Raise Roof Skylights

[Bob Read]

Two photos of HMHS Britannic that I am aware of show two skylights on the raised roof over the first class lounge. I have only seen these in photos. Because of the depth of field of the photos it is difficult to locate them in a fore and aft direction. Has anyone ever seen these
skylights in any plan or were these some of the myriad changes made in the hospital ship conversion that were never shown on any plan?

 

[Remco Hillen]

Hello Bob,

I have to dig deep in my memory again!

We took a look at those skylights some years back. I believe it was concluded they were there because most, or all, windows were not yet cut out. The skylights would provide some natural light, and possibly some fresh air.

Another option, of which I think is also very plausible, is that their function had more to do with ventilation then lighting.
If this is so - one can wonder if WSL/H&W would have removed these when she returned to passenger service.

Work was also done on getting their positions right, although I can't find the diagram back which I thought I still had. This showed possible positions in relation to the Lounge's ceiling and photographs.

Hope this is of some help.

Regards,
Remco

 

[Bob Read]

> Remco: I don't know why I bother posting Britannic questions on the ET board. As far as I know only you and Michail could possibly answer anything. Anyway, I am attaching an image that I think you are referring to. Did you draw this image? If you look at it, I imagine you would now make some changes. In this image there are three skylights shown on the raised roof. The forward two are roughly where they appear in the photos. The main adjustment to their position in the fore and aft direction would have to do with being between deck frames. In the port to starboard positions the photos are most helpful and there are fore and aft girders to guide us. It is the aftmost skylight I was most curious about. I have never seen it in any photo or plan, have you?

Regards, Bob Read

 

[Bob Read]

Remco:
I thought I was returning a personal e-mail in the above post. If you will send me an e-mail at [email protected] I'll send you the image referenced in the above post.

Regards,
Bob Read