A shilling sicker
Paddle steamer Brighton Belle, originally named Lady Evelyn, was built in 1900. It was owned by P & A Campbell Ltd. Amongst holidaymakers, a paddle steamer cruise was nicknamed ‘a shilling sicker’ – you paid your shilling and if you were not a good sailor, you were very sick.
Involved in Dunkirk evacuation
Brighton Belle was involved in the evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk. But unfortunately, after picking up 800 men, it struck a submerged wreck which had been mined a few hours earlier. Fortunately all the men were rescued, along with the crew and the Captain’s dog. They were picked up by the Medway Queen, who went alongside as she was sinking.
Click on the photograph to open a large version in a new window.
Comments about this page
My father was on the Brighton Belle at Dunkirk. He often told us the story of him picking soldiers from the beaches using the ships lifeboat. It was during one of these trips while rowing to the beach that the steamer hit a mine.
He was born in Dec 1919, survived the war, and lived to the ripe old age of 96.
Add a comment about this page