Building The Bridge - 4. Chapter 4 - S.S. Cromwell

After awarding the tender for the construction of the bridge to the Cleveland Bridge Company in May of 1903, construction had begun in earnest at the companies Darlington steel works factory.

Within the factory the bridge was built, slowly coming together into thirty two individual parts which would then be later put together on site to complete the main assembly of the bridge. This network of steel would then be braced and strengthened with an intricate web of individual struts and plates that would be riveted into place tying the sections into one solid structure of arched steel.

Each completed segment of the bridge was put onto a railway wagon and shipped down to the Sunderland docks where it was put into storage waiting the final delivery of the last section scheduled to arrive at the end of July.

Work within the factory was feverish. The constant arrival of steel from the Whessoe Foundry Company meant there was little reprieve from the constant demand to complete the next segment of the steel framework securely riveting each individual piece in place.

It was monotonous work was demanding as men were required to man handle large sections of steel girders into position and hold them in place while others located white hot lugs into pre drilled holes along the length of each join. Each individual rivet would then be pounded using a steel mallet swung by hand, smashing and squeezing the protruding head down making a tight, secure fixing.

Among the organised mayhem that was concentrated on the shop floor, Jake ran from steel gang to steel gang taking orders, writing down measurements and taking note of instructions and changes for the store men and steel cutters that would be preparing supplies and raw steel beams for each team of workers.

It was this ability to pay attention to detail and his focus on getting it right first time, every time that had endeared Jake to the factory management. For such a young lad to be held in such high regard was remarkable, especially considering he was only an apprentice fitter. Even seasoned journey men gave the lad respect, and would stop and consider his questions with thought, pondering his probing as he sort to ensure that he had every detail in his mind before he set off to the next station to pass along the information.

The days quickly rolled into weeks. Jacob had been to the tailor the previous Saturday with his Da to purchase a new jacket for the voyage. He’d also been granted an allowance to purchase a whole new set of suitable bush attire that he would rely on in the African heat.

That weekend he went with his father to Middlesbrough for the first time in his life. He was staggered by the size of the bustling metropolis. People thronged everywhere as they alighted from the train at Middlesbrough Central Railway Station. The exited the station on Bridge Street where they stood for a moment taking in the bustle of the city.

Horse carriages trotted up and down the high street, and people milled around on the pavements, darting into shop doorways or criss-crossing the street. The heavy damp sea air hung in the heat of a glaringly bright summer’s day. You could almost taste the salt in the air.

Da led the way down North Street, both of them looking for a sign to indicate they’d located Snowdon Road. They found the street on their right and turned down a neatly laid out shopping precinct. About half way down the street they finally came across Arthur Fielding’s Safari Emporium, and entered its doors, escaping out of the humidity of the day.

The store was a menagerie of every kind of overseas good you might possibly need. From hunting rifles to safari suits, broad rimmed felt hats to high legged leather boots. There was camping gear right along one wall of the store and along the opposite wall every assortment of tool you could imagine from machetes to ropes, compasses to field diaries and everything else between on display. There was even a chemist tucked away in one corner.

If arriving in a large city for the first time in his life had been overwhelming, then standing looking around him at the massive array of goods and wares totally befuddled poor Jacob. He slipped behind his Da, peering out cautiously unsure of what to do or where to start.

Thankfully his father took charge, seeming undaunted by the plethora of choices which lay before them.

“Let’s start you with shirts I think my boy,” Da said making his way over to where he could see clothing hanging from hooks along a display. Jacob followed staying close to his fathers heals too afraid to be found anywhere else.

A giant of a man, possibly approaching six foot five or more approached them with a kindly smile on his face, a measure slung over his neck.

“Good morning gentlemen,” he offered exuberantly. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”

“Good morning my good man,” Henry replied extending his hand to shake that of the shop keepers. “We are looking to find everything that a young man might need for an expedition to Africa,” he explained.

“My. My. Africa you say?” The man asked clasping his hands together as he looked round Henry at young Jacob. “Is this the young man embarking on such an exciting voyage?” He smiled softly at Jacob.

“Yes sir,” Jacob squeaked, clearly intimidated by the towing hulk of a man stood before them.

“Come now boy, don’t be shy,” the man boomed jovially at Jacob. “Let’s work out what it is that you have and what you still need.”

“Well Sir, I’ve actually got nothing as yet,” Jake piped up looking at Henry for assurance.

Da nodded at him approvingly and put his hand on his son’s shoulder, pushing him gently forward.

“Well then lad, we will have to start from the very beginning with you,” the shop keeper announced. “Let’s go choose you a trunk, and then we’ll work on filling it with all you’ll need.”

