no.S17

Orcades Launch (Orient line) December 1st 1936

7 Dec 1936

Orcades entering Walney Channel (from Top Yard of Vickers Armstrong Shipyard) with drag chains about to pick up tension, tugs in attendance and wooden debris from the launch floating each side of hull. Union Jack flying from jackstaff at bow. Shipyard workers observing launch stand on wooden sleepers and photographer at the end of the berth at water's edge with camera and tripod. Used as a troopship during World War Two and sunk by U172 off South Africa in 1942. The date in title, as per the handwritten ledger, is incorrect - the ship was launched 7 December 1936.