Ships recreate Dunkirk journey for 70th anniversary
The fleet of "little ships" commemorating the 70th anniversary since the rescue mission that saved allied troops is arriving in Dunkirk.
More than 50 ships had headed to France from Ramsgate in Kent to mark Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of about 338,000 soldiers from Dunkirk＇s beaches.
The troops had been driven back to the coast by the German army.
Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to the "heroism" of those who took part in the original mission.
See a map explaining the Dunkirk evacuation
He said: "The heroism and valour shown by the people who went to the rescue of the thousands of troops stranded on the beaches of Dunkirk 70 years ago is a testament to the courage and endeavour of British people.
"Our country should always be grateful to and remember all those who were involved in the evacuation, and our thoughts go to all those who didn＇t make it home."
The phrase "Dunkirk spirit" is seen as emblematic of British determination and courage in the face of adversity.
As the boats entered Dunkirk they were greeted by a French piper.
Richard Basey, who was among the first to arrive, said the journey across the channel had been ideal.
He said: "It has been excellent. The sea conditions were very kind to us. The wind had dropped completely. We have had a very good crossing."
War veterans were among those on board the flotilla
He said it was important to remember that many died during the war. He said: "We are here to celebrate and remember the losses."
The BBC＇s Robert Hall said there was a great sense of "family" among those who had taken part in the journey.
The flotilla in Ramsgate, Kent, was cheered by rain-soaked crowds as it set sail for Dunkirk, in north-east France, at 0700 BST.
BBC correspondent Jon Kay was on board the Greta, the oldest of the little ships that brought back hundreds of exhausted men 70 years ago. He said for the last few hours it had felt like he was in 1940.
While on the trip, he was joined by Brian de Mattos whose father Basil was part of the rescue mission.
Mr de Mattos said: "It＇s a great honour for me to be following in my father＇s footsteps 70 years later. To see all these little ships is really quite an emotional time.
"My father made many trips in and out of Dunkirk harbour often under fire from the enemy."
The original evacuation took place between 26 May and 4 June 1940, and involved 900 naval and civilian craft which were sent across the Channel under RAF protection.
Among them were a number of smaller vessels including fishing boats pleasure crafts, paddle steamers and lifeboats.
During the evacuation - described by Winston Churchill as a "miracle of deliverance" - the Luftwaffe attacked whenever the weather allowed and at least 5,000 soldiers were killed.
English Heritage historian Paul Pattison said the troops who disembarked at the ports of Dover were given a warm and compassionate welcome.
He said: "They were given a cup of tea, a ham sandwich and clothing where they needed it because they were wet and bedraggled and often blood-stained.
"They were then very quickly put onto trains and dispatched all over the country - away from the danger zone - for a bit of rest and recuperation before they were ready to join their units again."
Ramsgate＇s Royal Harbour Marina was the reception centre for returning troops and after a weekend of commemorative events in France, the little ships are due to return there on Monday.
Edwin Brown, who was among those rescued in 1940, told the BBC: "They made a hell of a difference because they got us out to the bigger boats where we could get some help from the sailors who couldn＇t get in because of the depth of the water.
"There isn＇t a better spirit anywhere because everyone was looking after each other.
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