Post by Administrator on May 23, 2020 8:06:16 GMT
Interesting report in the Isle of Wight Observer re:
Red Funnel commemorates the 80th anniversary of Dunkirk
In recognition of Red Funnel’s involvement, The Dunkirk Little Ships Association recently awarded the cross-Solent ferry operator with The Little Ships ‘House Flag’, a flag of St. George with the Dunkirk crest. Usually reserved for vessels, the flag was presented along with a plaque to acknowledge the role that Red Funnel’s steamers and crews played in such a historic event.
The six vessels deployed and operated by Red Funnel during the Dunkirk evacuation were Princess Helena, Solent Queen, Princess Elizabeth, Gracie Fields, MV Vecta and Duchess of Cornwall. Red Funnel later went on to acquire the Emperor of India and Queen of Thanet, which also took part in the rescue missions, the latter renamed to Solent Queen as it replaced the retiring vessel of the same name.
Sadly, Gracie Fields did not return home from Dunkirk along with the rest of the Red Funnel vessels as she was dive bombed when leaving the beaches for a second time and sank early on the morning of 30th May 1940.
LINK
Red Funnel commemorates the 80th anniversary of Dunkirk
In recognition of Red Funnel’s involvement, The Dunkirk Little Ships Association recently awarded the cross-Solent ferry operator with The Little Ships ‘House Flag’, a flag of St. George with the Dunkirk crest. Usually reserved for vessels, the flag was presented along with a plaque to acknowledge the role that Red Funnel’s steamers and crews played in such a historic event.
The six vessels deployed and operated by Red Funnel during the Dunkirk evacuation were Princess Helena, Solent Queen, Princess Elizabeth, Gracie Fields, MV Vecta and Duchess of Cornwall. Red Funnel later went on to acquire the Emperor of India and Queen of Thanet, which also took part in the rescue missions, the latter renamed to Solent Queen as it replaced the retiring vessel of the same name.
Sadly, Gracie Fields did not return home from Dunkirk along with the rest of the Red Funnel vessels as she was dive bombed when leaving the beaches for a second time and sank early on the morning of 30th May 1940.
LINK