In 1917 Mr. James Kay of Saltcoats gains Chief Engineer's Certificate

From The Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald dated Friday 10th February 1967

From the files of 50 years ago, dated 9th February 1917

Mr James Kay, Saltcoats, of the British India Steam Navigation Company, has successfully passed the examination for his chief engineers certificate.

Cunard Liner LACONIA with 75 passengers torpedoed and sunk near Fastnet (Southern Ireland)

A very detailed description of the sinking of LACONIA by U-boat U-50 is at http://military.wikia.com/wiki/RMS_Laconia_(1911)

German U-boat U-50 torpedoes and sinks Cunard Liner LACONIA near Fastnet (Southern Ireland)

A very detailed description of the sinking of LACONIA by U-boat U-50 is at http://military.wikia.com/wiki/RMS_Laconia_(1911)

"I want you for the Navy" recruiting poster for U.S. Navy around 1917

In 1917 Ardrossan Dockyard raises funds for Ardrossan Auxiliary Hospital

From The Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald dated 17th March 1967 From the files of 50 years ago, for 16th March 1917 A concert held under the auspices of Ardrossan Dockyard and Shipbuilding Company War Savings Association, in aid of Ardrossan Auxiliary Hospital, raised £15 19shillings.

In 1917 Submarine A10 sinks in Ardrossan Harbour

Submarine A10 NK, sank alongside HMS Pactolus, (Submarine Repair vessel), at No6 Berth.
Watertight door left open no one aboard (17th Mar)

General cargo coaster PHILOTIS launched at Ardrossan for Glasgow owners

Launching Ardrossan Shipyard Jan 1918

CLAN FORBES sunk in Mediterranean Sea 115 miles west of Alexandria (Egypt) by German U-boat U-105

DATE is correct but ACTUAL TIME is not known - any TIME SHOWN is our estimate for guidance

Bill McKellar writes : From the excellent Clan Line book :On 9th June 1918 CLAN FORBES was on passage from Newport (south Wales) to Port Said carrying a cargo of coal when she was sunk 115 miles west of Alexandria (Egypt) by the German submarine U-105 and two crewmen were lost.

German U-boat U-105 sinks CLAN FORBES in Mediterranean Sea 115 miles west of Alexandria (Egypt)

DATE is correct but ACTUAL TIME is not known - any TIME SHOWN is our estimate for guidance

Bill McKellar writes : From the excellent Clan Line book :On 9th June 1918 CLAN FORBES was on passage from Newport (south Wales) to Port Said carrying a cargo of coal when she was sunk 115 miles west of Alexandria (Egypt) by the German submarine U-105 and two crewmen were lost.

New Yard at Ardrossan Dockyard

From "The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald" dated 13th September 1968.

From the files of 50 years ago.

At the new or south yard of Ardrossan DryDock and Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., a formal start was made to output operations by the laying of the first plate by Mrs. E. Aitken-Quack, wife of the managing director of the firm.

A dance in Ardrossan Shipyard Recreation Club

From "The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald" dated Friday 3rd October 1969

50 Years Ago ..... 3rd October 1919

A dance was held in the casino to mark the close of the summer season of Ardrossan Shipyard Recreation Club.

"Glassford" launched at Ardrossan

From "The Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald" dated Friday 7th November 1969

50 Years Ago ...7th November 1919

The 4000-ton collier, the S.S. "Glassford" was launched at Ardrossan.
It is the second vessel to be launched from the new south yard since July.

Tramp steamer "Simon" on fire

SS SIMON, Ocean tramp, steamer sailed Ardrossan to River Gambia, Cargo: Pitch for Genoa
& bunker coal on deck,
Ship caught fire at sea.
(cook) John Robertson Saltcoats.
(news 13 Dec 1919)

Fire at the Ardrossan Oilskin Works in 1920

The Ardrossan Oilskin Works
Harbour Road, Ardrossan. (Situated across from Old HM Customs building)

Fire broke out causing a considerable amount of damage.

The Oilskin works, established in 1897 by the late Bailie Wm. J Savage, and have specialised for almost 50 years in the manufacture of oilskin clothing for mercantile marine and fishermen, agricultural and industrial outdoor workers, etc including the various types of coloured oilskins for civilian wear.
The business has also been engaged in production of oilskin garments supplied to the admiralty, and other departments during the two wars
When a very considerable and helpful share of urgently needed oilskins was supplied for H.M. Ships on the high seas.
In the interesting process of making the oilskin, the cotton comes into the works in the grey Calico or Wigan Loom state.
Then passes through a process of proofing and drying with linseed oil compositions, cutting and machining into garments, then hand oil coating to cover needle perforations and render absolutely watertight, then finally a finishing process, and curing process, when the garment is ready for use.
The markets in peacetime are not confined locally, but Ardrossan made oilskins under the trade name of: "Aroilco" are worn in all parts of Great Britain and throughout the world
During that time a good trade is done in export to Denmark and Scandinavian countries.

Update:
1960
The old building, a warren of corridors and rooms, all internal walls and floors constructed with wood, wiring was old lead covered cables, which were constantly giving problems, I spent many hours replacing old wiring, the building was a potential tinderbox.

This brick building was demolished in 1962
At that time the tenant was Messers Kerr & Co Furniture Storeage & Furniture Removals, or "Flittings" as they say.

This cleared area made way for the Northern Ireland Trailer Shed (NIT)
Findlay and Harry McDonald worked here (Trailer maintenance)

* Only one other old building remained standing next to the Railway Crossing, and was called Peter Douglas, Stables
Tennants during the 60's and onwards were: Norse Fabrications, Engineering construction and Irvine Movements, furniture storage

* See Building location map:
"Local Stories/1920 Oilskin Works"

(E ArdrossanShips.com)

"Hazelmoor" aground on Horse Island

SS Hazelmoor: of Newcastle.
Aground Horse Island
Cargo Copper Ore, 5000tons from Valencia.
Ardrossan lifeboat (IC Wm Hamilton)
Rescued 25 crew, inc native Somalians
They were given dry clothing and slept at the Sailors Rest at No. 2 "The Crescent" Ardrossan