A historic lifeboat which took part in the Dunkirk evacuation has gone on display following an extensive restoration.
Guide of Dunkirk, a decommissioned RNLI lifeboat with links stretching back to the Second World War, was exhibited in the marina at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show.
Originally commissioned in 1939, the vessel was paid for through wartime fundraising by members of the Girl Guide Association.
A total of £5,000 was raised towards her construction – equivalent to around half a million pounds in today’s money – before she was built at Rowhedge Ironworks in Colchester, Essex, predominantly using wood.
At her launch in 1940 she was named Girl Guide, but was immediately commandeered by the Royal Navy and sent to Dunkirk as part of Operation Dynamo.
She was one of 19 RNLI lifeboats involved in the evacuation, alongside dozens of so-called Little Ships, including a number from the Isle of Wight, which helped rescue servicemen from the beaches.
The vessel completed 3 return trips between Ramsgate and Dunkirk, but suffered severe shell damage to her stern during her third return journey.
Following repairs, she entered service with the RNLI at Cadgwith in Cornwall, where she was stationed between 1941 and 1963 under the name Guide of Dunkirk.
In later years, the lifeboat became a tourist attraction at a boatyard in Mevagissey owned by John Moor.
In 2025, John’s son Peter put the vessel up for sale for £5,000 – the same amount originally raised to build her.
She was purchased by Abbey Molyneux, owner of Abbey Boat Builder at Reedham on the Norfolk Broads.
After initial remedial work, Guide of Dunkirk was towed to Falmouth before being transported by road to her new home.
Restoration work began during the winter of 2025 and saw local Girlguiding members and residents become involved, including helping to make replacement traditional rope.
New woodwork was required, alongside replacement sails and rigging, while the lifeboat’s engine was also rebuilt.
In 2026, the vessel’s new custodians became members of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships.
Abbey Molyneux is a qualified shipwright who spent 10 years working on the River Thames before being encouraged by her mentor to establish her own boatbuilding business.
Following her appearance at the Southampton International Boat Show, Guide of Dunkirk is expected to go on display at further events in the future.
