Dunkirk spirit remembered - Newport's Little Ships commemorated

Eighty-five years after the thunder of war rolled across the Channel, Newport Quay became the site of a poignant tribute to a group of extraordinary Islanders who answered the call in Britain’s darkest hour.

On Saturday 30 August, relatives, dignitaries, and members of the public gathered for the unveiling of a new memorial cairn, commemorating six ships and their civilian crews who sailed from Newport Harbour in 1940 to take part in the Dunkirk evacuation, Operation Dynamo.

Mike Wills and Jodi Smith, descendants of crew members from The Bee and MFH respectively, were instrumental in bringing the memorial to life. Their dedication ensured that the story of Newport’s little ships, and the men who sailed them, will continue to be told.

The cairn, funded by public donations and built by Duncan Bird of Freestone Stonemasonry, now stands proudly on the Quay, bearing two plaques.

One lists the names of the ships and their crews, first unveiled in 1990 to mark the 50th anniversary.

The second, newly installed and kindly funded by Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, provides historical context ensuring future generations understand the scale of the heroism involved.

In May 1940, as Allied forces were trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk, six Island vessels crewed by 16 men from the Isle of Wight and four from Portsmouth set sail for Ramsgate.

From there, they crossed the Channel under relentless enemy fire, ferrying English, French, and Belgian troops from the beaches and makeshift piers to larger ships offshore. Miraculously, all 20 men returned home safely.

After the war effort, the ships quietly resumed their peacetime duties, transporting goods across the Solent. But their contribution to one of the most daring rescue missions in military history has never been forgotten.

Jodi said: “When I think about what my grandfather did, setting out from Newport Harbour into the chaos of Dunkirk, I feel an overwhelming pride.

"They didn’t see themselves as heroes, but they were. This memorial isn’t just stone and metal; it’s a promise that we’ll keep telling their story, honouring their courage, and remembering the quiet bravery that helped turn the tide of history.

"I also want to say a heartfelt thank you to Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox. If it wasn’t for her, this memorial would never have happened. Lora was just incredibly supportive from the start, back in 2019, putting us in touch with all the right people." 

Isle of Wight Council chairman, Councillor Ian Dore, who officially unveiled the cairn, also reflected on the significance of the operation: “It was a privilege to be asked to carry out the unveiling and to say a few words, as Operation Dynamo is one of the most daring and courageous operations of the Second World War. 

"Churchill warned the House of Commons to expect ‘hard and heavy tidings,’ only later referring to the operation as a miracle. 

"Some boat owners took part themselves, and what is stunning is that when you chat to the families of those that were there, they tell you those who made the crossing regarded it as simply ‘doing their duty’.

"These were individuals with limited or no military experience, sailing into a maelstrom of bombardment and aggression to assist their fellow man.

"In the dictionary, hero is defined as a person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. For the families and friends that shed a tear as the silence was observed on Saturday, they should be incredibly proud that their family member more than ticked those boxes.

"Without their brave and uncompromising resilience in the face of adversity, many would have never seen their loved ones again.

"This incredible, uncompromising rescue operation turned what was a military disaster into a story of heroism. They are literally responsible for the phrase, ‘Dunkirk Spirit’.

"The cairn is a glorious addition to Newport Quay, championing the legacy of those that took part, and I hope many go to read the inscription and tip their hats appropriately.”

The ceremony featured buglers from the Medina Marching Band playing the Last Post and Reveille, with four standard bearers from the Royal British Legion lowering their standards in honour.

A two-minute silence was observed, and relatives of four of the six ships were in attendance, some meeting fellow descendants for the first time.

The organisers extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who generously donated to the project, ensuring that the courage and sacrifice of Newport's Little Ships and their crews will never be forgotten.