This week is the 70th Anniversary of the evacuation of the beaches of Dunkirk, where 338,000 allied troops (British, French, Dutch and Belgian) were evacuated from Dunkirk. Frank's father - (Frank) was one of these allied soldiers, Frank believes his Dad actually received word of the evacuation when he was in Lille, and to reach Dunkirk, had to travel with his platoon in a Brengun Carrier. The Germans were moving in very fast, but fortunately, he did reach the beach, and was evacuated safely with 338,000 others. Map below shows an outline.
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This hastily arranged fleet of about 700 "small" vessels (mainly from south coast of England), ranging from pleasure craft, sailing yachts to fishing boats and paddle steamers to ferries and lifeboats - manned by experienced sailors and raw volunteers! Also some Dutch shallow hulled Coasters assisted - (39 of these and a few Belgian Canal boats that had escaped the Germans when both Holland and Belgium were occupied a few days earlier) joined this Armada. The 700 plus boats worked under a hail of German bombs, to take the troops off the beaches and ferry them to the larger ships for transport back to England. The troops left the majority of their weaponry/belongings on the beach, so the ulitmate number could travel on each craft. Many many repeat trips were made by these little ships/craft. 1300 nurses attended to the injured on the beach, and sadly 5,000 allied troops did not make it across the channel, they were captured when the Germans reached Dunkirk on June 4th.
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Below is a painting of the evacuation from the beaches of Dunkirk - known as "Operation Dynamo" happening between May 27 and June 4th, 1940. I have read that for Britons, the phrase "Dunkirk Spirit" still sums up defiant courage. A huge percentage of these men and women, including Frank's dad, went back to fight again until the WWII was won and Britain and most of Europe was safe. They were selfless and brave souls!
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Ramsgate Harbour - England on May 24th 2010
Some 60 "little ships", many of them the original rescuing craft - gather together prior to sailing to Dunkirk last week to commemorate this event, or in Winston Churchill's words - "miracle of deliverance." I have read that some of the original little ships have actually motored up from Spain for this Memorial. *****
There were so many other lighting colours and displays during the night.
And Macquarie Street is also lit up, am hoping to get some photos of that tomorrow. Sort've feel we should look for an el cheapo flight to go down to Sydney and witness this ourselves!
We spent some time travelling around, Keith had not been here since 1962, loads of changes, in fact I don't think he recognised anything at all!!!!
Broadwater looked good as usual, and the pelicans were just hangin' around!!!
Keith was enthralled the man who loved seagulls!!!
The sun disappeared, but we still enjoyed the seafood - outside on the Spit!!!
Another day - we had a great snack at the Coolangatta Surf Lifesaving Club!!
And had to take Keith to the Currumbin Club for a looksea!!
A big deal was made as she limped into the Broadwater at Southport on the Gold Coast to sort out the Ella's damages. However, there were many in the "sailing world" who really knew her, the family and her supporters, advisors and sponsors in Southport, they decided to assist and help her repair the "ELLA'S PINK LADY', most of the time and work was donated. Jessica also received support from different New Zealanders - one set of her grandparents live in Christchurch, and the meteorologist who donated his time and knowledge is a Kiwi, and there were others from across the Tasman as well. But for another month during the repairs she put up with more media speculation and criticism. Most 16 year olds wouldn't have coped with this as well as she did!.
I think back on last September and how I felt, thought she was crazy, but oh so brave and so determined and I just couldn't even imagine how her parents really felt deep down, but until today I did not know the planning, the studying and training that had taken place - this kid/woman is something else, as are her family and supporters and sponsors.
With so much media negativity, she carried on, and sailed out of Sydney Harbour in late October - think the look on her determined little face says it all in front of the Opera House..
One of the supporters waiting for Jessica on the Pink Carpet today, probably an old sailor himself!.
Touching her parents for the first time in 7 months!
Being guided by her parents with those "boaty" legs!
The joy from the young ones was incredible.
She listened, but still had the final say - thank goodness!! 
Next goal is the "car drivers license" after she gets back to our state - Mooloolaba in Queensland on June 6th - we may just drive up to the Sunshine Coast for a couple of days. 
