A Peek at History |
The Dyle Offensive
(An extract from "L'enfer de la Dyle, Tome II)
Courtesy of Bernard
The first elements of the 4th Brigade, 2nd Division, arrive in the vicinity of Wavre around 7 a.m.,
May 11th 1940. Lead elements of the 1st Battalion The Royal Scots arrive in the town around 10 a.m.
4th Brigade has orders to defend the town of Wavre and the area just North of it. The 1st Battalion
The Royal Scots is on the front line, and defends the town itself. 1/8 Lancashire Fusiliers is on
its left and 2nd Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment is in reserve.
4th Brigade is positioned on the division's right.The division itself is the Southernmost unit of
the British Expeditionary Force. To its right we have the French 1st Army.
Details about the 1st Battalion The Royal Scots position:
A Company is in the town proper
B Company is South of Wavre, in contact with the French
C Company is in Basse-Wavre
D Company is in reserve in a place called "Bois de Beaumont".
(See map of Company displacement around Wavre). This map is produced courtesy of Bernard
The Royal Scot's sector seems to have been relatively quiet. The Germans avoided Wavre itself and
tried to break the line North (6th Brigade Territory ) and South (French Sector) of the town. The
town sustained artillery fire and Stuka attacks.
1st Battalion The British Expeditionary Force, September 1939 - May 1940
Battle Honours
BACKGROUND
On 21st August 1939 the bombshell exploded in the form of the Soviet-German non-aggression pact.
Two days later, the Anglo-Polish treaty of mutual assistance was signed. On 31st August Hitler
ordered his army across the Polish frontier. Three days later Britian and France were at war with
Germany.
The scenes of patriotic fervour and long queues of volunteers at recruiting offices of 1914 were
not repeated in 1939. It was with a feeling of grim neccessity that men of military age waited to
be called up with conscription instituted from the start.
Far from being plunged immediately into war, the British Expeditionary Force which went to France,
found itself spending a very cold winter constructing field defences along the Belgian border, in
continuation of the Maginot Line on the Franco-German border. Initially the BEF, under General Lord
Gort, consisted of only four infantry divisions, each of three, three battalion brigades,
divisional artillery and a cavalry regiment equiped with light tanks. These formed two corps with
additional medium and anti-aircraft artillery and a machine gun battalion. Before hostilities
opened, the Force was built up to ten infantry divisions, in three corps and one army tank brigade
of heavy tanks. In no way was this BEF equipped, organised or trained for the war about to open.
The new German method of waging war with fast moving armoured divisions supported by aircraft
conquered Holland, Belgium and France in the short space of six weeks. From 10 May 1940 the Germans
maintained pressure against the BEF and Northern French armies which had advanced up to the River
Dyle in Belgium while the main thrust came from the Ardennes with devastating speed and broke
through to the coast at Abbeyville in ten days, splitting the Allies apart. The BEF retreated
behind the Scheldt with their backs to the sea and, as the Germans swung north from Abbeyville
towards Boulogne and Calais, were soon under increasing pressure from three sides. By 27 May 1940
the outlook was so grim that Lord Gort was ordered to evacuate what he could of the BEF through
Dunkirk.
The First Battalion arrived in northern France on 30 September 1939, as part of the 4th Infantry
Brigade in the 2nd Division and spent a very cold winter preparing the lines of defence in France
and Belgium. On 10 May 1940 the Battalion was at Lacelles just west of Lille and was ordered forward
into Belgium to Wavre on the River Dyle south-east of Brussels. From 13 to 28 May the BEF was under
constant attack by the advancing Germans and was forced to withdraw back into France. The Battalion
fought on the river lines of the Dyle, Dendre and Escaut. Five officers and 90 men were eventually
evacuated through Dunkirk. The remainder were either killed or taken prisoner at Merville or Paradis
on 30 May. The stalwart rearguard actions of the 2nd Infantry Division, contributed much to the
successful evacuation of 330,000 British and French soldiers through Dunkirk.
The following article by the then Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, (Lt Col H.D.K. Money)
containing extracts from the diary of his Adjutant (Captain J. Bruce MC) are taken from The Thistle
published in 1946.
Dunkirk
I took over command of the 1st Battalion while they were holding the Maginot Line in front of Metz.
