273. The Little Ships that saved us from the Nazis (plus other classic boats)

Rescuing hundreds of thousands of stranded Allied troops in World War 2, the Little Ships of Dunkirk are little miracles. Several of these historic vessels were on display at the Thames Traditional Boat Festival at Henley-on-Thames. I went along to have a look at all the spectacle and to hitch a ride on Little Ship "Aquabelle".
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Association of Dunkirk Little Ships:
www.adls.org.uk
Aquabelle:
www.aquabelle.net
Thames Traditional Boat Festival:
www.tradboatfestival.com
See my "behind the scenes" van vlog of the trip at:
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[@thedimbylow]

It was lovely to have you with us David - From Tom & the Aquabelle crew

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks again! It was such a good day and such a privilege to be aboard.

[@myhillslife27]

loved this video!!!!

[@claireashby5034]

I enjoyed every minute onboard this amazing ship. X

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

In the 80s I spoke to someone who had made the crossing to Dunkirk a few times and who evacuated soldiers. He was hit by a grenade in the leg, he lived in East Born.

[@danielkarmy4893]

My great-uncle Harry was one of those many thousands of men waiting in the water for rescue to arrive - and his terror was only magnified by the fact that he couldn't swim. Dunkirk was the last he saw of the war, as he was 'invalided out' shortly thereafter, but in truth, his war had just begun. He lived, and lived fairly well, but the family home remained completely unchanged for the next half century, and as the years wore on, so did Uncle Harry's suffering. After he died, my grandparents discovered a handful of real, and still very much live, grenades under his bed - cue a call to the bomb disposal unit and the evacuation of the entire street...but that I think was more a practical joke from a man with an impish sense of humour, he'd have liked that very much!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Oh wow, what a fantastic tale!! Hahaha terrifying, in hindsight.

[@stum8374]

Brill Daniel,he sounded a right character.

[@karenpeterson5780]

Wonderful video, thank you. I'm so glad many of the Dunkirk little boats are being preserved. What a way to honor the brave men (and women?) who rescued all those men!

[@MemoryException]

Nice video! Here’s a little story: Charles Lightoller, surviving second officer from the Titanic, captained a vessel and saved many soldiers at Dunkirk. His boat was attacked but he used a defensive technique he had recently learned from his son to escape a plane attack. Sadly, his son died in the war.

[@LitHouseTieDye]

I'm new here and don't usually comment on old videos but I just appreciated seeing the Dunkirk boats so much. I'm not a big military history person, but the evacuation at Dunkirk is one of the most epic events in history. What the English people did on that day will continue to ripple through history. It always makes me tear up to think of the courage so many people exhibited to save the lives of over 300,000 allied forces. From start to finish the whole operation was just plain ballsy. Sorry for the course language but that's the best way to say it. To see how small some of those vessels are is really stunning. Thanks.

[@danieltaylor5231]

We had a word with the rescue services and they agreed to keep a close eye on you for us.

[@lindasuprenant6531]

It was indeed emotional. I found myself in tears at some points. The story of Dunkirk and the bravery of ordinary citizens who went over to bring the boys home so touches me.....

[@paulherbst752]

What a wonderful tribute to the toughness and resolve of the people of England. I hope these boats sail forever on the waters and in our hearts.

[@kiskafish7877]

Dunkirk's little ships exemplify the what was the British stiff upper lip and carry-on attitude admired by so many.

[@janeabbotts]

I often ponder the question...if history was to repeat itself, would the outcome be the same re all the Little Ships setting off into an unknown fate. Those men that took the small craft off into the night were very brave and courageous souls....but thanks to them, many lives were saved. Makes one feel quite insignificant when you think of what all those people would have endured for hours. Excellent vlog, superb commentary and enjoyable as always. Wonderful to see some of these small craft restored and still in use. Thank you. Cheers.

[@grahvis]

Most of the boats were crewed by the Royal Navy, other than fishing boats, very few were taken by their owners..

[@lockedin60]

David, Henley-Upon-Thames is where George Harrison's "Crackerbox Palace" in Friar Park is located. There will always be a fascination at least with me of narrowboats and narrowboating. That is where I found you and your fantastic stories. Maybe a bucket list item for me if I can just make it to the UK before I "kick the bucket" myself.

[@James_Innes]

I spotted his son in the beer tent while the band played a Harrison song.🍻

[@kathyowens9901]

Just crossing the channel in those small boats must have been scary, your countrymen sure stepped up when they were needed, what a great history your country has.

[@oldsteam3618]

You Brits sure know how to put-on first-class boat shows. Well done Sir David.

[@stevenflebbe]

Thank you for a very nice day on the water David.

[@earlaagaard8175]

Fabulous, David - thanks so much. When my wife and I were in England, we took a Thames ferry, and noticed a plaque saying it had been to Dunkirk. Spoke to the captain, and it was his DAD who had made several trips over and back in that boat to rescue the troops. He was (rightly) VERY proud.

[@borderreiver3288]

so amazing how those little boats saved so many lives....true British grit....

[@nmr6988]

This is one of my favorite chapters from World War II history. I literally get teary-eyed whenever I hear about it, read about it, see film representations of it. the greatness of the British people shown through so magnificently!

[@raybame5816]

I am a wooden boater here in New London, CT USA, located at the mouth of our river Thames. There is a lot of work that is performed to make the mahogany glisten as you've shown us in this video. Mine is a 10m 1961 Chris Craft made out of that wood which while beautiful, is truly a labor of love. It's been in our family for 59 yrs. Kudos to all those who have kept those Little Ships afloat. Thanks for the video.

[@Sushi2735]

Wow! Just wow! Hero boats!! I love the Dunkirk brass plaque. So amazing. I would have dearly loved to be at this show! Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us ❤️

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@matty6848]

I bet after being plunged in the freezing cold English Channel, those British tommies were all too happy to climb aboard in the warmth and dry to to a mug of of tea and biscuit, on board those ships. Anything would of seemed like a a God send🙂👍

[@chriswatson9818]

So neat! Vintage boats are my favorite. As a historical point the evacuation of Dunkirk by the little ships was such an amazing accomplishment.

[@NeverlandSystemZor]

I LOVE that so many of those Dunkirk boats are still floating! What a way to preserve history!

[@philippankhurst6680]

Brilliant record of an extraordinary event, particularly poignant for me as my maternal grandfather took his company's Thames sailing barge to Dunkirk. Sixteen barges went, nine were lost but Grandad made it back safely with a full human cargo. He never spoke about it and declined several requests to tell his story. My mother always said that as he was totally deaf he probably had no idea what was going on around him. Phenomenal generation - the call came and almost everyone responded.

[@01cthompson]

Can you imagine sailing across the channel in one of those boats with 1930's technology? No GPS. No lights. Probably no radio. And, possibly under fire? People were certainly full of grit and determination.

[@CruisingTheCut]

It really is extraordinary, isn’t it?

[@cmdrgunslinger5955]

There IS a reason they're referred to as the Greatest Generation. Thankfully most of them didn't see the cock up later generations have made of the world.

[@oceana9294]

Absolutely wonderful...thank you so much for being a part of this excellent event and for sharing with us. I've read accounts of the Dunkirk rescue. Seeing those boats now rescued and so beautiful is awesome and I'm happy to be able to see them, along with all the other historic boats on display.

[@englishmaninmarktredwitz2228]

Great video. My father was picked up from the beach at Dunkirk but I think by something bigger but maybe he was ferried out by one of these smaller boats. Goodness knows how long he queued in the water waiting for a lift. Then it was 4 years of training before landing by glider just after D-Day near Caen, crossing the Rhine and finally in Norway. Then it was back home to get on with life!

[@stephencoster9532]

Hiya, Great video, thank you. The "Little Boats" brought a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye as two of my uncles were rescued from the beaches by the 'wooden wonders' as they called them. A third uncle was on a destroyer off the beach. He went ashore on 'D Day' as a radio operator calling the fall of shot for the navel bombardment. Stay safe, Steve...

[@dr.kennethnoisewater26]

I applaud every crew that pulls the bumpers up while getting underway.

[@andrewforbes2577]

Quite emotional watching the boats of Dunkirk. My father served on a US mine sweeper during D-Day. Thanks be to God that my father survived that ship's sinking. I offer prayers beyond mere words for the countless women and men who fought to protect our freedom. We owe them so very much for their bravery and sacrifice. Let us not never forget their sacrifices.

[@jjaagg5050]

Well done sir! When I saw the movie made about Dunkirk, I had no idea about the boats that saved so many lives. I teared up a little seeing the real boats and that many still sail. This yank is ver3y grateful that the British people were Allies. Thank you for this video!