Slowly they made their way around the store, talking about the pros and cons of various items of clothing, choosing suitable boots, discussing the merits of a hat versus a pith helmet. Several shirts in a light tan were selected, under vests, short trousers, a thick leather belt, suspenders, cotton nether garments, two good pairs of long woollen trousers, thick long stockings and a few cravats to shield the neck from over exposure to the sun.

A pair of soft veldt shoes was added for light wear, and sturdy bush knife of which Jacob was most proud to be allowed to purchase. A rough woollen blanket was chosen and netting apparently used to guard against a flying midge called a mosquito. Things like lip balm to protect against dry lips and lotion to use in the event of a sun burn. A box of tablets were issued by the pharmacist who took great lengths to explain the importance of dosage to protect against malaria and to make sure to refill the script in enough time if Jake was still in Africa when those he’d been given ran out.

By the time the whirl wind shopping spree had come to an end Jacob felt as if he’d selected and purchased a complete new life, not just a wardrobe. The shop keeper had spent much time with Jake and Henry telling of stories that had been shared with him by the many adventurers that passed through his store each year.

The more Jake heard the more it began to dawn on him that this was a massive step he was about to embark on. Unlike most young men his age, he was not just moving down the road, but across a whole continent. There would be no family to fall back on should he find himself in difficulty. An edge of doubt began to creep into his mind as he listened to the wild tales of action and adventure.

Yet he was excited at the same time. These feelings were confusing and he wondered to himself if everyone went through these feelings when they decided to leave home.

In all the shopping cost the young man twelve pounds and three shillings. This he paid for out of the twenty pound allowance he’d been granted by the company, ten of which would be deducted from his wage over his time in Africa, ten of which was given to every man as a grant by the company for agreeing to travel to Africa for the job.

On Monday morning, the last of the sections would depart the Darlington factory bound for the Sunderland docks where by now the S.S. Cromwell would be docked preparing to load its cargo ready to be shipped to Africa.

The entire team would depart from the Station in Darlington on Monday morning at ten in the morning, and arrive in Sunderland in time to board the ship in the early evening. The ship would be finish loading early Tuesday morning, and was scheduled to depart the Sunderland dock side mid morning on the 28^th July 1903 for the five week trip south.

The boy paid for his goods and he and his father waited at the door to the emporium while his trunk was packed, then between them they lugged the container back towards the station to catch the train home.

Tomorrow would bring a service at the local parish church, where Jacob knew he’d be prayed over by Father Armstrong and the congregation asking the Good Lord to bless him and the thirty three other people embarking on this voyage. After that, his father planned to take Jacob up to Sunderland himself, as he would not be able to take Monday morning off work to see his son off with the rest of the team. He wanted to know his son was safely aboard the ship and settled for his journey. Henry knew that Jacob would be daunted once the realisation of his decision fully hit home. His son was about to take his first steps as a man and he had a desire to spend as much time as he could with him in those last few hours that this fine young boy was still his son.

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The SS Cromwell was an ocean going cargo vessel of the Tyzack and Banfoot Steam Shipping Company based in Sunderland. Built in 1894 by Josheph L Thomson and Sons of Sunderland the vessel was three hundred and twelve foot long by forty three foot wide with provision for forty passengers and three thousand tonnes of cargo.

The boat sat quietly in its birth at pier three in the Sunderland docks on Sunday afternoon when the Cummins family arrived. There was one lone rail wagon with its bridge structure stood waiting for the tall steel crane on the dock side to lift and swing it into the hold of the Cumberland where the crew would secure it along with the other thirty one sections already tethered into position.

At that time on a Sunday everything was quiet. The yard labourers had finished for the day and only the cry of the sea gulls and the gentle lapping of the water broke the calmness quietness of the quay side.

Da, Jacob and Ma approached the gang way of the ship, the two men lugging a carefully packed trunk between them. Jacob had carefully sorted through his own clothing and possessions and packed a few extra items into the trunk. He had his razor which Da had finally given him when he’d turned sixteen and officially needed to shave the young whiskers from his chin.

He’d included his bible and a few personal keep sakes to remind him of home and his family while he was away. Along with a warm coat and some extra shirts and a few nightshirts had filled the trunk to almost over flowing. Wearing his good new grey coat and a smart pair of black britches with a light blue shirt Jacob looked very fetching indeed.

He was a handsome lad by no stretch of the imagination. Many a young lass’s heart was set aflutter as the lad walked by, but his shy, quiet nature meant that as yet he had not been blessed with the chance of dating.

