Shipbuilding

[Jclass7]

Can anyone tell me, please, what is a "Packer" in a shipyard? (I think they worked alongside the caulkers). and what was a "Surface Man"?

Many thanks

Martin

[stanmapstone]

A Packer (Shipbuilding) adjusts in position or packs plates, beams, frames, etc., to ensure fairness and to obtain close work, in preparation for riveting; fits taper and parallel slips or liners, where necessary, to fill in spaces between plates, frames, etc., and bolts temporally in position to prevent dropping.
"A Dictionary of Occupational Terms"

Stan

[stanmapstone]

and what was a "Surface Man"?
Martin

Was this on a Railway?
Surfaceman (railway), see underman; obsolescent.
Underman (railways, not in signal box); a worker in a permanent way gang supervised by ganger (railway). "A Dictionary of Occupational Terms"

Stan

[Jclass7]

Many thanks for your reply, Stan. I have come across the word "surfaceman" being used in a list of trades in a shipyard. Certainly there are references to "locomen" ie the drivers of the yard railway engines, but I think my surfaceman must have had something to do with the building process, but what?

Best regards

Martin

[stanmapstone]

I have not come across a "surfaceman" to do with shipbuilding. Where did you see this?

Stan

[mike175]

I've only seen "Surfaceman" in connection with mining.

I have many ancestors who were shipwrights (wooden ships) but I've never come across the term in that trade.

[stanmapstone]

I've only seen "Surfaceman" in connection with mining.

Surfaceman as an occupation can apply to mining, railways, and roads/highways.

Stan

[Skoosh]

Presumably this shipyard was serviced by rail hence the yard's own surfacemen, shunters & engines!

Skoosh.

[Jclass7]

Many thanks, Stan and Skoosh. Of course, I can see now that you have nailed it! I am most grateful to you all.l

Best regards

Martin