The Battle of Dunkirk took place during World War II from May 26 to June 4, 1940. It involved the evacuation of British and Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk, France, as they were surrounded by German forces. The operation was crucial to prevent the capture of over 300,000 soldiers, who were trapped and facing imminent defeat. The evacuation, known as Operation Dynamo, was a remarkable effort that utilized military ships and civilian vessels to rescue the stranded troops. Despite heavy bombardment and challenging conditions, the operation successfully evacuated a significant number of soldiers, allowing them to regroup and continue fighting in the war.