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Duty Calls: A Thrilling Historical Account of the Dunkirk Evacuation by James Holland

Albert Reed

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Published in Duty Calls: Dunkirk James Holland

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In May 1940, the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) found itself trapped in Dunkirk, France, after the German army had swept through Belgium and northern France. The BEF was facing annihilation, and the only hope of escape lay in a daring evacuation across the English Channel. Over the course of nine days, hundreds of thousands of British and Allied troops were rescued from the beaches of Dunkirk in one of the most remarkable military operations in history.

James Holland's book, Duty Calls: The Story of the Dunkirk Evacuation, is a thrilling and detailed account of this momentous event. Holland draws on a wide range of sources, including firsthand accounts from soldiers, sailors, and civilians, to recreate the chaos and drama of the evacuation. He also provides a clear and concise overview of the military and political context of the Dunkirk campaign.

Duty Calls: Dunkirk

by James Holland

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3218 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	356 pages

The Road to Dunkirk

The German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, marked the beginning of World War II. Great Britain and France declared war on Germany two days later, and the BEF was dispatched to France to help defend the country against the German onslaught.

The BEF initially enjoyed some success, but the German army was simply too powerful. By May 1940, the BEF was in full retreat, and the British government was desperately trying to evacuate its troops from France.

The Dunkirk Evacuation

The Dunkirk evacuation began on May 26, 1940. The British government had assembled a vast fleet of ships, including warships, merchant vessels, and fishing boats, to ferry the BEF across the English Channel.

The evacuation was a chaotic and dangerous operation. The beaches of Dunkirk were under constant bombardment from German artillery and aircraft, and the sea was filled with mines. Nevertheless, the British and Allied troops fought their way to the beaches and scrambled aboard the waiting ships.

Over the course of nine days, hundreds of thousands of British and Allied troops were evacuated from Dunkirk. The evacuation was a major success, and it saved the BEF from annihilation. However, the evacuation also had a bittersweet quality. The BEF had been forced to leave behind all of its heavy equipment, and the British government was now facing the prospect of a long and difficult war against Germany.

Legacy of Dunkirk

The Dunkirk evacuation was a turning point in World War II. It showed the world that the British people were determined to fight on, even after suffering a major defeat. The evacuation also inspired hope in the hearts of people around the world who were fighting against Nazi Germany.

The Dunkirk evacuation is still remembered today as one of the most remarkable military operations in history. It is a story of courage, determination, and sacrifice. It is a story that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

Duty Calls: The Story of the Dunkirk Evacuation is a gripping and informative account of one of the most important events in World War II. Holland's book is a must-read for anyone interested in military history or the Second World War.