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Lets say Operation Dynamo, the mass evacuation of British and French soldiers from Dunkirk fails, rather than ordering the Panzers to hold off, Hitler lets the Wehrmacht continue to the sea.

A full-on assault on the Dunkirk beachead would no doubt disrupt affairs, what if instead of 330,000 men, 50,000 or less make it over the Channel (in the early days of the Operation only several thousands were being evacuated a day). Over a quarter of a million Allied troops march into captivity. The BEF, the nucleus of any future re-invasion of Europe, is gone.

What would the effects be? For one, no 'Dunkirk Spirit' to boost a pretty depressed British public. Obviously as well, paranoia of an invasion would reach fever pitch while the Empire's defense would stretch to breaking as the Home Islands were reinforced.

Would Churchill's rhetoric become seen more as stubborn than brave in light of the new situation, considering his repuatation pre WWII was something of a gruff jingoist?

And of course, might Britain follow France's lead and request an armistice?
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