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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13. Arriving back from Dunkirk
31st May 1940: Members of the British forces arrive home by train after being evacuated from Dunkirk. (Photo by H. F. Davis/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images) Photo: The News archive
14. 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
15. Evacuation from Dunkirk
Allied troops wade out to evacuation vessels moored off Dunkirk during World War II, 1940. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Photo: The News archive
16. Little Ships depart for Dunkirk marking anniversary
75th Anniversary of the Original Crossing to Dunkirk. the transit from The Ramsgate Royal Marina to Dunkirk, France. HRH Prince Michael of Kent was onboard HMS Trumpeter for the the transit. Picture: L(Phot) Luron Wright Photo: The News archive