Dover and Dunkirk

Currently taking The Second World War with Dr. Gall, I was really looking forward to visiting Dover and getting a hands-on account of the importance the city and castle played during World War II and how the actions of this area impacted the life of everyone in Britain. Most particularly, Dover was central to the attempt to rescue the many English and French troops stranded at Dunkirk with the German army surrounding them. It was at Dunkirk that Hitler ordered the German army to hold off attacking the British and French forces. Because of this choice by Hitler, English and French troops were given the opportunity to escape.

But, their escape would not be easy. There were not enough English naval boats to rescue all the troops. The government called upon civilians with fishing and recreational boats to become an integral part of the war and rescue the thousands of soldiers stranded. Without hesitation, many civilians in Dover and around the country loaded up their boat for the French coast and put themselves in danger to help England.

This aspect of life during World War II tells a great deal about the mindset and culture of the population of England. Even though danger was near and close, fishermen and other boat owners put their lives in danger in order to do an act they knew would boost the morale of the country and of the servicemen losing hope during the hardest time of war.

This action also shows the extent to which civilians were exposed to the war. A total war was around them everyday. From shopkeepers to nurses to stay at home moms, everyone in the country aided in the advancement for victory. The Battle of Dunkirk and the importance of Dover was no exception.

After visiting Dover, I had chills to think about all the underground secret tunnels and of military vehicles and weapons parading around the ancient castle. However, I also gained a better understanding of the depth to which the war impacted everyone in England and the continent of Europe.