The weather was bitterly cold and the severest winter that Europe had known for many years.
Water-bottles froze on the men, motor transport froze on the move.
The Battalion held first of all the Ligne de Resistance, the Ligne de Contacte. If memory does not
fail me, the Battalion held a front of nearly two miles, consisting of isolated Platoon and Section
posts. The enemy were on an average 1,200 yards away. No outstanding incidents occurred during this
period except for Major Byam-Shaw and his Bren gun being so frozen whilst lying in ambush that an
excellent chance of killing Germans was missed. Not only were the working parts of the gun frozen
but his elbows and body were firmly frozen to the ground. Hardly a shot was fired by either side
during this cold period. Intensive patrolling, however, was maintained throughout. This patrolling
was run by Brigade Headquarters, each Battalion supplying personnel from the Carrier Platoon fror
these patrols. the advisability of this method is doubtful, as it meant risking highly trained motor
transport personnel who were difficult to replace.
In the early hours of a frozen dawn Mr Churchill, as First Lord of the Admiralty, visited Battalion
Headquarters in the Ligne de Resistance. He was interested to meet Major Winchester, who had served
next to the 6th Royal Scot Fusiliers in the First World War when Mr Churchill commanded that
Battalion.
We returned to the Gort Line about mid-January. A bitterly cold railway journey during which time
the engine of the train completely froze up at Rheims station, the engine driver refusing to carry
on owing to the severe conditions. This allowed the Battalion to queue up for draught champagne at
the buffet of the railway station.
From the time of our return to the Gort Line until Hitler invaded Western Europe, the Battalion
spent its time strengthening defences in fron of Lecelles. This meant deepening the ant-tank ditch,
elaborate and ingenious camouflage of strong points and the construction of switch lines and gun
positions. The Battalion had precious little depth on a very wide front and one hardly dares to
contemplate how long a determined Bosche attack would have been held.
The Battalion appropriately held the extreme right flank of the B.E.F. It linked up with the 13ieme
Regiment de Tirailleur Algerian, belonging to the North African Division.
A very strong liaison on all levels was maintained with this unit. In fact, one Platoon joined the
Battalion early in the retreat and remained with it to the end.
During this period the Moderator of the Church of Scotland paid a very welcome visit to the
Battalion. Other visitors included the Secretary of State for War, Mr Oliver Lyttleton, and on one
tremendous day no fewer than four Field-Marshals Birdwood, Milne, Jacobs and Montgomery-Massingberg.
This period was one of boredom enlivened by such spectacles as Divisional and Corps Commanders
siting Section posts and coming to no agreement.
Many rehearsals were held of the Divisions role in the event of Hitler attacking in the West. These
were carried out towards the Cana du Nord with the result that when the time came everything went
without a hitch.
And so we reached the memorable month of May, 1940.
Much time has elapsed since the events of 1940 and but for Major Bruce's diary I would not be able
to give an account of the Battalion's doings during this memorable period. I have quoted almost
verbatim from the diary which he compiled whilst in captivity.
FROM MAJOR BRUCE'S DIARY
10th May: Lecelles. - A most perfect May morning. At 0400 hrs. woken by sounds of A.A. fire and
bombs. Bosche aircraft were flying very high in the bright sunlight in a southerly direction. All
doubts as to what had happened were dispelled by the news of Hitler's move coming over the French
wireless.
11th May: Wavre. - After an uneventful journey Battalion "R" Group reached Oberysche at 0400 hrs.
Reconnoitred the Battalion debussing point at La Hulpe, then proceeded to Wavre. Battalion reached
La Hulpe 0600-0800 hrs.: were bombed while debussing: no casualties. The Battalion finally reached
the Company areas by 1600 hrs., "A" Company outposts east of the town, "B" Company to the right,
"C" Company to the left, "D" Company in reserve. The town was full of its inhabitants and Belgian
troops on leave. The French Light Motorized Division moved through us in the morning to cover our
front beyond the 4th/7th Dragoon Guards, our Divisional Armoured Regiment.
