Wrtten by Chris Welch - Commercial Director - Welchs Transport Ltd
Last summer I was lucky enough to be part of the team from our Specialist Movements Division to travel to France to bring back a piece of WWII history... and not just a piece of history, probably the last salvageable piece in existence.
The 'WHALE' bridge was a feat of British Engineering vital in the D-Day Landings; these sections of floating roadways totalling 16 km in length served as artificial harbours during the landings in France.
After a trip back across the Channel and a long stay at Marshall's Body Shop, it was presented to the Imperial War Museum at the weekend, and to make it all the more special the creator Allan Beckett's widow and three children were there to see it unveiled.
Below are a few photos from our expedition; journeying to Le Havre from Portsmouth, across to Cabourg, loaded, fed and back on the ferry the following night. From us leaving St Ives, 36 hours later we had the bridge unloaded and delivered to Marshall's Cambridge where the Borley Brothers Engineering were to carry out the restoration.
(Above: Welch's and Borley Brothers working side by side to get the bridge safely loaded)
(Below: Fully loaded and queuing in Le Havre for the Ferry)
(Above: Safely arrived and unloaded at Marshalls)
(Below: The bridge fully restored at Duxford Imperial War Museum)
A big well done to our Specialist Movements Division for getting the bridge home safe, and if you're ever wandering around Duxford War Museum look out for a big, grey bridge!
If you have something unusual to move, that needs that extra level of service to ensure if gets completed simply, safely and in a timely manner. Then give Martin or Julie a ring at our St Ives, Cambs Depot on Tel:01480 464 768.