Invasion Of France (Dunkirk)
- The Germans break through the Dyle Line of defences and the Ardennes and rush to the coast
- They surround approximately 500,000 troops by May 27 (17 days)
- The British realized they were surrounded and ordered the navy to put together an evacuation
- Also civilians
- Almost 340,000 troops are rescued in a weeks time
- The Germans hold up while this occurs?
- Seen as a small Allied victory
"Dunkirk has fallen...with it has ended the greatest battle of world history. Soldiers! My confidence in you knew no bounds. You have not disappointed me"
-Hitler
-Hitler
FUN FACT:
• 68,111 men of the BEF were captured or killed during Blitzkrieg, retreat and evacuation
• 40,000 French troops were taken into captivity when Dunkirk fell
• 126 merchant seamen died during the evacuation
• Churchill had been Prime Minister for only 16 days when the evacuation began
• 68,111 men of the BEF were captured or killed during Blitzkrieg, retreat and evacuation
• 40,000 French troops were taken into captivity when Dunkirk fell
• 126 merchant seamen died during the evacuation
• Churchill had been Prime Minister for only 16 days when the evacuation began
Subjunctive Question
Why did no other countries come help when France was in dire need of it ?
Summary
The Germans were able to break through Dyle line in 17 days surrounding French and British troops. The navy ordered civilians to sail across the English Channel to save their troops. They were able to save the troops, and return to Britain, but Churchill did not want to celebrate this.