M.V. “General Guisan” for Suisse -Atlantique Soc de Nav Maritime SA

William Grays of Hartlepool show off their shipbuilding prowess after World War Two, from the skilled craft of ship modelling to the launch and sea trial of the General Guisan.

This detailed record of the construction, launch, and sea trial of the General Guisan at William Grays in West Hartlepool focuses on the graft of shipbuilding as well as the visual spectacle of the launch into the River Wear. Amongst beautifully composed

William Gray & Co. evidently continued to employ women first conscripted into shipbuilding during World War Two to tackle the shortage of skilled workers and apprentices lost to the Army and Naval Reserves. These unsung heroines worked as welders, fitters