Tamzine facts for kids
Tamzine on display at IWM London, August 2012
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | Tamzine |
| Builder | Brockman & Titcombe, Margate |
| Launched | 1937 |
| Homeport | Birchington-on-Sea |
| Honours and awards |
Dunkirk 1940 |
| Status | Preserved by Imperial War Museum |
| Notes | Smallest known 'little ship' of Dunkirk |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Open fishing boat |
| Length | 14ft 7.5ins |
| Beam | 5ft 1.5ins |
| Draught | 1ft 6ins |
| Propulsion | Outboard motor/sail |
Tamzine is a very special old fishing boat. It was built in 1937 in Margate, England. This small boat became famous for helping during a big event in World War II. Tamzine is known for being the smallest boat that took part in the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.
This brave little boat is now kept safe by the Imperial War Museum. It helps us remember an important moment in history.
Contents
The Amazing Story of Tamzine
Tamzine was built by Brockman & Titcombe, a company in Margate, Kent. It was made in 1937, just a few years before World War II began. The boat is built in a style called "clinker-built." This means its wooden planks overlap each other, like the siding on a house. This makes the boat very strong.
Tamzine's Role in the Dunkirk Evacuation
In May 1940, a huge event happened during World War II. Many British and French soldiers were trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk, France. They were surrounded by enemy forces. The only way to save them was by sea. This rescue mission became known as the Dunkirk evacuation.
The British government asked for help from anyone with a boat. Many private boats, big and small, sailed across the English Channel to Dunkirk. These boats became known as the "Little ships of Dunkirk." They helped ferry soldiers from the beaches to larger ships waiting offshore.
Tamzine was one of these brave "little ships." At only 14.7 feet (4.5 m) long, it was the smallest boat to take part in the rescue. It helped bring soldiers to safety, showing that even the smallest vessel could make a huge difference.
Remembering the Dunkirk Rescue
Many years later, in 1965, Tamzine took part in a special event. It crossed the English Channel again to remember the 25th anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuation. This journey was filmed by a news company called Pathé News. It showed how important Tamzine and all the other "little ships" were.
Tamzine Today
After its amazing history, Tamzine was bought by the Imperial War Museum. It is now a preserved museum ship. This means it is kept safe so people can visit it and learn about its story. You can see Tamzine on display at the IWM London. It stands as a symbol of courage and the power of ordinary people helping in extraordinary times.
