1962 in Nieuw-Lekkerkerk, Netherlands. Empire Farjeon was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Goole Shipbuilding & Repairing Ltd, Goole. Laid down as CHANT 37 and renamed Fabric 37 before launch. Launched on 18 October 1944 as Empire Farjeon and completed in November 1944. Sold in 1946 to Drakelow Steamship Co., Cardiff and renamed Drakedene . Sold in 1966 to K. Perrakis, Greece and renamed Vivian . Converted to
9590-717: The management of Island Shipping Co. Ltd, Trinidad from 1972. Sprang a leak on 19 February 1974 when 94 nautical miles (174 km) southeast of Tobago . Taken in tow but capsized and sank in the Gulf of Paria ( 10°37′N 61°34′W / 10.617°N 61.567°W / 10.617; -61.567 ) Empire Fashion was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Goole Shipbuilding & Repairing Ltd, Goole. Laid down as CHANT 32 and renamed Fabric 32 before launch. Launched on 22 July 1944 as Empire Fashion and completed in August 1944. Sold in 1946 to F. T. Everard & Sons Ltd and renamed Frivolity . Scrapped in August 1961 at Thos. W. Ward , Grays, Essex. Empire Fastness
9727-411: The management of J P Hadoulis Ltd, London. Sold in 1953 to South Coast Shipping Co. Ltd. Converted into a sand dredger and renamed Sand Diver . Operated under the management of South Coast Shipping Co. Ltd. Sold to her managers in 1956 and placed under the management of William Cory & Son Ltd . Scrapped in 1966 at Thos. W. Ward , Grays, Essex. Empire Farringay was an Empire F type coaster which
9864-661: The management of N Jadavji & Hirji, Kenya in 1969, sold later that year to United Youth Shipping Co., Tanzania and renamed Tanzania . Empire Fisher was a 268 GRT trawler which was built by Reiherstieg Schiffswerfte & Maschinenfabrik , Hamburg . Launched in 1922 as Herrlichkeit for Nordsee Deutsche Hochsee Fischerei Bremen, Cuxhaven . Captured on 13 February 1940 by HMS Glasgow and escorted to Lerwick . To MoWT and renamed Empire Fisher . Sold in 1947 to Hunter Fishing company. Sold in 1948 to BISCO for scrapping. Resold to W. J. Sweeney, Dublin . Scrapped in March 1952 at Passage West , Cork . Empire Fitzroy
10001-464: The management of P. Bauer, London . Sold in 1952 to Torridge Coasters Ltd, Bideford , Devon and renamed Torridge Lass . Sold in 1963 to E. Desgagne, Quebec , Canada and renamed Ste-Marguerite . Managed by A. Cote, Quebec from 1965 and Bouchard Navigation Ltd, Quebec from 1966. Sold in 1970 to F. Lussier, Quebec, and renamed Prince Loys . Laid up in October 1972 due to mechanical damage and scrapped in 1977 at Île aux Coudres , Quebec. Empire Facet
10138-521: The management of Panama Sea Express Line, Norway. Management passed to Manchester Navigation Ltd, Panama in 1967. Scrapped in March 1967 at Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Empire Farrier was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Henry Scarr Ltd, Hessle. Laid down as CHANT 48 and renamed Fabric 48 before launch. Launched in November 1944 and completed in December 1944. Sold in 1947 to R H Hunt & Sons, Hull and renamed River Ouse . Sold in 1952 to Braywick Shipping Co. Ltd and renamed Braywick . Operated under
10275-452: The management of S. Daifas & Co., Greece from 1957. Sold in 1958 to Société Co-operative des Petroles, Egypt and renamed Copetrole I . Empire Fabric was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Henry Scarr Ltd, Hessle. Laid down as CHANT 14 and renamed Fabric 14 before launch. Launched in June 1944 as Empire Fabric and completed in July 1944. Sold in 1951 to Harbour Specialists Ltd, Hull and renamed Fenstock . Operated under
10412-583: The management of Transport Maritime Harvey Ltee, Quebec. Laid up in 1978 at Petite-Rivière-Saint-François , Quebec. Reported sold 1987 for conversion to a floating restaurant but she remained idle in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François until sold again in 1991 to a US citizen and renamed Mon Ami . Beached during a gale on 1 January 1991 at Seal Island, Nova Scotia , Canada ( 43°24′N 24°03′W / 43.400°N 24.050°W / 43.400; -24.050 ) while en route to Texas. Her back
