River Thames, Staines, Surrey, England, UK, September 2nd 2023. The 28th Annual Veterans Cruise took place over the weekend. The event is organised by the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships (ADLS), and welcomes some of the last veterans from Operation Dynamo, Normandy Veterans, Chelsea Pensioners, Far East Prisoners of War, ladies who served in the WRENS during WWII and Coastal Forces Veterans. The fleet departed from Penton Hook Marina in Chertsey, cruised to Staines-upon-Thames, turned and went back. Pictured: The Papillon motor yacht with other little ships
The Papillon sailed on 2nd June 1940 to Dunkirk and, when she came back next day, gave up her route order and had her fuel and oil tanks replenished. It is also likely that the men who took her across were volunteers otherwise unconnected with Papillon, for instead of being sailed home she was left for collection at Burnham-on-Crouch. On 7th June 1940 she was again requisitioned by the Royal Navy for Operation Cycle, the evacuation of the BEF from Le Havre. Her skipper was once again listed as E Summers-Holmwood .
Size: 3200px × 4800px
Location: Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, England, UK
Photo credit: © Gillian Pullinger / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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