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Launch of the Inflexible at Portsmouth Dockyard: stern view of the ship, 1876. Creator: J. R. W
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Launch of the Inflexible at Portsmouth Dockyard: stern view of the ship, 1876. Creator: J. R. W
Launch of the Inflexible at Portsmouth Dockyard: stern view of the ship, 1876. Warship launched using electricity. Hammers and battering-rams were applied to the foremost blocks, which were gradually knocked away...the Princess pressed the button in the mechanism...and christened the ship...The Princess having again pressed a button in the table, the weights fell with a crash. Two workmen stood at each dog-shore with iron mallets upraised to complete the work should the weights have failed to accomplish the duty expected of them. The precaution was superfluous, the weights having completely flattened the dogshores. Still, the ship did not move. But the suspense was only momentary. The powerful hydraulic rams having been brought into play, the ship glided beautifully into the water amid the cheers of the assembled thousands...The launch was a complete success'. From "Illustrated London News", 1876
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking image captures the moment of the Inflexible's launch at Portsmouth Dockyard in 1876, as seen from the stern of the ship. The Inflexible was a groundbreaking vessel, as it was the first warship to be launched using electricity. In the photograph, we see the crowd gathered on the dock, eagerly anticipating the launch. The Princess, likely a member of the royal family, stands at the center, holding a button in her hand. The moment of truth has arrived, and she presses the button, releasing the weights that had been holding the ship in place. The weights crash down onto the dog-shores, flattening them as the ship begins to slide into the water. The launch was a tense moment, as the success of the electric launch method was uncertain. But the Inflexible glided smoothly into the water, much to the relief and excitement of the onlookers. The launch was a complete success, marking a significant milestone in maritime history. This photograph, taken by J.R.W., provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, capturing the excitement and innovation of the time.
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