10549-504: The management of Wah Kwong & Co., Hong Kong . Arrived in August 1971 at Kaohsiung , Taiwan for scrapping. Empire Fal was a 4,880 GRT cargo ship which was built by Irvine's Shipbuilding and Drydock Co. Ltd, West Hartlepool . Launched in 1914 as Pengreep for Chellew Navigation Co. Ltd, London. Seized in June 1941 by Vichy French forces at Casablanca , Morocco and renamed Ste Jacqueline . Seized in November 1942 by British forces in
10686-414: The management of Watts, Watts & Co. Ltd. Sold in 1950 to Haldin & Phillips Ltd and renamed Errington Court . Sold in 1956 to M. A. Embiricos, Greece, and renamed Penelope . Sold in 1964 to Franco Shipping Co., Greece, and renamed Andromachi . Damaged on 25 June 1969 by Israeli shelling at Suez and set on fire. The ship was abandoned and scrapped in March 1976 at Arabiya, Egypt. Empire Favourite
10823-533: The merchant ships of the British Merchant Navy which kept the United Kingdom supplied with raw materials, arms, ammunition, fuel, food and all of the necessities of a nation at war throughout World War II literally enabling the country to defend itself. In doing this they sustained a considerably greater casualty rate than almost every branch of the armed services and suffered great hardship. Seamen were aged from fourteen through to their late seventies. At
10960-654: The only distinctions being that they were crewed by Merchant Seamen and flew the Red Ensign instead of the White. Two classes of ship were based on the Scandinavian design general cargo ship. The smaller 'three island' type of around 2,800 gross tons were built between 1941 and 1944. These vessels played an important role as crane ships in unloading the Arctic convoys at the Russian ports. In
11097-553: The prefix was also extended to purchased or requisitioned ships and to those acquired as prizes . From 1 February 1940, the Admiralty took control of all shipbuilding and repairs, including merchant shipping. From that date, ships could only be built either on orders of the Admiralty or, for private owners, under licences that required the ships to be built to Admiralty specifications of wartime requirements. Tramp ships were built to
11234-453: The prototype) and by Furness Shipbuilding Co, Ltd. The first of the type were fitted with 3,800 horsepower (2,800 kW) triple expansion steam engines, later models with 3,300 horsepower (2,500 kW) diesel engines and finally with 4,000 horsepower (3,000 kW) diesel engines. The design for the 'Wave' prefixed faster tankers was introduced in 1943. With a speed of 15 knots (28 km/h), these fast tankers were able to operate outside
11371-867: The same design as an order from the Government of Turkey. They had ramps at both ends and could carry passengers and vehicles but could also be converted for minelaying. They were also equipped with a 25-ton derrick at the front of the superstructure amidships. They were 716 gross tons, length 179 feet (55 m) and breadth 40 feet (12.2 m). Three vessels of 215 to 222 gross tons were built as water carriers. These were Empire Barnaby , Empire Billow and Empire Fulham Four vessels all of 2,922 gross tons, length 315 feet (96 m) and breadth 44 feet (13.4 m) were built as ore carriers. These were Empire Moat , Empire Ness , Empire Ridge and Empire Stream Five Castle-class corvettes were completed as Empire convoy rescue ships to join 29 previously-requisitioned ships. The requisitioned passenger ships had
11508-460: The sea bed. The tank landing ships (LST Mark 3) had a speed of eleven knots and were 4,820 tons when loaded. The length was 330 ft and the breadth 54 ft. The bridge and engines were aft. A bow ramp gave access to the interior and onto the open upper deck. 168 troops could be accommodated in narrow dormitories. Landing craft were generally only identified by number (for example LST 3512 ). However, some were completed as merchant ships after
11645-486: The shipping industry of Britain on a war footing. All shipbuilders had specified the capability of their yards to produce cargo ships , cargo liners , tramps , tankers , colliers , coasters and naval ships . The Ministry of Shipping , formed in October 1939 quickly adopted a standard naming system, applying the prefix "Empire" for all merchant ships built in Great Britain for the Government . With some exceptions,
