Dunkirk (Dunkerque)

Dunkirk (Dunkerque) refers to a pivotal event during World War II in 1940, when Allied forces, primarily British and French troops, were surrounded by German armies near the French port of Dunkirk. Facing imminent defeat, a massive evacuation effort called Operation Dynamo was launched to rescue as many soldiers as possible by sea, involving ships, civilian boats, and military vessels. Over nine days, approximately 338,000 soldiers were evacuated, boosting morale and allowing Britain to continue resisting Nazi occupation. Dunkirk remains a powerful symbol of perseverance and collective effort during a critical moment in the war.