Turbine Steamers Ltd. 1919-1935

on Apr 4, 2017

In World War I, many of the Clyde steamers were called up for Admiralty service, and after the Armistice, it took the fleet many months to return to some semblance of normal peacetime duties. Mr John Williamson was manager of the Turbine fleet that sailed to Campbeltown and Inveraray with the pioneer turbine of 1901, King Edward, and Queen Alexandra, built in 1912 to replace the steamers of the same name. Both steamers had been requisitioned to carry troops across the English Channel and their return was anticipated in 1919. Queen Alexandra required little renovation after the war and she resumed service to Campbeltown at the end of June 1919. Queen Alexandra (Robertson) King Edward (Robertson) However, King Edward was not released until the end of 1919. Both were available in 1920 when Queen Alexandra was placed on the Inveraray route and King Edward sailed to Campbeltown, switching...

Captain Williamson and the Turbine Syndicate

on Nov 25, 2016

When the experimental turbine-powered steamship Turbinia created a sensation when she sped between the lines of warships at the Spithead Naval Review in June 1897. As a means of propulsion, the turbine had arrived and the initial commercialization fell to a syndicate composed of the Parsons Marine Steam Turbine Company of Wallasey-on-Tyne, who supplied the turbines, William Denny and Brothers, who built the hull and boilers and finished the ship, and Captain John Williamson who had a need for a speedy craft for the service he provided to the distant Campbeltown in connection with the Glasgow and Southwestern Railway. King Edward on trials (Adamson) King Edward Dining Room (Turbine Steamers) King Edward Social Hall Lounge (Turbine Steamers) The King Edward was launched at Dumbarton on May 16, 1901, by Mrs, Parsons, wife of Hon. Charles A. Parsons. She was 250 ft long and 30 ft in...