From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 1 July, 1966.

No draught beer on first trip to Calais

The first British ferry to sail from Dover for 40 days put to sea just after midnight on Saturday morning.

She was Townsend Car Ferries "Free Enterprise II" with just over 100 vehicles and 350 passengers on board. Townsend's two ships were able to sail to Calais and Zeebrugge as a result of the separate peace agreement with the N.U.S.

Master of the ship was Captain David Brucewho said jokingly, "I hope that after all this time I still know the way to Calais."

On board before he sailed was Mr. Roland Wickenden, general manager, whose hard work had pulled off the agreement. He said that his firm had lost £150,000 as a result of the strike. But he was hoping that some of these losses would now be recouped.

The only snag on board - the draught beer had gone off after 40 days storage. Passengers had to make due with tax-free spirits and bottled beer.