Papers of Basil Mansfield

This collection comprises letters, printed ephemera and photographs, relating to the career of Basil Patrick Mansfield as the captain of a tug boat for Samuel Williams & Sons Ltd at Dagenham Dock, as well as his participation in the evacuation of soldiers from Dunkirk during the Second World War.

Basil Patrick Mansfield worked for Samuel Williams and Sons Ltd as a tugboat captain from the 1930s to the 1960s. He captained the tugboat "Duke", and in that role, took the tug to Dunkirk during 'Operation Dynamo'. On 31st May 1940, his tug rescued approximately 44 soldiers, bringing them safely back to England.

This material is open to research and can be viewed at the Barking and Dagenham Archive and Local Studies Centre. To make an appointment to visit the reading room, please telephone 020 8227 2033 or email at localstudies@lbbd.gov.uk.

Catalogued in accordance with ISAD(G).

For further information about the contents of this collection, please contact the Barking and Dagenham Archive and Local Studies Centre telephone 020 8227 2033 or email at localstudies@lbbd.gov.uk.

For further information about our reprographics and publication charges, please visit our website http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/BoroughArchivesandLocalStudies/Pages/Copyingandreproductionservices.aspx

The collection was donated to Valence House Museum by the daughter of the creator, Sue Simmons, following his death. It has subsequently been transferred to the Barking and Dagenham Archive and Local Studies Centre.

The acquisition of additional material is not expected.