HMS Leigh History

2nd September 1939 the River Emergency Service was mobilised and took up their stations from Southend to Hammersmith.

3rd September 1939 War began

7th September 1939 First Convoys left Southend Pier - FN1 left for Methil in Scotland with 19 ships in the convoy
 

9th September 1939 Pier closed to the public

14th October 1939 - Captain John Pelham Champion, CBE., DSO., RN., who was to command NCS operations joins HMS Leigh

22nd November 1939, the Luftwaffe attacked the Pier from the air

23rd November 1939: First Magnetic Mine defused on the mud off of Shoeburyness.

To be continued...