THE THREE STALWARTS
The little ships that helped the service survive
By Derek Longly
When times looked grim for the service to Dieppe with only the Brighton still remaining of the passenger ferries and with her laid up during the winters, these three little cargo vessels, which had supported the passenger ships in busier times, came into their own as they were the only link remaining between the towns of Newhaven and Dieppe on those cold, rough winter days for quite some time.
Although I am not certain of this I understood that on occasion they would not only carry cargo across the Channel at that time but also a few passengers.
It is an interesting question as to whether or not the service would have ceased completely had these three stalwarts not carried on where the passenger ferries left off.
The pictures capture the three regularly and busily carrying their cargoes over the sea to France.
Nantes loading a car for transport to France
Derek Longly
Nantes arriving at Newhaven
Derek Longly
Rennes ready to sail
Derek Longly
Rennes at Dieppe
Derek Longly collection
Brest sailing for Dieppe
Derek Longly
Brest looking smart alongside at Newhaven
Derek Longly