[@ZATennisFan]

It’s important that these ships are preserved. They are an important part of history

[@josephmontanaro2350]

It's nice to see these ships and their tails of heroism preserved, I know each year there are less and less WW2 vets left but were there any Dunkirk survivors in attendance? Would be interesting to get to meet them and hear their stories, need to preserve them before they are sadly lost to time

[@andymack5093]

Well done on commentating on a great event David. Your videos always have an appealing style of delivery, reminding me a lot of the dry wit we all so enjoyed from the likes of Johnny Morris and Clive James.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you 😊

[@VickersDoorter]

As a local to Henley, I love going to this boat rally. It's really well organised, there's a huge amount to see, both on an off the water, with great music, food and of course, tipple. The Dunkirk boats are for me the star attraction, evoking the same feelings as seeing a Spitfire roaring overhead.

[@MissScrappy]

Thank you for this great video. The Dunkirk crossings have always represented the spirit of the English people I so admire.

[@d14551]

Many pretty boats, and seeing the Dunkirk little ships was quite moving.

[@thomastrout9997]

So very good! Lovely treat on a Sunday afternoon and thank you for the Dunkirk focus. Some of us, well aware of the events surrounding the evacuation, would never otherwise have this chance. Simply splendid.

[@andrewpoloni4197]

That is a terrific event! I wonder though how many people today can appreciate the history of those boats and the sacrifices that they made to evacuate the troops from Dunkirk all those years ago.

[@joline2730]

Well, my Dad appreciated it, he was glad to be picked up from Dunkirk and brought back to Blighty !! Alas he has now passed on, he would have just loved this as he was 20 years in the Royal Navy 👍🤩💕

[@evanofelipe]

Thanks David, if the BBC had decided to cover this event with an entire production team, director and camera crew, they could not have done better than your one man effort. It was so well produced and filmed, it felt professional, informative and entertaining. You really did capture the spirit and essence of and wackiness of Henley Regatta.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha thank you

[@christinae30]

Such lovely and beautiful little ships! Almost got tears in my eyes from their history! I think the meaning of the small flags is not considered when the ship is "dressed up" for a special occasion. I will put this festival on my "things I want to do next time in England"-list 🚣‍♀️

[@johna1160]

David, when you rhetorically asked "Isn't that a magnificent sight?", I thought "When isn't it?". The entire video was chock-a-block with eye candy. Seeing those small Dunkirk Boats brought to mind all those wonderful adjectives you Brits like to name you war ships - Intrepid, Indomitable, Courageous, etc. Thank you so much for taking us along.

[@englishmaninfrance661]

I spent an unbelievably good weekend in a hotel in Henley in the 80's with my then girlfriend . They gave us this massive room with a bath you could have put one of these ships in . We wandered around the harbour and there were lots of Dunkirk boats there . Heroic men (and maybe women , I don't know ) who did a brilliant job of rescuing our expeditionary force

[@arthurverheijen6682]

Wauwww........this was great. The vintage boats in your country are so totally different as in our (NL) country. I love it to see the British versions, you have a different 'design' of the boats and a different way of organising the event. Thank you soooooooooooooo much David!

[@dorothydotson7154]

The day looks lovely. I love the wooden boats.

[@CruisingTheCut]

It really was

[@pamcullen537]

Well done the saviours of Dunkirk but my goodness what a show of wealth 💕🦆

[@stewie2614]

So what is wrong with that? Looks to me more like passion from people wanting to preserve these old wooden masterpieces. Kust sayin.

[@MarkN67]

Without people’s wealth, where do you think these little ships would be? Any boat takes a lot of time and money.

[@markgruenberg6277]

I am surprised that the little ships of Dunkirk have been persevered. Fantastic effort to keep history alive. That a large turn out was present is also fantastic. Thank you for sharing this experience. Be well and stay safe.

[@TEdwards3161]

Another great trip to see a boat show in England. Those small boats that went to rescue the wounded are truly national treasures. Well done!

[@kilikus822]

Those slippers are absolutely beautiful little boats!!!

[@patm2480]

That was fascinating - thank you - I didn’t realise the small ships were quite so small.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Amazing, eh?!

[@hermannstraub3743]

What beautiful boats. And very British all together (meant in the best way, like it).

[@Saluno375]

I'm rarely this early, always brightens my day to see a new one of your videos! So much of online life is stressful, but this content really calms me.

[@keykeypr8292]

Almost all of those boats were just BEAUTIFUL. Shining, varnished wood, polished metal railings, and so on. I can't imagine the effort to get/keep them looking that nice. Truly a labor of love. I think the "slipper launches" were my favorites. I've no idea how fast they can actually go, but they _looked_ fast, lol. Like sports cars, but for the water. Loved the peek at this history.

