Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. (more) Today in History—May 26: The British and Allied Forces Escape at Dunkirk Written by Michael Ray Michael Ray is an assistant managing editor who has worked at Britannica since 2003. In addition to leading the Geography and History team, he oversees coverage of European history and military affairs.... Michael Ray Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated May 18, 2026 •History It was May 1940, and months of “Phony War” had come to a shocking end with Germany’s blitzkrieg attack on the Low Countries and France. Tanks and aircraft shattered the Dutch lines, and within days the Netherlands was overrun. Queen Wilhelmina fled to London with the Dutch government-in-exile. Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Want to learn more about what happened on May 26, or any other day of...

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