A new community exhibition is calling on the people of Poole to share their family stories of being involved in the 1940 evacuation of Dunkirk.
Many in the town contributed to Operation Dynamo which saw 320,000 men of the British Expeditionary Force rescued from the beach at Dunkirk.
Curated by Poole Maritime Trust with the support of a range of local organisations, the free exhibition Poole At Dunkirk 1940 will be unveiled at Lighthouse on Wednesday 30th April and run until Tuesday 27 May.
The free exhibition includes a newly commissioned video as well as photographs, memorabilia and, above all, the stories of the Poole people and vessels that contributed to the decisive Operation Dynamo that saw more than 320,000 men of the British Expeditionary Force rescued from the beach at Dunkirk in the face of the advancing enemy.
The exhibition will include details of:
- The arrival of small Dutch and Belgian ships in Poole Harbour in the run-up to Dunkirk, loaded with some 3,000 refugees fleeing the Nazis.
- The significant role these boats, or ‘skoots, went on to play at Dunkirk.
- The story of the flotilla of ‘little ships’ – fishing boats, ferries, yachts and Poole’s lifeboat the Thomas Kirk Wright – that set out for Dover and, in some cases, on to Dunkirk.
- The men of those boats afforded ‘captain’ status for the duration of their service.
- The evacuation of the 2nd Battalion Dorset Regiment from Dunkirk.
Poole Maritime Trust has gathered a good deal of material already, but researchers would like to hear from those whose family members from Poole played a part in the Dunkirk evacuation.
Perhaps they took a boat to Dover and on to Dunkirk; maybe they arrived on a small boat from Holland or Belgium; did they settle in Poole, or move on; were they among the Dorset soldiers evacuated from Dunkirk; or aboard a ship that rescued the men under fire?
The exhibition boards and exhibits will be kept by Dorset Archives and Poole Maritime Trust.
Jack Hawkins, Trustee of Poole Maritime Trust, said: ““Poole and the people of Poole played a significant role in the evacuation of France beginning on 26 May 1940 and in particular The Miracle of Dunkirk.
“It is worth remembering on this 85th anniversary that without this epic event there would have been no Victory in Europe 80 years ago.
“Poole Maritime Trust is commemorating this with the exhibition in recognition of the bravery and sacrifice that the people of Poole made.”
Martha Earley, Creative Engagement Manager at Lighthouse, said: “Lighthouse is proud to host this major exhibition as a timely reminder not only of what can be achieved when we work together, but also the bravery and sacrifices of previous generations to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.”
Jacqui Rock, Poole BID CEO, said: “Poole BID is proud to have brought together local organisations, historians, and the community to make this important exhibition a reality.
“By engaging with all parties, we’ve helped ensure that Poole’s vital role in the Dunkirk evacuation is properly recognised and remembered for generations to come.”
Running alongside Poole At Dunkirk 1940, The Dolphin will be hosting a sister exhibition in its ground floor GATHER space that highlights the experience of local people and life in Poole during the war.
- If you have a story to tell or items to share, please email Jack Hawkins or Gavin MacLachlan at research@poolemaritimetrust.
org.