You might not know that, on the outbreak of World War II in 1939, most of the Clyde paddlers were called up for minesweeping – some of them for a second time, having played that role in World War I.
Several were lost, and at the close of the hostilities only one replacement was built – The Waverley. Those that made it home to the Clyde had been painted in military grey for their war service and had to have their bright liveries repainted and their saloons and decks redone. The first photo is the Duchess of Fife before being repainted on her return from War Service in 1945.
Our current exhibition ‘Song of the River Steamers‘ is on display at our Heritage Centre in Saltcoats. Feel free to pop along and learn more about these fascinating ships through paintings and research from the collection of Charles Glen.