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Registration number
2006
Status
Registered
a12admin
Previous names
- Dab 11
Details
Function
Leisure Craft
Subfunction
Yacht
Location
Windsor
Vessel type
Express Cruiser
Current use
Commercial Activity
Available to hire
Yes
Available for excursions
Yes
Web address
https://www.bredacruises.co.uk/
Construction
Builder
Brooke, J W & Co Ltd, Lowestoft
Built in
1931
Rig
None
Number of decks
2
Propulsion
Motor
Number of engines
1
Primary engine type
Inboard diesel
Boiler type
None
Boilermaker
None
Dimensions
Breadth: Beam
12.69 feet
(3.87m)
Depth
3.57 feet
(1.09m)
Length: Overall
51.97 feet
(15.85m)
Tonnage: Gross
32.00
History
DAB II was built for Mr.G.J. Smart by J.W.Brooke & Co. Ltd., Lowestoft in the old North yard. In May 1940, at the time of Operation Dynamo, DAB II was taken to Dunkirk by Lieut. R. W. Thompson, RNVR, who crossed the Channel no less than three times in six days. On his last return journey he brought back a load of Dutch soldiers, from the City of Breda, who had fought a gallant rearguard action westward of Dunkirk.
In 1945 she was re-named BREDA, which ingeniously retained all the letters in her original name and commemorated the Dutch soldiers she had rescued. In 1943 her original engines were replaced by 2 Gray Six-91 engines and in 1963 these were replaced by 2 Parkside diesels.
Update, May 2021: Vessel now fully restored and offering luxury cruises on the Thames: www.bredacruises.co.uk
In 2021, BREDA was awarded the title of NHS-UK's Operational Flagship of the Year.
Key dates
- 1931 Built by J W Brooke & CoLtd
- 1937 Sold to Mr L Shakespeare
- 1938 Sold to Claud Hardie
- 1949 Sold to Captain A J Colt
- 1954 Sold to Jack Alderton
- 1958 Sold to Mr & Mrs M V Beer
- 1974 Sold to P & L Farrant
-
1988
Underwent a major refit with new beams and decks
-
1990
Original crewman returned on-board vessel for 50th anniversary of Dunkirk evacaution
-
2003
Sold to current owners
-
2012
Vessel selected for Avenue of Sail, Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant on 3 June 2012
-
2021
Received an award of £250 from NHS-UK for being Operational Flagship of the Year 2021
Grants
-
2021
Received an award of £250 from NHS-UK for being Operational Flagship 2021
Own this vessel?
If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk
