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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21. Arriving back from Dunkirk
1st June 1940: A cook house set up on a London station platform, England, serving hot food to servicemen arriving from northern France, following the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) Photo: The News archive
22. Arriving back from Dunkirk
1st June 1940: French troops arrive in England from Flanders, slightly wounded in rearguard action during fighting around Dunkirk. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images) Photo: The News archive
23. 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. This shows HMS Trumpeter leading the fleet across the channel. Picture: L(Phot) Luron C Wright Photo: The News archive
24. Arriving back from Dunkirk
31st May 1940: A BEF (British Expeditiinary Force) train arrives in London loaded with happy British soldiers who have escaped from Dunkirk. (Photo by Davis/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images) Photo: The News archive