Figure 1.--Here children welcome a passing train load of Durkirk evacuees as yheir herros at an unidentified station. They apparently had cigarettes ready for the men. The children are clerly entralled with the men who are given a real lift by the reception. Interesting that the station manager lrt the kids on the platform. We susdpect that the managers lost control of the platforms as the trains rolled north with the evacuees. Many of the children were probbly hoping to see dads and brothers. /i>

As the storm broke in France and the Germans launched their Western offensive (May 10). The British people had no idea how bad the developing situaton was. It all happened so fast. The Germans broke through at Sedan (May 15). Germans forces led by Gen. Erwin Rommel reached Abbeville on the Channel (May 20). A half-hearted Brtitish-French counter attack failed. The evacuation began (May 26). The call for small boats went out (May 27). Only at this time did the public begin to become aware of the impending disaster. Only small numbers oof evacuees arrive (May 27-28), but then really substatial numbers began arriving (May 29-June 1). Lesser numbers arrived (June 2-4). Most of the men were landed in ports (240,000), but substantial numbers were landed on beaches (nearly 100,000). The men were exhausted, hungry, and thirsty, but had come throiugh hell to safety. There were wounded among them who received emergency care. Most were transported by rail north to receiving centers. They were jubilently received at train stations all the way through London and the north. Women, men, and children came to rge stations and cheered them. Thery played them with tea (of couse) and eats. This was not orgabized by the Goverment, it was civilians acting on their own. Some managed kisses and hugs with loved ones. By this time the public knew what had happened and how close the BEF had come to distruction. It took several days to get the 340,000 north from the Channel ports abd beaches. Units were all jumbled up and had to be put together agin. Many were allowed home leave, but were soon back in their barracks training because Britain now had to begin thinking about the expected invasion. Hitler decided to proceed south into France, giving Britain a short respite.

Created: 3:36 PM 3/23/2022
Last updated: 3:36 PM 3/23/2022