Visit of the Fleet Southend 1909

[Skipman]

Visit of the Fleet Southend 1909

DigitalHeritage Home

In July 1909, the Home and Atlantic Naval Fleets visited the River Thames in Southend-on-Sea, for the second military review that year. This well-preserved film shows Pier Hill and the Southend Pier, decked with flags and bunting and thronging with sailors and members of the public, all turned out for the grand event. Southend Pier was also well-decorated; a large sign can be seen across the front of the hall, ‘Welcome to Admiral May and his Tars’. This was directed at the Admiral of the Fleet, Sir William Henry May.
Later in the filmclip, there is evidence of the paddle steamers which ferried passengers out to view the fleet, close-up. Submarines were anchored in the water, alongside destroyers, or minelayers. The main fleet, which included HMS Dreadnaught, was anchored off Southend. Further vessels moored at seperate intervals, causing the entire fleet to reach as far as the Houses of Parliament in London.

This visit was just one of a series of naval reviews which took place during the early 1900’s. The events either followed or proceeded official military manoeuvres. At this point in time, there were great tensions between Britain and Germany. A naval arms race was taking place, as each country sought to compile the larger navy. This particular ‘Visit of the Fleets’ encouraged many thousands of visitors to Southend during it’s week-long stay in the harbour. The London, Tilbury and Southend Railway reported carrying over 25,000 people to the town on the first Sunday alone.


Mike

[archangel9]

Fascinating footage.

Thanks Mike.

[Guest]

Mike

[stiletto_33853]

Thanks Mike

[Guest]

Thanks Mike

You're welcome

Mike

[felix.schuermann]

Thanks for posting, I didn't know about the "Digital Heritage" website until now.