The hull of the new Queen Elizabeth nears completion at John Brown’s shipyard up on the Clyde. The heavy launching cables, used to slow her rearward progress during the launch, have yet to be attached.

This shot and the next, are two more views from the John W. Kempster Album. This one provides a rare bow view of Titanic as she was being launched. It’s the only view of the ship seen from under the Gantry during her launch. It’s amazing today to see just how close the crowd of spectators was abl

This is a shot of the Queen Mary near the time of her launch in September, 1934. Although the Titan Crane was in service at John Browns yard at the time of Aquitania’s construction, the Queen Mary would be the first large Cunarder to be built with the help of this now famous landmark. The Queen’s

This rare shot of Aquitania’s launch on 21 April, 1913, is one of the most remarkable I’ve ever seen. It really emphasizes the massive size and height of the new liner’s hull; just as it begins its rearward slide into the river Clyde. The excited spectators, racing to climb up the blocks for a bet

The Olympic is see from the stern on the day of her launch, 20 October, 1910. I always thought she was launched with her screws already in place.

I was stationed in Malta for 2 years 72-74 working in the Communication Centre at the airfield. Knocked around a lot with the Marine Craft blokes one of which, Mitch Hankin, sent me this photo. I have his permission to reproduce it but always give credit to the owner. RTTL - Rescue and Target Towing

The former Port of London Authority launch Havengore, which achieved fame in 1965 when she carried the coffin of Sir Winston Churchill on the River Thames from Tower Pier to Festival Pier during his State Funeral. She is seen here in St Katherine's Dock.

The former Port of London Authority launch Havengore, which achieved fame in 1965 when she carried the coffin of Sir Winston Churchill on the River Thames from Tower Pier to Festival Pier during his State Funeral. She is seen here in St Katherine's Dock.

The former Port of London Authority launch Havengore, which achieved fame in 1965 when she carried the coffin of Sir Winston Churchill on the River Thames from Tower Pier to Festival Pier during his State Funeral. She is seen here in St Katherine's Dock.

This vessel obviously does not belong in this section but I feel it is the most appropriate place for her. She was the Ben Line Launch in Hong Kong back in the early 70's... Not sure of the owner but I am sure he wont mind her being posted here.

This third picture shows the newly launched Mauretania from the bow. The paddle tug seen in the previous two pictures has clearly gotten control of the stern and has begun pulling upriver. The photographer appears to have run out onto the launch way to get this picture. All three of these picture

Here’s a closer view of the Mauretania’s hull right after her launch on the Tyne in 1906. The large paddle tug is still seen moving astern but has not yet gotten hold of the line from the liners stern. The paddle tugs funnels are mounted two abreast, rather than having a single uptake, does anyone

The hull of the Cunard Liner Mauretania is launched into the river Tyne on September 20, 1906. A large paddle tug is seen moving astern to secure a line from the newly launched hull. At just under 19,000 tons, the 790ft. hull was the largest in the world at the time.

The Aquitania is launched into the river Clyde on April 21, 1913, 100 years ago today. The crowd that witnessed this event was massive.

This impressive bow view of Aquitania on the stocks was taken a John Brown’s yard on the same day as the previous stern view.

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the launch of the Aquitania at Clydebank, and I thought it fitting to post some additional views from that event. Here, in a stern view, the liner is seen on the stocks at John Brown’s yard a few days before the Countess of Derby christened the ship.

This picture is one of three images taken by an unknown photographer who then made them into postcards, which he sold privately. They have all become quite rare to see today. One of the remaining two has been posted earlier: http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/336290/title/

The last great Cunard Liner to be built on Clyde is shown being launched on 20 September, 1967. Thanks to excellent maintenance, and a conversion to diesel propulsion in mid-life, the QE2 would enjoy the longest service record of any vessel, while operating under the Cunard House Flag.

The new France is launched at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard at Saint-Nazaire on 11 May, 1960.

Another view showing the United States just after her launch at Newport News Virginia, on June 23, 1951.