The Bee Goes to War by Ivan Berryman. (PC)

In May, 1940, Operation Dynamo was initiated to rescue British and French forces from the beaches of Dunkirk. As well as the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, over 800 small ships crossed the English Channel to help with the evacuation. Among them was the MV Bee, registered at Cowes and, at 7.30pm, she and her four crew set off from Ramsgate for the French coast. Bravely crewed by Bill Trowbridge, Harry Downer; Mark Hocking and Fred Reynard, the Bee rescued over 400 men under constant attack from the German Luftwaffe, but was eventually ordered to return home having suffered propeller damage caused by submerged debris at Dunkirk.

Collectors postcard - first edition of 90 cards.

Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm)