Dunkirk Medal

The Dunkirk Medal (Medaille Dunkerque 1940) is an unofficial commemorative medal created by the town of Dunkirk to commemorate the defence of the town and surrounding area during May and June 1940.

In 1970 it was also awarded to any Allied member involved in Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Allied forces from the Dunkirk sector between 29 May and 3 June and those soldiers evacuated from the beaches.

[1] The Dunkirk Medal is struck in bronze and measures approximately 44mm in length and 36mm wide.

The medal's obverse depicts a shield bearing the arms of Dunkirk (a fish and in chief, a lion passant) superimposed on an anchor and laurel wreath, crossed swords above.

The reverse of the medal features a burning oil lamp over a tablet with the inscription: DUNKERQUE 1940.