In the era of Dunkirk, few sailing vessels, particularly commercial barges carrying cargoes of 150 tons or more, were considered safe without a powerful engine. Most barges relied solely on sails and managed adequately; however, Pudge was an exception. Her Kelvin Diesel auxiliary engine, seldom used, proved crucial in preserving the vessel, her crew, and others on board.

War records indicate that Pudge was requisitioned on 29 May 1940 while docked at Tilbury, awaiting loading for Ipswich. At that time, she was under the command of Bill Watson, a senior captain of the London and Rochester Trading Company, noted as an experienced sailor who wore gold earrings.

Upon arrival at Dover, the naval officer in command requested eight to ten volunteers from among the skippers and their mates. The response was so overwhelming that lots had to be drawn to select participants. Three barges—Thyra, Lady Rosebery, and Pudge—were taken in tow by the steel-hulled tug St. Fagan. To conserve fuel, increase speed, and maintain cohesion, the tug towed the barges across the Channel to Dunkirk, arriving under cover of darkness.

At Dunkirk, the barges were cast off from the tug. The Lady Rosebery was ordered to proceed inshore to embark troops. Positioned just astern of the tug, she witnessed a tremendous explosion when St. Fagan struck a mine. Pudge was lifted bodily out of the water but, according to her skipper, "she came down the right way up." After the smoke and dust cleared, St. Fagan, Lady Rosebery, and Doris were lost. The tug’s crew numbered twenty-five, with only six survivors.

Pudge immediately launched her barge boat to rescue survivors from the tug and other barges. E. G. Fryer, a fifteen-year-old boy and cook serving on the tug Tanga, recalled making three Channel crossings during those days, rescuing 1,300 troops from Dunkirk. On the second return to England, they encountered Pudge and towed her back safely to Ramsgate three hours later.

For the remainder of the war, Pudge primarily sailed between London and Ipswich. After the war, she continued service with the London and Rochester Trading Company until her retirement in 1968. Subsequently sold to the Thames Barge Sailing Trust, she was re-rigged faithfully according to her original design, with guidance from professional barge skippers.

In October 2005, Pudge was placed in dry dock at Rick Cardy’s yard in Maylandsea for an extensive restoration lasting 18 months. Refloated in May 2007, she now operates from May to October, offering sailing trips to the public from Maldon and Ipswich. These trips explore the rivers and coasts of Suffolk, Essex, and Kent.

A maximum of 12 passengers can sail aboard Pudge under the supervision of qualified volunteer crew, with opportunities to participate in ropework or simply enjoy the scenic views.