The freighter "Delmira" moored up at the later additions, coal tips numbers 19 and 20 in the main dock. These tips, manufactured by Tannest, Walker & Co. of Leeds were installed in 1905-06 and were deemed to be of the most advanced and efficient design. [000]

The subject is a postcard, the photograph was taken by G. Wehrley & Co. [150] based at 96a Glebe St, Penarth in the years 1910-13 [151]. The photographer's name seems to be of German origin, so it would be understandable that with the first world war looming, the owner decided that it was highly probable that he would have be arrested as a spy, especially as his photographic subjects included the dock and coal supply installations etc. I subsequently found out that he was killed in action in 1917 serving our country during WWI - I'm so sorry for my poor judgement Mr. Wehrley.

I believe this is the same Delmira whilst on its journey from Boulogne to Bristol in March 1915, spotted the U37. Three revolver shots were fired by the Germans; the signal to surrender. Captain Lanceford of the Delmira gave orders to proceed at full speed but the Chinese crew disobeyed orders and eventually the Delmira was forced to surrender. The crew took to the lifeboats and a bomb was placed on board and she sunk.

In the above image, she is probably being loaded with bunker coal i.e. that for fuelling her own engines. The Delmira was of 3,459 tons, built at Short Brothers Limited at Sunderland for the Strathclyde Shipping Co. Ltd. and dates from 1906. A typical design for a cargo ship of the period given her upright, tall funnel, straight bow and a rather lovely shaped, cruiser stern.