May 26

Operation Dynamo — Dunkirk Evacuation Begins

The British Admiralty began the mass evacuation of Allied forces from Dunkirk's beaches, assembling 900 vessels ranging from warships to civilian pleasure craft and fishing boats. The operation would last nine days under constant German air attack.

Dunkirk's evacuation saved Britain's professional army and enabled Britain to continue fighting, making it strategically decisive despite being a military retreat.