The vessel originally named Kitty was built in 1936 for a Mr. Beech. By the time of Operation Dynamo during World War II, she was owned by a Mr. Wilkinson and participated in the evacuation at Dunkirk, ferrying troops from the beaches to transport ships offshore.

Following the war, the vessel was renamed Zena and passed through several owners. In the 1960s, Leonard Fierstone undertook extensive restoration work, replacing the original two petrol engines with a 47hp Perkins and a 7hp Volvo diesel engine. During this period, the vessel navigated the French and Dutch canals to the south of France, where Fierstone established a boat-building yard and chandlery business. Despite this, the vessel was regularly returned to the Thames.

In 1975, Mr. and Mrs. P.E. Caspari purchased the vessel at Harleyford Marina, maintaining her in excellent condition and limiting her use to the Thames.

Len Jones acquired the vessel in 1979, initially unaware of her Dunkirk service. After meeting the owner of the Dunkirk Little Ship Latona, Jones was informed that the vessel, then named Aureol, was in fact the former Kitty that had taken part in Operation Dynamo. Verification was sought from the late John Knight, Honorary Archivist of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships (ADLS), who meticulously confirmed her history through Naval and Ministry of Defence records, the Imperial War Museum archives, and his personal collection of war literature. Upon confirmation, Aureol was admitted to the ADLS.

Simon Jones, son of Len Jones, currently owns Aureol and regularly participates in ADLS rallies and events. In 1985, while en route to the 45th Anniversary Rally at Dunkirk, the vessel suffered a gearbox failure near Dover but was still awarded a commemorative plaque for her effort. Subsequently, Aureol successfully completed the Dunkirk Returns in 1990, 1995, and 2000.

Preparations for the 2000 Return began in 1997 with significant hull repairs, including the replacement of cracked oak ribs on the port side and the addition of an iron band beneath the keel to stabilize the hull and improve ballast trim. The wing engine was replaced with a modern three-cylinder 20hp Japanese diesel. In 1999, further repairs addressed cracked ribs on the starboard side, and the vessel’s wheelhouse was redesigned and rebuilt using modern epoxy glue techniques. The new wheelhouse features a taller, stronger structure with larger windows for improved visibility, combining contemporary styling with traditional elements such as a V-shaped opening front window panel. It is noted that the original 1936 launch did not include a wheelhouse.

Maintenance remains an ongoing priority. Plans for the 2005 Return and additional coastal cruising are underway. A key focus is upgrading the aging main diesel engine, which, despite functioning well, faces challenges due to the scarcity of replacement parts for ancillary systems such as cooling and electrics. Additionally, there is a desire for a more powerful engine. Refitting the galley and continuous interior painting and varnishing are also planned.

Under the stewardship of the Jones family, Aureol has gradually relocated down the Thames from Wallingford to Cookham and is currently moored at Weybridge. The vessel cruises the Thames regularly during summer and participates in every Thames Traditional Boat Rally. Simon Jones is a member of the Rampart Owners Club, established in 1999 by descendants of the original Rampart business founders. Aureol is a "No. 8" design and, as the first boat built in 1936, is among the smallest and oldest represented in the club.