Home > Historic > Battles > Battle of Britain > The role of civilians during the Battle
Local residents supplying refreshments to soldiers evacuated from Dunkirk, World War II, 1940
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Local residents supplying refreshments to soldiers evacuated from Dunkirk, World War II, 1940
Local residents supplying refreshments to soldiers evacuated from Dunkirk, World War II, 1940. After the dramatic German advance through the Low Countries and France in May 1940, the troops of the British Expeditionary Force and their equipment were trapped on the Channel coast at Dunkirk. A gallant rearguard action, coupled with the Germans failing to press home their advantage, enabled an armada of ships, many of them small, privately-owned vessels, to evacuate some 335, 000 troops from the beaches by 4 June 1940. Almost all of their heavy equipment had to be abandoned however
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 14845158
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Civilian Civilians Compartment Evacuation Evacuee Home Front Pouring Railway Carriage Refreshment Train 2nd World War Ann Ronan Pictures Second World War Wartime World War 2 World War Two
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Mammals
> Muridae
> Fortior
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Fine art
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Monochrome paintings
> Historic
> Battles
> Battle of Britain
> The role of civilians during the Battle
> Historic
> Battles
> Related Images
> Historic
> World War I and II
> Civilians during the war
> Historic
> World War I and II
> Military equipment
> Historic
> World War I and II
> Soldiers
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photograph, taken during World War II in 1940, we witness a heartwarming scene of local residents supplying refreshments to soldiers evacuated from Dunkirk. The image captures the resilience and compassion of ordinary people amidst the chaos and uncertainty of war. After the German advance through the Low Countries and France, British troops found themselves trapped on the Channel coast at Dunkirk. However, a courageous rearguard action combined with strategic missteps by their adversaries allowed for an incredible evacuation effort. A multitude of ships, including small privately-owned vessels, came together to rescue approximately 335,000 troops from the beaches by June 4th. In this particular snapshot frozen in time, we see men and women working side by side to provide much-needed sustenance to these weary soldiers. A railway carriage serves as their temporary refuge as they pour drinks from jugs into cups held out eagerly by grateful servicemen. The expressions on their faces reveal both exhaustion and gratitude for this act of kindness. This powerful image encapsulates not only the spirit of unity but also highlights how civilians played an integral role in supporting those fighting on the front lines during World War II. It serves as a reminder that even in times of great adversity, humanity can prevail through acts of selflessness and solidarity.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
