The English Channel once again became a pathway of remembrance as a flotilla of historic vessels, the Little Ships of Dunkirk, made their way to France, escorted by the Royal Navy, to mark the 85th anniversary of one of the most daring rescues in British military history.
Seven Royal Navy P2000 patrol boats from the Coastal Forces Squadron accompanied the convoy, recreating the legendary 1940 mission that saw hundreds of civilian boats cross the Channel to save Allied soldiers trapped by advancing German forces.
This year’s crossing included 64 of the original Little Ships, making it the largest reunion of these iconic vessels since the war itself. Fishing boats, pleasure cruisers, and small yachts, many of which braved enemy fire 85 years ago, once again sailed from Ramsgate to Dunkirk, honouring the courage and sacrifice of those who served.
Dawn Departure, Emotional Spectacle
At first light, the flotilla set off from Ramsgate, just as they did in 1940. Thousands gathered along the Kent coastline to wave them off in a powerful show of public support and national pride.
Sailing under calm skies, the ships reached Dunkirk by late afternoon, marking the first time the commemorative journey had taken place since 2015. On board were 21 personnel from HMS Collingwood, joining the voyage in tribute.
Operation Dynamo Remembered
The commemoration honours Operation Dynamo, the extraordinary evacuation between 26 May and 4 June 1940, when over 338,000 British and Allied troops were rescued from the beaches of Dunkirk.
Faced with enemy bombardment and dwindling options, more than 850 privately owned boats answered the call to help, often unarmed and crewed by civilians. Many made repeated crossings under fire, saving lives and altering the course of the war.
No Veterans Left, But the Boats Live On
This year’s crossing was particularly poignant, marking the first without any surviving Dunkirk veterans. The last passed away just days before the event at the age of 105.
Ian Gilbert, Honorary Vice Admiral of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships, reflected:
“This will be the first time we’ve gone over when there are no veterans. The Little Ships are the veterans now. The living link has gone, we have to keep these boats alive to keep the memory alive.”
A Weekend of Tribute and History
In the lead-up to the crossing, the Royal Navy Coastal Forces Squadron, sailors from HMS Collingwood, and a Royal Marines Band took part in a parade to mark the anniversary. A vintage Swordfish aircraft performed a flypast, linking the skies to the sea in remembrance.
Events in Dunkirk continue until 29 May, with further commemorations planned to honour those who served and those who never returned.
