Launch of the Thunderer

HMS Thunderer is launched by the Archbishop of Canterbury's wife, in a ceremony attended by thousands of dignitaries and most of East London.

The launch of a ship was a momentous event in the life of a city, community and shipyard - and none more so than this one. HMS Thunderer was the last warship built by Thames Ironworks Co., a shipbuilding concern big enough to have its own football team (which became West Ham).The launch into Bow Creek captured here went as smoothly as 40 tons of grease could make it. But the company closed only a year later leaving thousands out of work.