Some 30 Little Ships, all of which took part in the historic evacuation of 338,000 British and French troops from Dunkirk in 1940, will be taking part in their annual commemorative cruise during the forthcoming Bank Holiday weekend. This year, they meet at Ramsgate, from where some 700 Little Ships sailed for the beaches of Dunkirk 71 yeas ago.
On Sunday 29 May at 11.00 a.m. there will be a commemorative service at the Fisherman’s Church in The Royal Harbour, followed by Wreath laying from the Little Ships outside the harbour (weather permitting).
The Association would be delighted to welcome visitors.
Between 26 May and 5 June 1940, fishermen, lifeboatmen, yachtsmen and members of the Royal Navy put to sea in anything that would float. They braved mines, Eboats and the Luftwaffe to play their part in rescuing troops from the beaches at Dunkirk. One such ‘Little Ship’ flies the flag of the Commodore of the Association, Richard Basey. His Motor Torpedo Boat, MTB102, was built in 1937 by Vospers and at the time was the smallest and fastest warship in the Royal Navy, capable of 48 knots. He said “I received the ultimate honour of being elected Commodore of this remarkable Association and to a quiet Norfolk boy with a funny accent, this is an honour indeed”.
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