SB Ena facts for kids
Ena lying on the mud at Hoo, 2018
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| History | |
|---|---|
 United Kingdom |
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| Name | Ena |
| Owner |
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| Builder | McLearon, Harwich, Essex, UK |
| Launched | 1906 |
| Identification |
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| Status | Lying in the marshes |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Thames sailing barge |
| Tons burthen | 73 |
| Length | 88.13 ft (26.86 m) |
| Beam | 20.6 ft (6.3 m) |
| Draught | 2 ft (0.61 m)approx |
| Depth of hold | 6.89 ft (2.10 m)approx |
| Propulsion |
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| Sail plan | mulie rig sprit mainsail, topsail, mizzen, gaff rigged with boom. |
| Capacity | 150 tonnes |
| Complement | 2 |
| Notes | Served in both World War I as an ammunition barge, and in World War II in the Dunkirk evacuation. Focus of 2002, first series of the Salvage Squad. |
The Ena is a special wooden boat called a Thames sailing barge. She was built in Harwich, England, in 1906. Today, she rests in the mud near Stargate Marina in Hoo, Kent.
The Ena is famous for being one of the brave Little Ships that helped rescue soldiers during World War II. It is said she saved about 100 men! In 2002, the Ena was even featured on a TV show called Salvage Squad on Channel 4.
The Ena's Story
The Ena was built in 1906 by W B McLearon in Harwich. A company called R & W Paul Ltd, which dealt with grain and farm goods, bought her in 1907. They used her to carry grain by sea. The Ena was the second barge they bought from McLearon, the first being the Thalatta.
Serving in World War I
The Ena played a part in the First World War. She carried important supplies across the English Channel to soldiers in France. Because she could sail in shallow water, she was able to go where enemy submarines could not easily follow.
Helping at Dunkirk in World War II
During World War II, the Ena was one of thirteen Thames sailing barges that sailed to Dunkirk, France. Six of these barges belonged to R & W Paul Ltd. At the beaches of Dunkirk, the Ena's crew was told to leave her. She was left on the sand, but a brave group of soldiers, led by Lt Colonel W G Mc Kay, managed to get her floating again. They brought her back to Kent, even though none of them were experienced sailors!
See also
- Thalatta
- Will (Thames barge)
