Calais Dunkirk 1940 - The Before, The Reality, The Aftermath

Introduction

• The port of Calais targeted by Luftwaffe since May 10th; docks were heavily damaged.
• British Expeditionary Force (BEF) planned to develop Calais as a supply base.

Deployment and Initial Strategy

• Elite troops, 30th Brigade and the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment (3RTR), sent on May 22nd.
• 30th Brigade, commanded by Brigadier Nicholson, included:
  • 1st Bn The Rifle Brigade (1RB)
  • 2nd Bn Kings Royal Rifle Corps (2KRRC)
  • 1st Bn Queen Victoria's Rifles (1QVR)
  • Supported by Cruiser tanks and Mark VI tanks from 3RTR
• French garrison of 800 men positioned within town fortifications.

Challenges and Isolation

• British operations faced issues:
  • Damaged dock areas
  • Inadequate maps and intelligence
  • Conflicting orders from General Headquarters (GHQ)
• On May 23rd, 3RTR columns blocked by German 10th and 1st Panzer divisions, isolating Calais.

Defensive Strategies

• Brigadier Nicholson fortified positions with canals and harbor basins.
• Political pressure led to evacuation being denied.
• British War Cabinet emphasized importance of defending Calais.

The German Attack

• Began on May 24th, targeting outer perimeter.
• Despite lack of heavy weapons, defenders held off Germans.
• Fort Nieulay forced to surrender; subsequent retreat to inner defenses.
• Intense street fighting ensued; Germans occupied key buildings.
• Germans demanded surrender on May 25th, which was refused.

Final Assault and Surrender

• Intense bombardment continued; defenders pushed back towards harbor.
• On May 26th, German forces systematically weakened defenses.
• By 3:30 PM, Brigadier Nicholson forced to surrender.
• Fighting continued in the harbor despite the communication breakdown.

The Last Escape

• 47 British soldiers rescued by HM Yacht 'Gulzar' at 2:00 AM on May 27th.
• 3,000 British and 800 French troops did not escape.

Aftermath and Debate

• The sacrifice of elite troops questioned; was it justified?
• Debate on whether the resistance delayed German forces enough to aid Dunkirk.
• German records suggest limited impact on Dunkirk defenses.

Visuals

• Images throughout the document show badges, troops, and battle scenes.