M2608

I have recently been given a photo, taken at Teddington Lock supposedly during the war. Can anyone identify the boats (I have enlarged the scan in the hopes of picking out the number of the second boat - it could be M2606????) Also on the nearest boat along the front of the 'bridge' is a word ending in ....HAM (the rest is obscured by a ventilator) and then it's number. I am guessing that they may have been built at Turks yard and this may have been the hand over as there is at least one civilian on the bridge.

Hi Christian,

Thanks for the information. I think that the person who gave me the photo will be a little disappointed that it is not a war time picture. I will have to see if we can track down a more accurate date.
Best Wishes,

David.

This is certainly Teddington Lock....I worked there many years back.  the boats are entering the big barge lock from downstream.  The triangular sign centre of the picture is an indicator light to show which of three locks should be used.  The hams had a lattice mast and it is interesting to note this is removed which makes sense as just above the lock is a footbridge which they would not get under otherwise.  Without the mast they could get to Turks at Kingston but may struggle with Kingston and Hampton Court bridges to get any further.  I would guess the civilain is a pilot and would hazard a guess that they have come up the river for some special event.  As to date, I started work on the river in the late 60s and do not remember this so must have been fairly well before.