QM Build

A1a and b: The launch of HMS Queen Mary at half-past-three on the afternoon of the 20 March 1912 at Palmers yard. The photograph captures the grand and spectacular scene, as witnessed from the dignitary’s platform and the Willington side of the Tyne, near the ‘Ballast Heap’ on the north shore. The skyline in the background is dominated by the yards gantries, as the be-flagged, basic hull structure, still bereft of its principal armour strake and superstructure, leaves the slipway and enters the Tyne. (NCL)

A2a and b: Fitting out in early 1913 with her machinery, superstructure, armament, masts and funnels all now in place. In these overall views of her alongside the fitting out basin, a number of interesting points can be seen. Here the main armament is obviously being worked in elevation and training, checking the complex mounting and their fittings. Her two foremost funnels have protective canvas covers as weather protection. This and subsequent photographs, show her patchy and mottled initial paint finish, while although her torpedo net booms and deck edge shelve are in place, the actual net sections are still to follow. (NCL)

A3a: Underway for the first time on the 17 May 1913, with a crowd of naval and yard personnel massed on deck for her passage down the Tyne. Here she is being manoeuvred away from Palmers fitting out basin, prior to her opening stern first passage down to Tyne Docks, were she would be turned around. A plume of smoke rises from her forward funnels, a graphic indication that she has steam up ready to work her turbines. Interestingly, a duplicate postcard print of this particular image, held by the Royal Marine Museum, belonged to one W.J. Tait, who might have been one of her steaming crew carried for her trials. (NCL and RMM 14/2/2.190)

A4a, b and c: Three related views of Queen Mary, now heading bows down the channel, after being turned, ably assisted by her supporting tugs. Note the river traffic off her port side, which some reports mention was stopped during her passage, obviously not the case. The Queen Mary at midday on the 17th, with her forecastle party serving the tows forward. She is seen here on passage, under the assistance of very dissimilar tugs. The powerful looking screw tug Great Emperor, and the quaint looking paddle tug Gauntlet. Not visible in these view, but secure to her stern lay the screw tug Plover, and paddle tug Washington. (STL)