It was never really something he’d worried about. He’d left school at sixteen to begin his apprenticeship which would take him five years before he became a qualified journeyman. Now at nineteen, work, home and church had all he’d really concentrated on, and now, being out of Darlington for the second time in as many days, in an even bigger city this time, he’d felt very small and insignificant.

Fear twisted at his stomach, causing him to worry that perhaps he was a fool for agreeing to venture out on this expedition. He knew nothing of the world, yet here he was taking steps that would not just alter his world but completely turn it upside down. In retrospect as he looked back now, he’d wished he’d just kept his mouth shut and never even expressed an interest in the project to his foreman.

“Ahoy there,” Da shouted out as the two men placed the trunk on the jetty next to the gang way.

They all stepped back and peered to the top of the ship towering above them. For a few moments nothing happened and Henry assumed no one had heard him. He cupped his hand in preparation to shout for a second time just as a head popped over the railing of the ship.

“You call?” shouted a deep masculine voice.

“Aye, might we see the captain?” yelled Da, looking up at the man.

“Whom might I say is calling?” came the reply.

“Master Cummins seeking permission to board sir,” Da responded.

The head disappeared for a time and then reappeared accompanied by a man with thick grey whiskers.

“Young Cummins?” he bellowed down, an authoritative voice if ever the family had heard one.

They glanced at one another before Da replied, “Aye Captain.”

“Come on up,” the man instructed both heads disappearing behind the railing.

Da and Jacob picked up the black rectangular trunk and began an awkward shuffle up the gang way as Ma quietly followed gripping tightly to the chain railing to maintain her balance.

“Welcome aboard the SS Cromwell folks,” the captain greeted the family warmly. “I received the telegram from the Cleveland people to say you’d be here this afternoon. Good thinking ahead of time young man, you get your choice of any of the cabins this way.”

The captain was a portly man; about five foot seven in height with thick wiry grey hair. In fact most of his face seemed to be covered in hair as his beard, just as thick as the hair on top his head, covered much of the lower skin of his face. Through all the fuzz two steel blue eyes sparkled mischievously, suggesting a spirit of youthfulness still lived within this man.

“My name is Captain Ash, and this is First Officer Grimshaw,” the captain introduced himself and the man stood beside him. Both wore the black trousers and white shirt of the merchant navy officer and both had on peak caps with gold braid signifying their importance on board this ship.

Da reached out and shook hands with both men, as he introduced first his son then his wife to the men.

For a moment everyone stood looking at each other, no one seeming to really know what to say next.

“Fine looking ship you have here Captain,” Da said looking around.

It was indeed a well kept ship, a fact that Captain Ash was acutely aware of. His ship was his home, and he was a very house proud man at the best of times, anal in many ways you might think if you worked for him.

The hull of the ship was painted a matt black colour with two thick red strips, closely running together around the top third. The name S.S. Cromwell was emblazoned boldly in gold letters up close to where an anchor hung from its secure fixings, that iconic symbol of a sea fearing vessel.

The central mass of the mid ships was located in the rear second quarter of the deck, rising three stories above where the little group stood, painted in a glaring brilliant white gleaming in the bright summer sun. Two masts stood one at either end of the ship each draped in a tangled assortment of rigging. A Union Jack fluttered idly in an occasional gust of wind high from the rear mast.

A towering smoke stack dominated the central midships, a faint gasp of smoke lightly rising from the structure. The wooden deck on which they all stood displayed evidence of years of constant cleaning, the grain grey with wear yet clean and presentable.

While not as big as the modern cargo ships, the S.S. Cromwell was a clearly maintained in top condition and looked as good as it had on the day its bows had first kissed the waters of the English Channel. It looked every bit as if it held its own in the vast waters of the open seas, the playground of mighty shipping companies and maritime national navies.

“Why thank you sir,” the Captain beamed. “She is the pride of the Company fleet, and I have every intention of keeping her that way.” He hooked his fingers into his trouser pockets and looked around his domain, a satisfied look on his face.

“Allow me to show you your cabin lad,” Mr Grimshaw offered. “Is this all of your luggage?” he asked.

Jacob nodded, “Yes Sir.”

“Right come on then, we’ll choose you a nice cabin to enjoy son.”

Arthur Grimshaw reached down and gripped one handle of the trunk at Jacob’s feet, while the young lad took the other. The two of them wondered off towards the rising structure of the ships quarters.

“Fine looking young man you have raised,” the Captain commented watching the duo go.

“That is kind of you Captain,” Da said. “He is a good boy.”

