AGM
Private event for members only, details will be sent out in due course
6th March 2026
Welcome to
The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships
The object of the Association is to keep alive and preserve for posterity the memory and identity of those 'Little Ships' that went to the aid of the British Expeditionary Force in 1940 and took part in Operations Dynamo, Cycle and Aerial and to preserve the "Spirit of Dunkirk" by forming a registered Association of their present day owners and of those closely associated. Vessels from all three Operations are included within the ADLS and are collectively known as 'Dunkirk Little Ships'.
HRH Prince Michael Of Kent GCVO
Honorary Admiral
The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships
The Spirit of Dunkirk
Operation Dynamo May - June 1940
The Dunkirk evacuation, code-named Operation Dynamo, also known as the Miracle of Dunkirk, was the evacuation of Allied soldiers during World War II from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk, in the north of France, between 26 May and 4 June 1940. The object of the Association is to keep alive and preserve for posterity the memory and identity of those ‘Little Ships’ that went to the aid of the British Expeditionary Force in 1940 and took part in Operations Dynamo, Cycle and Aerial and to preserve the “Spirit of Dunkirk” by forming a registered Association of their present day owners and of those closely associated.
What is the ADLS
Operation Dynamo
"The Admiralty have made an Order requesting all owners of self-propelled pleasure craft between 30' and 100' in length to send all particulars to the Admiralty within 14 days from today if they have not already been offered or requisitioned"
BBC announcement on the 14th May 1940.
What is Operation Dynamo and the events surrounding the biggest evacuation in military history.
Find out More
Was my boat at Dunkirk
How do I identify if my boat took part in the Dunkirk Evacuations ?
If you think your boat took part in Operation Dynamo, Cycle or Aerial please read the following information on researching a Dunkirk Little Ships provenance.
Identifying an DLS
The Little Ships
BBC announcement on the 14th May 1940.
What is Operation Dynamo and the events surrounding the biggest evacuation in military history.
A collection of approximately 850 private boats and 20 warships participated in Operation Dynamo, not all were documented or known. More than 200 ships were lost at Dunkirk.
The term Little Ship applies to all craft that were originally privately owned and includes commercial vessels such as barges, British, French, Belgian and Dutch fishing vessels and pleasure steamers. The Association does include some ex-Service vessels, which are now privately owned, and ex-Lifeboats.
Events
ADLS events and key dates for members and supporters. Please see below for 2026's schedule.
Fitting Out Supper
Private event for members only, Details will be sent out in due course
21st March 2026
86th Commemorative Cruise
Ramsgate Royal Harbour Details will be sent out in due course
21st to 25th May 2026
Laying Up Supper
Private event for members only, Details will be sent out in due course
TBC 2026
The Committee
The Committee of the ADLS is made up of volunteers and we will endeavour to answer all enquiries, many of which can be answered by our events page and or following us on social media.
Meet The Team
Latest News
Recent updates and announcements from the Association.
9 Mar 2026
AGM 2026 Election Results Published
Following the AGM on Friday 6 March 2026, Simon Palmer issued the final election count. Officers and committee appointments have now been confirmed and recorded for members.
Read More
5 Mar 2026
Treasurer's Report Published Ahead of AGM
The Treasurer's Report has been issued ahead of the AGM. Members attending can print and bring a copy. Queries can be sent to treasurer@adls.org.uk. Documents: Accounts and Financial Report.
Read More
3 Mar 2026
57th Fitting-Out Supper: Final Booking Week
Bookings close Sunday 8th March for the supper at Brooklands Museum on 21st March 2026. Tickets are £95 including welcome drink, three-course meal, port, tea and coffee. Dress code is black tie.
Read More
16 Feb 2026
AGM Notice, Voting Process and Election Nominations
AGM documents were issued for 6th March 2026 (notice, minutes, electronic ballot, calendar and rules). Electronic voting was preferred and candidate profiles were published for committee and non-committee roles.
Read More
CONTACT US
The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships is a private members organisation who collectively aim to commemorate the events surrounding Operations Dynamo, Cycle & Aerial in May/June 1940.
We are a not for profit association and are not a Charity or a Trust. Although many of the individual ships may be part of trusts, they are not run or organised by the ADLS, whilst we encourage all members, private, trust and charitable alike we do not raise or ask for funds.
Thank you for your continued interest and support.