Rights Managed > Historic England > Transport > Docks and shipping
Dockmaster JLP01_01_064_41
Filename: jlp01_01_064_41.jpg
Size: 5435 x 7729 (5.2MB)
Date: 17th December 2021
Source: Historic England
Credit: A© Historic England Archive. Joh
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Dockmaster JLP01_01_064_41
TILBURY DOCKS, CHADWELL ST MARY, THURROCK, ESSEX. Captain W. R. Crouch, Dockmaster at Tilbury Docks, directing operations in the lock as the cooling water intake caisson for Coryton Oil Refinery begins its journey down the Thames.
This image was published in the April 1952 edition of Laings monthly newsletter, Team Spirit.
During the Second World War, John Laing & Son Ltd had built some of the floating caissons for the Mulberry harbour which were used in the D-day landings. This 4, 200 ton concrete water intake caisson was built along the lines of the Mulberry harbour and was towed 8 miles down the Thames from Tilbury Dock to be installed as part of Coryton Oil Refinery in March 1952. It was built between 1951 and 1952
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24180666
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
1950s Dock Harbour People Water Transport Work Directions
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the industrious scene at Tilbury Docks in Chadwell St Mary, Thurrock, Essex. The focal point of the image is Captain W. R. Crouch, the esteemed Dockmaster, who can be seen expertly directing operations in the lock as a colossal concrete water intake caisson embarks on its journey down the Thames. The significance of this moment is not lost when considering that during World War II, John Laing & Son Ltd played a pivotal role in constructing floating caissons for Mulberry harbours used in the historic D-day landings. This particular 4,200-ton water intake caisson was built following similar principles to those employed during wartime and was towed an impressive eight miles from Tilbury Dock to Coryton Oil Refinery where it would serve its purpose. Published in Laings monthly newsletter "Team Spirit" in April 1952, this photograph offers a glimpse into the bustling world of dock work during the 1950s. It showcases both human ingenuity and teamwork as individuals come together to ensure smooth operations within this vital hub of transportation and commerce. Preserved by A© Historic England Archive, this image serves as a reminder of our rich industrial heritage and pays homage to those who dedicated their skills and efforts towards building essential infrastructure that shaped our nation's history.
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