Dennys Of Dumbarton

A Memory of Dumbarton.

I was born in India in 1938, as a young boy at age 17 I began serving as a shipyard drawing office apprentice at William Denny's & Brothers from 1956 - 1962. Graduated as a Naval Architect from Royal Technical College ("The Tech"), Glasgow (now Strathclyde University) in 1962.
Each apprentice was bound by an "indenture" of a rather elaborate character "to serve for six years after the manner of an apprentice, for the use and benefit of Her Majesty, Her Heirs, and Successors". He further binds himself not to absent himself from service without leave, "nor contract marriage during the period of his indenture, nor be guilty by word or action of any immoral, indecent, irregular, or improper conduct or behaviour in any respect whatsoever, but shall and will demean himself at all times with strict propriety and submission to his superiors." The father or guardian of the apprentice binds himself in the same indenture to "provide good and sufficient board, lodging, clothing, washing, and other necessaries proper for his personal accommodation and benefit, and suitable to his intended situation; and also all such implements, working tools, and instruments as shall be requisite to enable him to learn and practise his art."
These quotations may not, perhaps, be considered strictly relevant to the subject under review, but their introduction at this stage may interest those who are unacquainted with the terms of "indentures of apprenticeship". At the end, I got a polished mahogany "draughtsman tool box" and a job with Lloyd's Register of Shipping at a princely salary of GBP 1,400/year plus GBP 100/year "London Allowance".

The structure of social and professional standing in the shipyard was embodied in their hats (in descending order): Top (Company Director), Bowler (Manager), Trilby (Foreman), Tweed Bunnet (Assistant Foreman/Gaffer) and Flatcap (worker) and no hats (apprentices and unskilled workers).

Worked on the design and building of cross chennel ferries, cargo ships and a frigate (HMS Jaguar). I lived with a local family in West Bridgend. The shipyard closed in 1963 - the saddest day in Dumbarton.

Dennys remained innovators until the end but this was not enough. After World War II the company struggled as the nationalisation of the railway companies and the independence of India and Burma meant the loss of several loyal customers. Shipping companies were asking for larger cargo vessels and William Denny & Brothers could not compete. In the late 1950s the yard was modernised, but the company went into voluntary liquidation before the costs of this could be recovered.

Westclox factory, Denny's Shipyard and Engine Works, Ballantine's Distillery and the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria were the big employers - all are gone!

I emigrated to USA in 1963, now I live in California, San Juan Capistrano, on the Pacific Ocean coastline. Very long road from Dumbartoin. Loved my young man's life in Scotland . not the rain, fog, cold and dreaded fog in the Vale of Leven!

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