About the Southern Queen
The Southern Queen is a historic ship with a rich history dating back to 1926, when she was built by Short Brothers in Leicester. Originally built to support seaplanes on the Kent Coast, she played a vital role in the evacuation of Allied soldiers during Operation Dynamo in 1940. There, she is credited with moving the very last contingent of troops (French Servicemen) from the Mole breakwater. She then remained in naval service throughout the war as a fire boat in Dover Harbour.
After the war, she became a popular trip boat in Folkestone and later in the Isles of Scilly. Eventually, she was retired and left on a beach in St Mary's. However, one man took it upon himself to rescue the Southern Queen and bring her back to Kent for restoration. Over the years, she participated in significant events such as the pilgrimage to Dunkirk in 2000 and the Queen's Jubilee celebrations in 2012.
Current restoration project
As of April 2023, the Southern Queen has been moved to Southampton for restoration. The goal is to restore her as an operational passenger craft, preserving her legacy for future generations. Donations are greatly appreciated to support this worthy cause.
Recent progress includes a productive meeting with National Historic Ships UK and the representatives of Folkestone Council. Stabilization, trust options, and post-refit plans were discussed, and further details will be shared in due course.
Currently, the focus is on preparing the Southern Queen for restoration. This involves cleaning her hull and removing existing paint to restore her original shape. Generous contributions from donors and local Southampton-based companies have enabled this process. Updates on the progress will be provided, and the public is encouraged to share the remarkable story of the Southern Queen to spread awareness.
The project organizers extend their deepest gratitude for the continued support and donations from everyone involved.
Latest news
April 2023 Crowdfunder launched to help restore Dunkirk Little Ship Southern Queen. Full story
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