Poole’s part in the momentous Dunkirk evacuation of 1940 is often overlooked, but a new community exhibition is determined to set the record straight – and, just as they were 85 years ago, local people are being called on to help.
Curated by Poole Maritime Trust with the support of a range of local organisations, the exhibition Poole At Dunkirk 1940 will be unveiled at Lighthouse on Wednesday 30 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.
As the nation prepares to commemorate the 85th anniversary of Dunkirk in May, Poole At Dunkirk 1940 will create a permanent record and an oral history of the part played by our community in successfully concluding an operation that was to shape modern history.
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 who 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, creating a permanent record of the part played by Poole in this defining moment in our nation’s history.
“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,” says Jack Hawkins, Trustee of Poole Maritime Trust.
“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, adds: “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 comments: “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.
In particular, the exhibition will highlight the contribution made by Poole women who bravely carried out their work and duties with organisations including the Military Women’s Royal Naval Service and the Women’s Royal Volunteer Service, as well as the brave women who worked in the cordite factory at Holton Heath.
“It’s a great privilege to be collaborating with Poole Maritime Trust to celebrate such an important part of Poole’s history,” says Carmen Davies, Community Manager at The Dolphin. “We’re looking forward to exploring personal stories of bravery and resilience and sharing these with the local community.”
If you have a story to tell or items to share, please email Jack Hawkins or Gavin MacLachlan at research@poolemaritimetrust.org.
The RNLI contributed to the exhibition, sharing part of its rich, war time history. The charity is now searching for more stories as part of a grant it was awarded from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and share stories to mark the anniversary of the war ending. The project, called RNLI 1939-45: Stories of Courage, explores the charity’s Second World War history and hopes to find more stories which might otherwise be lost. If you have a Second World War story connected to the RNLI, please email heritage@rnli.org.uk.
Poole At Dunkirk 1940 is curated by Poole Maritime Trust with the support of Lighthouse Poole, Poole BID, Dolphin Centre, RNLI, The Keep Museum Dorchester and National Trust Brownsea Island.
(NC)