This May, a flotilla of over 70 vessels escorted by the Royal Navy, including the biggest fleet of Dunkirk Little Ships in recent years, will cross the English Channel to Dunkirk, marking the 85th anniversary of the World War II’s evacuations. With the crossing taking place on 21st May, in the week prior to this, a large fleet of Dunkirk Little Ships will be assembling at St Katharine Docks Marina.

The Dunkirk evacuation​, code-named Operation Dynamo, saw the evacuation of Allied soldiers during World War II from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk, in the north of France, between 26 May and 4 June 1940. A collection of approximately 850 private boats and 20 warships participated in Operation Dynamo and more than 200 ships were lost. Known as ‘Little Ships’, many of these courageous vessels live on, privately owned and exquisitely preserved.

The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships fleet are expected to arrive from 10th May onwards, then departing for Ramsgate during the following weekend in preparation for the crossing.

Look out for a list of boats in attendance coming soon.