2. The Encirclement at Dunkirk
By the end of May, more than 300,000 Allied soldiers were trapped on the narrow strip of Dunkirk’s beaches, the sea their only barrier against complete destruction. German forces pressed in from all sides, tightening their grip as panic and uncertainty spread through the ranks. With the English Channel behind them, many believed evacuation was impossible. The sense of desperation among the troops was palpable, as hope seemed to fade with each passing hour.
