CAN anyone help clear up a nautical mystery for us here at Looking Back?
After mentioning that HMS Emperor of India featured in a programme of celebrations for the opening of Weymouth Town Bridge on July 3, 1930, we were wondering if this was the same vessel that was also used in the Dunkirk evacuation.
The programme of celebrations for the Weymouth Town Bridge opening says: "A reception was held for dignitaries in HMS Emperor of India."
Looking Back reader Gerald Mabb got in touch after recognising the name HMS Emperor of India as a paddle steamer that played a heroic role rescuing British soldiers.
A little internet research tells us that there were two HMS Emperor of Indias and one of them was decommissioned in 1929.
So is the town bridge celebrations HMS Emperor the same paddle steamer that was credited with bringing 642 soldiers off the beaches? If anyone can help solve the mystery we would love to hear from you.
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