Zodiac, GY.151 – A Grimsby Trawler c.1906-1908

This Harry Shaw, Grant Thorold Studios, 54 Durban Road, Grimsby postcard shows the steam trawler 'Zodiac' GY.151, leaving Grimsby Docks, with Grimsby Dock Tower and the dockside in the background. The original caption reads “A Grimsby Trawler.”

'Zodiac' was built by Mackie & Thomson of Govan and launched in 1890 for the Grimsby & North Sea Steam Trawling Company. Originally registered as GY.286, she was sold to Norwegian owners in 1900 before returning to her former Grimsby owners in June 1906, when she was registered GY.151. She was sold again in June 1908 and was fishing from Fleetwood from 1911.

In 1917, 'Zodiac' was requisitioned for the Fishery Reserve and commissioned as 'Zodiac II' GY.151, continuing commercial fishing under naval control. She reverted to 'Zodiac' GY.151 in 1919. In 1925 she was transferred to Lowestoft and registered LT.173. She was eventually broken up in 1933.

The postcard was posted in Grimsby on 5 September 1908, addressed to A. A. Clarke Esq., “Brooklyn”, Hook Norton, Banbury, Oxon. It is signed Jack Smith, who writes: “I sail in a boat of this type on Wed.” He adds: “Kindest regards to Aunt & yourself.”

The postcard therefore dates the photograph to c.1906–1908, after Zodiac was registered GY.151 and before the postcard was posted.

From the Grimsby & Cleethorpes Museum Collection.