The Brutal Experiences of Allied Soldiers Outside the Dunkirk Pocket in 1940

During the Second World War, the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) was often on the front lines, enduring one of the most tumultuous campaigns in military history. This piece delves into the stories of Allied soldiers who were not evacuated during the iconic Dunkirk pocket but faced the horrors of combat in the following regions.

BEF Soldiers Escaping from Brittany

My father, an RAF sergeant, was one of the lucky soldiers who managed to escape from St Nazaire in Brittany. While many of his comrades on the ship he initially boarded perished, his story is a testament to the resilience of the British soldiers. The men waiting on the dock, equipped with only fleeting hope, were eventually evacuated, but their ordeal was far from over.

The 51st Highland Division's Battle in Northwestern France

The 51st Highland Division, part of the BEF, found itself in the Saar region of France, where they engaged in a grueling rearguard action against the advancing German forces. Despite being attached to an impoverished French Army, the Highlanders fought valiantly, holding their positions in the face of increasingly unequal odds.

One brigade was ordered to retreat to Le Havre for the evacuation, but German armor cut through their line of retreat, leading the remaining two brigades to take positions around the harbor town of St Valéry-en-Caux. The Royal Navy was unable to reach them, partly due to coastal fog and German artillery command over the harbor. On June 12, 1940, the remaining men were forced to surrender, with approximately 10,000 soldiers taken into captivity.

Irish and Welsh Guards at Boulogne

The Irish and Welsh Guards, under the cover of a fierce storm, managed to escape from Boulogne. The British destroyers that aided in their escape engaged in an intense shootout with German tanks and field artillery, nearly saving the lives of those on board. However, the political fallout between the British and French governments soured the situation for the Rifle Brigade, leaving them to fight on for the sake of Allied unity.

Challenges Faced by Solomon's Soldiers

The units employed in the battles leading to the formation of the Dunkirk pocket suffered heavily. Many soldiers fought until their ammunition ran out or their positions became untenable, suffering crippling casualties. Some, like those from the Norfolk, Warwickshire, and Cheshire Regiments, were afforded humane treatment by the Wehrmacht, while others from the Royal Scots who fell into SS hands met a far more gruesome fate.

These accounts highlight the brutal reality of the battles outside the Dunkirk pocket and the painful sacrifices made by Allied soldiers in their fight against Nazi Germany. The stories of those who fought and those who were taken captive serve as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made in World War II and the importance of remembering their bravery and resilience.