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The Evacuation of Dunkirk: Triumph or Disaster?

Analyze the contrasting perspectives of Dunkirk as a military operation during WWII. This activity invites students to explore how the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) became stranded at Dunkirk, detail the events of Operation Dynamo, and evaluate whether Dunkirk was a victory or disaster for Britain. Students will assess the role of media and government narratives, consider the impact on morale, and write from differing viewpoints. Engaging with texts and film clips will enhance their understanding of this pivotal moment in history.

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The Evacuation of Dunkirk: Triumph or Disaster?

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  1.  starter activity How is this image of Dunkirk similar or different from the film clip? Click on the image to play the clip.

  2. Dunkirk: triumph or disaster? To understand how the British became stranded at Dunkirk in 1940 To evaluate whether Dunkirk was a victory or a disaster for the British  Aims

  3.  Your task • Read p. 158 of ‘Peace & War’ and answer the following: • Describe how the outset of WWII was different from WWI • Explain how the BEF became trapped • Write a definition of ‘Operation Dynamo’

  4. How did Dunkirk come about? • War of movement & ‘blitzkrieg’ • German troops by-passed ‘Maginot line’ & invaded N. France, Belgium & Holland • BEF taken by surprise • Operation Dynamo launched 27 May- 4 June to rescue 300,000 troops

  5.  Your task Read the appropriate section of your textbook and construct a table similar to the one below. How and why did Churchill exploit Dunkirk as a great victory?

  6. To what extent was Dunkirk a victory? • 27 May – 4 June 338,000 British (BEF) & French troops evacuated from Dunkirk (incl. 139,000 Fr.) • Original target 50,000 • 860 Naval & privately owned vessels carried troops to Dover & south coast • Fine weather • RAF provided air cover against Goering’s Luftwaffe • Luftwaffe & artillery bombarded troops

  7. To what extent was Dunkirk a disaster? • 68,000 BEF casualties • 1,200 field guns, 1,250 anti-aircraft guns, 11,000 machine guns, 75,000 vehicles abandoned (incl.475 tanks) • Germans fully expected GB to make peace A rare moment captured on camera. Hitler dances with delight at the success of Blitzkrieg in Europe. Why would have he been so pleased with the outcome at Dunkirk?

  8.  Plenary • How do you think Churchill (the British PM) and the government wanted people to view Dunkirk – as a victory or a disaster? How could they achieve their aims? Churchill, PM from 1940-45

  9. How did Churchill exploit Dunkirk? • ‘Miracle of Dunkirk’ • Morale booster • Heroism of troops - rearguard force of BEF troops who protected evacuees • Importance of civilian contribution to war effort • Propaganda posters & paintings Charles Cundall, Dunkirk

  10. What have the censors left out from this film clip?

  11. Churchill portrayed Dunkirk as a great British victory. How far was this the case?

  12.  Your task • You are going to write a newspaper account of Dunkirk from differing perspectives • First, read sources 2-14 • Then, complete a table similar to the one below:

  13.  Your task - a newspaper account from either a British or German perspective Write Include the following features: • A suitable headline & sub heading • In your first paragraph answer the 5 ‘wh’ questions • In the development use bias to describe the build up to Dunkirk and the evacuation itself • Add any other features, e.g. contemporary ads, references to other articles, prices to give the front page and authentic look

  14.  Extension task • Write an imaginary interview with a veteran of Dunkirk • Write a short article explaining why it is difficult to find out the ‘truth’ about Dunkirk

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