Royal Navy warships to escort Dunkirk little ships as 85th anniversary events begin

More than 70 of the small craft are confirmed to sail from Ramsgate in Kent to the French port, shepherded by a Royal Navy ‘guard of honour’ of around half a dozen vessels, to mark the operation.

It is the largest number gathered together since the dark days of 1940, when they toiled day and night over nine days delivering British and Allied troops from the beaches to larger ships lying offshore to continue the fight against Nazi tyranny.

Little Ships will assemble in Ramsgate this weekend, 17-19 May, to moor in the inner harbour and depart for Dunkirk on the early morning of Wednesday 21 May.

17-19 May: Little Ships arrive in Ramsgate independently and in small groups, mooring in the Inner Harbour.

20 May: A full day of events with a parade leading through the town and harbour front followed by a service in the Sailor’s Church; the parade also includes the unveiling of the refurbished Operation Dynamo memorial and the dedication of the bell from Crested Eagle, sunk off of Bray Dunes beach east of Dunkirk 29th May 1940. A briefing will be held for all Little Ships Skippers that evening to confirm the final details for the crossing and give the ‘Go’ decision.

21 May:  0530-0730: Little Ships depart Ramsgate escorted by the Royal Navy, the RNLI and Nelson safety vessels. ‘Dunkirk 85’ is underway.

21 -26 May: Commemorative events in Dunkirk.

The bulk of the Naval craft accompanying the little ships – which in 1940 comprised hundreds of fishing boats, pleasure yachts and lifeboats among a motley assortment – will be P2000 fast patrol vessels of the Coastal Forces Squadron. Seven of them in total.

Squadron Commanding Officer, Commander Carla Higgins, said: “It is hugely important to continue to commemorate such events in our history and highlighting the role such ‘little ships’ had to play in Operation Dynamo.

“Coastal Forces Squadron is very proud to be a part of this event, particularly since it has been 10 years since the last commemoration of this scale. 

“It will be quite a spectacle to see so many paying their respects across the channel. We wish for fair winds for all.”

Twenty-one personnel from Victory Squadron at HMS Collingwood are also involved, embarked in the Little Ships for the crossing.

There are four Royal Navy veterans who are part of crews of the Little Ships.

The Little Ships gathered together in Ramsgate will make a magnificent sight, all in the Inner Harbour and open to view, either from the harbour walls above or on the pontoon moorings.

Twelve of the Little Ships gathered in the Inner Harbour took part in the making of Christopher Nolan’s epic Oscar winning ‘Dunkirk’ film in 2016.

Kevin Finn, Commodore of The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships, said: “Ramsgate is my hometown, it will be great to have a fleet of the Little Ships here again for our five-yearly crossing to Dunkirk. 

“Ramsgate and Dunkirk are pulling out all the stops to commemorate, celebrate and educate throughout our stay in the very centre of these two excellent ports.”

Ian Gilbert, Honorary Vice Admiral of The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships added: “The fleet will soon gather in Ramsgate for this return to Dunkirk, which is made all the more special by the number of Little Ships involved, more than has been seen previously. 

“A vast amount of work is going on at present to make sure the Little Ships look their very best and are fully prepared for the channel crossing.”