OUR HISTORY
The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships was founded in 1966, with Richard Carr as Commodore and ten craft represented by owner members. Their objective was to organise and preserve the annual crossings and associated events around Dunkirk, with annual reunions and occasional 'returns' to Dunkirk.
In 1970 an election was held and Commander Charles Lamb became Commodore. In 1972 Raymond Baxter OBE became Commodore and in 1975 John Knight OBE became Commodore.
Our Mission
The objective of the Association remains to preserve and support those little ships and larger vessels that took part in Operations Dynamo, Cycle and Aerial in May and June 1940; and all those associated with these Operations in making annual pilgrimages from Ramsgate to Dunkirk.
The annual crossing in memory of all those that gave their lives in these operations, has become a significant event in the annual yachting calendar and we are fortunate to have support from members and associated organisations in preserving this very unique event and preserving the memory of those that served and were lost in and around Dunkirk in 1940.
Keeping this important chapter in history alive, with the annual crossing from Ramsgate to Dunkirk.
The event has become known worldwide and receives support from major military and civic organisations in both England and France and attracts many followers and observers of both British and French extraction.