This section will, in time, contain the stories of more than 450 merchant ships built or owned in the Hartlepools, and which were lost during the First World War. As an illustration of the truly global nature of shipbuilding, these ships were owned by companies from 22 different countries, including more than 30 sailing under the German flag at the outbreak of war.
LAUNCH AT WEST HARTLEPOOL
Northern Daily Mail, Nov 11/11
Yesterday, the handsome steel screw steamer, Penhale, was taken from the yard of Messrs. Wm Gray and Co, Ltd., West Hartlepool, for her trial trip. She has been built for Mr. Richard B. Chellew, of Truro, to Lloyd’s highest class. Her principal dimensions are : Length over all, 361ft.6in, breadth, 50ft., and depth, 25ft. 11in.
Triple-expansion engines have been supplied by the Central Marine Engineering Works of the builders, having cylinders 25in., 40 ½ in., and 67in., with a piston stroke of 45in., an evaporator, duplex pumps, and other auxiliaries of the “C.M.E.W.” make. Steam is generated in two large steel boilers adapted for a working pressure of 180lbs. per square inch.
Mr. John Chellew and Mr. R. B. Roberts represented the owners, and Mr. James Innes, Lloyd’s Registry.
After adjustment of compasses the usual full speed trials were made with highly satisfactory results, the vessel afterwards proceeding on her voyage to Newport to load.