An undated view of an open Swing Bridge and a busy quayside, sent to me by Kevin Blair. One steamer heading for the open bridge unaided yet two more further downstream have tug assistance.

The leader is a lot less beamy than those following. 'Go for it' the skipper said.

Another post card of the Swing Bridge sent to me by Kevin Blair. This card was originally posted 28/12/1910 and shows the tug TRITON leading SIR FRANCIS though the gap.

The details for SIR FRANCIS can be found at: http://sunderlandships.com/view.php?ref=100686

The details for TRITON can be seen at: http://www.tynetugs.co.uk/triton1883.html

They were quick off the mark, vessel completed July 1910, card produced and posted by December.

.... and the tug had sunk by collision in May that same year so must have been quickly repaired.

Ron M