A Collection of British Second World War Commemorative Ceramics and Dunkirk Veterans Ephemera

A collection of British commemorative items and ephemera focused on the evacuation from Dunkirk and royal history. The central item is a large ceramic commemorative plate produced for the 50th anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuation (1940-1990). The face of the plate features a central British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F.) crest encircled by the text TO COMMEMORATE THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF DUNKIRK – MAY-JUNE – 1940-1990. The inner ring identifies the divisional signs of the B.E.F. in 1940, including G.H.Q. Troops and Corps troops. The outer rim is decorated with the colourful insignia of various participating units, including the 1st through 5th Divisions, 12th (Eastern), 23rd (Northumbrian), 42nd (East Lancs), 44th (Home Counties), 46th (North Midland & West Riding), 48th (South Midland), 50th (Northumbrian), and 51st (Highland) Divisions, and the 1st Armoured Division. It also depicts the ensigns of the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy, alongside the badge of the Royal Air Force (R.A.F.). The plate is finished with a gilded rim.

Included in the collection is a pair of small, white-glazed porcelain vases of baluster form, commemorating the 1937 Coronation of King George VI. Each features a transfer-printed profile portrait of the King, flanked by the Union Flag and Allied banners, with the date 1937 printed below.

The ephemera consists of a souvenir program for the Annual Pilgrimage to De Panne held on 3rd June 1985, marking the 45th anniversary of the evacuation, featuring logos for the Dunkirk Veterans Association and the town of De Panne. Also present is a French-language commemorative card titled Pour Mieux Faire Connaître Dunkerque – Notre Ville Ressuscitée, and a small circular blue enamel lapel badge for the Dunkirk Veterans Association.