These children were dwarfed by cargo ships and bulk carriers as they watched them slip into the waves in 1982, 1970, and 1966.
You came from New Silksworth Juniors, Gilesgate Juniors, Pallion and Southwick for the special day.
Some of you got to see Princess Margaret when she launched a ship from Austin and Pickersgills 41 years ago.
Others were there on your own as a special guest, or joining the crowds for a 1958 launch at Thompsons.
It’s a bygone era but at least we can re-live the memories.
1. A royal day in Southwick
Princess Margaret stopped to talk to children during her visit to the Southwick shipyard of Austin and Pickersgill Ltd. The Princess was on Wearside to launch the SD14 United Drive in 1982. Photo: se
2. Back to 1970
Children from New Silksworth Junior Schoolat the Southwick yard of Austin and Pickersgill for a ship launch in 1970. Photo: Sunderland Echo
3. Seen in Southwick
Children from Gilesgate County Junior School who made a special trip to Sunderland to watch the launch of the 15,000-ton cargo motorship Armadale in 1961 from Austin and Pickersgills. Photo: Sunderland Echo
4. Pictured in Pallion
The 15,000 ton cargo vessel Shirrabank (left) takes to the water at the Pallion shipyard of Wm Doxford and Sons in 1966. And 11 year olds Elaine Chennells (left) and Maureen Cassidy capture a permanent record of the launch with their camera. Photo: Sunderland Echo