Postcard of the Month: November 2021
/This Frank Spry photograph, collected by Eric Benham, shows the Stralsund of Hamburg delivering timber to Littlehampton. The Harbourmaster’s Journal records this vessel arriving June 30th 1930, so this is probably on that date.
The Photograph shows the small German coaster midway in development between a sailing vessel and a motorship, with three masts but not much sail. The mainmast is also fitted with with derricks for unloading. She has a raised forecastle and poop and is carrying a significant deck cargo of timber, probably for the reconstruction of the harbour walls and the parade which is clearly almost completed. Note the steam crane on the west works on a temporary set of rails.
The second picture (another Spry view from the same source, again unused) shows the Stralsund further up the harbour preparing to moor, one line already out to the harbour launch. Some interesting details include the timber awaiting use and several small craft manoeuvring in the channel plus a set of sheerlegs on a barge to aid unloading and handling.