Evacuation from Boulogne 18-23 May 1940
 

Prior to the capitulation of Boulogne to German forces on 23rd May 1940 the port was under air attack by the Luftwaffe for a number of days. Can anyone advise as to when the air attacks started, and also the frequency?

A bit of a vague question I appreciate, but any advice would be appreciated.

TIA
Brian

Re: Evacuation from Boulogne 18-23 May 1940
 

dear Sir,
A book exists about these events :
Guy BATAILLE, "Le Boulonnais dans la tourmente", vol 1, 1969, Pierru.
no ISBN.
In French of course.
May be this helps ?
Best regards
Von Alles

Re: Evacuation from Boulogne 18-23 May 1940
 

Thank you Von Alles. I will keep the book in mind, but I regret my knowledge of French leaves much to be desired so I will see if I can find another source. I have "Boulogne" by Jon Cooksey (2002), but that concentrates on the 22nd-24th May.

This describes the port as being packed with disorganised British, Dutch, Belgian and French troops, to say nothing of civilian refugees on 22nd, and there is an implication that it was being bombed from the 20th. I can work with that, but it would be useful to get confirmation of the conditions.

Regards
Brian

Re: Evacuation from Boulogne 18-23 May 1940
 

Dear Sir
to answer you I have to read again this book : it will take days to do this,
I shall try to post later.
Best regards
Von Alles

Re: Evacuation from Boulogne 18-23 May 1940
 

Thank you Von Alles, I would be very grateful.

My understanding is that from about 21st May the town was defended by three battalions of the French 21st Infantry Division led by General Lanquetot. The British 20 Guards Brigade arrived the following morning. Unfortunately there was very little communication (if any) between the British and French, and although both fought bravely the French were effectively abandoned when the British withdrew on 23rd.

What I would like to know is (a) when did the Luftwaffe first bomb the town; (b) when did the refugees (civilian and military) start arriving and (c) is there any indication of which military units were amongst the refugees? I'm particularly looking for any reference to the HQ British Expeditionary Force (basically clerks and the like - not fighting men).

Any help you can offer for any of those questions would be very much appreciated.

Regards
Brian

Re: Evacuation from Boulogne 18-23 May 1940
 

Dear Sir,
please wait, I need a few weeks to find these informations
Von Alles

Re: Evacuation from Boulogne 18-23 May 1940
 

My apologies Von Alles, I wasn't trying to rush you. I'm grateful for your assistance and I assure you I am in no hurry.
Regards
Brian

Re: Evacuation from Boulogne 18-23 May 1940
 

Hello,
I have now some of your wanted informations
a) the first bombing in the Boulogne area was the destruction of the Navy V157F equiped squadron in Alprech airfield the 10th may at 04.00.
On the city, the first bombs fell on May 18th, and mainly the following night.
b) the frist civil refugees were belgians and arrived by bus on the 17th at 10.00, including belgian nazi Léon Degrelle, who was put in jail.
c) the british HQ was evacuated to Le Touquet on 19th. Uncombattants british troops were in Grand Hôtel in Wimeureux the 20th.
At 06.30, the 22nd, british troops from the 20th Brigade were landed in Boulogne for the fightings.
The 22nd, british troops left Wimereux and the British army left Boulogne by boats the 23rd at 12.00.

Hope this help,
friendly yours,
Von Alles

PS : anybody knows what were the stuka units involved in the bombings of Boulogne these days ?

Re: Evacuation from Boulogne 18-23 May 1940
 

Thank you very much Von Alles. What you describe agrees very well with another account that I was given after my original post to this website, but yours is more useful as it gives additional information.

I appreciate that you have worked hard to find this information and I am very grateful. Thank you again.

Regards

Brian