11782-510: The ships and barges albeit dressed in naval uniform; the ten CHANTS (Channel Tankers) were allocated to the Beach services of the Royal Navy. The bulk of these ships came under the Ministry of War Transport and carried oil to the storage tanks at Port-en-Bessin , others under control of the Royal Navy carried diesel, petrol and water, all destined for the advancing armies. This particular class of ship
11919-411: The south of Dumbarton road at Dalmuir Farm and Dunn Street after the war. High rise residential towers were built starting in 1954 with Mountblow House and eleven residential hi-rises were completed by the end of the 1960s. The whitehouses, built to replace the prefabs at Dalmuir west, were completed in the early 1070s. Infill housing in blitz gaps between tenements were completed along Dumbarton Road in
12056-512: The three island class, the boiler was amidships and the cargo handling was grouped around three 'islands' on the superstructure, at the stern, bow and amidships. Ten ships were built in the later and larger (3,500 gross tons) Empire Malta class, which had the boiler aft and the cargo handling grouped around the fore- and main-mast. Dredging and hopper vessels were used for the collection or discharge of aggregates for example in maintaining clear navigation channels and to acquire aggregates from
12193-453: The two Buchanran farms to the east. In addition to the original Dallmuir House and estate, to the north were the estates of Auchentoshan and Mountblow. Auchentoshan Estate was owned by James Hamilton, Earl of Abercorn until 1612. Auchintoshan House, built in the 17th century, was destroyed in the Clydebank Blitz in March 1941. One of the last residents was Sir Thomas Bell, managing director of John Brown & Co. Originally 24 acres of
12330-463: The vessels in which they were fitted. Four Empire F class and one Empire S class vessels crossed the Atlantic in the late fifties for service on the St. Lawrence River: Empire Fairway , Empire Fabric , Empire Fang , Empire Fathom , and Empire Seagreen . The beach craft were refuelled by a shuttle service of coastal tankers that bunkered in southern UK ports whilst five 12,000 ton tankers carried
12467-646: The war they were used as troopships in the Eastern Mediterranean. Empire ships were generally involved in convoy duty, including the Atlantic convoys bringing essential supplies from the United States ; military convoys to North Africa ; military convoys around the Cape of Good Hope to prosecute the war in the Middle East ; coastal convoys around the shores of Britain; Mediterranean convoys, including those supporting
12604-522: The water, two always at the beachhead with the remaining three in transit. From the two tankers at the beachhead other smaller tankers then shipped the water to depot ships and warships they also replenished the LBWs. This method of replenishment was in operation until D-Day plus forty when it became possible to use the captured channel ports. Their respective peacetime crews manned the Store and Replenishment crews of all
12741-516: The west at Old Kilpatrick and north at Duntocher from AD 142 until it was abandoned in AD 162. There was a brief re-occupation for a few years, starting in AD 208. In 1281 the land was first recorded as owned by Walter Spreul, Steward of Malcolm, Earl of Levenax , in the "Charter Records of the land of Dalmuir or Dalmore". From the 13th to the early 19th century the land was held by the Spreull family. In
12878-563: The world. A number of Salvage and Rescue Tugs were built during the war and most were owned by the MoWT and operated by Merchant Shipping companies (notably the United Towing Co.). These ocean going vessels (armed under the DEMS programme ) bore little resemblance to the small Harbour or Docking tugs seen in most large ports and often worked alongside the naval tugs of His Majesty's Rescue Tug service,
13015-450: Was rejected in 1890, but eventually passed in 1906. Dalmuir Glen was later converted into Overtoun Park in 1906. The original Dallmuir (different spelling) house existed in 1777. A new Dalmuir House, located on the hill close to the end of what is now Regent Street, was built in 1818 by paper mill owner, Richard Collins. It was originally accessed from the Collins' mill area and featured
