75th Anniversary Return to Dunkirk 21st to 25th May 2015

The Association has received an official invitation from the Mayor of Dunkirk to return to Dunkirk in May 2015 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Operation Dynamo. It is expected that over 50 Little Ships escorted by the RNLI and the Royal Navy will take part in the Return.

The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships has organised a Commemorative Return every five years since 1970. Despite the average age of the Little Ships now being close to 80 years it is anticipated that this Return may be the biggest yet. The task of taking this many elderly, traditional vessels across one of the world busiest shipping lanes is by no means insignificant. In fact the event is quite unique. With the exception of a small number of vessels that are operated by 'Trusts', all Little Ships are privately owned and receive no financial or other assistance from any public body or NGO.

Association of Dunkirk Little ShipsAssociation of Dunkirk Little Ships

The programme detailed below is subject to change and is weather dependant. Even the task of getting the Little Ships to Ramsgate can be challenging. Generally winds up to force four are considered acceptable. But a 'four' can easily become a 'five' with exciting results. Readers may wish to view the following link to understand how the Little Ships can move around in, even, moderate seas.

http://www.adls.org.uk/t1/content/75th-anniversary-return-dunkirk-21st-25th-may-2015

It was a miracle. Around 2/3 of a million men picked up from the beaches of Dunkirk to return and fight another day. And all those little boats played their part.

Well done those men and women.

It was a great achievement and much thanks goes to the many people who selfishly took their boats of all sizes over to help the soldiers. In a way they were lucky, as if Hitler had not ordered a halt of his armies to rest and regroup and relied on the advice of Goring that he could destroy the allied forces with the Luftwaffe. This makes the achievement even greater because of the relentless Luftwaffe attacks. It could have ended different if the Germans had continue their advance.


Well done indeed to all those who made such a sacrifice in helping.

It was a prime example of the British turning sa disaster in to a fantastic achievment every man involved should be very proud as should the nation.
I do believe they were allowed to escape to a certain degree though but this in no way denegrates this achievment.