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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25. Arriving back from Dunkirk
31st May 1940: Members of the BEF (British Expeditionary Force) smiling happily at a halt in their journey as they arrive safely in England after escape from Dunkirk. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images) Photo: The News archive
26. Evacuation from Dunkirk
One of the little ships approaches Dunkirk Photo: The News archive
27. Arriving back from Dunkirk
This image taken on June 1940 shows British and French soldiers arriving in London railways station after the allied troops evacuated northern France and Belgium. (Photo by - / AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: The News archive
28. Little Ships depart for Dunkirk marking anniversary
D-Day veterans onboard a Brittany Ferry depart Portsmouth led by Royal Navy Frigate HMS St Albans and a flotilla of ‘Small Boats of Dunkirk’Picture: Shaun Roster Photo: The News archive