Best of British

It says much about what is best in Britain that the moment which is used to capture our identity is not one of triumphalism or glory, but one of courage and defiance against overwhelming odds.

Today, the Dunkirk Spirit has become a well-worn phrase, used when people pull together towards a common good.

However, as the 70th anniversary of Operation Dynamo is celebrated, it is important to remember the bravery of those involved and the

sacrifice made by those who did not make it home.

The events of this week 70 years ago were not a military triumph. Far from it. Allied forces were driven from mainland Europe, and Britain was left to resist the Nazi onslaught.

However, the survival of more than 300,000 men – many of whom were carried to safety on a 700-strong flotilla of small merchant ships, trawlers, pleasure craft and lifeboats – was nothing short of a miracle.

It left Britain defiant in adversity and Sir Winston Churchill telling the world that we would never surrender. Britain has enjoyed seven decades of freedom since these heroes crossed the English Channel.

We must never forget how it was earned.