13152-558: Was a 1,047 GRT coaster which was built by John Lewis & Sons Ltd, Aberdeen . Launched on 6 November 1945 and completed in February 1946. Sold in 1946 to J. Stewart & Co. (Shipping) Ltd and renamed Yewforest . Sold in 1954 to O. Dorey & Sons Ltd, Guernsey and renamed Perelle . Towed to Gothenburg , Sweden in 1961 for scrapping but leased out as a floating warehouse in Denmark. Reported to have been dismantled in August 1962 in Sweden, but
13289-766: Was a 250 GRT tug which was built by Scott & Sons Ltd, Bowling. Launched on 9 October 1941 and completed in December 1941. Sold in 1946 to the London and North Eastern Railway and renamed Central No 3 . To the British Transport Commission , Grimsby in 1949. To the British Transport Docks Board in 1961 and renamed Rampside . Sold in 1973 to Maritime Commercial Enterprises, Greece and renamed Poseidon . Sold in 1976 to N E Vercicos, Greece and renamed Vernicos Fani . Scrapped in 1986 in Greece. Empire Firth
13426-733: Was a 275 GRT tug which was built by Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby , Yorkshire. Launched on 5 January 1942 and completed in May 1942. To the Admiralty in 1944. Sold in 1948 to the Rangoon Port Commissioners, Rangoon , India, and renamed Nathamee . Empire Faith was a 7,061 GRT CAM ship which was built by Barclay, Curle & Co. Ltd, Glasgow. Launched on 4 March 1941 and completed in June 1941. Sold in 1946 to Johnston Warren Lines Ltd and renamed Jessmore . Sold in 1958 to Maritime & Commercial Corporation Ltd, Panama and renamed Antiope . Sold in 1964 to Global Navigation Co. Inc., Panama, and renamed Global Venture . Operated under
13563-470: Was a 325 GRT coaster which was built by Richards Ironworks Ltd, Lowestoft . Launched in March 1941 and completed in August 1941. Sold in 1947 to J Campbell, Irvine and renamed Annick . Sold in 1954 to A/S Lo-nes Rederi and renamed Lones . Operated under the management of T. Horvi & Sandvik, Norway. Sold in 1958 to Ross Line Ltd, Sunderland and renamed Sunderland . Sold in 1968 to North-East by East Shipping Co. Ltd and renamed North Trader . Placed under
13700-406: Was a 6,987 GRT cargo ship which was built by Harland & Wolff Ltd , Belfast . Launched on 2 September 1944 and completed in February 1945. Sold in 1946 to Scottish Shire Line Ltd and renamed Stirlingshire . Operated under the management of Turnbull, Martin & Co. Ltd, Glasgow. Arrived on 2 September 1966 at Bruges , Belgium for scrapping. Empire Falstaff was a 7,067 GRT cargo ship which
13837-483: Was a 7,050 GRT cargo ship which was built by Sir W. G. Armstrong, Whitworth & Co. (Shipbuilders) Ltd , Newcastle upon Tyne . Launched on 8 March 1943 and completed in May 1943. To the French Government in 1945 and renamed Administrateur en Chef Thomas . Sold in 1950 to Achille Lauro, Italy, and renamed Santagata . She ran aground on 24 November 1950 on the Goodwin Sands , 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) northeast of
13974-888: Was a 7,073 GRT cargo ship which was built by Barclay, Curle & Company , Glasgow . Laid down as Empire Fairbairn and launched on 17 February 1942 as Kronprinsen for the Norwegian Government . Torpedoed on 9 June 1942 by U-432 south of Cape Sable Island , Nova Scotia , Canada ( 42°53′N 67°11′W / 42.883°N 67.183°W / 42.883; -67.183 ). Beached at West Pubnico with her stern blown off. Temporary repairs carried out, departed on 23 July 1942 under tow for Halifax . Departed on 9 October 1942 under tow for Boston , United States for repairs. Sold in 1945 to Olsen & Ugelstad, Norway. Sold in 1952 to Compagnia Navigazione Porto Alegre Sa, Panama and renamed Vori . Sold in 1967 to Liminship Compagnia Navigazione, Greece and renamed Lukia M . Sprang
14111-528: Was a 7,123 GRT cargo ship which was built by Burntisland Shipbuilding Company Ltd, Fife . Launched on 16 November 1944 and completed in January 1945. Sold in 1947 to W. A. Souter & Co. Ltd, Newcastle upon Tyne and renamed Sheaf Mount . Sold in 1957 to Harrisons (Clyde) Ltd and renamed Valldemosa . Sold in 1961 to Mullion & Co. Ltd, Hong Kong and renamed Ardfinnan . Sold in 1968 to Mullion & Co. Ltd, Gibraltar and renamed Court Harwell . Arrived on 9 June 1969 at Hong Kong for scrapping. Empire Fane
