The Autobiography of W. G. Hammock (1825–1912), Marine Engineer

Abstract

William George Hammock (1825–1912) wrote a memoir in 1905 he described as ‘a few rather random and out of the way jottings by an octogenarian engineer’. He worked first at the engineering works of Blyth’s of Limehouse before joining the Thames marine engineers J. & W. Dudgeon at the Sun Iron Works, Millwall in 1859 as manager of its engine works. Here he supervised the construction of the engines for many innovative ships including the Flora in 1862, which was the first ever twin-screw steamer. Part of the stimulus for writing his memoir was to refute claims that the first twin-screw vessels were built 18 years later. His short autobiography consists of 56 pages of often indistinct type, with manual corrections in black ink. The narrative tells us nothing about his day-to-day activities but focusses on the more memorable experiences in the job, including sea trials, gunnery trials, visits to the Admiralty, travelling across Europe on business, and greeting royalty. Hammock’s design engineering skills made a significant contribution to the success of Dudgeon’s marine engineering and shipbuilding business which has not previously been recognized. This document provides an insight into the unsung role of the works manager in a marine engineering business.