LONDON — Dozens of World War II-era ships are crossing the English Channel to mark the 70th anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuation.

Former troops saved in Operation Dynamo also are taking part in the flotilla that re-enacts when Britain called upon any vessel to help save troops trapped in France by advancing Nazi forces during World War II. Some 338,000 troops were rescued between May 27 and June 4, 1940.

Included in the flotilla sailing Thursday are 50 of the original "little ships" — yachts, fishing boats and barges — involved in the evacuation.

Former Prime Minister Winston Churchill described the evacuation as a "miracle of deliverance."