The 2025 commemorative crossing
From 16 to 26 May 2025, commemorative events were held in both the United Kingdom and France to mark the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo. On 21 May, a fleet of 66 restored Little Ships departed Ramsgate Royal Harbour at dawn, setting course for Dunkirk. This event marked the largest gathering of these historic vessels since the evacuation itself. The flotilla was escorted by seven Royal Navy P2000 patrol boats and supported by RNLI lifeboats, ensuring both ceremonial honour and safety for the journey.
Read our earlier article (2nd May) on the Little Ships. Click here.
Thousands of spectators lined the harbour to witness the departure, reflecting the enduring public interest in the Dunkirk story. The crossing was not without its challenges; the fleet had to alter course due to a migrant boat in distress, highlighting contemporary maritime issues intersecting with historical remembrance.
The role of the Royal Navy and RNLI
The Royal Navy’s involvement underscored the operation’s significance. Seven P2000 patrol vessels from the Coastal Forces Squadron provided a guard of honour, a nod to the naval coordination that was crucial during the original evacuation. The RNLI’s participation also paid homage to the lifesaving efforts of both organisations, past and present.
PS Medway Queen: a floating memorial
Among the fleet, the PS Medway Queen held a place of honour. Known for making seven trips during the 1940 evacuation, she was towed from Gillingham Pier to Ramsgate to serve as a centrepiece for the commemorations.
Open to visitors, the Medway Queen hosted formal receptions and stood as a tangible link to the past, embodying the spirit and resilience of those tumultuous days.
Commemorative events in Ramsgate and Dunkirk
Both Ramsgate and Dunkirk hosted a series of events to honour the anniversary. In Ramsgate, a parade led through the town to the harbour, culminating in a service at the Sailor’s Church and the unveiling of a refurbished Operation Dynamo memorial. Dunkirk welcomed the fleet with commemorations that included parades and exhibitions, reinforcing the shared history between the two ports.
Preserving the legacy
The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships (ADLS) continues to play a vital role in preserving the legacy of Operation Dynamo. By organising commemorative crossings and maintaining the vessels, the ADLS ensures that the stories of bravery and solidarity are not forgotten. The 2025 crossing was particularly poignant, marking the first without any surviving veterans, thus passing the torch of remembrance to the vessels themselves and their custodians.
A royal reflection
As part of the commemorations, Queen Camilla released a personal message on 31 May 2025, honouring the courage and sacrifice shown during Operation Dynamo. She spoke movingly about her late father, Major Bruce Shand, who was among the hundreds of thousands evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk. In her message, the Queen recalled how he waded out to a cement ship “commanded by a midshipman who looked about twelve, assisted by a boatswain aged eighty.”
“He and his comrades would be grateful beyond words,” she wrote, paying tribute to the thousands of civilian volunteers who risked their lives to bring the stranded soldiers home. Her words offered a deeply personal reminder of how the legacy of Dunkirk lives on, not just in history books, but in the families of those who were there.
Challenges and reflections
The journey was not without its trials. Adverse weather conditions forced the flotilla to abandon their ceremonial return to the UK, a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea and the challenges faced by those in 1940. Additionally, the need to divert due to a migrant boat in distress brought contemporary issues into sharp relief, prompting reflections on the ongoing humanitarian challenges in the Channel.
A living history
The 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo served not only as a commemoration but also as a living history lesson. By engaging with the vessels and their stories, new generations gain insight into the extraordinary efforts of ordinary people during a time of crisis. The Little Ships, lovingly maintained and sailed by dedicated individuals, continue to embody the spirit of resilience and unity that defined the Dunkirk evacuation.
