The Endeavour moored up at Leigh-On Sea Essex England United Kingdom Europe


During World War II it was necessary to evacuate the British Expeditionary force (created in 1908) and other allied forces from Dunkirk (Dunkerque) who were cut off by the German forces. An armada of civilian and naval boats, RAF fighter cover and poor judgment of Hitler halting his forces advance - saved 198,000 British and 140,000 French and Belgium troops. The Leigh cockle men formed part of this brave armada of mercy. 6 boats set sail from Leigh-on-Sea Renown - Harry Noakes Crew Reliant - Tony Meddle Crew Endeavour - Robinson Crew Leticia - Authur Dench Crew Resolute - Harry Osborn Crew Defender - Harvey Crew (with sub-lieutenant RMVR Soloman) Leigh-on-Sea is a fishing port which in 1564 had a fleet of 31 ships crewed by 261 Leigh mariners. Boat building has always taken place in the town and the Endeavour is the last remaining Leigh-built commercial craft. Leigh also built ships for the Royal Navy and the Mayflower is said to have been constructed in Leigh. Endeavour was the first cockle-boat to be launched with an engine fitted in addition to sails and so marked a transition in fishing boat use when she was launched in 1924.


Size: 3744px × 5616px
Location: Leigh On Sea Essex England Great Britain United Kingdom Europe
Photo credit: © Graham Hardy / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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