Supplement 35305 — Gort’s France and Belgium despatch

17 OCTOBER, 1941 5909 the Belgian Government were wedded. The Both these plans were worked out in the French authorities were never in a position to greatest detail, and orders and instructions obtain reliable and accurate details of the plans kept up to date as new divisions arrived and of the Belgian General Staff for the defence of the role of divisions changed. their country in the event of an invasion by The Escaut plan was by far the simpler of Germany; staff conversations were out of the the two; it involved sending armoured car question, yet plans had to be framed in such a reconnaissances to the river De…

17 OCTOBER, 1941 and troop carrying companies were allotted to OPERATIONS—FIRST PHASE Corps in such a way as to complete the move (ioth-i6th MAY) in 90 hours. Belgium calls on Allies for assistance: advance At the same time 44th Division was to march to the River Dyle by British and French to an area north-west of Audenarde, with a Armies: the Belgian anti-tank obstacle is view to organising the defence of the Escaut in found to be sited further forward than had this area. been expected. The enemy penetrates the front Movement in the first phase was to be con- of French gth Army and crosses the Meuse. tinuous by…

17 OCTOBER, 1941 declared an open town and that British troop Air Force to impede the enemy advance; but movements would prejudice its safety, but no such opportunities were of a fleeting character, adequate alternative routes to the Dyle were since the enemy established strong anti-aircraft available and I was therefore compelled to defences soon after his arrival, particularly in adhere to the original plan of using the outskirts towns at which roads converged. Tactical of the city. reconnaissance became virtually impossible The 3rd Division, on arrival, reported that a without fighter support, and the demands…

-SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON~GAZETTE; 17 OCTOBER, 1941 south-west was' entirely impossible until the •covered" had -already far e'xceeded the estimated situation had been retrieved on the front of the life of the tracks which were now beginning to French ist Army. break through wear. It v/as clear therefore that the attack of 33. 5th Division was therefore "ordered .to Frankforce would not maintain its momentum join 5oth Division in the Vimy area, and its .unless it was reinforced and supported by the commander, Major-General Franklyn, was placed French on its left. • During 22nd May, therefore, in command of all th…

17 OCTOBER, 1941 5931 SOME LESSONS OF THE CAMPAIGN Our anti-tank armament was more ample than that of the French, but did not extend further The importance oj equipment; the time factor; back than the division. No guns were available liaison; dejence in depth; the employment for the defence of Corps or rearward areas or for of air forces; river crossing and demolitions ; the three " Pioneer " divisions, except by with- signal communications; traffic control; drawing weapons from the formations to which security; supply and transport; the behaviour they had been allotted in War Establishments. of the troops. These…

5902 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 OCTOBER, 1941 The fortifications of the Maginot Line in the under my command from the dates of the dis- sector concerned continued to be manned by embarkation of their ground units. Later other French fortress troops, the British battalions units were added, and the Air Component now being disposed in depth in advance of the comprises, in addition to Headquarters, one fortified line. The enemy positions were on the Fighter Group Headquarters, eight Wings, a average one thousand five hundred yards distant Communication Squadron, and certain adminis- from our foremost posts…

5906 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 OCTOBER, 1941 SECOND DESPATCH f (Covering the period from ist February, 1940, to 3ist May, 1940, with an Appendix covering operations of ist Corps from 6 p.m. 3ist May, to midnight 2nd/3rd June). | i. The narrative portions of this despatch have been compiled from the war diaries and other records of the General Staff at G.H.Q. These have been supplemented by war diaries, including those of the Swayne Mission, and by diaries, notes and records made by various commanders and staff officers at the time, or within a few days of their arrival in England. The records of the Ge…

5908 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 OCTOBER, 1941 There were also deficiencies in technical units, including anti-aircraft. My Adjutant- apparatus for light anti-aircraft requirements, General's branch, in conjunction with the such as Kenison Predictors, signal lights, Adjutant-General's branch at the War Office, technical and specialised vehicles of many had in hand plans for the more economical use types and a number of smaller items. The same of man-power, the elimination of fit men from difficulties in provision of equipment were no sedentary or base duties and the reduction of doubt the cause of delays…

5920 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 OCTOBER, 1941 port could not be worked for military require- execution has hope of restoring the situation. ments at short notice. A certain amount of Weygand reports French VII Army is advanc- rations and small arms ammunition was sent ing successfully and has captured Peronne, by air up to 23rd May, but from then onwards Albert and Amiens. While realising fully it became impossible for aircraft to land. On dangers and difficulties of your position which 23rd May therefore, on the advice of the Q.M.G., has been explained to Weygand it is essential I decided to place the…

5922 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 OCTOBER, 1941 2qkh May. Preparations for counter attack and the Admiral du Nord, Admiral Abrial, whose strengthening of canal defences. command included Boulogne, Calais and 40. During 24th May, I had simultaneously Dunkirk. Under his authority the command to prepare for a counter-attack southwards on of military forces in these areas was assumed on the 26th and also to press forward with the 24th May by General de Corps d'Arme'e Fagalde, strengthening of the canal line. commanding the French i6th Corps which up To make the detailed arrangements for the to now had been fi…

5932 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 OCTOBER, 1941 The liaison with flanking French formations breaking up formations of enemy aircraft. But was carried out by the exchange of bilingual being purely defensive, it can never prove the liaison officers. I was particularly fortunate in complete antidote to 'enemy bombers and recon- the French officers who were attached for these naissance aircraft, even when available in duties from neighbouring formations. sufficient strength. A commander must have at his call sufficient fighters to intercept and attack I would also like to take this opportunity of the enemy. r…

5934 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 OCTOBER, 1941 of my three Corps. Lieut.-Generals Sir Alan Honours and Awards. Brooke, M. G. H. Barker and Sir Ronald Adam, 73. I am submitting separately the names of Bart. The sudden turn of events on iyth May officers and other ranks whom I wish to recom- threw a violent and unexpected strain on the mend for reward or to bring to your notice for Commander, Lines of Communication Area (the gallant or distinguished service. late Major-General P. de Fonblanque), and I wish to record my sincere appreciation of his I have the honour to be good and devoted work during the tim…