Hey everyone!
A large event was held over the weekend in Ramsgate Royal Harbour to commemorate the Little Ships Of Dunkirk that took part in Operation Dynamo in 1940.
This year is the 85th anniversary and there was a huge turn out both in terms of boats that actually took part in bringing back soldiers and the public coming to see them docked in the harbour. This week the Little Ships will sail to Dunkirk in a flotilla then return the following week as they did all those years ago.
The 'star of the show' is a paddle steamer named Medway Queen. Sister ship to the Waverley I have featured in the past - this vessel was built in 1924 and served the River Medway in Kent and the surrounding area. During Operation Dynamo, Medway Queen made an incredible seven return trips and was responsible for bringing back over 7000 soldiers.
She was rebuilt in 1946 to resume passenger transportation until 1963. She was saved from scrapping by the breakers yard after learning her significance and was briefly based on the Isle of Wight - as a nightclub(!) - before finding her current home in Kent.
On the day, she was towed from her home in Gillingham as she doesn't currently have a boiler. There are constant funding efforts made by volunteers to supply one as well as keeping her maintained and afloat.
Following her in from the sea to the harbour arms with the drone, I had a slight challenge flying against the wind. More importantly - it was quite startling how much of a challenge the tug boats had whilst manoeuvring her. Even within the protected outer walls, the swells and currents were moving her around were apparent!
Below, a few Little Ships can be seen in amongst the modern day vessels as well as a sailing barge. The vast majority were in a separate part of the harbour.
Until the next time!
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