Watch Memories of Dunkirk: Archive Radio Interviews

During World War II, the Allied Forces faced an enormous challenge when the German army cut off their escape to the English Channel. Over 300,000 soldiers were stranded on the beaches of Dunkirk, France. Thankfully, thousands of civilians responded to the call for help and set out in boats of all shapes and sizes to rescue the soldiers. The evacuation that followed, code-named Operation Dynamo, became one of the most famous military rescues in history. Memories of Dunkirk: Archive Radio Interviews from BritBox, dives deep into the lives of the people who were there.

A four-part documentary series, Memories of Dunkirk: Archive Radio Interviews from BritBox, is a collection of original radio interviews from the 1950s and 60s with veterans and civilians who were present during the evacuation. It tells the story of not only the men who fought but also the people who came from all over England to do their part in one of the war's most daring and remarkable rescue missions.

Narrated by Stephen King, the documentary brings a powerful message that reminds us of the courage of the people who put their lives on the line for the sake of others. The series is a mix of contemporary and archival footage that provides an emotional and thought-provoking insight into the events leading up to Dunkirk and what followed.

Memories of Dunkirk takes us back to the time preceding the evacuation, exploring how things went pear-shaped for the Allies and how the British enlisted ordinary civilians to help soldiers trapped on the beach. It also explores the British command structure, how it held firm, and how it eventually surrendered to the inevitable rescue, which was the start of the end of the campaign.

The series is a tribute to the ordinary people who became heroes, with interviews from people who manned the bus convoys, worked in the decaying hospitals, and cleared up the wreckage from bombed and abandoned ports in France.

Apart from serving as a reflection of the courage and humanity of people during a time of war, Memories of Dunkirk shows the complexity of the relationships of the soldiers and the civilians, and how the two groups had to rely on each other under difficult circumstances. Through the interviews, we get an understanding of how the people involved in this rescue mission transcended class divisions and worded together for a common goal.

The documentary also provides insights into the expertise required to operate boats of all kinds, from rowing boats to high speed steam pinnaces. It also examines the revolution that occurred in transportation, the thrust for converting river ferries and Trinity House craft into seaworthy vessels, and the turning of fishing boats from East Coast ports into seaworthy lifeboats.

While the series mainly focuses on the British side of the evacuation mission, it does recognize that it was an international mission and does include interviews with Canadian, French, and Polish participants, providing insight into how the rescue mission was received by people from different countries.

In conclusion, Memories of Dunkirk: Archive Radio Interviews from BritBox reminds us of one of the greatest and most significant events in modern history. It educates us about the bravery of ordinary people who came together and made the rescue from Dunkirk possible. The series incorporates eyewitness accounts, contemporary and archival footage that make this documentary cohesive, informative, and engaging. This documentary serves as a timeless reminder that in tough times, great men and women will rise to the occasion and come together, irrespective of differences, to achieve something remarkable.