military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (06/02/90)
Saturday, 25 May, 1940 The last defenders of Boulogne surrender; some 5000 prisoners are taken, both British and French. After turning back the initial German assault, the British garrison commander at Calais refuses a request for his surrender. The Calais garrison is supported by offshore fire from British light cruiser and destroyers; one, the DD HMS Wessex, is sunk by German bombers. The Belgian line is penetrated near Geluwe, and the Allied forces in northern France begin falling back upon Dunkirk. British munitions factories gear up for 24-hour-a-day operations. A shakeup in the French Army results in the dismissal of numerous generals. References: J. Keegan, ed., _The Times Atlas of the Second World War_ C.Argyle, _Chronology of World War II_ J. Piekalkiewicz, _Tank War 1939-1940_ R.Dupuy and T.Dupuy, _The Encyclopedia of Military History_ C.Salmaggi and A.Pallavisini, _2194 Days of War_ C.Messenger, _Atlas of World War Two_ The New York Times, daily editions Time magazine Newsweek -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@cbnews.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "As of today fifteen general officers have been relieved of their commands. They include army and corps commanders, several divisional commanders, and several heads of services in large units." - Communique' from French High Command