Dunkirk: A Personal Perspective

Twelve people share their memories of the evacuation of Dunkirk, described by one as 'a planned miracle'. Narrated by Sir Basil Bartlett, a British Expeditionary Force police captain who was based in Lille at the time, contributions include those from Mrs Hoare, a postmistress who observed the closure of the seafront at home, Mr Riggs, who helped co-ordinate the requisition of civilian boats, Charles Lightoller, who sped across the Channel in his vessel Sundowner, Commander PB Martineau, who worked in the top-secret Dynamo Room, Squadron Leader SR Thomas, who defended the ships from German attacks, and an evacuee, who remembers wading up to his chin in the water towards a boat that would take him home.

Originally broadcast 29 May 1950.