14248-533: Was added. In 1962 the school was destroyed by fire and a new primary School built to the east along Singer Street. Dalmuir primary was one of the largest schools in the UK with a pupil roll of 1200. Dick McGregor (1926–2017), President of the teaching union the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), was head teacher for many years until his retirement in 1988. Dalmuir Primary school closed in 1993, torn down and replaced by Hill View Nursing Home. Only
14385-464: Was also served by Glasgow street trams from 1904 but terminating at the canal until the construction of the swing bridge in 1915 extended the route to a new terminus at Dalmuir West. Starting from the other side of the canal bridge, a service from Dalmuir to Bonhill in Dumbarton ran from 1908 to 1928. Until 1915, passengers traveling by tram from Glasgow to Dumbarton had to change trams and walk across
14522-623: Was an 807 GRT coastal tanker which was built by A. & J. Inglis Ltd , Glasgow. Launched on 26 December 1942 and completed in March 1943. Sold in 1946 to Shell Company of East Africa Ltd and renamed Kleinella . Operated under the management of the Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Co. Ltd. To Shell Mex & BP Ltd in 1948 and renamed Shellbrit . Renamed BP Marketer in 1952. Sold in 1964 to Sarda Bunkers SpA, Italy, and renamed Sarroch . Scrapped in September 1983 in Naples , Italy. Empire Fenchurch
14659-794: Was an 890 GRT coastal tanker which was built by A. & J. Inglis, Glasgow. Launched on 12 June 1945 and completed in October 1945. Sold in 1952 to F. T. Everard & Sons Ltd and renamed Alignity . Scrapped in November 1971 at Blyth, Northumberland . Empire Flag was a 7,050 GRT cargo ship which was built by Sir W. G. Armstrong-Whitworth & Co. (Shipbuilders) Ltd, Newcastle upon Tyne. Launched on 2 June 1943 and completed in October 1943. Sold in 1946 to Donaldson Atlantic Line Ltd and renamed Carmia . Sold in 1954 to Blue Star Line Ltd and renamed Victoria Star . Sold in 1955 to Williamson & Co. Ltd, Hong Kong and renamed Inchearn . Scrapped in August 1966 in Osaka , Japan. Empire ship An Empire ship
14796-559: Was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Goole Shipbuilding & Repairing Ltd, Goole , Yorkshire. Laid down as CHANT 29 and renamed Fabric 29 before launch. Launched in May 1944 as Empire Factor and completed in July 1944. Sold in 1947 to Coe Line Ltd, London, and renamed Coe Jean . Sold in 1950 to Southern Shipping Co. Ltd, Isle of Man and renamed Barrule . Sold in 1954 to C. M. & D. M. Watterson, Isle of Man and renamed Gansey . Arrived on 26 December 1964 at Dalmuir , West Dunbartonshire for scrapping. Empire Fairbairn
14933-635: Was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Goole Shipbuilding & Repairing Ltd, Goole. Laid down as CHANT 31 and renamed Fabric 31 before launch. Launched on 10 July 1944 as Empire Favourite . Sold in 1946 to F. T. Everard & Sons Ltd and renamed Formality . Scrapped in September 1962 at Krimpen aan den IJssel. Empire Fawley was a 7,392 GRT cargo ship which was built by John Readhead & Sons Ltd, South Shields . Launched on 25 April 1945 and completed in May 1945. Sold in 1946 to Clan Line Steamers Ltd and renamed Clan Mackinlay . Arrived on 2 November 1962 at Hong Kong for scrapping. Empire Fay
15070-508: Was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Goole Shipbuilding & Repairing Ltd, Goole. Laid down as CHANT 33 and renamed Fabric 33 before launch. Launched on 4 August 1944 as Empire Fane . Sold in 1946 to F. T. Everard & Sons Ltd and renamed Fluidity . A new diesel engine was fitted in 1957. Sold in 1960 to Gaselee & Son Ltd, London, and renamed Apar . Used as a tug mooring and storage hulk at Limehouse Reach, River Thames . Scrapped at Dartford , Kent c1974. Empire Fanfare
15207-444: Was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Goole Shipbuilding & Repairing Ltd, Goole. Laid down as CHANT 35 and renamed Fabric 35 before launch. Launched on 19 September 1944 as Empire Farouche and completed in October 1944. Sold in 1946 to J Wharton (Shipping) Ltd and renamed Lizzonia . The new diesel engine was fitted in 1956. Collided with MV Arctic Ocean on 16 March 1961 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) west-northwest of
