Episode 10:  Ports and Bens

Their stylish ships were loved by both passengers and crew alike as they sailed to every far off corner of the world, flying the almost now extinct red ensign with pride from sterns of these most handsome ships. In this the 10th episode of this highly acclaimed series we see the training schools and follow the cadets and ratings as they join their first ship and embark on voyages of true adventure. That first ship could easily have been a tramp steamer or a luxury transatlantic liner. Two of the most popular companies in the British Mechant Navy were Port Line and Ben Line both were at the fore in having distinctively styled ships with streamlined profiles.