Devastation in Dunkerque After German Offensive: Rubble and Wrecked Vehicles Mark Destruction Broken by German Artillery (June 17, 1940)

This black and white photograph depicts the devastating aftermath of wartime destruction, showing the skeletal remains of buildings reduced to rubble and wrecked vehicles strewn amidst the debris in Dunkerque, France. A sign pointing towards the city center and train station contributes to the somber atmosphere. Archival text on the back, dated 17.6.0940, indicates the devastation occurred "After the great Offensive" (Nach der grossen Offensive), where the enemy was entrenched and their resistance was broken by German artillery (von der deutschen Artillerie gebrochen), capturing a part of the destroyed Dunkirk (Fin Teil des zer störten Dünkirchens).