military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (06/02/90)
Tuesday, 28 May, 1940 King Leopold III of Belgium signs an unconditional surrender to Germany, to the surprise of the Allies, who were not consulted, and his own government. Belgian Prime Minister Peirlot, broadcasting from Paris, declares that the King has acted against his government's advice and therefore has no power to govern; the cabinet will assume his powers. This does not prevent, however, the surrender of the Belgian Army, which creates a 30-km gap in the Allied lines. The gap is closed after fierce fighting by ad hoc Allied formations. Belgium's losses in the war amount to some 7500 dead, and twice that in wounded. Nearly 18,000 troops have been removed from Dunkirk, with 350,000 awaiting transport. The destroyer HMS Windsor is damaged, and numerous small craft are sunk by the Luftwaffe. Narvik falls to an attack by the Norwegian Army, the French Foreign Legion, and the Polish Brigade. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@cbnews.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "We knew dark days were coming. They have come. We will hold the Somme-Aisne line, and because we hold it we will win !" - Prime Minister Paul Reynaud