In 1963, Raymond Baxter, a fighter pilot, author, and renowned broadcaster, aspired to own a gentleman's motor yacht for cruising the River Thames between Lechlade and the estuary, with occasional ventures up the Medway. After an unsuccessful attempt to restore a boat named Nomad, he discovered a vessel that would profoundly impact his life.

While driving through Staines one evening, Baxter noticed a boat moored at Stanley Timms' boatyard that captivated him. The vessel, pristine and elegant with a white hull and green deck, bore a polished brass plate inscribed with "Dunkirk 1940." This boat, named L'Orage by its first post-war owner, was one of the heroic Little Ships that participated in the Dunkirk evacuation.

Owned at the time by a bank manager from Strawberry Hill, Baxter expressed interest in purchasing the boat should it become available. Within a month, he acquired L'Orage for £1,150, including a sturdy copper-cleated clinker-built dinghy.

L'Orage became a significant part of Baxter's family life for over twenty-five years. Alongside Commander Charles Lamb and John Knight, Baxter co-founded the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships (ADLS), an organization dedicated to preserving these historic vessels. Baxter later served as the Honorary Admiral of the ADLS following the death of Charles Lamb.

Wooden boats such as L'Orage require continuous maintenance due to the natural deterioration of timber when exposed to water and air. Baxter described this ongoing care as "the running battle we all wage to keep the old ladies afloat." Over the years, L'Orage underwent several repairs, including replacement of the starboard beam shelf and beam ends in 1989, and installation of new Iroko planks on oak ribs following a surveyor's recommendation in 1991.

In 1999, the vessel's petrol engine was replaced with a Beta 1505 diesel engine, significantly improving running costs and convenience. By July 1999, L'Orage was in excellent condition and proudly flew the flag of the Honorary Admiral of the Association during the 60th Anniversary Return.

Following the passing of Raymond Baxter, L'Orage was sold to new owners, John and Sally, in 2009. The vessel underwent a full restoration that year and was in fine condition for the 2010 and 2015 Dunkirk returns.