Amy GrayShe was the admiral's flagship in one of the most extraordinary rescues in British military history.Amy Gray

She was the admiral's flagship in one of the most extraordinary rescues in British military history.

From May 27, 1940, naval and civilian boats of all shapes and sizes made their way across the English Channel to Dunkirk, determined to bring home allied troops stranded between the sea and enemy forces.

The improvised flotilla was told to head for the sound of guns and the column of smoke over Dunkirk in a pivotal mission that saw the evacuation of more than 300,000 soldiers.

The MTB 102 motor torpedo boat, now based at Lowestoft, made several trips to Dunkirk and in the final days of Operation Dynamo, she was Admiral Sir Frederic Wake-Walker's flagship.

Yesterday, the former Royal Navy vessel began her journey to Ramsgate to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the evacuation, which ended on June 4, 1940.

On Thursday, she will be part of a commemorative flotilla making its way to the French coast.

Skipper Richard Basey, chairman of the MTB 102 Trust, said: "This boat was very critical to the whole operation because she was, for the last three days, effectively in command of the evacuation.

"She's never been out of use and she hasn't been restored as such - she has been continually repaired and maintained."

Mr Basey said the crew would be taking the grandson and great grandson of Admiral Wake-Walker with them to Dunkirk.

The 102 is one of the National Historic Ships core collection of just 50 ships, including the Cutty Sark and HMS Victory.

"The boat is absolutely unique," said Mr Basey, from Wroxham. "It's the only one built from this plan. There were 330 boats built on the redesign, with lessons learnt from this prototype.

"I personally think it's a marvellous piece of naval design."

She is kept in working order by members of the trust, with help from donations from companies and individuals, and sponsorship.

The commemorative event has taken place every five years since 1985.

Keith Wood, a member of the trust, has been working on the 102 for 16 years at Newson Boatbuilders, in Oulton Broad, where she is based.

Newson, which specialises in wooden boats, is owned by the trust and Mr Wood. Traditional techniq-ues are always used to repair any damage.

"The guys who work for me truly enjoy working on her. It's got that history to it," said Mr Wood, who cannot take part in the event this year.

"I would dearly love to be there. I was out on Saturday afternoon with her, but unfortunately I've got work to get on with."

Lt Michael Pedley, of the Royal Naval Reserve, will also be travelling with the crew and helped with maintenance to prepare for the journey.

"This is the first time I've gone to sea in her and it's a tremendous honour and privilege to be here," he said.

For more information, go to www.newson.co.uk or call Mr Wood on 01502 574902.