On May 26, 1940, the British government launched Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches and harbor of Dunkirk, France. The operation was a response to the rapid German advance through the Ardennes and the encirclement of British, French, and Belgian troops.
Over the next nine days, from May 26 to June 4, 1940, a fleet of over 800 vessels—including Royal Navy ships and civilian boats—evacuated approximately 338,000 soldiers. The evacuation was a significant morale boost for the Allies, despite the loss of heavy equipment and the German capture of many troops.
The operation's success was aided by a combination of factors: the German halt order on May 24, which gave the Allies time to organize defenses; the calm weather; and the efforts of the Royal Air Force, which provided air cover. The term "Dunkirk spirit" later came to symbolize British resilience and unity in adversity.
