Recording and transcript of David Walker in conversation with former superintendent stevedore, aged 83, on 10 August 2009.
Synopsis: Born 1926 and worked in most of Glasgow’s docks between 1951 and 1989 as a plan maker and superintendent stevedore for Smith-Coggins. Brief discussion of early working career with Anchor Line, New Zealand Shipping Company and Port Metrological Office before describing tasks carried out as stevedore. Talked about dealing with various cargoes such as grain, ore, coal, steel, oils, cows etc., colour coding of cargoes, changes in the discharging of cargoes from manual to mechanical, containerisation, decline of skill, hours of work, dangers of working in docks (asbestos, accidents), health and safety, allocation of work (‘on the stool’, father to son), humour and friendships.
Also, 3 photographs:
- dockers positioning steel slab in hold of vessel, 1986
- loading cast iron scrap at Rothesay Dock, 1987
- stowing steel slabs, 1986
Interview with superintendent stevedore
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- ReferenceGB 249 SOHC 18/13
- Dates of Creation10 August 2009
- Language of MaterialEnglish
- Physical Description1 digital audio file (duration 1 hour 28 minutes 19 seconds), 1 transcript, 3 photographs
Scope and Content
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This interviewee wished to remain anonymous.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright Scottish Oral History Centre and CSG CIC Glasgow Museums and Libraries Collections.
Additional Information
published