On this day in history, June 4, 1940

On this day in history, June 4, 1940, the British accomplished what came to be known as the "Miracle of Dunkirk." In a massive operation under constant enemy fire, the British evacuated 338,226 Allied soldiers trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk, France. The undertaking, officially named Operation Dynamo, mobilized a flotilla of over 800 vessels. This diverse fleet included Royal Navy destroyers, merchant marine boats, fishing vessels, pleasure craft, and even lifeboats. The ordinary citizens who participated became heroes, steering their personal vessels into a warzone to aid the stranded soldiers. This monumental rescue marked a turning point in World War II, preserving a significant portion of the British Expeditionary Force, boosting morale, and galvanizing public support for the war effort.