Dunkirk Summer

Summer of 1940. The H.M.S. Painted Lady is the pride and joy of the Sea Cadets, a pre-1914 paddle steamer now moored in Darnley Mills. The story follows two friends, Andy Birch and his friend Archie. They are still Sea Cadets, but both are finishing school and will be called up very soon. Meanwhile, they spend a great deal of their time on the Lady, helping the C.O. and Bos'n Jake. Andy is also developing a friendship with Patricia Lambert, the rector's daughter. All in all, a lovely summer, until -- unexpectedly -- the news of Dunkirk comes, and a call to coal up the old Grey Lady and take her to sea. Andy does his best to stow away on the Lady, but is sent back by the C.O. & Bos'n Jake to do his last bit of growing up before his turn comes.