Dunkirk 'little ships' come to St Katharine Docks

Dunkirk Little Ships will feature at The Classic Boat Festival at St Katharine Docks

Several of the surviving Dunkirk little ships will be open to the public in September.

The Classic Boat Festival organisers say attendees can step aboard the vessels which sailed across the Channel to rescue trapped Allied soldiers in 1940 as part of Operation Dynamo.

In what Winston Churchill dubbed "the miracle of Dunkirk", about 1,000 little ships sailed through heavy enemy fire to rescue more than 338,000 British and Allied troops from Dunkirk's beaches.

The boats form part of more than 50 vintage vessels will assemble at The Classic Boat Festival in St Katharine Docks on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September.

Operation Dynamo more than 338,000 British and Allied troops rescued from Dunkirk's beaches

The little ships took part in 85th anniversary celebrations of Dunkirk in May, by recreating their voyage from Ramsgate to Dunkirk and back.

In 1940, hundreds of small boat owners answered a call by the Admiralty to sail to the south-east coast to be used by the Royal Navy in its rescue mission.

Also included in the free festival are motorboats from the Bates Star Craft range, historic tugs, and a commanding Navy P2000 vessel.

In its 16th year the festival extends into the west basin, with larger vessels such as Thames sailing barges displayed along the public pontoon.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to step aboard some of the vessels and meet the owners who have preserved these nautical treasures, say organisers.