Some of the wooden boats which helped rescue more than 338,000 British and French soldiers trapped on the beaches in northern France in the Second World War have left for Dunkirk.
The 19 Dunkirk Little Ships departed from the Royal Victoria Dock in east London. They are part of a fleet of around 55 boats which are crossing the Channel to help mark the historic episode in the Second World War.
To cope with the expected poor weather, the boats left two days ahead of schedule to ensure both the crews and the vessels are safe. It also meant there were not huge crowds to wave off the historic boats on their journey.
Ian Gilbert, commodore of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships, said there is huge pride in being involved in the event, which marks the 75th anniversary of the great rescue – which was named Operation Dynamo.
Mr Gilbert said: “As we go further away from 1940 the little ships become the sole living reminder of Operation Dynamo which resulted in the phrase ‘the Dunkirk spirit’.
“The little ships represent that and there are very few veterans left who can tell that story, but the ships help with that. I think it gives us all a sense of pride and purpose.”
The boats are British-made and an average of around 80 years old.
The trip is made by the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships with the historic boats every five years.