Evacuation from Boulogne 18-23 May 1940

[Roundway]

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

[Von Alles]

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

[Roundway]

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

[Von Alles]

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