Dunkirk 85th Anniversary: RNLI Remembers Courage of Crew
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is marking the anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuation, Operation Dynamo, by looking back at the remarkable journey its lifeboats and crew took 85 years ago and sharing stories of courage.
The extraordinary rescue mission that saved over 300,000 Allied soldiers from the beaches of France in 1940.
Among the fleet of 700 civilian vessels, now known as the ‘Little Ships of Dunkirk’, were 19 RNLI lifeboats and one of the most poignant stories is that of the Liverpool-class lifeboat Lucy Lavers. Stationed at Aldeburgh, Suffolk, Lucy Lavers had only just arrived on service in May 1940 when she was urgently called to join the rescue effort across the Channel. Her very first ‘shout’ came not from a storm off the coast, but from the heart of a war zone.
On 30 May 1940, she left Aldeburgh for Ramsgate, crewed by Aldeburgh’s Second Coxswain Tom Parnell. From Ramsgate, she was towed to Dunkirk on 2 June by the vessel Golden Sunbeam, under the command of Sub-Lieutenant T.W. Betts, RNVR.
Lucy Lavers was the only single-screw Liverpool-class lifeboat to take part in the operation. She was one of two Aldeburgh RNLI lifeboats involved the other being Abdy Beauclerk. Though records of her precise movements at Dunkirk are scarce, what is known is that she helped save lives during some of the most dangerous days of the war. Lucy Lavers served as the RNLI's Lifeboat No. 2 at Aldeburgh for 19 years. After this she became part of the relief Lifeboat fleet at Wells-next-the-Sea, Sheringham, and other East Coast ports. Her wartime beginning, however, remained a defining chapter in her story — a symbol of how lifeboats and their crews stood ready to serve, no matter the threat.
As part of this year’s commemorations, Lucy Lavers will continue special heritage tours to share her story and honour the courage of those who served aboard her. Among the guests invited on board was Jess Curtis, Lifeboat Press Officer at Wells RNLI.
Jess Curtis, Lifeboat Press Officer at Wells RNLI, said: ‘It was a real privilege to step aboard Lucy Lavers today and to reflect on her extraordinary legacy 85 years after Dunkirk. To stand on the deck of a lifeboat that once braved a war zone to save lives is incredibly moving. A reminder of the courage and commitment of RNLI crews past and present. My heartfelt thanks to Wendy Pritchard for the kind invitation and to Isaac for such an informative and engaging tour. Being part of this living history was truly an honour.’
Return to Dunkirk: A Voyage of Remembrance
In May 2015, Lucy Lavers retraced her historic journey as part of the 75th anniversary commemorations. She departed from Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, visiting Lowestoft, Southwold, Aldeburgh, Levington, Harwich, and Ramsgate, before crossing the Channel once more to Dunkirk, in convoy with other historic ‘Little Ships’.
This deeply emotional voyage was not just a tribute to Lucy Lavers’ past it was an educational mission. At every port, the public were invited on board to learn about her role in Operation Dynamo and to connect with the wider story of maritime service and sacrifice. Over 200 schoolchildren stepped aboard during her journey, many of them experiencing a boat for the very first time.
Hayley Whiting, RNLI Heritage Archive and Research Manager, says: ‘As we mark the 85th anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuation, it gives us an opportunity to remember and share stories of courage from the RNLI. The crews that set sail for Dunkirk all those years ago faced a very difficult journey and we are so proud of their courage and their lifesaving efforts.
‘We know there are more stories from the Second World War connected to the RNLI that are yet to be discovered, we want to find them now before it’s too late.’
As we reflect on the 85th anniversary of Dunkirk, the RNLI pays tribute to the crews who volunteered to enter a war zone in lifeboats designed for coastal rescue. Their courage, skill, and selflessness helped bring thousands of soldier's home.
The story of Lucy Lavers is one of many, but it powerfully represents the RNLI’s values: service, bravery, selflessness, and dependability, even in the most extreme circumstances.
Notes to Editor
Lucy Lavers was built in 1939 and delivered to the RNLI in early 1940. She is preserved today by Rescue Wooden Boats, a charitable trust in Norfolk.
Operation Dynamo took place from 27 May to 4 June 1940.
Rescue Wooden boats have a heritage centre at Stiffkey for more information see website www.rescuewoodenboats.com
Or email [email protected]
For more information about the RNLI’s involvement in Dunkirk or to arrange interviews or press materials, please contact media
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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