Shipyard memories

[Gillian Ayres]

Hello my name is Gillian and I’m currently writing a book about my grandfather’s childhood. His grandfather, dad and his brothers all worked in John browns and I’m wondering if anyone has memories of the 1930’s and 40’s that they would like to share as I’m looking to add workers from the yard. I would like to make this as authentic as possible, I have my grandfather’s memories but unfortunately most of his family are gone now. If you let me know the names of the people who worked there I will name them in my book! Thank you so much for reading. Gillian

[Lynda Bradford]

Welcome to the forum Gillian, it was very interesting to hear about the book your are writing about your grandfather's childhood. 

I hope you can find the information you are looking for on the people who worked in John Brown's shipyard in the 1930's and 1940's. 

If any of our members can help Gillian, please post on this topic. 

[Gillian Ayres]

Thank you so much 😊
I'm hoping to receive some replies

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Hello my name is Gillian and I’m currently writing a book about my grandfather’s childhood. His grandfather, dad and his brothers all worked in John browns and I’m wondering if anyone has memories of the 1930’s and 40’s that they would like to share as I’m looking to add workers from the yard. I would like to make this as authentic as possible, I have my grandfather’s memories but unfortunately most of his family are gone now. If you let me know the names of the people who worked there I will name them in my book! Thank you so much for reading. Gillian

Thank you for raising this matter here, Gillian. While I am not able to help you in any way, I could perhaps point you to two things.

One is the DVD set "Tales from the Shipyard" Britain's Shipbuilding Heritage on Film. If it is no longer available, I have a set and could send it to you.

The other would be the photographs which some (many!) years back we found at the site of the Titan Crane where John Brown's used to be. There are so many faces of the people who worked there, but I think no names going with the faces.


So many... by Isabelle Prondzynski, on Flickr


Shipyard workers by Isabelle Prondzynski, on Flickr


The people who had worked here by Isabelle Prondzynski, on Flickr


Past and present by Isabelle Prondzynski, on Flickr