Dunkerque 75th.

[oldgit]

A few pictures taken on the RCC cruise to Dunkerque via Ramsgate.A chance to cruise in company with the ADLS to experience the journey taken in 1940 to evacuate nearly 340,000 allied troops from the harbour and beaches around Dunkerque.Probably be thousands of pictures of the little ships much better than any I could produce,so mine are basically of the cruise across La Manche.
Ramsgate put on few things to celebrate including a Tea Dance on the quay where a local 1940s dance group performed their heart out to a unforgivably sparse audience.
Lunch and the view from in The Royal Temple was well worth all those steps.
A lumpy trip along the North Kent on Wednesday,using the Princess Channel, eased a bit as we went round North Foreland.
Thursday saw the first of the ADLS set out in glorious sunshine and flypast by a Spitfire and Hurricane.
Waiting for the off.

Good crowd saw them off from the harbour wall along with TV crews.

Sailing barge Greta went in company with Pudge .Both of them were sailing faster than the ADLS motoring as the breeze picked up.

ADLS set off,we follow them out a short time later.

Catch them up around the Sandeitte lightship and pass them heading for Dunkerque Passage.We were requested to stay at least 2 miles away.

The bumps return !

Memorial Service held on the dunes..it was freezing cold.

A few more later if anybody is interested. ?

 

[Flynnbarr]

Please sir can I have some more

Got any of woodies?

 

[TrueBlue]

Lovely pics, Fred - You've been taking lessons from B1?????

And sewn Red - but you're entitled to a Blue??

More, More, More (please...)

 

[sailorman]

We saw The Maid Marion coming out of the Deben last w/e on her way

 

[Gavi]

SWMBO is on one of them and they had to cancel their crossing today - too bouncy for the displacement boats. Departing at 0500 tomorrow. Me and the cats are enjoying another day of peace

 

[oldgit]

SWMBO is on one of them and they had to cancel their crossing today - too bouncy for the displacement boats. Departing at 0500 tomorrow. Me and the cats are enjoying another day of peace

We had also planned to depart on the Monday but after having quick look at the weather forecast,decided to come home a day early.
As we passed the ADLS on the way over they were having a bit of an uncomfortable time.
Can well understand any decision to delay return.Sensible move.
It took us around 5 hours at 10 knots ,probably took them approaching twice that, exhausting journey,all that time at the wheel.
We had a Birchwood 33 with us and he was having a difficult time holding a heading.

 

[SnowCat]

Lovely photos. More please?