British Expeditionary Force: Quick Facts

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Facts

Also Known As	BEF
Areas Of Involvement	Today in History—May 26: The British and Allied Forces Escape at Dunkirk • land warfare

Photos and Videos

Infographic map of the Dunkirk Evacuation, May 26 to June 4, 1940, during World War II. The central map shows northern France and the English Channel, with red arrows illustrating evacuation routes from Dunkirk to England. Side panels and charts provide a timeline of key events, troop evacuation numbers by day, breakdown of evacuees by nationality, the number of ships and planes lost, and a comparison of initial plans versus actual outcomes. Insets include a small locator map of Europe and a pie

Learn how Nazi panzers wedged between French and British troops and trapped the latter at Dunkirk

How the halt command saved British troops in Dunkirk

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Germany invades Poland, September 1, 1939, using 45 German divisions and aerial attack. By September 20, only Warsaw held out, but final surrender came on September 29.

Pop Quiz: 17 Things to Know About World War II

Germany invades Poland, September 1, 1939, using 45 German divisions and aerial attack. By September 20, only Warsaw held out, but final surrender came on September 29.

Pop Quiz: 17 Things to Know About World War II