Dunkirk Nine Days That Saved An Army: A Day by Day Account of the Greatest Evacuation

During World War II, the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk was known as Operation Dynamo. This book provides a day-by-day account of the drama that unfolded on the perimeter around Dunkirk, in the port, and along the beaches to La Panne and the Belgian border. Access to Admiralty reports and other first-hand accounts, many of which have never been published before, reveals the true tale of the heroism of the rescued and the rescuers. The BEF was saved to fight again another day, and it was Britains finest hour.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The epic of Dunkirk has been retold countless times, but the numerous accounts from surviving soldiers and sailors often blur together, leaving a confusing picture of fear and fighting. In this book, the author takes a day-by-day approach to portray the unfolding drama on the perimeter around Dunkirk, in the port itself, and along the beaches to La Panne and the Belgian border. Reports from many of the captains of the vessels that took part in the great evacuation were submitted to the Admiralty immediately after the conclusion of Operation Dynamo. Access to these, along with the various records maintained by the Army and RAF, has allowed the author to piece together the movements and actions of the many squadrons, units, and ships involved.

The Admiralty reports and a plethora of other first-hand accounts, many of which have never been published before, shed light on the true tale of the heroism of the rescued and the rescuers. Operation Dynamo saw civilian volunteers and Royal Navy personnel manning every type of craft, from the anti-aircraft cruiser HMS Calcutta to the cockle boats of the Thames Estuary. The accounts of the men who crewed these vessels tell of being bombed and strafed by the Luftwaffe or shelled from the shore. There are stories of collisions in the dark, chaos on the beaches, and tragic losses as ships went down. Similar tales are told by the men waiting on the beaches, defending the perimeter, or flying in the skies overhead in a valiant effort to hold the German Army and Luftwaffe at bay.

Yet, this is ultimately a story of "deliverance," as Churchill described it. Despite all the predictions, the BEF was saved to fight again another day. The evacuation was a remarkable feat of logistics and coordination, with thousands of personnel and vehicles being transported to safety in a matter of days. The Royal Air Force played a crucial role in the operation, with its pilots flying tirelessly to transport troops and supplies from the beaches to Britain.

The bravery and resilience of the soldiers and sailors who took part in Dunkirk are truly awe-inspiring. They faced unimaginable horrors and conditions, but their determination to survive and their willingness to sacrifice for their comrades are a testament to the human spirit. The evacuation also had a lasting impact on the course of World War II, as it demonstrated the vulnerability of the German Army and Luftwaffe and helped to turn the tide of the war in favor of the Allies.

In conclusion, the epic of Dunkirk is a story of heroism, resilience, and sacrifice that has been retold countless times. This book provides a clear and detailed account of the events that took place war, and sheds light on the incredible bravery and resilience of the soldiers and sailors who took part in the great evacuation. It is a reminder of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and emerge stronger than ever before.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399077774