Dunkirk History & Battlefields
About this tour
Battle of France - Retreat to Dunkirk
Code-named Operation Dynamo, Dunkirk’s evacuation was also known as the Miracle of Dunkirk. Between May and June 1940 Allied soldiers were evacuated from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk in Northern France.
The operation commenced during the Battle of France when German troops surrounded and cut off many British, French, and Belgian troops. British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, called this a” colossal military disaster” saying “the whole root and core and brain of the British Army” had been stranded at Dunkirk and seemed about to perish or be captured. He hailed their rescue as a “miracle of deliverance”.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Stand 1 – Start examining some of the fighting in the Battle of France during May 1940.
Stand 2 – Follow the fortunes of the Durham Light Infantry and Royal Welch Fusiliers covering the withdrawal of the British Expeditionary Force towards the coast. Visit the memorial and nearby Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery.
Stand 3 – At the elevated town of Cassel examine the defensive action by the Glosters and Ox & Bucks Light Infantry in delaying the German advance.
Stand 4 – The site at Esquelbecq near Wormhout where a massacre of British troops took place by the SS. In recent years the French authorities and British veteran associations have restored a barn as a shrine to the men murdered at this spot.
Day 2
Stand 5 – Bray Dunes – examine the story of the evacuation beaches and those little ships taking the troops directly from the shoreline.
Stand 6 – Visit the East Mole in Dunkirk Harbour and hear of its important role in the evacuation of troops straight onto the ships.
Stand 7 – Nearby, spend time at the recently refurbished and excellent Operation Dynamo War Museum. Housed in Bastion 32, it served as the headquarters for the French and Allied forces during the Battle of Dunkirk and Operation Dynamo. It tells the story of the battle and the evacuation of more than 338.000 Allied Soldiers.
Stand 8 – Last visit of the day is to the Dunkirk Town Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery and Memorial to the Missing. It commemorates more than 4,500 casualties of the British Expeditionary Force who died in the campaign of 1939-40 and who have no known grave.
What’s Included
1 Day Tour: Return Executive Class coach travel from school. · Return travel on Eurotunnel · Entrance to museum · UK Guide throughout your tour Price from £79.00 (based on 40 - 46 paying students) 1:10 FOC
2 Day Tour: As above · Hostel / Hotel accommodation on dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Price from £174.00 (based on 40—46 paying students) 1:10 FOC Our range of tours not only support the National Curriculum but provide the opportunity for more schools to travel within the UK, Europe or Worldwide, as they provide flexibility. The choice is yours and we are always available to discuss your ideas.
Other variations on numbers and duration available plus day trips available on Request.
Experience information
Each group will have its own special interests and curricular needs. That is why every visit can be completely tailored to you. You will find some suggestions below, but you can always call us to discuss more options.
Other variations on numbers and duration available, plus day trips available on request.
