338 : Ramsgate Remembers

Standing with Giants to Commemorate Dunkirk with 338 Silhouettes in Ramsgate

This May, the historic harbour at Ramsgate will become the setting for a powerful and moving tribute as Standing with Giants installs 338 life-sized silhouettes along the quayside, honouring the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those involved in the Dunkirk evacuation of 1940.

Operation Dynamo

Operation Dynamo was the emergency rescue of 338, 226 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. Each of the 338 silhouettes represents 1,000 soldiers, powerfully illustrating the scale of one of the most remarkable rescue operations in modern history.

Delivered in collaboration with Ramsgate Town Council, and the Royal Temple Yacht Club Association, the installation reflects a shared commitment to preserving and honouring the town’s remarkable wartime heritage.

  • Location : Ramsgate Quayside.
  • Dates : 15th May 2026 to 28th June 2026.
  • The Little Ships Return Festival : 22nd May to 25th May 2026.
  • Armed Forces Day Parade : 27th June 2026.

Each silhouette represents 1,000 soldiers, creating a striking tribute to the scale and sacrifice behind one of the most remarkable rescue operations in modern history. 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.

Alongside the main installation, an additional seven ‘Standing with Giants’ silhouettes will be installed to honour the town of Ramsgate during the 1940s, recognising the resilience of the local community and the vital role the town played during the war. These larger figures will help tell the wider story of home front life, standing as a powerful reminder that the impact of war reached far beyond the battlefield.

Silhouettes representing RNLI, a civilian skipper, evacuees, WVS and a naval skipper.

The above silhouettes will be on permanent display, sitting alongside the ‘Tommy silhouette’.

Tommy silhouette
About Standing with Giants

Standing with Giants is a UK charity dedicated to creating large-scale remembrance installations that honour service, sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of those who gave their tomorrow for our today. Their work transforms landscapes into places of reflection, education, and connection.

Click here for ‘Standing with Giants’ donation link.

About Ramsgate Town Council

Ramsgate Town Council serves the local community, supporting cultural initiatives, events, and heritage projects that celebrate the town’s rich history and strengthen community engagement.

About Royal Temple Yacht Club Association

The Royal Temple Yacht Club Association has long-standing connections to Ramsgate’s maritime heritage and continues to play an active role in commemorating the town’s historic contribution to events such as Dunkirk.