Builders: Clydebank Engineering & Shipbuilding co 1897
Propulsion type: Paddle two cylinder compound
Owners: P & A Campbell Ltd
Service dates: 1897- WW1 loss
Tonnage:
Comments:
Brighton Queen was owned originally by the Brighton, Worthing and South Coast Steamship Company, when she was a twin masted vessel. She lost her main mast early on and her funnel colours of buff with black top were replaced by Campbells colours when she was purchased by Peter and Alec Campbell in their own right. She under went a major refit which considerably changed her appearance and was transferred to P & A Campbell Ltd in 1903. Her engines were capable of a speed in excess of 18 knots. She ran from Brighton for the Campbells from 1902 and covered most of the South Coast between Swanage and Ramsgate. As this picture shows, she was also a regular visitor to her home town and this image comes from a card posted in Brighton on 4 January 1905. The narrative on the reverse merely says "Will do for you to keep". I am glad that the recipient did just that! With the outbreak of the First World War the Admiralty started requisitioning boats to sweep the increasing number of German mines laid around the coast. Brighton Queen was, with Devonia, used on a trial basis for this purpose and was so successful that an increasing number of paddlers were called into service. Sadly she did not survive the war and was lost after being struck by a mine. For a picture of an early stewardess of the Brighton Queen please click here.