Friday 8 November 2019

Bidekker takes command ....

The two new river galleys for Wittenberg's river fleet near completion.. the Katerina has just been launched at the shipyard and the Leopold moved to Vanderhof ..

Captain Ernst Bidekker had just completed his breakfast when a note had arrived to inform him the Leopold was out of the shipyard and was now docked by Vanderhof lower wharf, at last a chance to see his new command up close. He donned his uniform and headed out ....
 down the street then turning left towards the wharves ...
 after cutting through an alley he reached the wharf,  getting his bearings he headed to the harbour masters office ....
 the harbour master showed him the way to where the Leopold was docked ....
 Bidekker talked to one of fitting out crew, to find out what remained to be done, meanwhile the harbour master has gone forward  to ask one of the crew to tighten up the mooring ropes...
There is much to do, basic fitting out to complete, oars for the galley are awaiting delivery. Once the basic fit out is done the Leopold will be moved to the wharf at the river marines' base for installation of ordnance - then river trials followed by a inspection by the King .....

1 comment:

Der Alte Fritz said...

A very picturesque town and wharf scene - nicely done.