Normannia - Holyhead's First Car Ferry
The historic moment in July 1965 when a car ferry entered Dun Laoghaire for the first time, with Dover's Capt J Giddy and Holyhead's Capt Alex Robertson on the bridge. © Justin Merrigan Collection
The Normannia was built in 1952 as a passenger ship for the Southampton - Le Havre service and converted to a stern loading car ferry for the Dover - Boulogne run in 1964.
 The tiny car deck on board the 94 metres long ship. © Roy Thornton Collection |
 The Normannia. © Roy Thornton Collection |
 The Normannia leaves Dover Eastern Docks for Boulogne. © Roy Thornton Collection |
Alongside at Newhaven ready for a new season. © Mike Taplin
On 9 July 1965 she opened the new car ferry link between Holyhead and Dun Laoghaire pending the late arrival of the new Holyhead Ferry 1 from her builders. The Normannia was released on 19 July when she returned to the English Channel and there she continued to operate until 1978 when she was sold for scrap.
This interesting shot of the Normannia has suffered the ravages of time. After some time undergoing Photoshop surgery it is included for it's historical interest. © Ronnie Roberts
 The Normannia © Roy Thornton Collection |
 On the bottom at Dover having grounded on arrival from Boulogne. © Roy Thornton Collection |
 With a holed engine room, the Normannia settles on the bottom at Dover. © Roy Thornton Collection |
Leaving Dover for Boulogne, September 1976. © Photo: Albert Novelli Collection / © Don Smith Pictureships
Re-registered in Panama for a sale that fell through at the 11th hour. The next transaction brought the ship to Spanish ship breakers. © Les Harris, courtesy of Andrew Gilbert.