Dramatic Discoveries of WWII Shipwrecks Near Dunkirk
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Chapter 1: The Evacuation of Dunkirk
In a remarkable development, researchers have uncovered remnants of WWII ships in the Dunkirk region. They have documented numerous wrecks that sank during the evacuation of French and British troops in 1940, with some locations being previously unknown.
The town of Dunkirk, located in northern France, became a pivotal location in late May and June of 1940. Approximately 340,000 Allied soldiers, including those from Britain, France, Poland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, were evacuated to safety. This evacuation, known as Operation Dynamo, unfolded as German forces cornered the Allies, creating a dire situation where thousands of soldiers faced imminent slaughter. Although the operation was largely successful, it came at a heavy price, with 30,000 to 40,000 soldiers captured.
Section 1.1: Coastal Exploration Efforts
In a collaborative effort, the French Department of Underwater Archaeological Research (DRASSM) and Historic England surveyed the Dunkirk coastline in late September and October. They utilized sonar technology aboard the ship "André Malraux" to create maps of the seabed and locate shipwrecks.
During their research, they successfully identified and examined 27 wrecks that were involved in Operation Dynamo. Notably, twelve of these wrecks had unknown locations prior to this study. However, four wrecks could not be located, possibly due to their destruction or burial under sand. Among the identified wrecks, one was confirmed to be the Normannia, a military transport that was sunk during an aerial attack on May 30, 1940.
The first video, The SHIPS that SAVED the day at DUNKIRK - Evacuations, Stories and Shipwrecks, delves into the critical role of ships during this historic operation. It recounts compelling stories and highlights the shipwrecks associated with the Dunkirk evacuation.
Section 1.2: Uncovering New Wrecks
The researchers discovered 19 additional objects, with three likely being previously unknown WWII wrecks. Duncan Wilson, director of Historic England, expressed the emotional weight of revealing information about 30 shipwrecks tied to Operation Dynamo for the first time since the war, emphasizing the importance of these discoveries in understanding our shared heritage beneath Dunkirk’s waters.
The second video, The Incredible Dunkirk Shipwreck You Can Still Explore, offers viewers a glimpse into one of the wrecks that can still be explored today, showcasing the enduring legacy of this historic event.
Chapter 2: The State of Underwater Heritage
Scientists have observed that many wrecks from the Operation Dynamo era are in relatively good condition. However, this is not true for all vessels; the destroyer HMS Keith, for instance, has significantly deteriorated over recent years, with parts of its hull cracking and collapsing, as shown in comparative images from 2016, 2019, and 2023.
Researchers note that this marks the initial phase of a multi-year project, with divers expected to join in 2024. All findings from these underwater explorations will be made accessible online and through museums.
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