Follow In The Footsteps Of......
The heroes of Dunkirk.
In France and Britain, Saturday, May 29th marked the 70th anniversary of the historic Dunkirk evacuation, a pivotal rescue of Allied troops by a ragtag band of ‘little ships’.
In the difficult first year of World War II, Operation Dynamo involved more than 340,000 British, Belgian, Czech and French army units who were rescued on the beaches of northern France by a 700-strong flotilla of naval vessels, fishing boats and pleasure crafts.
Some 50 surviving veterans of the troops plucked to safety from the beaches, paid tribute to their fallen comrades at the commemoration in the northern French seaport. About 60 of the boats - known as the "little ships" - that participated in the evacuation were just off the coast during the ceremony, having re-enacted their journey from southern England to Dunkirk on the previous Thursday.
Operation Dynamo enabled the British to fight another day and provided their country with a source of pride in the face of extreme adversity. For Britons, the phrase "Dunkirk spirit" still sums up defiant courage.
Dunkirk is now a thriving seaport with two worthwhile museums dedicated to this historic event, a mellow beach and plentiful boat tours of the WWI and WWII sites. It is also host to several colourful, pre-Lent carnivals.
Haslemere Travel would be delighted to help you relive history and retrace the journey of these brave vessels; walk on the beach where soldiers waited for their rescue vessels, or visit the moving museums and British memorials.
Call our team for more information on all regions of historic interest in France on 01428 658 777
