Help Rescue Dunkirk Little Ship - Southern Queen

Just imagine standing on the beach, in a nightmare of chaos, danger, and death. Gunfire and explosions rattle around you, while wounded and dying comrades lie around in the washing tide. Just when all hope seems lost, you see a 'Little Ship' on the horizon, motoring towards you.

Your heart races as you clamber aboard, tired, exhausted, and wet to the core. Your comrades pile in, and you're packed in like sardines. "What's the name of this beacon of hope?" you ask breathlessly, searching for some sense of reassurance.

The Skipper turns to you with a reassuring smile and says, "Her name is Southern Queen, Soldier."

You feel a sense of relief wash over you as the Southern Queen sets off towards safety, away from the chaos and danger of the beach. The journey is cramped and uncomfortable, but the sound of the engine and the gentle rocking of the boat bring a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

As you sail away, you look back at the beach and remember the comrades you left behind. You feel a sense of guilt and sadness and gratitude for your survival.

The Southern Queen may have been just one 'Little Ship', but to you and your comrades, it was a beacon of hope and a lifeline in the midst of a nightmare

The Southern Queen was once a beloved trip boat that brought joy to generations of families in the Isle of Scilly’s. She has a rich history that stretches back to 1926, when she was built by Short Brothers to support the innovative seaplanes developed and constructed on the Kent Coast. Built especially for the shallows of Folkestone Harbour with her 3' 6" draught, her oak construction and copper fastenings made her sound and strong.

In 1940, Southern Queen was requisitioned by the Admiralty to take part in Operation Dynamo - a heroic effort to evacuate Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk. She was commanded by Sub-Lieut. B.G.P de Mattos. She is credited, under heavy fire, with moving the very last contingent of troops (French Servicemen) from the Mole breakwater. She made countless trips to and from larger ships anchored outside Dunkirk, bringing soldiers to safety and home. Towing other damaged vessels back into port.

After Dunkirk, she remained in Naval service as fire boat for Dover Harbour throughout the war. Once hostilities were over, she returned to carrying trippers out of Folkestone and gave a great deal of pleasure to holiday-makers at the seaside. In 1957, she moved to the Isles of Scilly. There, as in Folkestone, often she coped with up to 300 visitors a day, taking day trippers on unforgettable adventures amongst the Isles of Scilly. But every ship has its day, and eventually, Southern Queen was hauled up onto a beach in St Mary's, her service as a trip boat complete.

Years passed, and it seemed that Southern Queen's fate was to be burned or forgotten. But one man refused to let that happen. He spent a year recovering her from the beach and bringing her home to Kent for extensive work and restoration.

In 2000, Southern Queen made the pilgrimage back over to Dunkirk with the other 'Little Ships', and in 2012, she was invited to take part in the Queen's Jubilee celebrations on the River Thames. Unfortunately, engine issues prevented her from joining the procession, and she was hauled ashore in Ramsgate. Before moving to Gillingham for storage.

But now, with renewed enthusiasm, Southern Queen has been collected from Gillingham and moved to Southampton, where she is being surveyed and prepared for the resurrection she truly deserves. The aim is to restore this great 'Little Ship' to an operational passenger craft once more, so that she may bring joy to those who remember her and make new memories for years to come.

Please help us in this worthy cause. Every donation, no matter how small, will help us bring this beautiful 'Little Ship' back to life and ensure that her legacy lives on for future generations to enjoy. Let's honour the bravery of those who served on her and the memories she created by giving her a new lease on life.

This ship that once rescued many, now needs to be rescued by a few.