S3 E15: Resonance of Dunkirk: The Heroes Left Behind

As the stocky and robustly built man determinedly strode into the Houses of Parliament on June 4th, 1940, an unusual hush fell over the chamber. Front and backbenchers alike waited with bated breath as his piercing blue eyes scanned the room with unyielding intensity. Clad in his iconic dark suit, bow tie, and round spectacles, he took a drag from his famous cigar and uttered the words. “The British Empire and the French Republic, linked together in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death their native soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength. Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.” 

    The newly appointed Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, a figure of considerable debate today, delivered a stirring address to all members of Parliament following the success of Operation Dynamo. This daring mission had rescued approximately 300,000 soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force and French troops from the beaches of Dunkirk, snatching them from the jaws of Hitler's relentless army.

Rainy Day Rabbit Holes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rainy-day-rabbit-holes-pacific-northwest-history-and-humor/id1717918467

Headlines and History:
 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/headlines-and-history/id1734853923

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Chapters

• 0:00 Opening Music
• 0:27 Opening Description
• 2:53 Hello And Welcome
• 4:50 German Aggression
• 8:51 War In Europe
• 12:04 Break and Rainy Day Rabbit Holes Promo
• 13:20 The Invation
• 16:05 The Struggle Of The Rearguard
• 21:37 Thank You For Listening
• 24:55 End Music