It’s been 85 years since a whole host of valiant vessels sailed to northern France to evacuate allied soldiers from the coast of Dunkirk. Code-named Operation Dynamo; the extensive evacuation saw a whopping 338,000 soldiers rescued between May 26 and June 4, 1940.
A fearless fleet of approximately 850 boats and warships were involved in the operation – and whilst over 200 of them were sadly lost, many are still floating around to this very day. And you may well get the chance to see some of them very soon, as a rather hefty flotilla of what are now known as ‘Dunkirk Little Ships’ will be crossing the Channel next month to commemorate the momentous historical event. And a fair few of them will be passing through the capital city first.
Dunkirk 85
Organised every five years by the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships, the 2025 commemorative crossing will see 74 ships take to the Channel. This will be the largest flotilla to do so since 1940. Dunkirk 85 will also be particularly special as it will be the first time the ships have made the crossing in ten years, due to that minor set-back we all endured in 2020.
The boats will start to assemble in Ramsgate from May 17, before embarking on their 10 hour trip to Dunkirk on May 21. And although the Kent coast makes for a pretty dreamy day trip from London; if you fancy seeing the rather boat-iful display a bit closer to home – you happen to be in luck, folks.
The Upper and Middle Thames Flotilla will be sailing to Ramsgate via the capital city. They’ll pass through Teddington on May 14, and will then sail through London at various points throughout the following days. Many of the ships will even spend the night at St Katherine Docks on May 15. So plenty of lucky Londoners will be able to feast their eyes on some of the spectacular ships.
Find out more about the commemorative crossing here.