Minesweeper Launching at Wivenhoe Shipyard.
L-R Leonard Archer ?, unknown lady, Agnes Mary Pullen, Mildred Lait (with parasol - Diane Stoker's Aunt), Penelope Margaret Ann Pullen age 3, William (Bill) Lait - jeweller from London (Diane Stoker's uncle), Basil Ivan Pullen - Landlord of the Peldon Rose, Leo Michael-Smith - Landlord of the White Hart West Mersea, Winifred Michael-Smith - Leo's wife, Rosemary Jane Pullen age 4 years who presented the bouquet to a very smart lady from the Royal Navy who launched the boat, Rose Beatrice Slater (Diane Stoker's mother), Ann Louise Slater (Diane Stoker's sister) age 8 years, Richard Herbert (Dick) Slater (Diane Stoker's father) - he was landlord of a public house in Mortlake London.
The Story of the picture by Penny Burr - née Penelope Pullen
The minesweepers were very special boats made in Wivenhoe of teak wood as they needed to be anti-magnetic. The owner of the boatyard, Jack Butcher, was a great friend of my parents. His sister, a Mrs Archer who lived at Abberton at "The Gate House" was my sister's God Mother, so Rosemary was asked to present the bouquet. Although I was only 3 years old I remember the occasion well, maybe because I fell and grazed my chin badly just before I was dressed for the occasion. The people around were all friends of my parents. It was as I remember a very special day, and as I grew older realised it was a vital part of Wivenhoe's war effort.

Date: c1941