The evolution of Falmouth Docks is a subject very close to my heart having spent decades researching all aspects relating to the facility. The building of the old wooden wharves is of particular interest. Silley Cox purchased 98 acres of harbour fundus from the Duchy of Cornwall estate during the economic slump in the early 1930s. Falmouth Harbour Commissioners gave approval to docks plans for building the new Empire wharf in November 1931. A month later the heavy lift vessel Belpareil arrived in Australia to load timber at Sydney and Brisbane for Falmouth. Determined to support inter-Empire trade in 1931 Docks boss John Silley had placed an order worth £30,000 for Turpentine piles and decking with two Australian firms.