Waverley commemorates the 70th anniversary of Dunkirk

Tuesday 14 September 2010

Waverley commemorates the 70th anniversary of Dunkirk

On Wednesday 8th September in the Western Solent paddle steamer Waverley stopped to commemorate the part played by her predecessor HMS Waverley during Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Allied Forces from the beaches of Dunkirk 70 years ago.

The present Waverley was built in 1947 to replace HMS Waverley which was lost at Dunkirk. One of our local Isle of Wight steamers PS Gracie Fields was also lost. The 1899 built Waverley was bombed and sunk as she headed back to England from the beaches of Dunkirk. Her master at the time of her loss was Capt John Cameron. Although a non-swimmer Capt Cameron survived the sinking and became the first master of the present Waverley when she entered service on the Clyde in June 1947. Capt Cameron returned to the waters off Dunkirk on the present Waverley for the 40th anniversary and cast a wreath onto the sea.

The fitting commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the loss of HMS Waverley was organised by the current Senior Master of the Waverley Steam Navigation Company, Captain Andy O'Brian

The following pictures were taken on the present Waverley when she visited the beaches of Dunkirk and a wreath was layed at the location HMS Waverley sank in 1940

Remembering our local steamer lost at Dunkirk PS Gracie Fields

The Wessex Branch

The Society

The Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS) is Britain's longest established, largest and most successful steamship preservation group. A registered charity founded in 1959, we have over 3000 members and through our associated companies we operate the only two working paddle steamers in Great Britain. Without the PSPS there would no longer be the opportunity to sail on a Paddle Steamer in Great Britain. Our Aims i) to preserve paddle steamers in sailing condition ii) to educate the public in the historic significance of paddle steamers in the Nation's maritime heritage. iii) to acquire, preserve and exhibit a collection of equipment and material associated with paddle steamers. Our Ships Flagship of our fleet is Waverley the last sea going paddle steamer in the world. Built in 1947 Waverley was gifted to the Society for just £1 in 1973. As well as operating on her native Clyde each summer she visits other coastal area around the UK including the south coast. Kingswear Castle is Britain's only operational coal-fired paddle steamer. Built in 1924 to sail on the River Dart she was purchased by the society in 1967. From 1985 until 2012 she sailed on the Thames and Medway, in 2013 she returns to the River Dart to offer cruises on her home waters. The society is composed of five branches: Wessex covering the south coast, Bristol Channel, London & Home Counties, Scottish and North of England.

Tuesday 14 September 2010