Greenock Gallery

The French Memorial - Lyle Hill, Greenock

The Free French Memorial - Lyle Hill, Greenock with Cardwell Bay and Gourock in background - Scotland. The war memorial (built in the shape of the Cross of Lorrain) commemorates the Free French forces who fought in the Second World War and stands on the western brow of the hill. It has plaques commemorating the loss of the Flower-class corvettes Alyssa and Mimosa, and of the submarine Surcouf. Locally, it is also associated with the memory of the loss of the Maille Breze which blew up at the Tail of the Bank. Date: circa 1950s

Queen Mary Ocean Liner, manoeuvring down the Clyde

Queen Mary set out on its first voyage, from Clydebank where her interior was fitted out, down the river Clyde to Greenock Scotland, seven tugs getting the huge vessel into position in narrow channel, two at the stern and two at the bow, and three pushing against the liner's starboard side.
March 1936

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Queen Mary Ocean Liner to Greenock, Inverclyde

Queen Mary set out on its first voyage, from Clydebank where her interior was fitted out, down the river Clyde to Greenock Scotland, escorted by tugs to the sea. Described as "the most dangerous voyage" the Queen Mary was likely ever to have to make. Months and months of careful dredging and channel-widening had been necessary before the Queen Mary could set out on her first journey down river to the sea. In spite of all the work that had been done the clearance between keel and river-bed was in some places only 4 feet. Date: March 1936

© Mary Evans Picture Library