| The principal paddle steamer operator on the Wessex coast was Cosens of Weymouth. Fond memories abound of Monarch, Empress and Victoria, just some of their fleet of paddle steamers that plied the south coast, from Dartmouth to Brighton, and across the Channel to Cherbourg and Alderney. But Cosens had other strengths, running a ship repair and engineering business, as well as salvage and speedboat operations, and even an ice- making plant. They were leading employers in Weymouth. During both wars the ships played a major part, and some were never to return. Changing economics and holiday habits after the second world war brought a gradual decline and the last paddle steamer, Embassy, was withdrawn in 1966. The fascinating story is now told for the first time by someone who knew Cosens well. This book gives a vivid and detailed insight into the daily operations of the company, from after the Great War. It is drawn not just from the company's own records but from interviews with former Cosens' employees to give an authenticity and colour that records alone could not achieve. A second volume is planned, tracing Cosens' history from its origins in 1848. Contents:
- Introduction
- Post-War Reconstruction
- Retrenchment. 1920-1929
- Motorboats & Speedboats
- Ice Making & Cold Storage
- The Torquay Experiment 1924-1927
- Problems Ashore & Afloat 1930-1932
- The Tide Begins to Turn 193-1938
- To War Again 1939-1945
- Planning For Peace
- The Fleet Rebuilt & Services Restored 1945-1949
- Steady Decline 1950-1960
- The Wheel Turns Full Circle 1961-1966
- After the Paddle Steamers
- Acknowledgements
- Sources
- Bibliography
- Appendices
- Index
Continent: Europe
Country: UK |