Ma nodded her head in approval, the first time she’d made any significant contribution since leaving church that morning. Her displeasure in seeing her only son depart abroad was evidenced by her silence since Henry had agreed for the lad to journey to Africa. However she was still proud of the boy her son had grown to be.

The Captain looked at them both, sensing the differences between the two adults. He imagined that this dispute must have arisen over the pending departure of the lad, much the same as it had once unfolded in his own home.

“If I may be so bold,” he spoke, “an expedition such as the one your son embarks on will only make a finer young man of him, and a prouder mother and father of you both,”

He could only hope he words eased the pain of departure, the sense of loss Ma and Da would feel as they turned to leave without their son at their side.

Da studied the man stood before him and sensed a good man in him. He glanced at Ma, and then asked, “May I be so bold as to ask a favour of your Sir?”

The Captain looked surprised. “You may certainly ask Sir,” he said.

Da coughed, clearing his throat. “You have my son in your company for several weeks on this voyage. It’ll be while he’s on your boat that it’ll come to him that he has left behind his family and his home. Keep a watch over him if you would be so kind sir.”

Ma stood looking at her husband stunned. She’d just assumed he didn’t care their son was about to depart their home to adventure half way across the globe. She’d not stopped to consider whether he might be worried, anxious or distressed by his son’s decision to go. She’d not granted him the courtesy of realising it may be just as hard for him to see his son go.

A sudden pang of guilt prompted her to reach out and wrap her hand around Da waist, drawing him into herself. With tears in her eyes as she buried her head deep in his Sunday coat.

The Captain looked at the couple before him. These were good God fearing people who were struggling to see their son grow and take responsibility for himself. He’d never had a family to worry about, but he’d once been a son, and seen the same look in his own mothers face when he’d left home to become a seaman. He couldn’t help it as his heart reached out to her. He didn’t like to admit this softer side of his nature, it did not show itself often, but something about these folk drew it out of him.

He reached out and held Da on his shoulder looking from him to his wife and back again. “I have the lad for a whole night before things get busy. I’ll be sure to spend some time with him, and do my best to watch for him while he is on board this ship. More than this I cannot offer Sir. The seas are difficult and dangerous places and my mind must be fully on the safety of my boat and this crew, my passengers and its cargo. Any lapse in my concentration could have consequences far more devastating than bidding farewell to your lad you understand?”

Da nodded. “More than this I cannot ask of you Sir,” he said, bowing his head in gratitude.

The Captain squeezed Da’s shoulder and told them he would send Jacob out to say goodbye. As he turned to leave he paused and looked at the couple.

“Africa is a wonderful place. Your son is a lucky man. He is going to be a part of building a future in the Garden of Eden.”

Da smile appreciatively at the Captain as he stretched his arm around his wife. Together they stood their as they awaited Jacob’s return. Looking out over the quiet docks, each mulled over their thoughts, conscious that this was the end of a chapter and a whole new beginning of another not only in their own lives, but for their son.

Jacob came out of a bulk head and made his way along the deck to where his Ma and Da stood waiting. He already had a lump in his throat and had no idea how he was going to cope with what he now had to do. He knew he could not cry, but he also knew he’d see his mother cry, and nothing hurt him more than knowing his mother was distressed.

“You all set,” Da asked not turning to look at Jake.

“Yes Sir,” he confirmed quietly standing still beside his parents.

They stood quiet for a while.

“I could stay you know,” Jacob breathed, a whisper whisked away by the breeze.

“Well son, I guess the time has finally come,” Da said turning to face the boy and releasing Ma from his grip. “This is your time now lad, use it well.” He pulled Jacob into a quick embrace and stepped back from him, letting Ma step up to Jacob.

She flung her arms around the boy, tears streaming freely down her face. She said nothing as she clung to him tightly.

“I love you Ma,” Jacob choked out.

She released him from her choke hold on him, and reached into the folds of her shawl and retrieved an envelope. She folded the message and reached out and placed it in Jacobs’s hands, squeezing them together around the note. She leaned forward and kissed the boy on the forehead and then turned to face Da.

“Let’s go,” she sobbed.

Da nodded looking up at Jacob. “You take good care son, and come home in one piece now you hear?” he asked taking Ma in his arms as he did.

Together they turned and stepped out onto the gang way, descended from the ship and made their way towards the harbour offices from where they’d catch a hansom back the station and from there a train back to Darlington. Jacob stood at the rail, tears running slowly down his cheeks gazing at the backs of the two people he dearly loved disappearing into the distance. At last he was alone, left with the weight of his decision and the oppressive feeling of loss he felt.

If this was how life as a man started, he wasn’t sure he wanted to become a man.