Channel Ports - Dunkirk

The near-miraculous escape of the defeated British Army at Dunkirk from May 29 to June 3, 1940 was one of the most remarkable incidents of World War II, and helped inspire the British people to persevere during the years of struggle still ahead. Over 300,000 British troops were evacuated, both by the Royal Navy and numerous civilian volunteers. In addition to the effort at sea, the Dunkirk operation was made possible by determined resistance by British armor and infantry at Calais and Arras, and by an RAF not yet at peak effectiveness but able to hamper Luftwaffe operations over the beleaguered port.

Dunkirk has long played a role in English history, most notably in 1588, 1658 and during the First World War. All the units, personalities, and incidents of the 1940 campaign are described in full detail, including some controversial incidents not contained in previous accounts. The 1940 campaign and the surviving landmarks of this historic town are all illustrated with numerous photographs and maps in the popular Battleground Europe style.