One of the most historic of the famous ‘little ships’, which aided the evacuation of British troops from the beaches of Dunkirk in World War Two and starred in Hollywood film, ‘Dunkirk’ featuring Harry Styles and Cillian Murphy, is up for sale.
The Mary Jane, a 42ft cabin cruiser, also comes with its permanent mooring right in the heart of London’s Docklands – thus providing a Central London family home, at an extremely affordable price.
The vessel, built in 1926 by Prince Philip’s sailing companion and leading boat designer, Uffa Fox, is also a movie star having featured prominently in Christopher Nolan’s ‘Dunkirk’ screen blockbuster, featuring Peaky Blinder star Cilian Murphy and One Direction singer, Harry Styles, where it can be seen in various scenes as well as on the end credits.
The ‘little ship’ offers very comfortable accommodation, with berths for five, a galley and a fully functional bathroom. It has been maintained to a high specification throughout and meets full sailing specifications – so it’s not just a London home but a sailing vessel that can be taken out on the rivers and oceans.
‘With prices in the City escalating to almost astronomical levels, this provides a perfect opportunity to live in comfort right in the heart of Central London, close to all business and commercial areas,’ commented Ben Jones of Mullocks Auctioneers who are handling the sale by the Mary Jane by Private Treaty.
‘And what’s more, the owner will also be living in their own slice of maritime history.’ The Dunkirk evacuation was one of the most important and emotive events in the history of World War Two. The rapid advance of Hitler’s armies as they rampaged across France in 1940 left the British Expeditionary Force stranded on the beaches of Dunkirk with no obvious escape.
British naval vessels did what they could to evacuate the thousands of British Soldiers, but then a desperate rallying call went out to boat owners across the south coast to help in the effort.
Hundreds of skippers responded and a flotilla of vessels, ranging from fishing boats to pleasure craft, made the perilous journey across the English Channel under constant bombardment from Hitler’s Dive bombers and heavy artillery. Many never returned.
The Mary Jane was used to get close to the beaches, and then ferry troops to awaiting Naval and larger vessels, making trip after trip, until all had been successfully evacuated.
The great heroism of the skippers of the ‘little ships’ will never be forgotten, and the Mary Jane has taken part in several commemorations of that historic event, including
the 70th anniversary re-enactment in 2010 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012.
‘This is really a golden opportunity, not just to be able to set up home at an affordable price in the heart of London, but also to own a true piece of history,’ added Ben.
Offers in excess of £150,000. More details are available from Ben Jones at Mullocks – contact us on 01694 771771 or, email auctions@mullocksauctions.co.uk
