The Story Behind Clouston and Operation Dynamo
The remarkable but silenced role of Commander James Campbell Clouston during the Dunkirk evacuation.
Heroism at Dunkirk
A Canadian Officer at the Heart of Dunkirk
In May 1940, Allied forces were trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk. Commander James Campbell Clouston, a naval officer from Montreal, was assigned to the East Mole — a fragile fishing pier turned into a lifeline. For days under relentless enemy fire, he directed the embarkation of more than 200,000 soldiers, ensuring the success of Operation Dynamo.
A Story Buried
Erased from
the Narrative
Despite his achievements, Clouston was excluded from the official story. Churchill’s cabinet wanted the Dunkirk “Miracle of Deliverance” to focus on the beaches, not the pier. Clouston’s contribution didn’t fit. He was sent back to England, then turned around and dispatched again in daylight. His small boat was bombed and sunk, and he and his crew — all uninjured — were left floating in their lifejackets. Clouston and his crew were abandoned to finally die of exposure and drown. His sacrifice — and his story — were left untold for decades.
Restoring a Legacy
The Truth Finally Revealed
Through three years of archival research, family papers, and personal letters, Clouston and Operation Dynamo uncovers what really happened — and why the truth was hidden. This book restores Clouston’s rightful place in history and honours Canada’s role in the defence of democracy.