T.R. Dowson shiprepairer

[tynebuoy]

Found this link on ebay so don't know how long it is going to remain as bidding ends today.
I've never heard of them before, if you scroll down there's some photos and documents.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/T-R-DOWSON-SH ... 4862587445

[brianh]

Thanks for drawing attention, but on the face of it I suggest the album is well overpriced at £99.

[tynebuoy]

Agree Brian, It was just i'd never heard of them before.

[magoonigal]

Well someone has put a bid in so it will sell......

T. R. DOWSON & CO LTD.
SHIP, ENGINE AND BOILER REPAIRERS.

Repairing Quays 600 and 350 feet long.

All orders receive personal attention.

"This establishment is at the entrance to Tyne Dock, and is very well situated for dealing with all classes of Ship Repairs.
Excellent Quay Berths are available, and the Company is specially equipped, with modern portable compressed air, and electric welding plants, for dealing with repairs in the river."

TYNE DOCK SOUTH SHIELDS.
Telegraphic Address: "Quickphone" South Shields.
Telephone:
Works --South Shields 2418 (3 Lines)
Managers-- South Shields 60067 and 5203.

Text of an advert for Dowson's in the 1961 Port of Tyne Handbook.

[magoonigal]

They appear to have been using the same advert over the years:-

However the 1948 Handbook has them down as:-

"Ship, Engine and Boiler Repairers, Coppersmiths, Plumbers, Tinsmiths, Electricians, Boat Builders, Etc"

With Repairing Quays of 320 and 350 feet.

In addition to the Telephone Number for the "Works Manager's Residence" it also has a Number in Hexham for the residence of W T. Krause, the Owner, perhaps???

From what I can see they were actually inside Tyne Dock on Factory Quay which was on the Left or Seaward side as you entered the Dock.
Another Repairer called A Proud Ltd were situated on the other side of the Dock.

[Whickham]

Well, with just over an hour to go someone has matched the asking price.

[tynebuoy]

I always thought Dowson's was beetroot and pickles.

[magoonigal]

Well overpriced or not, someone is now the proud owner.

[brianh]

Dowsons were involved in naval ship repair during WW2 and from 1948 carried out refits on frigates and minesweepers mainly in preparation for reserve or maintenance whilst in reserve. Some of these were from West Hartlepool or from Albert Edward Dock, North Shields. Probably the most extensive work was on the destroyer Marne prior to her transfer to Turkey . The final naval work was on 3 seaward defence boats which were being moved to Barrow in 1961 when the Hartlepool Reserve Fleet section was being closed down.

[magoonigal]

Thanks Brian, Like Kevin its not a name that was familiar to me, (Dowson's that is not Kevin!)

I would think the lack of a Dry Dock would limit their activities somewhat.