PS Princess Elizabeth facts for kids
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|} The PS Princess Elizabeth is a special paddle steamer built in 1927. It was made by a company called Day, Summers and Company. This ship is famous for being one of the brave "Little Ships of Dunkirk" during World War II. Today, it's a floating restaurant in Dunkirk, France.
The ship was named after the newborn Princess Elizabeth, who later became Queen Elizabeth II. At first, it carried people between Southampton, Bournemouth, and Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
  |
|
| Name |
|
| Builder | Day, Summers and Company |
| Launched | 2 June 1927 |
| Identification | Pennant number J111 (1939–1944) |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 388 GRT |
The Princess Elizabeth Goes to War
When World War II began, many paddle steamers like the Princess Elizabeth were taken over by the British Navy. They were used as minesweepers, which are ships that clear dangerous underwater mines. The Princess Elizabeth joined the 12th Minesweeping Flotilla with other ships.
Helping at Dunkirk
On May 29, 1940, the Princess Elizabeth was ordered to sail to Dover. Its mission was to help with the Dunkirk evacuation, a huge rescue operation. On its first trip, it picked up about 450 soldiers from the beaches of La Panne. It took them safely to Margate early the next morning.
While in Margate, the crew found four small boats. They needed these because it was hard to get soldiers from the beach to the ship with only their two regular small boats.
- On its second trip (May 30), the ship rescued about 400 soldiers from La Panne.
- On its third trip (May 31), it saved another 400 soldiers from Bray-Dunes.
- On its fourth and final trip (June 3), it picked up about 380 soldiers from Dunkirk's east mole.
Even though the ship and its crew were shot at many times, especially on their third trip, everyone stayed safe.
After the Rescue
After the Dunkirk rescue, the ship was used as an anti-aircraft vessel. This meant it helped defend against enemy planes. In 1944, after the war ended, the ship was returned to its original owners.
Life After the War
The Princess Elizabeth had many different jobs after the war.
- In 1957, the BBC broadcast a musical show called "Pleasure Boat" from the ship. It was sailing on The Solent at the time.
- In 1965, it became a floating casino, a place for games and entertainment.
- Later, it was a floating pub and restaurant on the River Thames in London.
- Then, it moved to Paris and became a center for exhibitions and conferences.
- Finally, in 1999, the ship was moved to Dunkirk, France.
- In 2017, the Princess Elizabeth even appeared in the movie Dunkirk, directed by Christopher Nolan.
The ship's bell was sold at an auction in 2011 for £456.
