History of the restoration of Fireboat Massey Shaw
1971
After nearly forty years’ service the Massey Shaw is retired. Her owner, the Greater
London Council moves her to Woolwich and later to St Katharine Docks where she is
used as a walkway during rebuilding works.
1980
Ex London Fire Brigade member Philip Wray and former Massey Shaw crew
member Dick Helyer, along with and several others find the Massey Shaw
abandoned in St Katharine Docks. They begin to lobby the Fire Authority to save this
historic vessel.
1982
The registered charity, Massey Shaw And Marine Vessels Preservation Society
Limited is founded and the Massey Shaw is given to the Society on a 50 year lease.
1985
Massey Shaw takes part in the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships on their "Return to
Dunkirk" for the first time since 1965
1987
The Massey Shaw attends the centenary of the Captain Sir Eyre Massey Shaw
reviewing one thousand firemen at Oxford.
1990
Further fundraising and restoration work sees the Massey Shaw seaworthy once
more and takes part in the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships 50th Anniversary
return to Dunkirk. Mr Dick Helyer, one of the original Dunkirk crew joins the voyage
and meets Mr John Overy, one of the soldiers he rescued.
2000
In May, the vessel embarks on a trip to Dunkirk to celebrate the 60th Anniversary.
Despite a damaged piston, she completes both legs of the journey on 15, instead of
16, cylinders.
On return from Dunkirk, the Society commences its long search for a permanent
home for the boat on the River Thames. Meanwhile, the Massey Shaw is seen at
numerous events along the river whilst undergoing important restoration work
2002
The Channel 4 programme, Salvage Squad undertook restoration of the starboard
engine and fire pump valves and timber rubbing strakes. Filming for the 40 minute
programme took 4 months to complete.
The society gained full ownership of the Massey Shaw.
2004
Due to its popularity, the Salvage Squad produce a second program to complete the
restoration of the starboard engine and show it working. Massey Shaw became on of
the designated vessels on the National Historic Ships Register.
A short time afterwards the boat is repeatedly vandalised. Windows are broken,
graffiti daubed in the cabin and the wheelhouse damaged. One night valves are
opened and water floods in, completely submerging the boat. She is saved by fire
fighters who work through the night to secure her to a dock and pump out around 15
tonnes of water. Damage at the time is estimated at £40-£50,000.
2008
Following a lengthy and detailed submission to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the
society was granted £500,000 for:
 A schedule of restoration works that is estimated to take 2 years.
 Create an education project based upon the society's archives
2009
In January the vessel was lifted of the water at South Dock Marina, Southwark, to
permit restoration of the hull. Over the next 24 months restoration uncovered a
wider range of works that needed to be completed on the hull and other main areas.
Additional funding would be needed in order to complete the Project.
2011
The Society approached HLF for additional funding and submitted a new bid which
was successful.
2012
Massey was successfully moved by road to T Nielsen’s, Gloucester and the second
phase of the works commenced. Her engines were removed and sent to Canterbury,
whilst the vessel stayed with Tomy Neilsen and his team in Gloucester Dock.
2013
Restoration will be completed Summer 2013.
Ends