Lytham Shipbuilding and Engineering Co
From Graces Guide
Previously known as Richard Smith and Co. the Lytham Shipbuilding and Engineering Co. was set up in February 1894. It was based on the Ribble estuary to the East of Lytham at Lytham Creek.
Shipbuilding
- 1800s - During the 1800s the yard made shallow-draft river craft which were sent in pieces and rebuilt at their destination. In addition, the yard made a variety of sternwheel, quarterwheel and tunnel propulsion river boats, barges and tugs.
- World War I - The yard made three "Saint" class naval tugs, smaller tugs, ammunition barges, telegraph repair ships and other small craft for the Navy. It also began making British coasters.
- 1920s - The yard focussed on making river craft for West African and the Congo.
- 1930s - the yard was effected by the Depression and only launched a few ships during this time.
- World War II - The main output was fourteen water carriers for Dockyard use, naval steam lighters, landing craft and coasters.
- 1950s - The yard went out of business in 1954.
Sources of Information
British Shipbuilding Yards. 3 vols by Norman L. Middlemiss