While going through a collection of old sepia photographs, I came across one that attracted my attention; it did not look quite right. The photograph shows Marchioness of Breadalbane at the Millport berth at Wemyss Bay with a paddle box that is black. Many will of course recognize that this dates the photograph to 1919, when the Marchioness was demobbed from service as a minesweeper in April, and quickly refurbished. The conversion back to civilian life was rough and ready, and for that season only, she appeared with black paddle boxes when placed on the Millport roster at the beginning of June. As further units of the Caledonian Steam Packet Co. were released over the following months, the Marchioness of Breadalbane was withdrawn in the third week of November, and reappeared in 1920 in her old livery, and complete with electric light.
Marchioness of Breadalbane at Wemyss Bay
I have one other photograph of the Breadalbane in 1919, this time leaving Largs pier from a postcard by the Largs photographer, Simpson.
Marchioness of Breadalbane leaving Largs
Messrs James Valentine were also keen to recoup some business after the war years, and also produced a postcard of the Marchioness of Breadalbane at Largs. This was available in both black and white and in coloured printed forms.
Coloured post card of Marchioness of Breadalbane at Largs in 1919
Although other vessels, notably the chartered Fusilier, were involved on the Millport station during the First World War, the chartered vessel most commonly sailing was the Benmore. It was from Benmore that Marchioness of Breadalbane took over in June, and to the same steamer when she was withdrawn to complete her refurbishment in November. The Benmore also sported black paddle boxes. I wonder if the black paddle-boxes were not a reflection on the scarcity of white paint, but that the Breadalbane was just continuing on the wartime tradition.
Benmore at Largs in 1919
Benmore at Wemyss Bay
Benmore in Rothesay Bay in 1919
Leo Vogt, “Review 1919,” Clyde River Steamer Club, Glasgow, 1975.