Bessie is one of the last remaining whelkers built by Johnson. Constructed in 1935 for the Cox family (G. H. Cox and Sons), she operated out of Wells-next-the-Sea for 30 years under the license number LN 16. The vessel measures 26 feet in length and 10 feet in breadth, featuring the traditional double-ended design common along the North Norfolk coast. Built from larch and oak, she is equipped with an inboard engine and an auxiliary dipping lugsail. The vessel was named after George Henry Cox’s wife, Bessie.

Following the acquisition of three Liverpool-type ex-lifeboats by the Cox family, Bessie was retained as a reserve vessel. She was highly regarded by the family and considered a fine sea boat. Subsequently, she was purchased by Squeakie Bishop, who used her for angling parties initially from Blakeney and later from Gorleston, where she served as a pleasure and fishing boat until her acquisition by Rescue Wooden Boats.

In 1940, Bessie was relocated from Wells-next-the-Sea to Ramsgate as part of Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of British Expeditionary Forces from Dunkirk. She was selected for a special sub-mission to collect a party of men, crossing the English Channel and lying off the French coast in a vulnerable position. A detailed account of this mission is provided in the 1946 book Storm on the Waters by Charles Vince, which includes a report that a VIP within the party to be picked up was rumoured to be Sir Launcelot Oliphant, British Ambassador to Belgium, who was captured by the Germans while attempting to travel from Bruges to Le Havre. After waiting without sighting the party, Bessie returned home.

Additional accounts of the expedition appear in the local newspaper The Journal dated 9 July 1954, based on a report by Dr. E. W. Hicks from 18 April 1944. There are also three dated postcards from Billy Cox to his wife, posted from Ramsgate, Dover, and Harwich, which provide further insight into the vessel’s role during this period. Bessie is listed in the alphabetic index of The Little Ships of Dunkirk by Christian Brann (p. 229; Collectors' Books, 1989).

During the winter of 2013–2014, essential repairs were undertaken to address damage and stabilize Bessie pending a major refit. The added wheelhouse was removed, and the decks were strengthened, restoring much of her original 1935 appearance. The restoration work was carried out by David Hewitt and Tom Gathercole, with assistance from volunteers.

Bessie is regarded as a vessel of significant historical importance. She requires major restoration, including installation of a new engine and a new dipping lugsail, to return her to her original condition. The estimated cost for this work is at least £50,000, which would be completed in stages over several years. Currently, Bessie is kept in dry storage due to her fragile condition. Once restored, she is intended to be used afloat.