List of ships involved in the Dunkirk evacuation facts for kids

The following ships were very important in a huge rescue mission called Operation Dynamo. This mission happened between May 26 and June 4, 1940, during World War II. Many Allied soldiers were trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk, France, and these ships helped bring them to safety.

Ships of Dunkirk: A Rescue Story

What Was Operation Dynamo?

During World War II, in May 1940, many British, French, and Belgian soldiers were pushed back by German forces to the beaches of Dunkirk, France. They were trapped with their backs to the sea. It looked like a disaster! But then, a plan was made to rescue them. This amazing rescue was called Operation Dynamo. It was a race against time to save hundreds of thousands of soldiers.

The Brave Ships That Helped

To rescue so many soldiers, a huge number of ships were needed. These weren't just warships. All sorts of vessels, big and small, joined the effort. They sailed across the English Channel, often under attack, to pick up soldiers from the beaches and the harbor. It was a truly heroic effort by everyone involved.

Passenger Ships and Ferries

Many ships that usually carried people on holidays or regular trips became rescue boats. These included passenger ships and ferries. They were quickly changed to carry soldiers instead of tourists. They played a huge part in bringing thousands of men home.

• MS Batory
• SS Ben-my-Chree (1927)
• SS Fenella (1936)
• TS King George V
• SS King Orry (1913)
• RMS Lady of Mann
• SS Levenwood (1924)
• TSS Manxman (1904)
• SS Mona's Isle (1905)
• SS Mona's Queen (1934)
• TSS Scotia (1920)
• SS Tynwald (1936)
• SS Canterbury
• SS Maid of Orleans
• SS Prague
• SS Malines
• HMHS Paris - This was a hospital ship, meaning it was used to care for injured soldiers.

Minesweepers: Clearing the Way

Minesweepers are special ships designed to find and remove dangerous underwater bombs called mines. These ships were very important during the Dunkirk evacuation. They helped clear safe paths through the water for all the other rescue ships. This made it safer for the ferries and other vessels to reach the beaches and pick up soldiers. Many different groups of minesweepers, called flotillas, were involved.

Here are some of the minesweepers that helped:

• HMS Albury
• HMS Brighton Belle
• HMS Brighton Queen
• HMS Devonia
• HMS Duchess Of Fife
• HMS Dundalk
• HMS Emperor Of India
• HMS Fitzroy
• HMS Glen Avon
• HMS Glen Gower
• HMS Gossamer
• HMS Gracie Fields
• HMS Halcyon
• HMS Hebe
• HMS Kellet
• HMS Leda
• HMS Lydd
• HMS Marmion
• HMS Medway Queen
• HMS Niger
• HMS Oriole
• HMS Pangbourne
• HMS Plinlimmon
• HMS Princess Elizabeth
• HMS Queen Of Thanet
• HMS Ross
• HMS Salamander
• HMS Saltash
• HMS Sandown
• HMS Sharpshooter
• HMS Skipjack
• HMS Snaefell
• HMS Speedwell
• HMS Sutton
• HMS Waverley
• HMS Westward Ho
• HMS Whippingham

More About the Rescue

The Dunkirk evacuation was a huge success, saving over 338,000 soldiers. It showed amazing teamwork and bravery from everyone involved, from the soldiers on the beaches to the crews of all the ships, big and small. It's remembered as one of the most incredible rescue missions in history.

See also

• Little ships of Dunkirk