During our recent trip to Sandwich, Kent, I saw what looked like a small military vessel alongside the River Stour quay. On closer inspection, it turned out to be the P22, a patrol boat that was built and operated by the United States Navy as part of the Rhine Patrol from 1952 until 1958, when she and her sixteen sisters were handed over to German Federal Army or scrapped.
P22 remained in German service for ten years, and was then sold for use as an oil rig support vessel.
She was bought by Barry Field in 2014, and brought to Sandwich three years later for preservation by a charitable trust that he helped to set up with the assistance of the town’s council. She is open to the public at weekends (and for special events), and has taken part in both the 75th D-Day anniversary celebrations and the recent film, DUNKIRK.
P22 remained in German service for ten years, and was then sold for use as an oil rig support vessel.
She was bought by Barry Field in 2014, and brought to Sandwich three years later for preservation by a charitable trust that he helped to set up with the assistance of the town’s council. She is open to the public at weekends (and for special events), and has taken part in both the 75th D-Day anniversary celebrations and the recent film, DUNKIRK.
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What a nice little find on your trip and great to see it has been so lovingly restored.
ReplyDeleteSteve J.,
DeleteIt was something that I didn’t expect to see ... which made finding and seeing it such a pleasurable event.
All the best,
Bob
Well spotted Bob! Getting out and about on foot often throws up unexpected gems I find.
ReplyDeleteNundanket,
DeleteWhenever I go somewhere, I’m always on the lookout for something military and/or a bit unusual.
All the best,
Bob