An aerial view dating from the early 1940's (after 1938) looks out toward the Severn Sea. The dock is almost devoid of shipping, the Ely tidal harbour lonely and only three Armstrong & Co. steel coal tips, numbers 2, 8, 10 and 13 remain in place on the southern side of the dock. Over on the Tidal Harbour, tips nos 1 through to 4 are in place but No. 1 is used as an oil discharge berth from around 1938. [118]  

An aerial view taken prior to October 1943 shows the pontoon has been relocated to the opposite side of the dock. The reason for this is not known - does anyone out there know why?

The slipway is clear and a 2 masted ship lies at anchor in the mud. On the north bank of the river a barrage balloon is situated above the oil installation, protecting it from air attack. In the Ely Tidal Harbour there are four wooden coal tips remaining and tips numbers 1 and 3 have coal ships awaiting the tide. [118]