Hovercraft launched on this day in 1959
- 12 June 2012 07:55177682Was it not the Hovercraft that went to Ostend or just the Seacat, Kevin ?
I know we went to Ostend with Hoverspeed, but now I'm doubting whether it was the actual Hovercraft.
Roger - Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
12 June 2012 11:01177700seacat/jet foil roger,the hovercraft stuck to calias/bouloge. - 12 June 2012 11:26177703Well done with the picture in number 18 Paul - you always come up with the goods.
Fascinating one. Ah they were great machines and terrific to hear there was such comraderie amongst the staff. Great post there from Kevin. Didnt know that. Great stuff from Alec there too...the roar of those engines affected more people than we sometimes realise.
Ah the oul memories play tricks these days Roger, I know this myself from experience...lol! And I think ColetteB's memories are also playing tricks...I dont think BrionyB was 'invented' those days...it was Colette herself photographed just before boarding the steps of the Princess Anne. That was way back in de old days...ermm I think Im remembering that right. Long before digital cameras so if we have a print it will be a puny 5 X 3.email: dover7@msn.com - 12 June 2012 16:33177742A potted history of hovercraft, as follows:
Hoverlloyd - Pegwell Bay to Calais with the Sure, Swift, Sir Christopher, and Prince of Wales
Seaspeed - Dover (formerly Eastern, then Western Docks) to Calais and Boulogne with the Princess Margaret and Princess Anne.
Hoverspeed (the merged company) moved all operations to Dover Western and operated to Calais and Boulogne.
At one time the French also operated a hovercraft of their own, but was destroyed by fire.
In answer to Roger's question, the hovercraft never operated to Ostend, but did pay a publicity visit there. It also made a similar trip up the Thames and through Tower Bridge which would have been quite a sight. - 12 June 2012 17:01177751I was on that flight and have many pictures of the event Going under Tower Bridge was out of this world .
- 13 June 2012 12:28177890That sounds just fab there Sue. Must have been one heck of an experience. Bet the roar of the hovercraft woke up all those sleepy desk jockeys in the city!!
It would probably be worthwhile getting some of those pictures onto digital..they could be valuable I would think.email: dover7@msn.com