Dunkirk 1940: Operation | Dynamo

, often referred to as the "Miracle of Dunkirk," was the massive naval evacuation of over 338,000 Allied soldiers from the beaches and harbor of Dunkirk, France, between May 26 and June 4, 1940 . Key Overview

Vice Admiral Bertram Ramsay directed the mission from naval headquarters beneath Dover Castle .

It was reportedly named after the room at Dover Castle that contained the building’s electric dynamo . Dunkirk 1940: Operation Dynamo

Over two-thirds of the rescued troops actually boarded from the East Mole , a long stone sea wall that allowed larger ships to dock despite the harbor's destruction.

Churchill and his advisors originally hoped to save only 20,000 to 30,000 men . The Rescue Effort , often referred to as the "Miracle of

Although the mission saved the core of the British Army, it was a major military defeat. The Allies abandoned nearly all their heavy equipment, including over and 2,400 field guns . In his famous "We shall fight on the beaches" speech, Winston Churchill cautioned the public that "wars are not won by evacuations," but the successful rescue created a "Dunkirk Spirit" that galvanized British morale. Dunkirk Evacuation World War 2 - What You Need To Know

The operation was launched after German "Blitzkrieg" tactics trapped the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) and elements of the French and Belgian armies against the English Channel. Over two-thirds of the rescued troops actually boarded

The Royal Air Force (RAF) flew thousands of sorties to defend the perimeter from the German Luftwaffe , though many soldiers on the beach felt they were being abandoned because most dogfights happened out of sight. Evacuation Timeline & Numbers Date (1940) Key Events Troops Rescued May 26 Operation Dynamo officially ordered to commence. 7,669 May 28 Belgian Army surrenders; first "Little Ships" arrive. 17,804 May 29 Heavy Luftwaffe attacks; French army joins evacuation. 47,310 May 31 Biggest day of the evacuation; Lord Gort departs. 68,014 June 4 Last night of operation; Germans occupy Dunkirk docks. 26,175 Total 338,226 Allied soldiers (including ~140,000 French) . Historical Significance