No 736 Launch ticket

[Fairfield]

Scan of a Launch Ticket which I was given many years ago now. I wasn't in the yard but on the opposite bank.

[Chris]

Thanks for sharing!

[lshaw16]

It must have been a really exciting day!  What are your memories?  What age were you?

[Fairfield]

Yes indeed, it was an exciting day. I had just turned 20 and  was in the big field on the opposite side of the river with the rest of Scotland!
I had a position at the water's edge at the mouth of the River Cart where she would run. It was great watching the tugs arriving and the Clyde steamers berthed on the other side with many spectators on them.
When her name was announced I was a little surprised but not disappointed although there were quite a few disapproving comments from those around me. However, all was forgotten as the great ship entered the water and got so big as she came towards us my trusty little Brownie camera recording the scene. We did get our feet slightly wet as she came to rest but no-one bothered.
We watched her for ages as the tugs took her into the fitting out basin. I visited Rothesay Dock next to the yard many times over the ensuing year to watch progress.
I have seen many launches on the Clyde but this will always be THE one. I can now identify with those who saw QUEEN MARY and QUEEN ELIZABETH launched. 

[jdl]

Fantastic to have kept this and then let us all see it, am I right in thinking that a lot of the schools in Glasgow let the children have the day off to see the launch - always remember an old friend talking about this but not 100% certain.

John

[Fairfield]

Yes, certainly in the Clydebank and surrounding area. Not too sure if Glasgow itself did anything.

[Cunarder Man]

An item which was of great interest to Commodore Warwick when I showed it to him at exactly 40 years to the minute of the launch of Q4. A single ticket to see the launch from a steamer on the Clyde.