[@JRattheranch]

I used to own a boat just like this! She was a 38' coastguard cutter, based in Hull! I was the proud custodian of her for 3 years.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Lucky you 👍

[@nigeldewallens1115]

Firstly, thank you for a lovely film on this wonderful regatta!! Once, on my parents boat we went across to France as my uncle had only ever flown over it! If you get my drift ok 😉😬!! We came across a small flotilla of small boats and we were cruising at just 9 knots! Which was double the speed of these little ships! it was the very boats you have just shown that went to Dunkirk! I had heard of them and this had not hit me until we passed them at double the speed! We were not fast at all but the boats were sitting ducks! One other note! My mum was too young at that time to join up and remembers some of the boats getting too some Devon beaches and mum remembered the guys getting off of them and kissing the beaches! Both my parents and Uncle have all passed on! My mum reached the age of 95! R.I.P everyone from that time!

[@davidjones8680]

Wonderful, absolutely wonderful. My late uncle Frank came back from Dunkirk in a little ship. It is so good that these brave little vessels are still with us and so well cared for too. Long may they continue. Twas also great to see a boat from the Black Country, bostin ay it! Many thanks, David in Dudley.

[@goody2shoes831]

Absolutely smashing vlog!! The heroic history of some of those boats should never be forgotten! Awesome job David!!! Well wishes & a hug from sunny Idaho, USA.

[@rpkett]

The history of these boats is so interesting. Almost as if the boats have a life of their own. Amazing!

[@lspringerjones]

Tip top episode David!

[@Margaret_J]

Ah the Dunkirk Little Ships what a truly remarkable achievement Just mind-blowing to even think of what they did Such a fabulous sight Great to see all the fun Thank you

[@trendtraderx]

My old school Fawley Court can be seen from the river not far from Temple Island. The Wren designed building is said to be the inspiration for Toad Hall in Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows. Kenneth Grahame family home was not far away, also on the River Thames, in Cookham. 'Water Rat said to the Mole: “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing-absolutely nothing-half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”

[@WeddingVegetables]

It's always great to see how many well preserved boats (especially those with a heritage like the Dunkirk boats) there are in the UK. We're not nearly as good at that in my country. Thanks for the video!

[@suitsyousir79]

Great vlog. My great grandad was a fireman who went over on one of those boats, a fireboat called The Massey Shaw which is now a museum boat moored at canary wharf. Well worth a visit if you are ever down in london!

[@chriswest1996]

What a terrific, varied collection of watercraft! An absolute joy to see.

[@diogomp81]

As a lifelong WW2 history buff, this was lovely to see. I especially liked Lady of Mann, regardless of whether or not she was part of the Dunkirk rescue. I was hoping for an interview with one of the seldom few that might still be alive and might've been there with his/her boat! Thank you very much David.

[@laurieharper1526]

Lovely. I see the little ships each year as they sail up the river on the same day that the London Anglers Association Thames Angling Championship (which I fish in) takes place. The weather is almost always kind on the day, so it's a wonderful sight.

[@mattevans-koch9353]

So many sleek little ships. So much more character and grace than the modern motor yachts produced by the hundreds these days. Thank you David for this lovely video.

[@fredvolkman754]

Henley is truly a lovely spot. Been there twice finally having finished the K & A after 3 yr of trying just about a month ago. The regatta week was on and hence we were required to use the port side of the river as we headed to Windsor. The one thing I found most annoying is there I was at the helm of 69 ft x 12.5 ft of steel weighing 55 Tonnes at perhaps 4 mph and the umpire boats would just pull out in front of the boat without regard for rules of the road (navigation and seamanship). On one occasion a collision was only avoided because I hauled back on the power and into reverse and powered up again. The incident did not take away from the joy of being there. Many of these little ships dot the river and it was nice to see them again. The Slipper boats are so beautiful.

[@allsearpw3829]

Yes it happens on all rivers , umpire boats are full of their stupid importance , once had a 40 yacht , miss the channel marker and the passenger had to grab it,s tiller a do a 360 to miss us , never even said sorry , I just said ay point on the compass to suit you sir .🙃🤔TWAT .

[@janaylsworth4375]

Enjoyed this video very much! Dunkirk is just one of the most amazing stories of heroism ever and how wonderful to be able to view those little boats all restored and beautiful.

[@shirleylynch7529]

What a fabulous day. Beautiful boating weather. Thank you for taking us with you

[@robertadams2857]

The Dunkirk boats were amazing to see and hear about. The festival looks like a must do if I’m ever across the pond. Some amazing and beautiful watercraft. Thanks

[@WillN2Go1]

Thank you for inviting us along on such a wonderful day and evening on the river. The steam powered Naiad is just like The African Queen of the movie. Of course you've seen it....what!? That's your homework.

