Lamouette was launched in Portsmouth in 1936 as a naval pinnace, constructed following the design of a Norwegian whaler. Initially, she served as an Admiral's barge. In 1937, she was sold out of naval service and registered with Lloyd's as a yacht under the ownership of R.S. Wayland and H.R.P. Drane, both based in Southsea.

By 1939, Lamouette had relocated to the Thames and was in prime condition at the time of the Dunkirk evacuation. She was part of the fleet assembled on the Thames by Douglas Tough at Teddington. Records indicate that Lamouette returned from Dunkirk without her dinghy, which was subsequently replaced at a cost of £8.10s.

After 1946, when her pre-war owners did not reclaim her, Lamouette was purchased for £201 by Marshall Hayes, an engineer. Hayes used the vessel as a home for his wife, Grace, and their daughter while relocating to the South of England for work. During their journey south, Lamouette experienced engine trouble in Norfolk, where the family developed an affinity for the area and spent subsequent winters there. Summers were spent cruising the South Coast, including excursions across the Channel to Calais and the Mediterranean. The vessel was equipped with calor gas lighting and an anthracite stove, providing comfortable accommodation throughout the year.

In 1964, Lamouette was acquired by Ian Rennie, a builder. During the 1970s, while demolishing houses in Plaistow, Rennie discovered that one of the properties had belonged to a crew member who sailed Lamouette during the Dunkirk evacuation. Crew records from Dunkirk list Hugh Knowles of Great Bookham, G.H. Minton of Twickenham, and L. Gates. Despite appeals through press and radio, no contact was established with these individuals.

Following early retirement in 1986, Ian and Daphne Rennie took Lamouette to Spain, returning to the United Kingdom for the 1990 Dunkirk Return. As a founding member of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships, Lamouette has participated in every Return to Dunkirk event. Ian and Daphne Rennie have spent summers cruising and promoting both the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships and the Dunkirk Little Ships Restoration Trust.

As of spring 2018, Lamouette remained in Ramsgate Harbour, moored opposite the Sailors Church, having recently changed ownership once again.