Operation Dynamo

Under the code name of “Operation Dynamo” and  with the help of the French army, the Allied armies (including the Canadian forces) were evacuated from Dunkirk in a battle against the German army from 21 May to 4 June 1940.

This British retreat was a significant victory, since the operation prevented the invasion of the United Kingdom by the Germans.

Royal Navy destroyers and merchant navy transport ships were requisitioned to cross the English Channel, but so were nearly 850 “little ships”, many of which were privately owned, such as the HYSKEIR.

Between 25 May and 4 June 1940, the Royal Navy organized the evacuation of 200,000 British soldiers and 140,000 French soldiers, retreating from Dunkirk.

The HYSKEIR was decorated for her wartime exploits by the British Royal Family and by the City of Dunkirk in 1965.