The Little Ships that played such a vital role in Operation Dynamo in 1940 sailed across the Channel on Thursday 27 May to form the centrepiece of the commemorations to mark the 70th anniversary of the evacuation of the BEF from the beaches of Dunkirk.

The Little Ships left Ramsgate around 0700 in rain, but the poor weather did not dampen the spirits of those on board, with the vessels reaching Dunkirk in the early afternoon after a smooth crossing. They were escorted by the Ramsgate lifeboat and the tug Svitzer Anglia, with HMS Monmouth representing the Royal Navy.

The ferry Maersk Dover, which operates on Norfolkline's route from Dover to Dunkirk, acted as host ship for the veterans and a variety of other guests involved in the commemorations. The ship left Dover at 1000, after a performance on the car deck by the Parachute Regimental Band and a chorus of Jerusalem from a Royal Choral Society choir.

During the crossing, a Spitfire and a Hurricane aircraft performed an impressive flypast for the benefit of the veterans and guests, roaring through the grey sky above the ferry as she made her way across the Channel.

Once Maersk Dover had arrived at Dunkirk, she discharged vehicles and passengers at her usual berth and then returned to sea to sail a few miles east to the old port at Dunkirk. Once berthed there, she acted as the venue for the formal ceremony during the afternoon.

The Tribute to Dunkirk Ceremony began just after 1600, and after the blessing by Moneigneur Andre Delepoulle, the last post was played followed by a minute's silence, with many of the veterans on board shedding a tear for their fallen comrades.

As the blessing ended the Little Ships sailed past the ferry and entered the old port, where they moored in the Bassin du Commerce near the Town Hall.

See our galleries: Little Ships leaving Ramsgate and Little Ships arriving in Dunkirk