Photographer Mike Goldwater has announced a second print run of his acclaimed book documenting the Dunkirk Little Ships and the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo, following the complete sell-out of the first edition at its launch at the Royal Temple Yacht Club. The stunning 200-page volume chronicles the historic World War II evacuation that saved more than 338,000 Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk between May 26 and June 4, 1940.
Operation Dynamo involved an extraordinary fleet of civilian vessels - yachts, motor cruisers, fishing boats, and other small craft - that could navigate close enough to Dunkirk's beaches to rescue troops and ferry them to waiting freighters, passenger ships, and warships, or transport them directly back to the harbors of Margate and Ramsgate. These Little Ships and their brave civilian crews gave rise to the enduring term "Dunkirk spirit," symbolizing courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.
Goldwater's comprehensive book documents each of the 52 Little Ships and support vessels that participated in the 85th anniversary commemoration, capturing the celebrations, the people involved, and their remarkable stories. As a documentary photographer and photojournalist who founded the British photo agency Network Photographers, Goldwater brings decades of experience to this project. His previous works include "Indus Journey," "Promised Lands," "Acqua," "London Underground," and last year's "Island," which explored the places and people of Thanet.
The photographer was commissioned by Kevin Finn, Commodore of the Dunkirk Little Ships Association, and Chris Cox of the Royal Temple Yacht Club to document the extensive program of events marking the anniversary of the wartime rescue. Goldwater, whose wife Wendy is a Thanet native, maintains a home in Ramsgate, allowing the family to make frequent visits to the area. "I thought it was an interesting idea and as it evolved I thought there was a lot there and I should make a book out of it," he explained.
The book captures a wide range of commemorative events, including a Little Ships concert, a spectacular projection of Operation Dynamo onto the Clock House, parades, and a visit by Prince Michael of Kent, who serves as Honorary Admiral of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships. Among the most poignant moments documented are the dawn departure of ships like Riis I, White Wing, Jeff, and Nydia from Ramsgate Harbor on May 21st, bound for Dunkirk, and the crowds greeting vessels like Hilfranor as they entered Ramsgate's inner harbor.
The volume features compelling personal stories from those connected to the original operation. Ramsgate native Ron Tomlinson's remarkable tale stands out - as a young engineer aboard the commandeered vessel Tankerton Towers during the original evacuation, he helped transport troops from the beaches to larger ships or back to Ramsgate. Driven by a sense of duty, Ron and his brother Alan "stole" a boat from Ramsgate harbor after their official mission ended, returning to Dunkirk to ferry people back and forth to larger vessels an incredible 16 times. The brothers commandeered the Tom Tit, a vessel that had suffered fire damage, for their unauthorized but heroic missions.
Another powerful story featured in the book is that of Les Burgess, whose father Jack served aboard the Watchful during Operation Dynamo in May and June 1940. The Watchful made ten successful trips to rescue troops from Dunkirk's beaches, but on the eleventh attempt, while Jack was steering the vessel, it was attacked by a Junker Stuka dive bomber and took a direct hit. Despite the damage, the crew managed to limp the Watchful back to Dover, where she was beached by the Clock Tower. In a moment that captures the spirit of the time, Jack and his crew jumped off the damaged vessel and headed straight to a pub for a well-deserved drink.
The book provides a comprehensive short history of Operation Dynamo while honoring both those who survived the operation and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It documents various ceremonial aspects of the anniversary commemoration, including a touching service conducted by Vicar Paul Worledge at the Sailors' Church before the Little Ships set sail for Dunkirk, with Standard Bearer Lee Reynolds lowering the Union flag. The Royal Marines Marching Band's procession from the Sailors' Church during the parade added military pageantry to the solemn remembrance.
Goldwater's photographic documentation extends to moments of camaraderie and tradition, capturing skippers, owners, and crew members of the Little Ships assembling with Royal Navy personnel by the historic Medway Queen for a traditional rum tot ceremony. The book also includes images of Prince Michael of Kent with members of the Royal Navy's HMS Collingwood in Dunkirk Harbor, preparing for a ceremony at the Commonwealth War Graves in Dunkirk, emphasizing the international significance of the commemoration.
The publication features contributions from multiple photographers, including black and white photographs by David Babaian and additional images by Ramsgate's Mark Stanford, providing diverse perspectives on the anniversary events. Prince Michael of Kent has written a foreword for the book, lending royal endorsement to this important historical documentation. One particularly striking image shows the Thames barge Greta, one of the oldest vessels in the fleet, leaving Ramsgate for Dunkirk alongside other Little Ships.
The second edition of "Dunkirk Little Ships and the 85th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo" is now available for order at $25 plus $6 for shipping through Goldwater's website. The book serves not only as a photographic record of the anniversary commemoration but also as a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who participated in one of World War II's most remarkable rescue operations, ensuring that the stories of both the original heroes and those who honor their memory today continue to inspire future generations.
