Ramsgate Town Council funds major commemorative installation honouring Dunkirk legacy

Ramsgate Town Council has funded the delivery of the “338: Ramsgate Remembers” installation, a major cultural and heritage project that recognises the town’s pivotal role in Operation Dynamo and honours those who served and sacrificed.

Working in collaboration with partners including the Royal Temple Yacht Club and the charity Standing with Giants, the project has brought 338 life-sized silhouettes to Ramsgate harbour. Each figure represents 1000 soldiers, a powerful visual reminder of the extraordinary scale of the Dunkirk evacuation, during which more than 338,000 British and Allied troops were rescued, with Ramsgate playing a central role in that historic effort.

Chair of Ramsgate Town Council, Councillor Steve Albon, said:
“Ramsgate has a unique and powerful connection to the story of Dunkirk, and it is vital that we continue to recognise and share that history with both residents and visitors.

The Council was proud to support this project because it provides a moving and accessible way of bringing that history to life. Each silhouette represents not just a number, but an individual story of courage, resilience and community spirit.

As a Council, we are committed to supporting initiatives that both honour our heritage and strengthen civic pride. This installation does exactly that, creating a space for reflection while also helping to raise awareness of Ramsgate’s national significance during the Second World War.”

The installation forms part of a wider programme of commemorative activity in Ramsgate, including the return of the Dunkirk Little Ships and associated events, which are expected to attract significant numbers of visitors to the town.

In addition to its commemorative value, the project supports the Council’s wider aims of promoting Ramsgate as a destination, encouraging tourism, and supporting the local economy through increased footfall during the event period.

Mayor of Ramsgate, Councillor Raushan Ara added:
“This is not only a tribute to the past, but an investment in the present and future of Ramsgate. By supporting high-quality cultural events such as this, we are helping to showcase the town, support local businesses, and bring our community together.  We are grateful to all partners and volunteers who have helped make this possible, and we encourage everyone to visit the harbour and experience this powerful installation.”

The “338: Ramsgate Remembers” installation will be on display along the harbour for six weeks, providing a striking visual reminder of the scale of Operation Dynamo and the human stories behind it.

Photo credit: Lee Pelling www.leepelling.co.uk