Delivering the goods
The armies on the Continent needed a constant supply of food, materials and munitions. Travelling across the Channel, under constant threat of sinking by U-boats, a huge number of vessels, from Thames barges to coastal steamers, undertook the task of transporting these vital supplies to France. Many were sunk but even today there are a few survivors of this heroic effort, without which the Allied armies could not have fought on.
Vessels in this theme
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Cutty Sark
3rd May 1916 – a combination of storm, conscription and fear of U-boats conspires to almost sink CUTTY SARK in the Indian Ocean.
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Glenlee
1 November 1914–GLENLEE laden with coal narrowly avoided being captured by the Germans near Coronel.
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Cambria
During the First World War CAMBRIA sailed from London and the Medway across the North Sea and channel to Dunkirk, Calais and Le Treport with a cargo of coke, pitch and wheat.
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Centaur
During the First World War CENTAUR was on a normal trading voyage in the English Channel when a Coastal Motor Boat shot out of the fog and landed on her deck.
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Ena
During the First World War ENA and the other barges in the Paul fleet carried supplies to the armies on the continent of Europe.
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Kitty
During the First World War KITTY transported coke and stores to Calais and Boulogne for the army.
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Prince Otman
The luxury yacht PRINCE OTMAN towed barges on the River Mersey during the First World War under the name MAUNA LOA
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Reaper
REAPER was a sailing herring drifter which continued fishing throughout the war, although she could only do so during daylight hours. She was based at Lerwick in the Shetlands Islands.
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Worcester
WORCESTER was a motor tug which continued to operate on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal throughout the war although attempts were made by the Admiralty to requisition her.
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SS Great Britain
In 1914 SS GREAT BRITAIN was over 70 years old and in use as a coal storage hulk based at the Falkland Islands. She coaled the British fleet that defeated von Spee’s German fleet.
