She made it to the 85th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo
Thank you to every volunteer, supporter, friend and well-wisher who helped bring Gerfalcon home to Dunkirk once more.
Thank you to every volunteer, supporter, friend and well-wisher who helped bring Gerfalcon home to Dunkirk once more.
Gerfalcon, built in 1937 by William Osborne of Littlehampton, is a 34-foot motor yacht renowned for its rich history and robust construction. Initially a private leisure craft, Gerfalcon was requisitioned by the Royal Navy in June 1940 for the Dunkirk evacuation. Post-war, it changed hands several times and has undergone several restorations, participating in significant events like the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012.
In 2025, Gerfalcon completed a full restoration in just seven months – an extraordinary community effort of shipwright skill, research, and determination. Against all odds, she returned to Dunkirk for the 85th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo, honouring the memory of the “little ships” and the crews who served.
Her restoration story, original archival research, and wartime service are now documented in a forthcoming book, with publication and launch imminent.
Gerfalcon was recently purchased via Dean and Holland Yacht Brokers in the following condition (you can view her survey of 28th July 2024 and 2nd Jan 2021 by clicking on the respective links):
Gerfalcon is not a museam piece she needs to relive as a working vessel!
In recent years, Gerfalcon has not weathered well and requires significant restoration work to preserve its historic integrity. The vessel, despite meticulous previous efforts, now shows signs of wear and deterioration that necessitate careful attention. This restoration work will ensure that Gerfalcon continues to stand as a testament to its wartime service and maritime heritage, safeguarding its legacy for future generations.
Read her survey of 28th July 2024 and 2nd Jan 2021
The new owner, Gary Fletcher, preparing to lift the boat out of the water to commence the significant restoration works scheduled for 2024. This marks the beginning of an extensive project aimed at rejuvenating the vessel and addressing Gerfalcons long-standing refurbishment needs. With Gary’s commitment and expertise, the restoration promises to restore the boat to its former glory, reflecting both its historical value and its future potential. The careful removal of the boat is a crucial first step in what is expected to be a transformative undertaking.
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Operation Dynamo, also known as the Miracle of Dunkirk, saw over 338,000 Allied soldiers evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk, France, between 26 May and 4 June 1940. Among these heroic vessels was Gerfalcon, a motor yacht built in 1937. As a designated Dunkirk Little Ship, Gerfalcon played a crucial role in ferrying soldiers from the beaches to larger ships waiting offshore. This effort epitomised the "Spirit of Dunkirk," symbolising bravery and resilience during one of World War II’s most critical moments.
Gerfalcon, a 34-foot motor yacht with a mahogany on oak hull, has been meticulously maintained to preserve its design and wartime heritage. Recognised on the historic ships register, Gerfalcon continues to capture the imagination of history enthusiasts. Its preservation provides a tangible link to the past, commemorating its significant contribution during the Dunkirk evacuation.
The boat was originally ordered for recreational use by Royal Navy Commander Valentine Searles-Wood of Waterlooville, Hampshire. Gerfalcon is now privately owned for recreational use by Lieutenant (VCC) Gary Fletcher (rtrd) and is currently laid up in Essex where she will be taken out of the water, surveyed and remedial works undertaken to get her back to her former glory. Lt Fletcher hopes to return the boat to Hampshire, Gosport once seaworthy.
Commander Valentine Searles-Wood Royal Navy was born on 23rd June 1892. He served as an officer in the Royal Navy during WW1, being the commander of HMS Harpy on 5th November 1918. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander on 15th April 1923, placed on the retired list with rank of commander on 20th August 1935. When WW2 broke out, he was called back into service and commanded 25 group of anti-submarine trawlers from 12th to 23rd October 1939, after this he was placed in command of the armed yacht St Modwen. He reverted to the retired list on 13th February 1940. His death was recorded at Blandford Forum in April 1943.
His son, Sub-Lieutenant John Valentine Searles-Wood, followed in his father's footsteps, serving in the Royal Naval Patrol Service aboard H.M. Trawler Fifeshire. On 20th February 1940, HMT Fifeshire (S.Lt. John Valentine Searles-Wood, RN) was tragically sunk by German aircraft east of Copinsay Island, Scotland, in position 59º00'N, 00º25'E, leading to the loss of John's life at the age of 20. He is honoured at the Lowestoft Naval Memorial, Suffolk, on Panel 1, Column 2.
Gary is a dedicated volunteer and coach with notable achievements in maritime research and paddlesports, including solo crossings of the English Channel and leading Arctic expeditions. Now retired from his role as VCC Deputy Commander, Gary brings extensive experience from his Teaching and Research Fellowship at Imperial College London and as Co-Founder of Reading Hackspace, where he managed, supported, and ran various workshops. His professional background includes technology consultancy for central government and global deployments, such as Diego Garcia and Buckingham Palace.
In a strange twist of fate, Commander Valentine Searles-Wood and Lieutenant (VCC) Gary Fletcher, both from the small village of West Moors in Dorset, are both custodians of the same boat. In an even more remarkable turn, the ship was accepted to the Historic Ship Register on Gary's birthday. Their lives, separate, have been mysteriously intertwined by the fate of Gerfalcon.
Ship registration records:
Moments from Gerfalcon's restoration, return and Operation Dynamo anniversary journey.
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To acknowledge the immense collective effort and Gerfalcon's rich history, a specially commissioned plaque was integrated into one of her hatches. This innovative design, conceived and crafted with my good friend Richard Ibbotson at Reading Hackspace. It stands as a unique tribute to her past journeys, her enduring spirit, and everyone who contributed to her remarkable rebuild.
This restoration project was initiated and led by Gary Fletcher, a former Naval Lieutenant and dedicated maritime volunteer, whose vision and determination brought Gerfalcon back to life. Acquiring her in 2024, Gary spearheaded the project with a commitment to conservation principles - managing change to sustain and reveal the vessel's heritage values for future generations.
The restoration took place entirely outdoors, without shelter or workshop facilities, relying solely on power tools and hand tools. The team persevered through rain and snow during one of the harshest winters, often working in freezing conditions, all with the aim of preparing Gerfalcon for the 85th Anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuation.
In just seven months, this historic vessel - having served in the Dunkirk evacuation and the Royal Navy Patrol Service in Ramsgate - was restored with a focus on conservation, ensuring the preservation of her historical integrity.
The continuing 2026 works were made possible by the project leaders and hands-on team who kept Gerfalcon moving forward after her 85th anniversary return:
Gary Fletcher, Andy Castle, Mike Middleton, Gary Klysz, Walt Jenner
This remarkable achievement was made possible through the unwavering dedication and expertise of:
Michael Middleton, Matthew Green, Danny Westbrook
with special support from Clare Middleton and Douglas Fletcher, and the contributions of many, including:
Andy Castle, Andy Smerdon, Barry Clements, Billy Austin, Clare Middleton, Claire O'Reilly, Danny Westbrook, Douglas Fletcher, Elliot Berry, Gary Fletcher, Janee Fletcher, James McAlpine, James Marlow, Kasia and Tymo Bernas, Lennie Webber, Lynn Castle, Marcus Dean, Matthew Green, Michael Middleton, Samuel Jarvis, Simon Papendick, Walter Jenner, Zak Gomes.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Wakering Yacht Club for their patience and support throughout the restoration. Special thanks to Commodore Gary Grey and Andy Castle. Our sincere appreciation extends to all members of the Club for their invaluable assistance.