Association of Dunkirk Little Ships

FOLLOWING THE SUCCESSFUL RETURN TO DUNKIRK< THE ADLS ARE NOW PREPARING FOR THE ANNUAL VETERANS CRUISE, WHICH THIS YEAR TAKES PLACE ON SUNDAY 5 SEPTEMBER. THE FLOTILLA OF LITTLE SHIPS WILL MOOR DOWNSTREAM OF KINGSTON BRIDGE FOR VETERANS TO EMBARK AT 0915 FOR A 0945 DEPARTURE, AND WILL TRANSIT EAST MOLESEY AND SUNBURY LOCKS TO MAKE AN ETA AT THE WEYBRIDGE MARINERS CLUB OF APPROXIMATELY 1300. THE VETERANS WILL BE HOSTED THERE TO LUNCH BEFORE RETURNING TO KINGSTON IN A FLEET OF PERIOD VEHICLES AT APPROXIMATELY 1530.

Every 5 years the Association organises a cross-channel return to Dunkirk. 2010 is the 70th anniversary of Operation Dynamo and so far over 50 Little Ships have indicated that they will make the crossing from Ramsgate to Dunkirk. Subject to urgent operational commitments, the Royal Navy has confirmed that it will provide HMS Monmouth, a Type 23 Duke Class Frigate to act as escort ship for this anniversary crossing and ceremonies in Dunkirk. HMS Raider, a P2000 University Royal Naval Unit Vessel will also be present to provide close support if required.

The Annual Veterans Cruise is one of the most important events in the ADLS calendar. Originally conceived as an opportunity to reunite participants in Operation Dynamo with the Little Ships, the event now includes Veterans from D-Day and other operations of WWII.