Russel Brothers Limited OWEN SOUND, ONTARIO Steelcraft Boat Builders
WWII Navy Tugs
| During the second world war, Russel Brothers worked hard to supply Britain with Navy tugboats and other vessels. In those days, men worked in two 10 hour shifts with minimal breaks. Please note that the Canadian Navy still uses the names Ville and Glen for their tugs, but the designs have (of course) changed since WWII. |
VILLE
CLASS
40 foot
An existing pre-war harbour tug design that was adopted by the British and Royal Canadian Navies. |
TANAC
CLASS
60 foot
With a six man crew and fire fighting equipment, for speed these tugs were assembled
from pre-fab sections.
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GLEN
CLASS
80 foot
Space for twelve crewmen and 400 hp engines graced this design, 11 of which were
made by Russel's. |
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Mac Mackay notes: After the end of WWII, The War Assets Corporation (W.A.C.) needed tugs because it had surplus naval vessels to maintain and move around in such ports as Shelburne, Halifax, Sydney, Sorel, Hamilton, etc., Some were to be sold for scrap, others for re-use, so W.A.C. had to move the vessels from navy bases to layup yards, and look after them.
WAC took its pick of surplus naval tugs do this work. In some cases they then chartered the tugs to tug companies to actually run them, provide crews, etc. When the bulk of the surplus naval vessels had been sold, W.A.C. then sold their tugs.
For more Russel exhibits visit Owen Sound Marine & Rail Museum 1165 1st Ave West, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K8
(519) 371-3333  http://marinerail.com |
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