The evacuation from Dunkirk on the French coast was hailed in Britain as an extraordinary achievement and the ‘little ships of Dunkirk’ swiftly entered the mythology of wartime brave deeds.
British soldiers wade out to a waiting destroyer off Dunkirk during the evacuation.
Troops evacuated from Dunkirk on a destroyer about to berth at Dover, 31 May 1940.
Troops evacuated from Dunkirk enjoying tea and other refreshments at Addison Road station in London, 31 May 1940.
Some of the 'little ships' used during the evacuation of Dunkirk being towed back along the River Thames past Tower Bridge, 9 June 1940.
German forces moved into Dunkirk hours after the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force. Here German officers inspect a memorial on the sea front at Dunkirk.
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In the village hall at East Dean, the villagers are putting on a performance of the play 'Too Many Wives'. The actors on the stage are Ray Kemp and Mrs Waffenden. Directing the play is Mrs Wynne, seen here with her back to the camera, watching the action. Several other villagers, including Mrs Bugler and Mrs Russell, (who starred in the play as Mrs Brown), can be seen watching the rehearsals. The theatre company is known as the 'East Dean Players'.
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