A BARGE used to evacuate troops from Dunkirk during the Second World War is celebrating a huge milestone.
Pudge is regularly moored at the Thames Sailing Barge Trust at Hythe Quay in Maldon.
She was built in 1922 for the London and Rochester Barge Co and is now celebrating her 100th birthday.
The barge was bought by the Thames Sailing Barge Trust in 1968 for £750.
She was originally named Podge after the nickname of a director’s daughter.
Pudge’s first master, James Broom, changed the name to Pudge after objecting to sailing a barge called Podge.
Pudge has had a series of restorations, with the latest being in 2019.
A total of £738,000 was raised by grants, donations and the Lottery Heritage Fund for the work.
The trust has now written a book about Pudge’s history to celebrate the centenary milestone.
A spokesmann for the trust said: “She proudly flies the flag of a Dunkirk Little Ship to this day.
“Continuing bravely on after war and accident is why we have titled her book Pudge – a Survivor.
“Over the summer she can usually be seen sailing along the East Coast rivers, the Thames and Kent coast. Anyone can join her on these voyages.”
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