1920's - G.W.R. South Wales Docks - Cardiff, Newport, Penarth, Swansea, Barry and Port Talbot - 'Britain's Western Gateways.'

The amalgamation of the South Wales coal-carrying railway companies in 1922 became under the control of the Great Western Railway Company. It meant that the combined deep-water, dock area under their management amounted to around 1,300 acres, with approx. 33 miles of quays which were equipped with 185 coal tips. In a single year, over 38 million tons of coal was shipped from these ports and approx. 12 million tons of other produce in terms of imports and exports handled additionally. Mr. J. H. Vickery was appointed the Chief Docks Manager at the Grouping of 1922 and set up a new G.W.R. department whom had its base at the former Bute Docks (Cardiff Railway Company) building at the Pier Head, Cardiff.