Margo II: Vessel History

Margo II was named after the first owner’s daughter, Margo, making the vessel the successor to the original boat bearing her name. Records indicate that in late May 1940, Margo II was commandeered from Elkins Boat Yard in Chichester, along with several other vessels, for participation in Operation Dynamo.

The vessel was once owned by Walter Young, the inventor of 'Young's Course Corrector.' Young installed in Margo II the compass from a Wellington Bomber, whose crew he had rescued from the North Sea. He purchased the boat from a Harley Street physician, acquiring along with it a chest of Irish linen hand-embroidered with the name Margo II.

After Young sold the vessel, it passed into the possession of a company that later encountered financial difficulties. In 1971, Richard Young, Walter Young’s son, was able to repurchase Margo II from the Official Receiver. Despite having sold the vessel fifteen years earlier, Richard Young retained a strong affection for the ship. He noted that every hull plank extended unbroken the entire length of the vessel and, although lacking main frames, Margo II was exceptionally strong. The pitch pine used in her construction was the same type employed in the decks of old Thames sailing barges, having matured in water for up to 40 years prior to use.

From 1974, the vessel was owned by Terry Holdaway, who kept her on the Thames at Putney during winter months and cruised extensively throughout Europe in summer from moorings at Rochester, Kent. Holdaway estimated that he made approximately 30 trips to the Continent, once reaching Putney from Calais in nine and a half hours. In 1976, off Broadstairs, Margo II’s crew rescued the crew of Tamaroa II, a converted ship’s lifeboat, although the sinking vessel itself could not be saved.

In 1997, Margo II underwent extensive restoration by Geoffrey and Duncan Prater in preparation for the 2000 Return to Dunkirk. The restoration included replacement of the transom, stem, 80% of the hull frames including one beam shelf, 40% of the planking, and a completely new deck with beams. The vessel was re-caulked and returned to the water with reconditioned diesel engines, gearboxes, shafts, and propellers. A new wheelhouse was planned but not yet fitted at that time. Duncan Prater remarked on the extent of the restoration as a testament to the commitment required to preserve historic vessels.

In 2008, Margo II was acquired by Dennis McMullen, who supported numerous events including the Veterans Cruise. Following McMullen’s passing in 2013, the vessel was purchased by the Secretary of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships, who undertook an extensive refit. After an eighteen-month refit, Margo II was relaunched in May 2016, shortly before the Ramsgate Commemorative Cruise. She participated in all Association events that year and completed a three-week cruise to Holland alongside Riis 1 and Hilfranor.

As of the latest records, Margo II is moored at Datchet on the Thames.