In May 1940 German armoured troops invaded France after crossing the Netherlands, Luxemburg and Belgium. The speed of their advance was like lightning. Allied soldiers were caught in a vice near Dunkirk.
Britain decided to re-embark its troops.
The Royal Navy sent 39 destroyers, mine sweepers and other ships but the shallow slope of the beaches meant that the larger ships had to anchor offshore. Therefore 370 smaller ships of all nations, such as fishing boats, tugs, barges and yachts, the now famous 'little ships', were mobilised to sail, under enemy fire, between the beach and the ships anchored offshore.
On 4 June 1940, Operation Dynamo, taking its name from the room in Dover from where the operation was organised, was over. From now on the swastika would float over the town.
Despite heavy losses, 338,000 soldiers (of whom 123,000 were French) were evacuated in nine days. For the British the operation was a success and gave rise to the Dunkirk spirit, a symbol of hope in the years of torment.
Princess Elisabeth during WW2
Photo: City of Dunkirk
Soldiers embarking during the Dynamo Operation
Photos: City of Dunkirk
