Mooring 'Early Morn' at Dover Harbour after Channel Chase 1947

One of Pop Burwill’s boats “Early Morn” moored after return from Grande Port Philip, France.

In 1947 the Early Morn was stolen and it was chased to Calais by Pop’s other boat, the ‘June Rose’, piloted by E. Duggan with crew of Alf Whiting, W. Knott and G. Pearce. They found the boat damaged ashore and towed it back to Dover the next day, having been given overnight accommodation aboard the S.S. Canterbury in Calais Harbour

It was often used as a channel swim pilot boat, including for Jason Zirganos in the first Daily Mail Race 1950

Pop (Jack / John) Burvill (Burwill) acted as a pilot on many Channel swimming escort and support boats.

A Black and White Photograph. From the Rob Whitewood Collection.