15344-544: Was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Goole Shipbuilding & Repairing Ltd, Goole. Laid down as CHANT 38 and renamed Fabric 38 before launch. Launched on 4 November 1944 as Empire Facet and completed that month. Sold in 1946 to Hull Gates Shipping Co. and renamed Hullgate . Operated under the management of Craggs & Jenkin Ltd. Sold in 1962 to Dendrinos & Varouchas, Greece and renamed Agios Nektarios . Sold later that year to T D Athanassiades, Greece. Caught fire in
15481-470: Was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Goole Shipbuilding & Repairing Ltd, Goole. Laid down as CHANT 40 and renamed Fabric 40 before launch. Launched on 16 December 1944 as Empire Fairplay and completed in January 1945. Sold in 1949 to Overseas Fish Import Co. and renamed Helen Fairplay . Operated under the management of Great Yarmouth Shipping Co. Ltd. Sold in 1951 to Great Yarmouth Shipping Co. Ltd and renamed Lynn Trader . A new diesel engine
15618-499: Was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Henry Scarr Ltd, Hessle. Laid down as CHANT 16 and renamed Fabric 16 before launch. Launched on 23 July 1944 as Empire Fable and completed in August 1944. Sold in 1946 to Cyprian Coastal Line Ltd. Operated under the management of P. Mantovani, Cyprus . Renamed Cyprus C in 1948. Sold in 1950 to De Malglaive Shipping Ltd, Windsor and renamed Yvonne Olivier . Sold in 1954 to Hellenic Levant Lines Ltd, Greece, and renamed Antonios . Under
15755-426: Was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Henry Scarr Ltd, Hessle. Laid down as CHANT 18 and renamed Fabric 18 before launch. Launched in August 1944 as Empire Farringdon and completed in September 1944. Sold in 1946 to De Malglaive Shipping Ltd, Windsor, and renamed Susie Olivier . Sold in 1948 to Booker Brothers, McConnell & Co. Ltd and renamed Mahiri . New diesel engine fitted in 1962. Operated under
15892-850: Was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Henry Scarr Ltd, Hessle. Laid down as CHANT 19 and renamed Fabric 19 before launch. Launched in August 1944 as Empire Fanfare and completed in October 1944. Sold in 1946 to F. T. Everard & Sons Ltd and renamed Festivity . Scrapped in August 1961 at Nieuw-Lekkerland , Netherlands. Empire Fang was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Goole Shipbuilding & Repairing Ltd, Goole. Laid down as CHANT 39 and renamed Fabric 39 before launch. Launched on 13 November 1944 as Empire Fang and completed in January 1945. Sold in 1946 to William Robertson & Son, Glasgow and renamed Morion . Sold in 1952 to Nevill Long & Co. Ltd, Glasgow and renamed Longboat . Sold in 1954 to Gerard Harvey, Quebec which later became Transport Maritime Harvey Ltee. A new diesel engine
16029-404: Was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Henry Scarr Ltd, Hessle. Laid down as CHANT 46 and renamed Fabric 46 before launch. Launched in November 1944 and completed in December 1944. Sold in 1946 to F. T. Everard & Sons Ltd and renamed Futurity . Partly dismantled in 1960 at Greenhithe, Kent and arrived on 18 May 1960 at Thos. W. Ward , Grays, Essex for scrapping. Empire Fancy
16166-888: Was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Henry Scarr Ltd, Hessle. Laid down as CHANT 47 and renamed Fabric 47 before launch. Launched in November 1944 and completed in December 1944. Sold in 1946 to F. T. Everard & Sons Ltd and renamed Firmity . Scrapped in December 1964 at Krimpen aan den IJssel, Netherlands. Empire Fathom was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Henry Scarr Ltd, Hessle. Laid down as CHANT 49 and renamed Fabric 49 before launch. Launched in December 1944 as Empire Fathom and completed in January 1945. Sold in 1946 to B. W. Steamship, Tug & Lighter Company, Craggs & Jenkin Ltd, Hull and renamed Fosdyke . Sold in 1961 to J. P. Desgagnes, Quebec, and renamed Fort Carillon . Sold in 1972 to L. Tremblay, Quebec, and renamed Janolyne . Sold in 1975 to J. P. Benoit & G. Tremblay and renamed Fermont . Operated under
