23rd March 1948 - Image 5403 - We view the Llandough Sidings [A] below us and the distinctive circular Cogan Service Reservoir [B] with caretaker's cottage. (The land was sold for development under auction by Welsh Water in 2017) The River Ely meanders around the Victoria Wharf [C] and the river continues its journey to the Severn Sea passing the works of the Penarth Pontoon and Slipway Company [D] at the head of the dock.

The extensive railway junction shows the former Barry Railway through Cogan Station [E], the TVR Extension Railway through Penarth Dock Station [F] and onto Penarth Town, and the entrance railways [G] to serve the coal tips at the dock and former engine shed.

The main road, and bus route, from Cardiff to Dinas Powis was via the bendy road [H] where head-on collisions were common on that bendy bit! Over on the 'Cogan Rec' [J] the football pitch is match ready! The image is credited to the Welsh Office. [1294]  [1292]

23rd March 1948 - Image 5404 - The extents of the Ely Tidal Harbour are clear in this view with the Victoria Wharf [A] plus its extensive warehouse facilities; then redundant coal tips [B] and then four tips downstream [C] still in use, two of which have vessels loading coal. Beyond, the former Iron Ore Wharf [D], by this date is predominantly utilised for petroleum products importation and coastal export.

Over on the Penarth Dock we can see coal trucks in the sidings [E] and that some of the original rail infrastructure is still in place. A vessel is under repair on the pontoon [F] and another vessel appears to be jammed between the top end of the pontoon and dock!

The white smoke of the steam engine [G] traveling toward Llandough signal box is witness to the fact that its fuel could only be Welsh Steam Coal!

The Explosives Wharf [H] is adjacent to the building which is situated over the river on stilts. This is where I spent the final months of my apprenticeship in the drawing office on the first floor and where I met my wife, Julie.

The image is credited to the Welsh Office. [1294]  [1292]