It never ceases to amaze me what you good people can dig up when it comes to the history of the Thames in Surrey and Middlesex.
Tag: Second World War
Working launch
A few weeks back I asked whether any readers remembered the boatyards which were reputed to have built motor launches, motor torpedo boats and other craft for the Royal Navy during the Second World War.
Walrus memories
You folks are amazing at dragging things from your memories! Last week, I asked whether anyone remembered the construction of Walrus amphibious biplanes at Weybridge and several of you have contacted me to say that you did.
MTB production lines
It’s only when you start digging into the history of our little bit of the River Thames that you get some idea of just how much has gone on here over the years.
Salute the little ships
We really are a stubborn bunch on this island, aren’t we? We just never know when we’re beaten and we’re determined not to be pushed around by bullies.
Enjoy Thameside festival
Community events are always worth a mention in this column and there is a particularly good one coming up this weekend in the form of the Weybridge Thameside Festival, which takes place on Saturday.
Little ship may have changed course of history in many ways
Boatbuilder Michael Dennett has a very special reason for his love of Dunkirk Little Ships – his dad was one of thousands of British servicemen plucked from the beaches outside the French port back in 1940 as part of what was known as Operation Dynamo.
No little act of bravery
As ceremonies take place in many countries to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the start of the Second World War, we have our own opportunity to pay tribute to acts of extreme bravery when the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships (ADLS) stages its annual veterans’ cruise up the Thames from Kingston to Weybridge on Sunday, September 13.
Such a vital contribution
My articles about the activities of the Upper Thames Patrol during the 1940s seem to have stirred a few of memories with readers.
Remedy for disaffected youth
At a time when youngsters are regularly vilified for congregating on street corners and causing problems with antisocial behaviour, many people say there is not enough for them to do. Well, there is – and the sea cadets corps might be just the way to encourage the next generation to do something constructive with its spare time.