Today, May 26th, marks the 84th anniversary of the commencement of Operation Dynamo, also referred to as the Dunkirk Evacuation, Miracle of Dunkirk, or simply Dunkirk.
In the days leading up to May 26th, British, French, and Belgian soldiers found themselves at the precipice of defeat as Nazi troops penned them in on the beaches of Dunkirk. With allied soldiers stranded and left vulnerable to merciless attack, Operation Dynamo saw a handful of Naval vessels, as well as 850 “Little Boats”, set sail on an immense rescue mission.
Braving enemy artillery and aircraft fire, the “Little Boats” were volunteered from Ramsgate Harbour, some 47 miles away from Dunkirk, and sailed through rough conditions on the Channel to support the rescue efforts of better-prepared Naval vessels. The support of these “Little Boats” was crucial to the success of the operation and, thanks to the bravery and dedication of the seamen aboard, over 338,000 marooned soldiers were triumphantly evacuated to safety.
William Wood Watches present the Dunkirk Watch.
Dunkirk Watch. Credit: William Wood Watches.
To honour this significant anniversary William Wood Watches proudly present the Dunkirk Watch. The commemorative timepiece pays tribute to those who fearlessly risked their lives and is crafted with parts from the Massey Shaw, one of those 850 “Little Boats” whose valiant contribution to Operation Dynamo saved 600 lives.
The crew aboard the Massey Shaw, a London Fire Brigade Fireboat, worked tirelessly for several days, making multiple trips across the channel and all the while providing cups of tea, as well as vital shelter in the ship’s hose room.
Despite pushing its two main engines to the limit, the Massey Shaw and its crew continued their efforts throughout the Blitz. Taking to the Thames, the Fireboat pumped out 3,000 gallons of water per minute to equip firefighters on the ground. Thanks to the labours of the crew, despite the Second Great Fire of London wreaking havoc on the city, St Paul’s Cathedral was kept from burning down and remained relatively unharmed.
Dunkirk Watch. Credit: William Wood Watches.
Strictly limited to 600 pieces, the Dunkirk Watch is a tribute to the boat, its heroic crew, and the Dunkirk Spirit they both represent.
It’s no secret that the driving force behind William Wood Watches is CEO Jonny Garett’s desire to honour the heroism of those who have dedicated their lives to fighting fires. This is a passion ignited predominantly by William Wood, grandfather to Jonny and namesake of the brand, who served for 25 years in the British Fire Service and who’s courage and bravery even earnt him a Certificate of Merit.
The latest addition to their catalogue is perhaps the most ambitious yet. Inspired by the mechanical brilliance of the Massey Shaw, custom-built and Swiss-made, the Dunkirk Watch is an unmistakable homage to the rich history and human stories of WWII.
Dunkirk Watch. Credit: William Wood Watches.
Presented with a one-of-a-kind telegraph dial in bronze, black, and red, the design takes its cues from the twin telegraphs aboard the Massey Shaw which are used to operate the fire pumps as well as the main engines. Powered by the Sellita SW200, the Dunkirk Watch features a strap upcycled from fire jackets worn by the UK Fire and Rescue Service and a 41mm engine-inspired case with red “pipes”, like those of Massey Shaw’s pumping system.
Finished with a commemorative caseback that has been embellished with the motto “We Will Remember Them”, an original piece of the Massey Shaw’s engine has been melted down and used to depict the silhouette of the boat as part of an engraving of the Dunkirk Evacuation.
Dunkirk Watch. Credit: William Wood Watches.
If that wasn’t enough, a new plaque will also be added aboard the Massey Shaw in 2025, to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Dunkirk Evacuation. On it, the names of every individual who purchases a Dunkirk Watch will be listed, as a mark of gratitude to those who have bought a piece of history and subsequently supported the continued care and maintenance of the Massey Shaw.
600 limited-edition pieces are available now for a price of £3,995 GBP. Delivery is expected to commence in November, in time for Remembrance and Veterans Day. Technical specifications and purchasing information can be found here.
