Association of Dunkirk Little Ships

Nineteen RNLI lifeboats from as far North as Great Yarmouth and East from Poole, were at Dunkirk while the RNLI still maintained its service along the English coast. Built and maintained entirely by voluntary contributions, many of the lifeboats were manned by dedicated volunteers, who often considered themselves to be more experienced seamen than the RNVR crews who took their place. The lifeboatmen had a very personal attachment to their boats and did not take kindly to the idea of beaching them at La Panne.