Volume Three - The Pontoon Era - The Great War 1914 - 18 . . .

Many hundreds of merchant steamers had to be equipped with guns for defensive armament, also various devices to protect then form mines and submarines, and it is to be noted that 75 per cent. of all vessels so equipped were fitted out by the Bristol Channel ship-repairers.

In conclusion, it is evident that the Bristol Channel engineers and ship-repairers have probably seen more of the disastrous effects of the War than any other body of workers in the whole kingdom. It has been their duty to restore to a sea-worthy condition vessels damaged by german piracy, and others which have suffered under the heavy strain of War conditions. It is therefore, not too much to say that these men, who had to control and direct these vast concerns have earned, if they have not received, the gratitude of the Government and the country for their magnificent services.  It is unfortunate that there is no authoritative record of their work. Their achievements have been recorded piecemeal, but mo attempt has been made to present them in a complete narrative, as has been done, for instance, in the case of the Mercantile Marine.

Between the years 1917 and 1919, some 4,000 vessels were dry-docked and repaired, and about 6,000 vessels repaired outside the dry docks, of all sizes and tonnage. For the greater portion of this period, the German submarine campaign was at its worst. There were from 50 to 60 vessels on stem, and from the time that the Admiralty issued instructions for dazzle-painting, arrangements were put in force in the various dry-docks for painting two or three dozen vessels per week.

A typical dazzle design as applied to a merchant ship. A hand coloured lithograph. [Ref : RA/1264] [729]