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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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.
5. Little Ships depart for Dunkirk marking anniversary
Sally Hamilton sits on board her 'Little Ship' Chumley. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)
Photo: The News archive
6. Little Ships depart for Dunkirk marking anniversary
'Little Ships' and their crew wait in the harbour. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)
Photo: The News archive
7. Little Ships depart for Dunkirk marking anniversary
In 1940 a flotilla of privately owned small boats known as the 'Little Ships' sailed to Dunkirk on the European mainland to help with the evacuation of the defeated British Expeditionary Force as German forces reached the Channel. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)
Photo: The News archive
8. Evacuation from Dunkirk
5th June 1940: The crew of tug 'Sunvill' one of the many small craft which took part in the evacuation of British and allied troops from Dunkirk. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)
Photo: The News archive