Operation Fuller and the Channel Dash: A Tribute to Unsung WWII Heroes
- rickwetmore
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
A Personal Reflection from our Viking British Isles Explorer Cruise
Our journey aboard the Viking Vela began with a full-day WWII-themed shore excursion out of Dover. The day’s title—"Britain at War"—said it all. From the moment we sailed past the White Cliffs, we knew we were stepping into a living history lesson.
One of the most powerful moments came during our visit to the town of Ramsgate, a charming seaside port with deep wartime roots. Most know Ramsgate for its role in Operation Dynamo, the Dunkerque evacuation where brave civilian boats rescued thousands. But nestled near the harbor lies a lesser-known chapter of courage—one that deserves a spotlight of its own.
Honoring Bravery: Operation Fuller and the Channel Dash
Our guide led us to the Channel Dash Memorial, where wreaths of poppies quietly marked a story of staggering bravery. It was here we learned about Operation Fuller and the Channel Dash, a mission launched on February 12, 1942, to intercept a bold German naval breakout.
Three major German warships—Scharnhorst, Gneisenau, and Prinz Eugen—attempted to escape the French port of Brest and dash up the English Channel to German waters. Their convoy was massive—destroyers, E-boats, minesweepers, and over 250 Luftwaffe aircraft guarded their path.
Caught off guard, the Allies scrambled to respond. Among those who rose to the challenge was Lt. Cdr. Eugene Esmonde, leading a small squadron of six Swordfish biplanes from nearby RAF Manston.
Against All Odds
The Swordfish aircraft were already outdated by 1942—slow, exposed, and vulnerable. Esmonde’s squadron waited over Ramsgate for promised Spitfire escorts; only ten arrived. Time was running out. Esmonde made the fateful decision to proceed.
Flying barely 50 feet above the water, the biplanes approached the German fleet and were met with withering firepower. Within minutes, all six aircraft were lost. Of the 18 crew members, only five survived. Esmonde was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, and his men received numerous commendations for their valor.
A Moment of Reflection
Standing at that monument, listening to our guide tell the story, I felt the weight of history. Operation Fuller didn’t change the tide of the war, but it showcased something timeless—courage in the face of near-certain doom.
The memorial itself is modest, yet powerful. The wreaths at its base are more than decoration—they’re quiet promises that this story, this sacrifice, will not be forgotten.
Why These Stories Matter
As travelers and history lovers, Kathie and I are always moved by the lesser-known stories—the ones that don’t get the Hollywood treatment. This stop in Ramsgate reminded us that every act of bravery deserves to be remembered, whether it saved thousands or simply stood as a symbol of resistance.
We’ll be sharing photos of the memorial alongside a few images of the Swordfish aircraft and German warships to help bring this moment in time to life.
History lives in the big battles—but also in the quiet memorials, tucked away in coastal towns, whispering tales of bravery that still deserve to be heard.
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