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Author Topic: 51st Highland Division  (Read 762 times)

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BazaJT

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51st Highland Division
« on: 15 July 2018, 21:37:17 »

Just watched a very interesting C4 programme about them.Detached from the main BEF and stationed on the Maginot line,they were then left "stranded" when the Germans thrust through the Ardennes and pushed the allies back to Dunkirk.Ordered to fight on they were along with the French steadily forced back to St.Valerie where plans were made to evacuate them.Admiral James assembled a rescue flotilla just off the coast awaiting the opportunity to go in and pick them up.This could only be done under cover of darkness and despite Admiral James defying admiralty orders by staying put after they'd ordered him home the plans came to nought due at least in part by fog descending as nightfall did[on two consecutive nights]and the 51st could hold out no longer and surrendered into captivity.No real recognition for their brave fight was forthcoming and no campaign medals issued.Two of the survivors who featured in the programme passed away this year.
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Shackeng

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Re: 51st Highland Division
« Reply #1 on: 15 July 2018, 21:41:55 »

I had the privilege of meeting some of those guys. Brave men. :y
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BazaJT

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Re: 51st Highland Division
« Reply #2 on: 15 July 2018, 22:09:17 »

Given the equipment they had and shortage of ammunition etc they put up one heck of a fight,with General Fortune telling Rommel there'd be no surrender[in the forlorn hope that evacuation would still be possible]even after the French contingent had surrendered,until he was finally forced to give up the struggle.
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