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A Sea Hurricane being loaded onto an armed merchant ship at Cardiff docks, c. 1941

A Sea Hurricane being loaded onto an armed merchant ship at Cardiff docks, c. 1941


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A Sea Hurricane being loaded onto an armed merchant ship at Cardiff docks, c. 1941

As well as assisting in the transportation of military goods by rail the GWR also facilitated the war effort at their docks. This fascinating image from c.1941 shows a Sea Hurricane being loaded onto an armed merchant ship at the GWR docks in Cardiff. Once on board, the Sea Hurricane would eventually be attached to a catapult, seen here on the deck of the ship. In the absence of a runway the catapult fired the Sea Hurricane at high speed into the air, but unless a nearby aircraft carrier or airstrip was on hand to receive a return landing, the Hurricanes (their pilots having already ejected) would often ditch in the sea

STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway

Media ID 19938871

Air Raid Bomb Cardiff Docks Ship World War 2 Aeroplane Ammunition Armed Merchant


FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> STEAM Museum of the GWR > People > Railway Workers

> STEAM Museum of the GWR > People > War Workers

> STEAM Museum of the GWR > Places > Docks > Cardiff Docks

> STEAM Museum of the GWR > Places > Docks

> STEAM Museum of the GWR > The Railway at War > Second World War

> STEAM Museum of the GWR > The Railway at War

> Transportation > Aeroplanes


EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a crucial moment in the transportation of military goods during World War II. Taken at the GWR docks in Cardiff around 1941, it showcases an extraordinary scene as a Sea Hurricane is being loaded onto an armed merchant ship. The Great Western Railway (GWR) played a significant role not only in facilitating the war effort by rail but also at their docks. The image reveals the meticulous process involved in preparing the Sea Hurricane for its mission. Once securely on board, this formidable aircraft would later be attached to a catapult, which can be seen here on the ship's deck. With no runway available, this ingenious method propelled the Sea Hurricane into high-speed flight. However, unless there was an aircraft carrier or airstrip nearby to receive them upon return, these brave pilots would often have to ditch their planes into the sea after ejecting safely. Amidst air raids and bomb threats during those tumultuous times, such operations were vital for maintaining military strength and ensuring supplies reached their intended destinations. This photograph serves as a testament to both human ingenuity and sacrifice exhibited throughout World War II. It stands as a poignant reminder of how different industries united under challenging circumstances to contribute towards victory against adversity.

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