A historic story about an evacuation during World War 2
The fact that the British Expeditionary Force was evacuated from Dunkirk during May and June 1940 has achieved the status of a legend. Whilst the part played by the ‘Little Ships’ in that miracle is equally well known, the role of the Royal Navy’s warships – such as the destroyers, minesweepers and personnel ships – is often overlooked.
In the early hours of 4 June, after nine days and nights, Operation Dynamo was concluded. Almost immediately the Admiralty issued instructions requiring ships’ captains (from the largest warships to the smallest ‘Little Ship’) and those who served on the shore, on both sides of the Channel, to submit a report detailing their, or their ship’s, actions. It is a broad cross-section from these accounts that is presented in this book, which includes stories of those warships lost or sunk during the evacuation. Without doubt, the reports demonstrate the generally measured manner in which the Royal Navy, assisted by the Merchant Navy and civilian sailors, evacuated the BEF under circumstances beyond anything previously experienced, or even imagined.
About the author
West Sussex author Martin Mace has been involved in writing and publishing military history for more than 25 years. Including a foreword by Operation Dynamo historian Joshua Levine, The Royal Navy At Dunkirk is an extensive coverage of the Dunkirk Evacuation.
For more information and to purchase the book visit: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
