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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9. 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
10. Little Ships depart for Dunkirk marking anniversary
A brass plate denotes that a vessel took part in the 'Little Ships' Dunkirk evacuations in World War Two. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) Photo: The News archive
11. Arriving back from Dunkirk
Children rush up to a train carrying Troops of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), who have been repatriated in the Dunkirk evacuation, 26th May - 4th June 1940. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Photo: The News archive
12. Evacuation from Dunkirk
Ships carrying members of the BEF leaving Dunkirk during the evacuation of British troops. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Photo: The News archive