Dunkerque (Dunkirk)

The British evacuation from Dunkirk is often described as a miracle. Over 300,000 Allied soldiers pulled from the sea in the face of overwhelming odds and the so-called 'Dunkirk spirit' that made it happen helping Britain through its darkest hour.

From May 26 to June 4, over 338,000 British and French troops were safely evacuated from Dunkirk. Critical to this process was the British Royal Air Force, which intercepted German bombers above the beach. Together with the civilians who aided the Royal Navy, they saved countless lives.

Destroyed by German attacks, it was rebuilt after the war – though, alas, during one of the most uninspired periods in the history of Western architecture. While the modern city has precious little charm, it does offer visitors worthwhile museums, a family-friendly beach and colourful pre-Lent carnivals.

First stop the Commonwealth Memorial Cemetery. WW1 memorials are tended to by local schools. WW2 memorial is kept by the commune. Both were very nicely preserved.

We visited the Operation Dynamo museum which was very interesting. The entire museum covers the period of May 26 - June 4, 1940.

The Dunkirk evacuation, codenamed Operation Dynamo and also known as the Miracle of Dunkirk, or just Dunkirk, was the evacuation of more than 338,000 Allied soldiers during the Second World War from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk, in the north of France, between 26 May and 4 June 1940. The operation commenced after large numbers of Belgian, British, and French troops were cut off and surrounded by German troops during the six-week Battle of France. England considered this a huge victory saving 338,000 lives. For the French, the loss of Dunkirk was a national disaster and the prelude to the end of the Third French Republic.
We walked to the beach and read more info on the history of Dunkirk and WW2. We had a fabulous lunch and enjoyed the warmth of the cafe as it was 52 F degrees however with the wind 41 F.
We drove into the city center to see the City Hall, port and rampart.
Dunkirk was destroyed after the second war and simply rebuild in the 1950’s and 60’s. Its rich history is explained all over the city with plagues and monuments.Read more