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The memorial is a tribute to all who took part in the operation, code-named "Dynamo", to evacuate the allied armies from the Dunkirk and neighbouring beaches between 26 May and 4 June, 1940. During the operation, 338000 troops were evacuated to safety by Royal Navy and Merchant Navy ships aided by other Allied ships and a mixed flotilla of "little ships" Link .

The rifle topped with a helmet has become known as the "Battlefield Cross" or "Fallen Soldier's Cross". The custom of using a rifle, boots, helmet and bayonet to mark a grave is thought to have originated during the American Civil War. During World War II, this custom was continued to mark the graves of fallen soldiers so that the bodies could be recovered later.