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This film illustrates the processes in the casting and manufacture of a 12
inch, 50 calibre naval gun filmed at Sir W.G. Armstrong Whitworth & Co.
Ltd., based in Newcastle-on-Tyne. This major manufacturing company specialised
in lifting machinery, armaments, shipping and, later, automobiles and aircraft.
In 1908, the company was already 60 years old and well-experienced in casting
these large naval guns. The 12", 50 calibre was not, however, to be one of their
most successful models. It was produced for a new class of super dreadnoughts
which were commissioned by the Royal Navy in a bid to out-class developments in
German shipping. During the mid-1900s, the naval arms race was characterised by its visibility, with representatives of German and British fleets frequently
visiting and inspecting the other's new ships.
Bryony Dixon
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Complete film (7:31)
