Dunkirk 1940: Our People’s Stories

The Dolphin is proud to support the Dunkirk 1940: Our People’s Stories exhibition in co-operation with Poole Maritime Trust, RNLI, Lighthouse, Poole BID, The Keep Museum Dorchester, and National Trust Brownsea Island to commemorate this poignant time in Poole’s history.

Whilst the Dunkirk evacuation was a significant part of Poole’s involvement in World War II, daily life in Poole continued. We’ll be exploring the experience of local people and life in Poole during the war with this brand-new exhibition in GATHER.  

In particular, the exhibition will highlight the contribution made by local women who bravely carried out their work and duties during sometimes extreme conditions. Hear stories from the Military Women’s Royal Naval Service, the Women’s Royal Volunteer Service, and the brave women that worked at Hilton Heath Cordite Factory, which paint a picture of wartime in Poole. 

Lighthouse will also be hosting a sister exhibition (30th April to 27th May 2025) featuring photographs, memorabilia and personal stories, remembering the Poole residents and their vessels involved in Operation Dynamo, which rescued more than 320,000 men of the British Expeditionary Force rescued from the beach at Dunkirk.