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The Preposterous Files

The Preposterous Files: Episode 3: The Falmouth Dolphin

Episode 3

Episode 3: The Falmouth Dolphin

The Falmouth Dolphin

BBC Radio 4 - The Preposterous Files, The Falmouth Dolphin

When Custom officials move Falmouth's steam launch to a bigger port sailors take action.

Julian Putkowski presents a series on cases of Civil Service bureaucracy. In 1912, cost-conscious HM Customs replaced Falmouth's steam launch with a vessel unfit for purpose.

Files from the National Archive reveal preposterous acts both grand and petty. Julian Putkowski distills them down.

When HM Customs and Excise want to transfer Falmouth's steam launch to a more important port the locals raise a stink. Canny civil servants think they have fobbed them off with an inferior boat until the sailors play the ultimate trump card. 

Reader: Crawford Logan


Producer: Matt Thompson
A Loftus production for BBC Radio 4.

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Julian Putkowski presents a series on cases of Civil Service bureaucracy at its worst

Julian Putkowski presents a series on cases from the National Archives that show up Civil Service bureaucracy at its nonsensical and frequently hilarious worst

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Episode 3: The Falmouth Dolphin

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