The Dunkirk Evacuation: A Critical Turning Point in World War II
Introduction
The Siege of Belgic City, Belgium, and France’s rapid capitulation during World War II left many Allied troops, including 338,000 British troops, stranded on the French coast. This article delves into the details of how many British troops were saved at Dunkirk, the percentage of those who returned home after the evacuation, and the broader context of the Dunkirk evacuation as a pivotal event in the war.
Evacuation Numbers and Battlefields
During the evacuation, a total of 338,000 troops were rescued from Dunkirk, among which 220,000 were British. Contrary to the popular belief that troops left England for Dunkirk, many soldiers were part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) that had been engaged in the Battlefields of France.
Despite the Allied forces' numerical superiority in equipment, especially in mechanized transport and small arms, several factors contributed to the defeat. The BEF, although superior in terms of equipment, was outmatched by the Germans in training, discipline, and tactics. Additionally, the French, who held the overarching command, were not as efficient in handling the situation, as evidenced by Churchill's statement: “Neither we or the French have a single bloody general who knows how to fight a bloody battle.”
Aftermath and Significance of Dunkirk
Contrary to initial expectations, it was believed that only around 30,000 troops could be saved. Hence, the evacuation of 338,000 troops was considered a significant success, even if many British divisions, like the one held by the Scots, remained in France. These divisions played a critical role in fighting a rearguard action to delay the German advance.
Only one Scottish Division, along with several thousand French volunteers, was left in France to hold a rearguard position. They were eventually overwhelmed, running out of ammunition and unable to continue the fight. This left behind a complex web of abandoned supplies, equipment, and uniforms, which had various unintended consequences for both sides.
Key Events and Details
During the evacuation, British troops left behind a significant amount of military equipment, including serviceable tanks and approximately 60,000 vehicles. Additionally, a large stock of small arms, including Bren guns and ammunition, and even British uniform summer gear, was left behind. These items fell into the hands of the Germans and the Vichy French fascist military service, the Milice, who used them against the Allies.
A notable oddity was the amount of British Army “lightweight” summer uniforms found in German U-Boat uniforms thereafter, serving as their official service wear. This bizarre outcome highlights the irony of the situation and the chaos that ensued during the evacuation.
Conclusion
The Dunkirk evacuation is a landmark event in World War II. It demonstrated the resilience and professionalism of the British armed forces, particularly the Royal Navy and Air Force, which played a crucial role in saving the British and Allied troops. The evacuation allowed the BEF to be reformed and eventually lead the Allied forces to victory in subsequent campaigns. The evacuation also served as a sobering reminder of the critical need for better training, discipline, and effective command and control in military operations.