The Beatles used Grimsby man's Yellow Submarine to promote 1960s film
DIVING enthusiast Arthur Johnson beat The Beatles to the idea of a "Yellow Submarine". The sub, made in Arthur's garden in Lister Street, Grimsby, for £50, appeared at the world premier of The Beatles movie at The London Pavilion, London, in July, 1968. Today Arthur, his wife Paula and family have been invited to Penny Lane in Liverpool to unveil a plaque to honour his iconic submarine. It was called "Resurgam" which was the motto for Arthur's old school in Harold Street,Grimsby. It means "I will rise again". Arthur was an avid sub aqua enthusiast and worked as a welder on rigs in the North Sea. After reading Patrick Coustau's novel "Silent World" as a youngster he always dreamed of making his own submarine. He also built a one-man sub for Colonel Gaddafi. The yellow submarine took two years to make in the garden of the family's home in Lister Street.
It was completed in May 1968 several months before The Beatles launched their movie and the hit song "Yellow Submarine" which began: "In the town where I was born". Arthur and his family were hoping that Sir Paul McCartney would attend today's unveiling.They also hope more people will pledge donations to support the activities fund at Cranwell Court, Grimsby where Arthur goes for his care for Alzheimer's disease. Arthur, 75, said: "I feel proud of myself that it is going to be looked after in Penny Lane." The submarine was painted bright yellow so it could be seen under water.
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Source: Grimsby Telegraph, UK
