Boats - Sailing - Ships
1969 - Paddle boat brings hope for canal.; Gen. Sir Hugh Stockwell, commander of the Allied land forces in the 1956 Suez operation, successfully launched a new campaign when she steered the six-ton paddle boat Charlotte Dundas on her maiden passenger voyage along the Kennet and Avon canal at Devizes, Wilts, yesterday. This voyage means that the canal can be made to work, said Sir Hugh, who is chairman of the Canal Trust. The Trust see yesterday's 30-minute trip, made at a comfortable two miles an hour, as a major step towards opening up the canal for public pleasure craft. The action of the 45-foot long Charlotte Dunda's paddle wheels will reduce weed and clear and channel for other boats. Photo shows the Charlotte Dundas on her 30-minute journey yesterday
