Volume Four - An Era of Change, Uncertainty, Depression & War - 1950 to early 1960's . . .

“Paddle Wheels” reported in the Winter edition of 1966 – White Funnel Notes - The week commencing September 7th was eventful. "Cardiff Queen's last calls at Tenby were cancelled owing to weather. On the following day weather caused cancellation of the Clovelly call. On her return to Ilfracombe she had utmost difficulty in landing her passengers. This was because of a heavy ground sea - unusual conditions which caused the red flag to be hoisted for the first time since 1949. As a result of some very fine seamanship the passengers were disembarked safely. Captain Wide called for 'ahead ' or 'astern' to counteract the strong current, and indicated by blowing a whistle when passengers should proceed down the gangway. Several ropes parted during the operation."

The grand old ladies of the fleet were the "Glen Gower" which had been broken up in Antwerp in 1960 and the "Glen Usk", used as a standby and lasted on until, in 1963, she too was broken up at Passage West, Cork.

The "Glen Usk" on the pontoon in 1959 and right, the "Glen Usk" and the "Queens" moored up in the dock. By April 1968, the White Funnel Fleet was no more.

The Fulham IX on the pontoon in 1958 and right - “Hawkinge” in c.1960.