Dunkirk Little Ships at St Katharine Docks and Marina. |
Saturday May 25, 2024.
With the anniversary of the start of 'Operation Dynamo', this weekend, some of the 'Little Ships of Dunkirk' had made their way to St Katharine Docks and Marina, allowing visitors to get up close to these historic vessels.
Some of the historic Dunkirk Little Ships. |
It was a beautiful summer morning as we walked around the Docks and Marina, inspecting these small boats that, 84 years ago, had made their way from Ramsgate to Dunkirk to help in the evacuation of more than 338,000 British and French soldiers.
A 'Dunkirk 1940' commemorative plaque. |
Each boat was in pristine condition and each had its own story to tell, with information boards and owners and crew ready and willing to share the stories of the vessels.
Dunkirk Little Ship 'Lady Lou'. |
Dunkirk Little Ship 'Wanda'. |
Some of the berths were still empty as more of the little ships were still enroute up the River Thames.
Another of the Dunkirk Little Ships makes its way up the River Thames. |
It was definitely an informative and interesting day, hearing some of the stories and seeing these living pieces of naval history.
Dunkirk Little Ship 'Hilfanor'. |
Brief History
'Operation Dynamo' was the evacuation from Dunkirk of more than 336,000 British and French soldiers, between May 26 and June 4 1940. Some 850 private boats took part in the operation and these boats became known as the 'Little Ships of Dunkirk'. It wasn't just the small boats that took part in the evacuation, as RNLI Lifeboats, Merchant Vessels, Dutch Coasters and London Barges all helped. Some made multiple journeys, while others made single trips.
A barge passing through Tower Bridge. |
The anniversary of 'Operation Dynamo'. Click below to see more photos from the Festival. Gallery Click the link below to find out more about the Dunkirk Little Ships. Association of Dunkirk Little Ships |
No comments:
Post a Comment