Legendary Little Ships of Dunkirk set sail for 85th anniversary voyage

21 May 2025, 14:38 | Updated: 22 May 2025, 13:31

A flotilla of Little Ships sail out of Ramsgate, Kent, during the start of 'Dunkirk 85', the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships (ADLS) commemorative cruise to Dunkirk, to mark the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo. Picture: Alamy

By Lucy Harvey

The ‘Little Ships of Dunkirk’ have set sail across the English Channel for the anniversary of the great World War Two evacuation.

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Eighty-five years ago, between 26 May and 4 June 1940, about 850 private boats of all shapes and sizes sailed from UK shores through heavy enemy fire on a rescue mission to save Allied troops stranded on the beaches and harbour at Dunkirk as the Nazis swept through France.

Re-enacting the heroic Operation Dynamo voyage, which saw more than 338,000 soldiers rescued to fight another day, is a flotilla of 66 little ships which left Ramsgate Royal Harbour at 6am today and are expected arrive late afternoon in Dunkirk.

The Little Ships were among those who answered the call 85 years ago, to send small vessels to Dunkirk to help rescue some of the nearly 340,000 British, French and Belgian troops stuck there. Picture: Alamy

This year's crossing marks the first time the little ships have made the journey since 2015. Picture: Alamy

Crew member Rachel Turner securing flags on the Bou Saada as Little Ships gather in Ramsgate. Picture: Alamy

These iconic ships have been escorted to the French port by seven Royal Navy patrol vessels, as well as RNLI lifeboats, accompanied by scores of spectator craft.

Making the commemorations even more poignant was the death of the last naval known veteran of Dunkirk – telegraphist Duncan McInnes, who died at the age of 105 last week in Australia just days before the 85th anniversary.

Duncan served on Admiralty S-class destroyer, HMS Saladin, during Operation Dynamo and the little ships lowered their ensigns to half-mast on Monday to mark his passing.

“This will be the first time when we’ve gone over when there are no veterans,” said Ian Gilbert, Honorary Vice Admiral, Association of Dunkirk Little Ships. “The little ships are the veterans because the living link has now gone and we have to keep these boats alive to keep the memory alive.”

Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of British and Allied troops from Dunkirk — One of the little ships being towed into Dover Harbour as part of Operation Dynamo was Quisisana (right) who returned with 18 Coldstream Guards on board. Picture: Ann Ronan Picture Library/Photo12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

he little ship being towed into Dover Harbour, is Quisisana who returned with 18 Coldstream Guards on board — Quisisana has recently undergone a full restoration and is part of the flotilla of 66. Picture: Phil Christodolou

Commemorative events started yesterday (May 20), with seven P2000 patrol craft of the Royal Navy’s Coastal Forces Squadron arriving in Ramsgate, joining the flotilla of little ships.

Twenty-one personnel from Victory Squadron at HMS Collingwood are also involved, embarking in the little ships for the crossing.

Musicians of the Royal Marines Band from Portsmouth paraded in Ramsgate as His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, Commodore-in-Chief of the Maritime Reserves, took the salute and unveiled a statue that commemorates the events on Dunkirk.

Prince Michael of Kent at the unveiling of the refurbished Dunkirk Memorial and dedication of the bell of Crested Eagle ship that was lost in Dunkirk in 1940 in Ramsgate, Kent. Picture: Alamy

Royal Marines Band Portsmouth marching down Ramsgate Harbour. Picture: UK Ministry of Defence

Coastal Forces 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 ten years since the last commemoration of this scale.

“It will be quite a spectacle to see so many paying their respects across the Channel.”

Once in Dunkirk commemorative events will take place until 26 May.