Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > Essex > Chadwell St Mary
Dockmaster JLP01_01_064_41
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
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Essex
> Chadwell St Mary
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Essex
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Essex
> Tilbury
> Historic England
> Historic Images
> The 1950s
> Historic England
> Transport
> Docks and shipping
> Historic England
> The way we were
> Work
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.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.