TNA MT 40 66

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as
opposite)
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254
622
THE WINE AND SPIRIT TRADE RECORD
17TH JUNE, 1940.
Co.'s Sherries). In giving a picture of Mr. Clarkson
LICENSED PREMISES, CLUBS, ETC.,
(captain of the Mimosa) and Mr. Clark (who organised
IN 1939.
the "Brighton Navy The Daily Sketch, in its issue
of 5th June, remarked that "nothing more glorious
in the annals of Britain's sea history has been done
THE Report of the Commissioner of Police of the
than the work of our longshoremen in the rescue of
Metropolis for 1939 contains the following remarks
the B.E.F. from Dunkirk."
concerning "on" and "off" licences, etc.:-
When the full story can be told, Londoners will
be proud of the gallant part played in the evacuation
LICENSED PREMISES.
of our soldiers from Dunkirk by the G.S.N. Co.'s
"The number of premises licensed for the sale of
pleasure steamers which, in happier days carried
intoxicating liquor 'on' and ' off' the premises
thousands of holiday-makers from London and
Chatham to the holiday resorts of Essex and Kent, and
increased by 4 to 7,603. The number of 'off' licences
also to the near Continental holiday centres. Such
was unchanged at 3,553. The number of licences for
well-known ships as the P/S.s Royal Eagle, Crested
Wine and Spirit dealers is 251 and for theatres 76.
Eagle, Medway Queen, M/V.s Royal Daffodil, Royal
Sovereign and Queen of the Channel, all took their
" Applications were made by most licensed
share in this hazardous undertaking. Not only
premises for extension of the permitted hours on 23rd
pleasure steamers of the General Steam Navigation
December and on New Year's Eve. These days were
Co. took part, but also their cargo boats. Here is what
may be described as a typical performance by one of
regarded as special occasions justifying the grant of
the company's cargo boats:-
Special Orders of Exemption, and 14,114 Orders were
NOTES FROM CAPTAIN H. BUXTON'S REPORT.
granted. There was no increased drunkenness which
M.v. Bullfinch.
At 10.20 p.m. on 28th May, 1940, whilst at anchor in
could be attributed to the grant of these facilities.
Small Downs, the m.v. Bullfinch received orders to sail at
CLUBS.
once for La Panne beaches. The ship arrived off the beaches
about 4.50 a.m. on 29th May. The beach was crowded with
"The number of registered clubs increased by 216
troops but there were only a few boats bringing off small
numbers. The Master received orders to beach the Bullfinch
and on 31st December, 1939, the total number was
and accordingly he let go the kedge anchor and headed slow
3,085. This increase is almost entirely accounted for
for the beach. The vessel grounded about 5.45 a.m., but
owing to the kedge anchor not holding, her stern swung to
by the formation of registered clubs at fire stations
the eastward and the ship was aground fore and aft with
the beach.
and auxiliary fire stations. Since the outbreak of war,
After the first boatload came aboard one of the troops
no less than 193 such clubs were formed.
swam ashore with a line. Two 5in. ropes were run ashore
and hauled boats off and back to the beach. When the tide
"The short life of many 'Social' clubs of the type
receded the troops waded off and embarked up the ship's
ladders. Embarkation proceeded until the ship had about
which give trouble to the police was once again
1,500 on board, during which time the ballast tanks were
noticed. During 1939, 262 such clubs were registered
pumped out. The ladders were then pulled up, as the ship
could take no more.
and 253 were closed or struck off the register.
The troops had two Bren guns with them, which were
Proceedings for irregularities were taken against
mounted one each side of the boat deck. The troops also
manned the ship's Lewis gun. Bomb attacks were taking
82 registered clubs, of which 54 were struck off the
place all day and after a very anxious time from 5.30 p.m.
until 6.15 p.m., the vessel floated and proceeded.
register. The amount of fines and costs imposed was
German aircraft attacked the ship repeatedly. When
£5,364 9s. 7d. and 15 persons were sent to prison in
passing Dunkirk several bombs dropped close to the vessel's
stern, the concussion from which caused the circuit breaker
default of payment of fines.
to come out and put the steering gear out of action. The
BOTTLE PARTIES.
engines were stopped whilst the engineers effected repairs,
and the ship then proceeded.
"There was a slight increase during the year in
Three dive bombers then attacked the Bullfinch from aft.
One of the Bren gunners, Sergeant Cook, shot one down into
the number of known 'bottle parties' from 24 to 28
the sea. Shortly afterwards three others attacked from
forward and the sergeant again shot one down. Further
Successful proceedings were taken by the police in 32
attacks were made at frequent intervals until a formation
cases for liquor offences, or for unlicensed pub
of Spitfires drove the enemy off.
On arrival in the Small Downs the Bullfinch received
music and dancing, or for both these offences, ar.
orders to proceed to - Harbour where the troops were
fines and costs amounting to £3,420 6s. 10d. were
promptly disembarked.
It was afterwards discovered that the concussion from
imposed. In three cases the proprietors of the bottle
the exploding bombs had put both compasses out. The ship
was on one occasion attacked by machine-gun fire, but only
parties were sentenced to imprisonment without the
one soldier was wounded. The Master of the Bullfinch stated
option of paying a fine. In addition, proceedings were
that he could not speak too highly of the Bren gunner who
held his fire until the planes were close to the vessel and
taken in a number of cases by the Customs and Excise
undoubtedly saved the ship.
on evidence supplied by the police, for soliciting orders
We hope on a later occasion to give further details
of the magnificent work done by the seamen and others
for intoxicating liquor on the premises of the 'bottle
of the General Steam Navigation Co., Ltd., work of
party or for failing to have a tobacco licence, or a
which the directors of the company are justifiably
refreshment house licence. This resulted in additional
proud.
penalties amounting to £863 9s. Od."