military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (06/02/90)
Saturday, 11 May, 1940 German panzer forces reach the River Semois, near Sedan. Elsewhere, the advance continues along the entire front. Belgian troops are forced from the Albert Canal line, and fall back toward the River Dyle, where elements of the BEF arrive and begin to set up defensive positions. The Allied air forces are active, but suffer heavy losses. In one raid against a German column in Luxembourg, 7 of 8 attacking Battles are lost. Do 17's destroy the bulk of an RAF Blenheim squadron, some 30 aircraft, on the ground. President Roosevelt expresses to King Leopold III of Belgium the dismay and indignation of the American people over the German attack. Japan warns the warring nations, together with the USA and Italy, that no change in the status of the Dutch East Indies will be tolerated. Winston Churchill appoints a new 5-man war cabinet, keeping for himself the title of Minister of Defense. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@cbnews.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "Germany has engaged us in a struggle to the death. The watchword is: "For France and all her Allies: Courage, energy, confidence."- General Gamelin