Return to Dunkirk

This May will see Endeavour return to Dunkirk for the first time since 2015. This pilgrimage should take place every five years, but Covid put pay to the 2020 trip.

This marks the 85th anniversary of the Miracle of Dunkirk, the rescue of the British Army from the French coast from what should have been a crushing defeat by the vastly superior surrounding German army.

We will be attending an Association of Dunkirk Little Ships skipper’s briefing on Sunday 2nd March in Weybridge, Surrey, and a final briefing in early May at HMS President in London.

There are a lot of ships planning on attending—circa 60 vessels—and the flotilla will also take Royal Navy ratings, much like it did during the actual Dunkirk evacuation.

The Belgians and French will also have military vessels in attendance. All which requires careful co-ordination, so it is essential we attend these briefings.

Endeavour will be departing from Leigh to rendezvous with the ADLS flotilla in Ramsgate no later than the 20th of May, which means departing on a 0500 tide.

There will be a crew of 6/ 7, plus Michael Guy of the Leigh Times joining for Ramsgate to Dunkirk and perhaps the return. Crew and guests pay for their accommodation during these trips.

We anticipate a full programme of memorial services, parades, receptions and opening the flotilla to inspection by the public.

Full details to be confirmed in due course.

Endeavour will return from Dunkirk on the 26th of May, arriving back in Leigh the following day, though naturally all timings are subject to the whims of the weather.