16303-549: Was available. Eight requisitioned private ships and 27 Empire ships served as CAM ships. Ten of the Empire ships were lost in service. Merchant aircraft carriers or MAC ships superseded the CAM ships. Their role was defensive in protection of the convoys. Unlike the CAM ships, they carried a flight deck so the aircraft were able to land again. The merchant air carriers were adapted standard grain ships or oil tankers. The grain ships had
16440-455: Was broken and she was declared a total loss. The wreck still exists today. Empire Faun was an 846 GRT coastal tanker which was built by Goole Shipbuilding & Repairing Co. Ltd. Launched on 12 October 1942 and completed in February 1943. Loaned to the Greek Navy in 1951 and renamed Poseidon . Became Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship RFA Sirios ( pennant number A345) in 1959. Sold in 1962 to
16577-593: Was built by Lithgows Ltd , Port Glasgow . Launched on 8 April 1943 and complete in May 1943. To the French Government in 1945 and renamed Commandant Mantelet . Sold in 1950 to Société Navale Delmas-Vieljeux, France and renamed Commandant le Bilboul . Sold in 1954 to Eastern Shipping Corp., Liberia and renamed Monrovia . Collided on 26 May 1959 with SS Royalton in Lake Huron and sank 11 nautical miles (20 km) north of Thunder Bay Island , USA. Empire Fanal
16714-509: Was built by Goole Shipbuilding & Repairing Ltd, Goole. Laid down as CHANT 36 and renamed Fabric 36 before launch. Launched on 2 October 1944 and completed in November 1944. Sold in 1946 to J. H. K. Griffin, Swansea . Was re-engined at different times between 1965 and 1972, and fitted with triple screws. Rebuilt in 1972, now 461 GRT (533 DWT). Sold in 1979 to Compagnia de Navigazione Panajosyane SA, Panama and renamed Claire . Scrapped in March 1981 at La Corunna , Spain. Empire Farringdon
16851-528: Was constructed in 1915. Clydebank's boundary was extended to include Dalmuir West in 1925 and the first phase of the Council-built Mountblow housing scheme north of Dumbarton Road was completed in 1933. After the war, pre-fab houses were added to the south of Dumbarton Road and were replaced in 1970 by the white house scheme. Locally called the Coosie, the field to the west of the scheme formerly contained
16988-400: Was driven ashore after capsizing during the gales of 18/20 June when loaded with petrol and Chant 26 drove ashore on the crest of a wave, straight up the beach, through a hedge and landed in a field the right way up. After discharging her precious cargo to army bowsers she was dragged back to her natural element and towed home, the author Captain E. E. Sigart made the observation that Chant 26
17125-455: Was equipped with one 50-ton, one 30-ton, five 10-ton and five 5-ton derricks. PF(C) were around 7,320 gross tons. The later PF(D) was similar to PF(C), at 7,370 tons, but could be distinguished by a full-height poop (which was only half height in the PF(C)). Some had 250,000 cubic feet (7,100 m ) of refrigerated space. Empire F was a series of small coasters of 142 feet (43 m) in length with
17262-426: Was fitted in 1953. Sold in 1960 to Fouad Hassan Hamza, Port Said , Egypt and renamed Hamza I . Scrapped by 1995. Empire Fairway was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Goole Shipbuilding & Repairing Ltd, Goole. Laid down as CHANT 41 and renamed Fabric 41 before launch. Launched on 16 January 1945 as Empire Fairway . Sold in 1949 to Overseas Fish Import Co. and renamed Helen Fairway . Operated under
17399-581: Was fitted in 1956. Sold in 1972 to Edgar Lavoie & Frères, Québec which later became Joseph A. Lavoie and still later Lavoie & Fils, renamed De Lavoye . Sold in 1978 to Vapores Orinoco, Panama. Reflagged to Honduras in 1979. Thought to have been scrapped by 1995. Empire Faraway was an Empire F type coaster which was built by Henry Scarr Ltd, Hessle. Laid down as CHANT 21 and renamed Fabric 21 before launch. Launched in October 1944 as Empire Faraway and completed in November 1944. Sold in 1946 to Seaway Coasters Ltd and renamed Seabrook . Operated under
