The Battle of Dunkirk took place during the Second World War between the Allies and Nazi Germany. As part of the Battle of France on the Western Front, the Battle of Dunkirk was the defence and evacuation of British and Allied forces in Europe from 26 May to 4 June 1940.
The popular image of the tragic events at Dunkirk in 1940, is of long queues of soldiers chest deep in water, waiting for small craft to ferry them to larger vessels waiting off-shore. The evacuation marked the end of what was a military disaster. In the confusion of the moment, the last minute plan to rescue survivors of the British Expidionary Force, succeeded and over 300,000 men were evacuated. Books and films have all attempted to portray the story. In his book 'The Dunkirk Perimeter and evacuation 1940' Jerry Murland describes the ad hoc organisation on the mole and beaches,and personal stories of some of the men who were amongst last to leave the stricken city. The story is the well supported by photographs and maps, with appendices listing large ships, those sunk, beached or abandoned together with dates. It also has a daily list the number of men rescued from both the beaches and the harbour between 26th May 4th June. A total 98,000 of the beaches and 239,446 from Dunkerque Harbour... Read more
Richard Gough, Military Author and Historian
The popular image of the tragic events at Dunkirk in 1940, is of long queues of soldiers chest deep in water, waiting for small craft to ferry them to larger vessels waiting off-shore. The evacuation marked the end of what was a military disaster. In the confusion of the moment, the last minute plan to rescue survivors of the British Expidionary Force, succeeded and over 300,000 men were evacuated. Books and films have all attempted to portray the story. In his book 'The Dunkirk Perimeter and evacuation 1940' Jerry Murland describes the ad hoc organisation on the mole and beaches,and personal stories of some of the men who were amongst last to leave the stricken city. The story is the well supported by photographs and maps, with appendices listing large ships, those sunk, beached or abandoned together with dates. It also has a daily list the number of men rescued from both the beaches and the harbour between 26th May 4th June. A total 98,000 of the beaches and 239,446 from Dunkerque Harbour... Read more
Richard Gough, Military Author and Historian
Using British and German war diaries and reports Gregory Blaxland, in his book "Destination Dunkirk" describes the loss of the under equipped British Expeditionary Force, together with its Belgian and French army counterparts. All three were overwhelmed by a well planned German onslaught which broke through the allied defences along a 50 mile front. Supported by Stuka dive bombers and tanks, it began to decimate three allied armies. Churchill was dumfounded and swiftly made plans to save what was left of the BEF through the channel port of Dunkirk. Diaries, eye witness accounts and personal correspondence illustrate the lack signals equipment and confusion which played and important part in the conflict.
Richard Gough, Military Author and Historian
Using British and German war diaries and reports Gregory Blaxland, in his book "Destination Dunkirk" describes the loss of the under equipped British Expeditionary Force, together with its Belgian and French army counterparts. All three were overwhelmed by a well planned German onslaught which broke through the allied defences along a 50 mile front. Supported by Stuka dive bombers and tanks, it began to decimate three allied armies. Churchill was dumfounded and swiftly made plans to save what was left of the BEF through the channel port of Dunkirk. Diaries, eye witness accounts and personal correspondence illustrate the lack signals equipment and confusion which played and important part in the conflict.
Richard Gough, Military Author and Historian
As featured in
The Metro 24/8/18
As featured in
The Metro 24/8/18
As featured 'ON THE SHELF'
Wargames Illustrated, March 2018
As featured 'ON THE SHELF'
Wargames Illustrated, March 2018
The title says it all. The Commanding Officers of the Royal Navy warships deployed to Operation Dynamo, plus shore based personnel, were required to submit reports regarding their ship’s actions during this operation. These were deposited in due course with the National Archives, and have now been collated to form this excellent book. These range from the report of Rear Admiral WAKE-WALKER, who commanded the operation as Senior Naval Officer Afloat, to Master W. J. PENNEY who commanded H.M. Tug, St. Clear. They were written soon after the event, often based on contemporaneous notes. They contain a treasure trove of information about the reality of the evacuation of British and French troops from Dunkirk, before it became idolised in British mythology. Reading the reports left me feeling very humble, and much better informed about Operation Dynamo. There are six chapters, commencing with the Royal Navy destroyers that carried out the bulk of the evacuations, to other Royal Navy Warships,.. Read more
British Military History, Rob Palmer
The title says it all. The Commanding Officers of the Royal Navy warships deployed to Operation Dynamo, plus shore based personnel, were required to submit reports regarding their ship’s actions during this operation. These were deposited in due course with the National Archives, and have now been collated to form this excellent book. These range from the report of Rear Admiral WAKE-WALKER, who commanded the operation as Senior Naval Officer Afloat, to Master W. J. PENNEY who commanded H.M. Tug, St. Clear. They were written soon after the event, often based on contemporaneous notes. They contain a treasure trove of information about the reality of the evacuation of British and French troops from Dunkirk, before it became idolised in British mythology. Reading the reports left me feeling very humble, and much better informed about Operation Dynamo. There are six chapters, commencing with the Royal Navy destroyers that carried out the bulk of the evacuations, to other Royal Navy Warships,.. Read more
British Military History, Rob Palmer
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The Last Great Cavalryman
Nearly 70 years have passed since October 1944 when Dick McCreery became the third and final Commander of the legendary Eighth Army in Italy – in succession to Monty and Oliver Leese. With his outstanding record as a fighting soldier and armoured tactician, it was no surprise to anyone that he was to be hugely successful. McCreery was commissioned… Read more...
