Operation Dynamo (may 26, 1940 – jun 4, 1940)

Description:

The prospect of allies evacuating became certain, and a plan was devised for the evacuation of the BEF and other French and Belgian troops to evacuate from Dunkirk.
Lead by- Vice-Admiral Bertram Ramsey from Dover Castle.

The plan was for merchant ships to evacuate an estimated 20,000-30,000 troops from the beach of Dunkirk as the major port of Dunkirk had been destroyed by the Germans. The plan seemed costly due to the vulnerability the operation would create. However, a few factors worked in the allies favor.

- The overcast weather conditions and the cover of smoke from the destroyed Dunkirk port allowed for cover from direct air attacks of the German Luftwaffe.
- Leftover breakwaters that had not been damaged allowed for Allied troops to directly embark merchant ships , as appose to being picked up from the beach and transported
- The German halt order occurred when German Panzers began to move quicker than infantry (Hitler was surprised by the speed at which the advances where occurring, as Panzer divisions where prepared to move slower than infantry.) The halt order lasted 3 days, and provided time for allies to prepare a defensive perimeter and begin evacuations.

Additionally the BBC broadcasted a call of civilian 'small ships' (any motor ship) to be handed to the Royal Navy to be used to transport soldiers from the beach.
During this time German attacks still continued, and their vulnerable position and abandonment of weapons and tanks lead to high casualties.

In the end, roughly 224,000 troops where saved, involving 993 troops, being the largest amphibious operation in history.

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