On the 9th January 1940, the Union Castle Mail 10,000-ton passenger liner 'Dunbar Castle', was en-route from Southend to South Africa as part of convoy OA.69 under the command of Captain H A Causton. Between the North Foreland and Ramsgate, she activated a magnetic mine which broke the ship's back. She sank rapidly on an even keel in shallow water with the loss of nine lives, including her Master. Reputedly, Captain Causton was killed by a section of the mast falling onto the ship's bridge. The 189 survivors were rescued by the trawler 'Calvi' and other small vessels. Chief Officer Robinson was awarded an OBE for his part in the evacuation of the survivors from the ship.
For many days after the sinking, the sea shore was littered with debris, ranging from boxes of pencils to a grand piano.
