Historic Dunkirk Little Ship R.F.C.113 Visits Port Solent Marina

A remarkable piece of British maritime history has been spotted in Port Solent Marina, with one of the surviving Dunkirk Little Ships making a brief visit to the marina. 

After learning that the historic motor yacht R.F.C.113 was in the area, Clipper Marine broker Mark Oldrey set out to find the vessel and capture photographs during her stay. His efforts were rewarded with a rare opportunity to see one of the UK's most significant surviving wartime craft up close. 

Build in 1938 by the British Power Boat Company, R.F.C.113 is believed to be a unique example of an express cruiser from the period. Originally commissioned by former Royal Flying Corps officer John Heron Storey, the vessel was named in honour of his First World Ward squadron. 

Her place in maritime history was secured during the Second World War when she was given to the Admiralty and became involved in the evacuation operations of 1940. R.F.C.113 participated in Operation Dynamo, the famous Dunkirk evacuation, and later Operation Aerial, helping with evacuations from north-west France and the Channel Islands as German forces advanced. According to historical records, she was the last vessel to leave St Malo during the June 1940 evacuation. 

Following her wartime service, which also included air-sea rescue duties and dispatch work connected to the D-Day preparations, the yacht returned to civilian ownership. Over the decades she passed through numerous owners and spent many years under the name Makaira before a painstaking restoration returned her to her original identity and appearance. The restoration was recognised with a Classic Boat Aware and helped secure her place among the most celebrated surviving Dunkirk Little Ships. 

Today, R.F.C.113 remains an active member of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships, helping to reserve the memory of the vessels and crews involved in one of the most famous maritime rescue operations in history. More than 330,000 Allied troops were evacuated during Operation Dynamo with the assistance of hundreds of civilian vessels that become known collectively as the "Little Ships of Dunkirk". 

For visitors to Port Solent, seeing R.F.C.113 alongside modern yachts was a reminder that some of the most important vessels in British maritime history are still afloat and actively cruising today.