A LITTLE ship which played a key role in the Dunkirk evacuation of the Second World War is set to join a group in London for King Charles’ coronation weekend.

Endeavour is due at St Katherine’s Dock marina in London for the momentous occasion and Leigh Endeavour Trust members will sail up the River Thames in the week.

The historic Endeavour was one of six cockle boats in Leigh to be acquired by the Navy for Operation Dynamo, the biggest evacuation in military history.

READ MORE >> When Endeavour played key role in biggest evacuation in military history

Chris Burls, membership secretary of the Leigh Endeavour Trust, said: “This is an opportunity for our members to get closer to the boat which is the main reason we’re doing it.

“I hope it all goes well because we’re only getting in the water on Tuesday for a passage up the River on Wednesday so it’s all a bit tight.

“We are inviting members to come aboard as it’s very difficult to get them on normally, they’ll be able to come aboard and have a look at the features with the general public being able to view from afar.”

In May 1940 during the Second World War, the Allied forces of British, French and Belgian troops were trapped by the invading German army in Dunkirk, close to the Belgian border.

A rescue act followed, controlled from Dover Castle, saved the Allies in Europe from a total disaster.

Little ships, such as Endeavour, played an important role in the evacuation.

A total of 338,226 troops were rescued from Dunkirk, with 224,320 of them being British.

Endeavour was among 933 vessels involved, while 236 boats were lost, including Leigh boat Renown.

The coronation weekend event in St Katherine’s Dock will see 33 Dunkirk Little Ships will be assembling in the centre basin of the Docks.

Leigh Endeavour Trust members can take passage on the ship on Thursday, May 4, leaving from the causeway at Holehaven Creek by the Lobster Smack pub at 7.20am arriving at 1pm.

A return trip is available from St Katharine’s on Sunday, May 7, with passengers boarding at 1pm and arriving at Holehaven Creek around 7pm.

Please contact Chris Burls on 01702 553274 or 07909 189746 to book your place as soon as possible.