17536-499: Was fitted in 1959. Sold in 1970 to Pedonomou Lines Ltd, Trinidad, and renamed Herma A . Foundered on 19 July 1975 in a storm while moored at Port of Spain , Trinidad. Empire Favour was a 7,050 GRT cargo ship which was built by Caledon Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. Ltd , Dundee . Launched on 22 August 1945 and completed in November 1945. Sold in 1947 to the Britain Steamship Co. Ltd and renamed Epsom . Operated under
17673-507: Was in service in 1965 as a barge , renamed Tor . Empire Field was a 7,244 GRT cargo ship which was built by William Doxford & Sons Ltd , Sunderland. Launched on 23 September 1941 and completed in January 1942. To the Norwegian Government in 1942 and renamed Prins Harald . Torpedoed on 20 November 1942 and sunk by U-263 240 nautical miles (440 km) west of Gibraltar ( 35°55′N 10°14′W / 35.917°N 10.233°W / 35.917; -10.233 ). Empire Fir
17810-536: Was incorporated into the new Clydebank Police Burgh. Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway , opened the Dalmuir Riverside railway station in 1896. Dalmuir Shore was located on the north-west of the William Beardmore and Company site and now part of the Golden Jubilee Hospital grounds. In 1900, William Beardmore began construction at Dalmuir Shore of what would become The Naval Construction Yard and
17947-486: Was modified and the vessel became a single hold/single hatch hull. Sold in 1971 to Desgagnés & Perron Inc. (Ile aux Coudres, Québec, Canada), and renamed Gilani . Rebuilt to carry woodpulp and woodchips. Capsized on 22 April 1972 and sank at Vercheres Wharf, Montreal, Quebec , Canada. Refloated and repaired. Reported sold in 1978 and placed under the Honduran flag. Later reported lost but loss unconfirmed. Empire Fairy
18084-459: Was no conflict in nomenclature. Accommodation was good because the five berth cabin for the DEMS gunners was available and several vessels were modified after the war to make better use of all the spaces. The major shortfall of the class was undoubtedly their poor deadweight carrying capacity coupled with their varied engine fit, particularly those with the Petters engine which caused problems in all
18221-404: Was not renowned for its stability and when loaded had to carry much ballast, as well as cargo in their tanks they also carried up to ten tons of lubricating oil on deck and were well armed considering their vulnerability. On D-Day plus three Chant 60 turned turtle when manoeuvring under full helm, fortunately her entire crew were rescued later, carrying a full load of petrol she was towed away from
18358-538: Was originally located at Park Road until it was relocated in 1897 to its current location creating two more platforms as part of the extension to Dalmuir of the Glasgow, Yoker and Clydebank Railway . A fifth platform was added as part of the Argyle Line expansion in 1979. Dalmuir railway station was briefly renamed Dalmuir Park in 1952 until 1973 and is now part of the North Clyde Line . The area previously had
18495-504: Was originally two separate villages with Dalmuir Shore joining with Clydebank in 1886 and Dalmuir Village in 1906, during a period of rapid industrialisation and expansion. Dalmuir is bounded by the village of Old Kilpatrick to the west, the Mountblow and Parkhall housing schemes to the north, and the Clydebank town centre area to the east. To the south is the River Clyde . Dalmuir
18632-528: Was the only British merchantman to fly proudly the Red Ensign and discharge her cargo, literally in a foreign field. Chant 24 beached at Le Hamel carrying 200 tons of oil fuel for the RAF needed for the building of runways previously LBO's had carried out this duty with the muscle power supplied by the infantry on their hand pumps. Finally some of the Chants were used as accommodation ships as there uses diminished and after
18769-545: Was to be built on Kilbowie road in Clydebank. Due to local resistance, and the support of the Scotch Education Department, the transfer of Dalmuir pupils did not occur. Instead a former Masonic Lodge on what is now Beadmore Street was used until a purpose built school was completed on Auld Street in 1886. In 1908 a new school was opened on Duntocher Road on the corner of Singer Road. Later a junior Secondary School
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