In the spring of 1940, World War II was spreading fast. German soldiers moved quickly through Europe. They were trying to take control of France. Many French and British soldiers were fighting against them, but they were losing the battle.
Soon, more than 300,000 soldiers were trapped in a small town called Dunkirk, in northern France. They were stuck between the sea and the German army. There was no way out by land. The soldiers had no choice. They had to leave by sea, or they would be killed or captured.
This became known as the **Dunkirk evacuation**.
The British government made a brave and unusual plan. They asked regular people with boats to help rescue the soldiers. These people were fishermen, sailors, and even families who owned small boats for fun. Their boats were called “The Little Ships.”
From May 26 to June 4, 1940, hundreds of these small boats crossed the English Channel, the sea between France and England. It was very dangerous. German airplanes dropped bombs, and the sea was rough. But the little boats kept going.
The boats worked together with the British Navy. Some boats picked up soldiers from the beaches. Others helped carry soldiers from the big ships back to the shore. Over nine days, about 338,000 soldiers were rescued and brought safely back to England.
This event became known as the "Miracle of Dunkirk." People called it a miracle because so many soldiers were saved. No one expected such a large rescue to succeed.
Winston Churchill, the British leader at the time, gave a famous speech after the evacuation. He said, “We shall fight on the beaches... we shall never surrender.” His words gave people hope and courage.
Even though the British army lost many weapons and equipment at Dunkirk, the soldiers were safe. This helped Britain stay strong and continue the fight against Nazi Germany.
Today, the story of Dunkirk reminds us that ordinary people can do great things. It also shows the power of teamwork and bravery in times of crisis.
Vocabulary List
Here are 10 important words from the article that can help you understand it better. Try to guess their meaning from the story first, then check the definitions.
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Spreading
Extending over a large or increasing area.Example: The news was **spreading** quickly across the country.
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Trapped
Unable to escape from a place or situation.Example: The animal was **trapped** in the cage.
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Evacuation
The action of evacuating a person or place; moving people from a dangerous place to a safer one.Example: The fire alarm led to the quick **evacuation** of the building.
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Unusual
Not common or ordinary; remarkable.Example: It was **unusual** to see snow in April.
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Rescue
The action of saving someone from a dangerous or difficult situation.Example: The firefighters performed a daring **rescue** of the cat from the tree.
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Channel
A length of water wider than a strait, joining two larger areas of water.Example: They sailed across the narrow **channel** to the island.
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Rough
Having an uneven or irregular surface; also, violent or turbulent (for weather/sea).Example: The boat struggled in the **rough** seas.
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Succeed
Achieve the desired aim or result.Example: She worked hard and was determined to **succeed** in her career.
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Surrender
Stop resisting an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority.Example: The soldiers decided to **surrender** after being surrounded.
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Crisis
A time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger.Example: The country faced an economic **crisis**.
Comprehension Questions
Answer these questions about the article "The Miracle of Dunkirk."
- Where were more than 300,000 soldiers trapped in 1940?
- Why were the soldiers unable to escape by land?
- What was the "unusual plan" the British government made to rescue the soldiers?
- What were "The Little Ships," and what dangers did they face crossing the English Channel?
- Approximately how many soldiers were rescued during the Dunkirk evacuation, and over how many days?
- According to the article, why was this event called the "Miracle of Dunkirk," and what important lesson does it teach us today?