A new exhibition at Lighthouse is marking VE Day by telling the story of Poole’s role in the evacuation of Dunkirk in May 1940.
The free exhibition, called Poole At Dunkirk 1940, opened on Saturday and runs until Tuesday 27th May.
It has been curated by Poole Maritime Trust and features photographs, memorabilia, and a newly commissioned video.
The display highlights how local vessels and residents helped rescue more than 338,000 Allied soldiers from the beaches of northern France during Operation Dynamo.
The exhibition also explains how Dutch and Belgian boats arrived in Poole Harbour carrying around 3,000 refugees shortly before joining the Dunkirk effort.
These boats, along with local fishing vessels, yachts and lifeboats, including Poole’s Thomas Kirk Wright, became part of the famous flotilla of ‘little ships’ that helped carry troops to safety.
Jack Hawkins, a 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.”
The exhibition is supported by Lighthouse Poole, Poole BID, Dolphin Centre, RNLI, The Keep Military Museum and National Trust Brownsea Island.
