Hampton fire: Lady Gay owners absolutely devastated to lose historic Dunkirk evacuation ship
The ship was considered one of the family
Dunkirk Little Ship Lady Gay seen during happier times on the ADLS Veterans Cruise, River Thames, in September 2015 (Image: Tom Allett)
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The Lady Gay - a Dunkirk evacuation ship - and its 87-year long history were totally lost after being destroyed in a Hampton fire this week.
Classic Boat Magazine
major fire at the old Thornycroft sheds on Platts Eyot, Hampton, on the River Thames.
The Little Ships Mary Irene and Elvin, which were also on site, were moved to safety.
Lady Gay was 34ft Motor Yacht built in 1934 for Lord Alfred Dunhill and cost £1,500 to build, reported the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships.
She was initially requisitioned by the Royal Navy under a net charter party arrangement for £6/month before she was finally acquired by the Navy in 1942 as a Thames and coastal patrol boat. The Royal Navy laid her up in 1944.
A cause of fire has yet to be established by fire fighters on the scene over the Bank Holiday Monday.