The 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo was marked on Saturday (30th August) with the unveiling of a cairn at Newport Quay, honouring 18 Isle of Wight and Portsmouth men who risked their lives during the Dunkirk evacuation.
In May 1940, 6 motor barges from the Isle of Wight were commandeered from Portsmouth Dockyard and sent across the English Channel to rescue stranded British soldiers.
Under constant enemy fire and against all odds, the crews succeeded in their mission and all 18 men returned home safely. Their bravery helped save countless lives during what became known as the ‘Miracle of Dunkirk’.
The remarkable story has long been overlooked, but efforts are now being made to ensure that the men – and the Island’s contribution – are remembered.
The original 1990 brass plaque listing the brave crews and their ships has now been refurbished, with a new plaque created to tell the story of the Island’s role in Operation Dynamo. The Cairn is now a focal point and a place of reflection for generations to come.
Family members of the crews gathered at Newport Quay on Saturday morning, where the Cairn was unveiled by Armed Forces Champion Councillor Ian Dore.
It’s time the country looked after all ex service personnel.
Why ?.. let’s face it, during both world wars people were conscripted. Since then the only people who have joined up are people who must like fighting and killing others…
They are only doing what their superiors
instruct them to do.