Gallia December 1912
Gallia approaching Weggis August 2021
John Megoran recalls the heyday and decline paddle steamers, particularly the Weymouth based paddle steamers that he grew up with, hoping that one day he would captain a paddle steamer.
He did realise his ambition – and more – restoring, managing and as principal captain of PS Kingswear Castle for nearly 30 years on both the Medway and Thames.
John has written several books about paddle and pleasure steamers that may be found here.
13th September 1963 Consul
Paddle Steamer Consul arrived on the Thames on 14th September 1963 but things didn’t quite go to plan.
23rd November 1971 Caledonia
Caledonia sold to Bass Charrington for a new static career on the Thames.
23rd November 1937 Corfe Castle
Red Funnel's paddle steamer Corfe Castle.
In November 1937 Red Funnel’s Mauretania ex Queen renamed Corfe Castle.
Swiss Paddle Steamers 2021
Unterwalden, Uri, Gallia and Stadt Luzern in the Lucerne Shipyard 18th October 2021
How has the season been for the Swiss paddle steamers?
30th October 1957 Bournemouth Queen
Bournemouth Queen.
Bournemouth Echo expands on its announcement the previous day that Bournemouth Queen was to be withdrawn.
3rd October 1997 Waverley
John Megoran in the wheelhouse doorway of Waverley sailing as her master, 12th October 1997.
Waverley sails from Tilbury to Chatham.
Glen Gower 1954
Glen Gower after the Second World War.
What was Glen Gower doing during the summer of 1954?
A Week in the Life of Monarch 1960
Monarch approaching Bournemouth Pier.
What was Monarch doing during a week in August 1960?
15th September 1960 Princess Elizabeth
Princess Elizabeth.
Princess Elizabeth’s last trip of the season from Torquay to Lyme Regis on 15th September 1960.
10th September 1960 PSPS Charter Consul
Consul leaving Weymouth.
The first ever PSPS Charter.
Day Trips from Bournemouth 1953
Embassy entering Lulworth Cove 1953.
What sort of day trips were offered by the paddle steamers running from Bournemouth in the summer of 1953?
Manning La Suisse
La Suisse A/S Lausanne, 23rd August 2021.
How are the Swiss paddle steamers manned and what is the route to becoming a captain?
Sandown, Shanklin & Ventnor to Bournemouth
Balmoral.
Excursions from the east coast piers of the Isle of Wight to Bournemouth.
19th August 1926 Columba to Ardrishaig
RMS Columba.
On Thursday 19th August 1926 Columba was scheduled to leave Glasgow on the “Royal Route” for Rothesay, Colintraive, Tighnabruaich, Tarbet and Ardrishaig.
A Week in the Life of Consul 1960
Consul backing out of Lulworth Cove .
What was Consul up to during a week in August 1960?
13th August 1952 Cardiff Queen
Cardiff Queen with Balmoral in the background off the Isle of Wight.
Cardiff Queen scheduled to run from Hastings, Eastbourne and Brighton to Shanklin, Isle of Wight.
A Week in the Life of La Duchesse de Normandie 1966
La Duchesse de Normandie.
Although not propelled by paddle wheels I tend to think of La Duchesse de Normandie as an honorary paddle steamer.
11th August 1930 Snowdon
Snowdon.
Snowden scheduled for a day trip from Llandudno to Caernarvon on Monday 11th August 1930.
10th August 1960 Monarch
Monarch.
Monarch rostered for the day on the Swanage service followed by an evening run to Totland Bay, Isle of Wight.
9th August 1965 Waverley
Waverley with the red lions on her funnels she acquired in 1965 passing the Gantocks off Dunoon.
Waverley aground at Ardrossan.
8th August 1955 Cardiff Queen
Cardiff Queen.
Super long day trip to Milford Haven.
8th August 1952 Victoria
Victoria heading up for the inner berth on the west side of Bournemouth Pier about 1pm on Thursday 14th August 1952.
Victoria scheduled to run from Weymouth to Swanage and Totland Bay, Isle of Wight.
7th August 1963 Embassy
Embassy 7th August 1963.
On Wednesday 7th August 1963 Embassy ran a day trip from Poole via Bournemouth to Yarmouth and Cowes, Isle of Wight.
A Week in the Life of Balmoral 1976
What was Balmoral up to during a week in August 1976?
6th August 1914 Majestic
Majestic pictured by expert Weymouth photographer Eric Latcham.
Majestic sails to Portland to view the 5th Battle Squadron.
A Week in the Life of Balmoral 1966
Balmoral dredging her anchor as she proceeds astern into Weymouth Backwater, Tuesday 4th February 1964.
What was Balmoral up to during a week in 1966?
5th August 1963 Consul
Consul leaving Weymouth 23 May 1963. For this season only she sported a primrose funnel and bottle green hull.
Consul scheduled to run trips from Brighton’s Palace Pier.
A Week in the Life of Balmoral 1956
Balmoral.
What was Balmoral up to during a week in 1956?
4th August 1962 Medway Queen
Medway Queen 1st July 1959.
Medway Queen makes two round trips between Strood and Southend.