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One of Britains secret war achievements- the Military Port
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One of Britains secret war achievements- the Military Port
One of Britains secret war achievements- the Military Port. After the fall of France in 1940 the
South and East Coast British ports were virtually closed to large ocean going ships.
Two ports were therefore built for military purpose on the West coast of Scotland; one in the Gareloch of the Clyde and one in Cairnryan, Loch Ryan, Wigtownshire.
The ports and their railways connecting with the main lines were built entirely by Military labour Royal Engineers and the Pioneer Corps.
The complex engineering problems involved were mastered by Army engineers with advice from a panel of three civilian experts. Work began at the end of 1940, and the first ship berthed in July 1942.
Besides their obvious value as military operations the two ports were used as testing grounds in underwater clearance work and the men who built them built part of the famous Mulberry harbour.
Picture shows: Number 1 Military Port at Gareloch, Lighterage Wharf showing deep water berth.
Circa 1941
Official
Reach PLC
Mirrorpix
Gareloch
Scotland
Media ID 21901386
© Mirrorpix
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures one of Britain's secret war achievements - the Military Port. During World War II, after the fall of France in 1940, South and East Coast British ports were rendered inaccessible to large ocean-going ships. To overcome this challenge, two military ports were constructed on the West coast of Scotland: one in the Gareloch of Clyde and another in Cairnryan, Loch Ryan, Wigtownshire. The construction of these ports and their railway connections was a remarkable feat accomplished entirely by Royal Engineers and the Pioneer Corps. Army engineers successfully tackled complex engineering problems with guidance from a panel of civilian experts. The project commenced at the end of 1940, and by July 1942, the first ship berthed at these newly built facilities. Beyond their primary military purpose, these two ports served as testing grounds for underwater clearance work. Additionally, it is worth noting that some of the men involved in constructing these ports also played a significant role in building part of the famous Mulberry harbor. In this particular photograph from around 1941 (not associated with any company or commercial use), we see Number 1 Military Port at Gareloch featuring its Lighterage Wharf showcasing a deep-water berth. This image stands as a testament to Britain's ingenuity and determination during times when secrecy was paramount for national security.
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