The first silhouettes have been installed in Ramsgate for a powerful and moving tribute honouring the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those involved in the Dunkirk evacuation of 1940.
Charity Standing with Giants, which is dedicated to creating large-scale remembrance installations, has begun placing 338 life-sized silhouettes along the harbour. The installation is aptly named 338: Ramsgate Remembers.
Operation Dynamo was the emergency rescue of over 338,000 British and Allied troops, surrounded by German forces in France during the Second World War. Nearly 900 naval and civilian “Little Ships” sailed into danger to bring them home under relentless enemy fire.
The 338 silhouettes represent the servicemen and women, alongside the Little Ships of Ramsgate, whose bravery played a vital role in one of the most remarkable rescue operations in modern history.
Delivered in collaboration with Ramsgate Town Council, and the Royal Temple Yacht Club, the installation reflects a shared commitment to preserving and honouring the town’s remarkable wartime heritage.
Each silhouette represents a life, a story, and a moment in history, creating a striking visual reminder of both the scale of the evacuation and the human cost behind it.
The installation stands as a tribute to the courage, resilience, and unity shown during Operation Dynamo, ensuring that the stories of those involved are remembered for generations to come.
The 338 installation, which runs from 15th May to 28th June, will attract a large number of visitors to the town during the six week period that they are in place.
Those visiting for Armed Forces Day Parade on 27th June will have the chance to see the largest Standing With Giants installation this side of Portsmouth.
Alongside the main installation, five additional Standing with Giants silhouettes were installed last week to honour the role Ramsgate and its people played during the war.
The return to Ramsgate by the Dunkirk Little Ships, marking 86 years since the operation, will take place over the late Bank Holiday weekend 22-25th May.
Some 25 ADLS ships will arrive to commemorate Operation Dynamo and a full weekend of events is planned for the town.
There will be live music with the Queens Head, markets, a fair, and a commemorative parade on Sunday, May 24.
Events include a Little Ships in Concert performance, military vehicle displays, parades, workshops, the Dunkirk Evacuation projection and more.
Support Standing With Giants at: https://www.standingwithgiants.co.uk/support-us
They look wonderful. My late grandfather was one of those rescued and brought back to Ramsgate he was taken to the Regency hotel /school of English to be check over he was unhurt & went back to war .
Are they being sold off afterwards id like to purchase 1 if possible. Respect to all our lost heroes.
A truly respectable tribute to all the lives lit and saved for Great Britan
Ramsgate has something to be very proud of this makes a community we all
Can reflect on brilliant