Forums Forums Wirral History : Chasing the Past Wirral History LEONARD (Train Ferry)

This outstanding and remarkable vessel was completed in 1914 by Cammell Laird for the Canadian Transcontinental Railway company, Ottawa, Canada. Vessel No VO797 she was a train ferry and ice breaker on the St Lawrence river. She could transport fully laden trains across the river in almost any weather conditions. She had a platform which could be lowered or raised in the horizontal plane so that trains could be driven on or disembarked without regard to the state of the tide.

Further information would be appreciated.

Thanks for the information Bert. Interesting vessel. I will have to dig a little deeper for more information.

There is a model of the Leonard in the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum, there are also numerous photographs, and the builders plans, in the Wirral Archives (search their catalogue using her yard number - V0797)