June 1940, during one of the most desperate moments of World War II, a remarkable fleet of civilian and military vessels set sail across the English Channel to rescue stranded British and Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk. Among these brave vessels were commercial boats from Poole, a town with a rich maritime history. These boats, typically used for passenger transport and leisure cruises, were suddenly thrust into the heart of the war effort, playing a crucial role in Operation Dynamo.
Poole’s Commercial Vessels at Dunkirk
Several commercial boats from Poole were among the ‘Little Ships’ that answered the call to aid in the evacuation. These vessels, designed for pleasure cruises and ferry services, were repurposed into military rescue boats, demonstrating incredible resilience and bravery in the face of enemy fire.
Maid of Poole
One of Poole’s passenger boats, the Maid of Poole was originally used for leisure cruises around the Dorset coastline. When the call for vessels came, she was requisitioned to assist in ferrying soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk to larger Royal Navy ships. Though not built for wartime conditions, her crew navigated through dangerous waters to bring many troops to safety.
Bournemouth Queen
The Bournemouth Queen, a paddle steamer often seen along the Dorset and Hampshire coasts, was another vessel that took part in the evacuation. Originally designed for passenger excursions, she was hastily repurposed for military service. Bournemouth Queen continued working as a passenger vessel after the war until 1957.
Other Poole-Based Vessels and Lifeboats
While these passenger boats played a vital role, other Poole-based vessels also joined the effort. The lifeboat Thomas Kirk Wright was one of the first RNLI lifeboats to arrive at Dunkirk. She successfully completed multiple trips between the beaches and larger vessels, rescuing over 500 men before returning safely to England.
The Lasting Legacy of Poole’s Dunkirk Efforts
The courage displayed by these boats and their crews remains a proud chapter in Poole’s maritime history. Their contributions were instrumental in the safe evacuation of over 338,000 Allied troops, ensuring that Britain could continue its fight against Nazi Germany. Today, the heroic involvement of Poole’s commercial vessels is remembered as part of the enduring legacy of the ‘Little Ships of Dunkirk.’
The next time you visit Poole Harbour, take a moment to reflect on the civilian sailors and their boats that braved the perils of war to bring their fellow countrymen home.
