The Epic of Dunkirk

Edward Keble Chatterton (1878-1944) was a sailor and prolific writer who is best known for non-fiction works. His voyages across the English Channel, to the Netherlands, around the Mediterranean and through the French canals led to many articles and books. Joining the R.N.V.R. at the outbreak of the Great War he commanded a motor launch flotilla, leaving the service  as a Lieutenant Commander. In 1918 he was appointed to the Naval section of the Official History Committee, where he worked until 1922.

Unquestionably one of the most important and vivid nautical authors of the past century using both first hand accounts from the people that were there at the time, and having the opportunity to access to official documents .Chatterton recorded the maritime history of Britain at its most momentous point of change, from sail to steam, from the advent of the submarine to the carrier.

His account was at the time of publication the only book dealing with the naval and seafaring aspect of the withdrawal from Dunkirk of the British Expeditionary Force, it includes first hand information obtained from ship owners, and the officers themselves who took part in the evacuation along with official information.

A valuable source for those interested with the naval and seafaring aspect of the withdrawal from Dunkirk, originally published in November 1940 it is an authentic account of the coasters and cargo steamers, yachts and motor cruisers, sailing barges and lifeboats, excursion paddle vessels, destroyers and sloops, even dinghies, that took their part day after day, night after night, and effected what experts at the time had considered impossible.