A soldier of the British Expeditionary Force, arriving back from Dunkirk, is greeted affectionately by his girlfriend.   (Photo by Topical Press/Getty Images)A soldier of the British Expeditionary Force, arriving back from Dunkirk, is greeted affectionately by his girlfriend.   (Photo by Topical Press/Getty Images)
A soldier of the British Expeditionary Force, arriving back from Dunkirk, is greeted affectionately by his girlfriend. (Photo by Topical Press/Getty Images)

Historic photos show the Dunkirk evacuation and the role the Royal Navy played

The evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940 was one of the most significant events in the Second World War.

More than 300,000 Allied soldiers were rescued from the beaches despite large numbers of troops being surrounded by German forces.

Winston Churchill said the Dunkirk evacuation, which took place between May 26 and June 4, was a ‘miracle of deliverance’ when speaking on the last day of the rescue.

The Royal Navy played a prominent role in the operation, providing the anti-aircraft cruiser HMS Calcutta and 39 destroyers, as well as other vessels.

We have had a look back through the archives to find some historic photos of the evacuation – and the role the Royal Navy played.

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