Mai - Juin
1940
The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships
A D L S
Dunkirk 85
In the early summer of 1940, Britain's darkest hour, when alone, she held out against Nazi Germany, about 850 private boats sailed from England to Dunkirk in northern France, helping to rescue more than 336,000 British and other Allied soldiers trapped on the Dunkirk beaches. The official name was Operation Dynamo, but today, this historic event is better known as the miracle of Dunkirk.
In 1966 the Association of Dunkirk Littles Ships was formed to preserve for posterity the memory and identity of those Little Ships' that went to the aid of the British Expeditionary Force in 1940 and took part in Operations Dynamo, Cycle* and Aerial* and to preserve the "Spirit of Dunkirk" by forming a registered Association of their present day owners. Every five years the Association gather to commemorate the events of May 1940 by retracing the route many of these little ships made.
2025 marks 85 years since Operation Dynamo, between the 21st and 26th May more than 75 Dunkirk Little Ships will be moored in Dunkirk to commemorate those events of 1940. The flotilla comprised of a assortment of boats and will be escorted by a Royal Navy 'guard of honour of seven P2000 from the RN Coastal Forecs Squadron, and the RNLI. Continuing the strong bond between the Royal Navy and the the Lifeboat Service
The 85th anniversary fleet are expected to depart from 7am BST on the 21 st May from Ramsgate arriving in Dunkirk at 4pm local time.
Returning in the afternoon on Monday 26th. Weather depending.
FAQS
Q. How can I participate in the event if I do not own a Dunkirk Little Ship?
A. The Association is made up of a group of private vessels. The Association cannot place members of the public onto any vessels.
Q. A family member (Father, Grandfather etc.) took part in Operation Dynamo, can they be a part of the Return events?
A. We love meeting new Veterans, especially as the numbers are dwindling rapidly, however, it has been decided that we will not take veterans on the crossing with the Little Ships this time for safety reasons. If any Veterans do come across of their own accord they will of course be welcome to visit the Little Ships.
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Q. Can I take my boat over to support the Little Ships?
A. We are delighted that so many people would like to support the DLS, whilst the crossing itself is restricted to the DLS, Royal Navy, RNLI and Support Vessels a Spectator fleet is being organised by Royal Temple Yacht Club Please contact them directly at https://www.rtyc.com
Q. Where can I see the Little Ships?
A. The DLS will be arriving in Ramsgate several days prior to the proposed departure date of the 21st May. The fleet will gather in Ramsgate by Tuesday 20th May where you can view the fleet and speak to the owners and learn about their vessel. Ramsgate always put on a great reception . Once in Dunkirk the Little Ships will be on display in the Basin du Commerce.
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