The mass evacuation of Dunkirk was conducted from 26 May 1940 to 4 June 1940. Over these nine days, 338,226 French and British soldiers were taken from Dunkirk, France and the surrounding beaches by a fleet of about seven hundred vessels, including the Little Ships of Dunkirk, a mixture of merchant marine vessels, fishing boats, pleasure craft and RNLI lifeboats, whose civilian crews were called into service for the emergency.
I think the Maginot line was entirely staffed by the French. It was. Before the British retreated to Dunkirk, the Maginot Line had already fallen.
The Dunkirk evacuation was code-named "Operation Dynamo" .
To find out which boat your grandad was evacuated from Dunkirk, you can start by researching military records, such as service records or unit histories, which may detail his evacuation. Websites like the National Archives or the Commonwealth War Graves Commission can be helpful. Additionally, you might explore personal accounts or diaries from that time, as they sometimes mention specific vessels. Local historical societies or forums dedicated to Dunkirk and World War II might also have valuable information.
Soldiers abandoned their weapons at Dunkirk primarily due to the desperate situation during the evacuation in May 1940. As Allied forces faced encirclement by German troops, the urgency to escape outweighed the need to carry heavy equipment. With limited time and resources, many soldiers prioritized saving their lives and retreating to safety over retaining their weapons. This led to a chaotic evacuation, where thousands of men left their gear behind on the beaches.
To obtain a Dunkirk medal and certificate, you typically need to be a veteran who served in the British Expeditionary Force during the Dunkirk evacuation in May-June 1940. You can apply through the UK Ministry of Defence or relevant veterans' organizations, providing necessary documentation such as service records. The medal and certificate are awarded to recognize the bravery and sacrifices made during this significant event in World War II.
The Dunkirk evacuation, was codenamed Operation Dynamo by the British.
The nation of France capitulates after the Dunkirk evacuation of French and British forces .
After the Dunkirk evacuation , France capitulates .
The evacuation from Dunkirk
Dunkirk, the evacuation of the British from capture by the Germans in WW2.
Between 27 May and 4 June 1940, the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) was forced to retreat to Dunkirk by German forces. The Dunkirk evacuation, code-named Operation Dynamo, was the evacuation back to Britain from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk, France,
France capitulates after the Dunkirk evacuation .
If you are referring to the evacuation from Dunkirk in 1940, the total number was around 338,000.
The evacuation from Dunkirk saved 338,226 soldiers [British & French].
Dunkirk
Coastline of Northern France
Dunkirk.