Commemorating the Miracle of Dunkirk
May 26 - June 4, 1940
Honoring the extraordinary evacuation that saved over 338,000 Allied soldiers and became a symbol of British resilience and the spirit of ordinary people rising to extraordinary circumstances.
Learn MoreUnderstanding the historical context and significance
The evacuation operation, codenamed Operation Dynamo, was coordinated from Dover Castle by Vice Admiral Bertram Ramsay. Initially expected to rescue only 45,000 men over two days, the operation exceeded all expectations.
Over 900 vessels participated in the evacuation, including destroyers, minesweepers, and hundreds of civilian craft known as the "Little Ships" - fishing boats, pleasure craft, and lifeboats that answered the call.
In May 1940, German forces had successfully outflanked the Maginot Line and pushed Allied forces back to the beaches of Dunkirk. The British Expeditionary Force, along with French and Belgian troops, found themselves trapped with their backs to the sea. What followed was one of the most remarkable rescue operations in military history, transforming a potential disaster into a symbol of hope and determination.
Key moments during Operation Dynamo
Vice Admiral Bertram Ramsay initiates the evacuation from Dover Castle. The first ships depart for Dunkirk beaches with hopes of rescuing 45,000 men.
Only 7,669 men evacuated on the first day due to German air attacks and the difficulty of evacuating directly from the beaches.
47,310 troops evacuated in a single day as the operation reaches full capacity. The mole at Dunkirk harbor proves crucial for faster evacuation.
64,429 troops evacuated including French forces. The "Little Ships" play an increasingly vital role in ferrying troops from beaches to larger vessels.
Operation Dynamo officially ends. Over 338,000 Allied troops have been successfully evacuated, far exceeding initial expectations.
Honoring the spirit of resilience and unity
Every year on May 26th, we commemorate the beginning of Operation Dynamo and honor the courage of those who participated in this extraordinary rescue mission.
The evacuation became a symbol of the "Dunkirk Spirit" - the British quality of refusing to give up in the face of adversity and finding triumph in apparent defeat.
Dunkirk demonstrated how ordinary citizens can achieve extraordinary things when united in purpose, inspiring generations and remaining relevant in times of national challenge.
"We shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle."— Winston Churchill, June 4, 1940