[@Curve2Theatre]

Great video . I’m looking forward to your up coming series of Vlogs, as you build an amphibious Camper Van . You will be quite the star of the next Henley event , as you drive down the slipway into the water .

[@oceana9294]

😊 Wouldn't that be just the very best!

[@VickersDoorter]

Very high quality production in terms of 4K image quality, voice overdub and easy-paced editing.

[@WilliamTheMovieFan]

Well done David! Looked like tons of fun and so much history too.

[@mgnichols7730]

Wonderful David as always. You were my introduction to KZbin and to narrowboating. The humor in the title of that first video I watched caught my attention. So glad you are still keeping me entertained.

[@stevep5408]

Little boats that took part in the evacuation should have a special ensign that only they are allowed to fly! What a great topic. Well done! Holly crap that guy sculling was moving faster that the other boats.

[@name-ey5it]

Very nice David, I love the boat s now wish I moved there I forgot to introduce myself I am from Ontario Canada 🇨🇦.

[@onefunnyoldman]

Spectacular David! Thank you so much for this wonderful vlog, loved it. Best wishes

[@louiselage7740]

Very interesting and a joy to watch! Wish I was there to see all the lovely boats in person. You did a fine job on this one David, and what a great day you must have had! It truly is incredible that those little pleasure boats were able to cross the Channel and save so many. I instantly thought of the movie Mrs. Miniver when her husband took his boat out in the middle of the night in a convoy of boats...

[@deltavee2]

Thank you David! What great fun. The quotation that says there is "...nothing-half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." is amply demonstrated here.

[@edlandess6877]

Once again David you have provided an excellent video that while entertaining is also informative. Well done sir

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Oh so British, oh so Henley. 👏👏👍😀 David, one of your best videos ever. Period! 👌

[@tweaker1968]

Thanks David... Cruising The Cut just keeps getting better!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@familyw5661]

David on the water = best videos on youtube! great job David loved it.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

✌️👀👍

[@bruceyoung1343]

That was so nice. Thank You

[@carolinebutcher8160]

That was really interesting. The boats were beautiful and so much fabulous wood on show varnished to within an inch! What treasures to maintain and remind people just how difficult those little ships found it taking on the English channel. Super photography David, with great views.

[@eveb446]

Thank you David, for showing us this beautiful parade of beautifully decorated boats. I enjoyed your video.

[@timothyarmesy990]

OUTSTANDING show! That should be a bucket list event. At least it’s on my list now.

[@billyslide7645]

What a lovely festival! Wonderfully presented. I’ve always loved the story of these brave small boats and their crews, in what was a horrible time for the UK. Beautifully restored, with wonderful histories, even recovered from the Med. Beyond that, in my family, we had wooden ‘run about’ as we called them in the States. This was right at the dawn of when fiberglass was overtaking wooden construction. We used both on the rivers but also in shore, beaching them on low tide bars for picnics, etc. Your video brought back some lovely memories, thank you David.

[@HarryP457]

What a magnificent collection of boats. I was almost tearing up went you were doing the Dunkirk boats, it's fantastic that some of those brave little ships have survived the ravages of time and are looking so well loved. Thanks for sharing this David.

[@cltinfo2173]

I miss your videos so much. My wife and are no longer able to visit, please keep up your work. Thanks

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many more on the way…

[@2LaneTraveler]

Days like this are the reason why I'm still firmly of the opinion that the worst day on the water is still better than the best day ashore. Thanks for sharing!

[@mid-niteryders5523]

Just great !!! Thanks David

[@joesrvhome]

I have heard of the "little ships" and some of the stories but really only got a view of a couple...till now...thanks...I love hearing about the little guys that gave it their all and more to save lives! GREAT VIDEO!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@Kneichion]

Superb!! The Sun gave the perfect light. I laughed at the nap, My speciality

[@MrSheckstr]

Talking about Dunkirk reminds me of the 9-11 River evacuation of Manhattan and sends a wave of (Good well at least positive) PTSD. Never underestimate the size of the captain’s “anchor” just because of the size of his ship

[@morrisophile]

Thanks for that - it was bloomin' lovely 🙂 Never seen such shiny varnish!

[@thoughtsonfitness3249]

Thank you David, although you may have ‘left the cut’, it certainly feels like your still part of the community! Your style is second to none. Keep up the impeccable work. Everything stops for cruising the cut!

[@nagak112]

Splendid video Mr.David filmed so so well. Thank you sir.