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The RNLI lifeboats of Dunkirk

See all 19 RNLI lifeboats that made the trip to Dunkirk in May 1940.

Ramsgate’s current Trent class lifeboat Esme Anderson

Next story: In the decades between 1940 and now, technology has rocked the world, but you can still depend on our lifesavers.

then and now
Aldeburgh lifeboat, Abdy Beauclerk

Photo: RNLI

Aldeburgh lifeboat, Abdy Beauclerk ON 751, and her volunteer crew around 1935
Aldeburgh Lifeboat Station’s Lucy Lavers, photographed by Bekens

Photo: Bekens

Aldeburgh Lifeboat Station’s Lucy Lavers, photographed by Bekens
Cadgwith lifeboat, Guide of Dunkirk

Photo: Bekens

Lifeboat ON 826 at sea. This was a brand new lifeboat that went straight to Dunkirk from the boatyard. She was later allocated to Cadgwith lifeboat station and named Guide of Dunkirk. 
Clacton lifeboat, Edward Z Dresden

Photo: RNLI

Clacton lifeboat, Edward Z Dresden ON 707, on station slipway around 1929
Dungeness lifeboat, Charles Cooper Henderson

Photo: RNLI

Dungeness lifeboat, Charles Cooper Henderson ON761, at sea
1940 war damage on Eastbourne lifeboat Jane Holland

Photo: RNLI

Eastbourne’s lifeboat Jane Holland, one of 19 lifeboats damaged at Dunkirk
Gorleston lifeboat, Louise Stephens

Photo: Bekens

Gorleston lifeboat, Louise Stephens ON820, at sea
Hastings lifeboat, Cyril and Lillian Bishop

Photo: RNLI

Hastings lifeboat, Cyril and Lillian Bishop ON740, and her volunteer crew.
Hythe lifeboat, The Viscountess Wakefield

Photo: Bekens

Hythe lifeboat, The Viscountess Wakefield ON783, at sea
Lowestoft lifeboat, Michael Stephens

Photo: RNLI

Lowestoft lifeboat, Michael Stephens ON838, around 1962
Margate lifeboat, Lord Southborough

Photo: RNLI

Margate lifeboat, Lord Southborough (Civil Service No.1) ON688, on the station slipway
Newhaven lifeboat, Cecil and Lillian Philpott

Photo: RNLI

Newhaven lifeboat, Cecil and Lillian Philpott ON730, in the harbour
Poole lifeboat, Thomas Kirk Wright

Photo: RNLI

Poole lifeboat, Thomas Kirk Wright ON811, launching from the station slipway
Ramsgate class lifeboat Prudential, that took the Ramsgate crew to Dunkirk

Photo: Bekens

Ramsgate class lifeboat Prudential, that took the Ramsgate crew to Dunkirk
Shoreham lifeboat, Rosa Wood and Phyllis Lunn

Photo: RNLI

Shoreham lifeboat, Rosa Wood and Phyllis Lunn ON758, at sea
Southend lifeboat, The Greater London

Photo: Bekens

Southend lifeboat, The Greater London (Civil Service No.3) ON704, at sea
Southwold lifeboat, Mary Scott

Photo: RNLI

Southwold lifeboat, Mary Scott ON691, at sea
Walmer lifeboat Charles Dibdin at sea, 1940

Photo: RNLI

Walmer lifeboat, Charles Dibdin, at sea
Walton lifeboat, E.M.E.D.

Photo: RNLI

Walton lifeboat, E.M.E.D. ON705, at her naming ceremony in 1930
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Horses pull the lifeboat at Brooke, Isle of Wight

More on the RNLI’s history

Nearly 200 years of courage, lifesaving and loss.

Explore our history