British and French troops are led into captivity Dunkirk 1940

As the Germans encircled their position, the British estimated that only 50,500 troops could be evacuated from Dunkirk. Miraculously, over 338,000 were rescued. However, many were wounded and most weapons, including all heavy guns and vehicles were abandoned on the beach.

The British pledged to evacuate as many French troops as they did British. However, many French – fighting a holding action against the Germans - did not reach the sea. Of those who did, many chose capture by the Germans rather than abandon their homeland.