12th May: Wavre - Defensive position improved. Situation very uncertain; Bosche reported attacking
Liege. Evacuation of civilians commenced and the shattered troops of the Belgian 4th and 7th
Divisions began to pour into the town. These on the whole seemed good troops and those units that
still had officers showed very high morale. Belgian officers complained of the tactical disruption
caused to their troops by enemy agents dressed as Belgian officers and issuing false orders to the
men.
13th May: Wavre - The bridges were prepared for demolition. "A" Company withdrawn from outposts and
took up a position supporting "D" Company. Final evacuation of civilians completed by midnight.
During the evening the 4th/7th Dragoon Guards and French Light Motorized Division came through our
positions. The French had suffered very severe handling from the German Air Force, as had some of
the 4th/7th Dragoon Guards also, but all had their tails well up. After waiting some hours for a
missing armoured vehicle containing an S.S.M of the 4th/7th Armoured Regiment, the main bridge was
blown on the orders of the O.C. Royal Scots.
14th May: Wavre - Positions strengthened and in the morning enemy aircraft bombed the town. Major
Mitchell-Innes and C.S.M. Gordon were wounded whilst collecting foodstuffs. The front line was
adjusted to conform with the 13ieme Tirailleurs, who had withdrawn behind the river.
Second-Lieutenant Gallie commanded an International Post at the junction of the two units on the
southern outskirts of the town. Battalion Headquarters established in the shooting lodge of the
Bois de Beaumont. Enemy appeared on the east bank of the river during the day and by evening
contact had been made. Fairly heavy fighting took place on the river bank during the night, all
attempts to cross by the enemy being firmly repulsed. Many reports were received of our troops
being shot from behind and there was no doubt that Fifth Columnists of both sexes were operating
behind us.
15th May: Wavre - Bois de Beaumont was shelled in the early morning, destroying all signal lines,
but no casualties. The day was fairly quiet.
17th May: - The withdrawal continued on roads packed with transport and all arms until Charleroi
Canal was crossed at Loth. A brief rest while the men fed and then on to Grammont. The day was
extremely hot and dusty, but in spite of everything the Battalion in a miraculous way arrived
complete at Grammont by 1400 hrs.The Battalion was vey tired and short of food. The rest here was
very welcome and fully utilized in getting refreshed, checking losses and replenishing ammunition.
18th May: River Dendre - The rest was short-lived. At 0300 hrs. we were ordered to take up position
on the river line by 0830 hrs. Bridges over the river were demolished. Contact with the enemy was
made during the day, but on the whole the day passed fairly peacefully. At 2130 hrs. we were
informed that a further withdrawal was to take place and the position to be evacuated by dawn.
Rumour had it that the British Army was carrying out one of the most difficult operations of war
ever attempted in history: furthermore, if successful it would be a miracle. This information may
well have been issued to fill us with encouragement. As to whether it really did or not is
questionable !
19th May: Froidmont - By dawn the last elements of the Battalion were clear, the Carrier Platoon,
as usual, covering the final withdrawal. Second-Lieutenant F.R.N. Kerr, commanding his Platoon with
great ability, was wounded but continued to cover the Battalion. Second-Lieutenant Edie took over
the Carrier PLatoon in his place.
The Battalion reached Renaix at about 0900 hrs. amidst indescribable chaos, the transport banked
five abreast and practically immobile. The roads and verges were choked with refugees, who covered
hundreds of yards on either side. The Battalion made its way somehow down the road towards Tournai
and at about midday was met by the Brigadier with a Troop Carrying Company, R.A.S.C. The motor
transport turned into a field and embussing commenced simultaneously with the arrival of the German
Luftwaffe. The bombing was inaccurate and most of the bombs fell upon an unfortunate travelling
circus. One has vivid recollections of three wounded elephants charging terrified through the
fields, followed hotly by four white Liberty horses dragging the unconscious figure of a girl
rider. We passed through the remnants of the circus and I think there was not a man in the
Battalion who will forget the appalling destruction amongst women and children. The Battalion was
bombed periodically throughout its journey. Captain Seton Dixon was wounded and Lieutenant
Mackinnon took command of "D" Company. The Battalion now had its first real night's rest for
10 days, and a good evening meal, followed by a night's sleep, worked wonders. It was here that
the Battalion was nearly robbed of its hard-earned rest by being summoned to the rescue of
Divisional Headquarters, who complained that they were being sniped. Further investigation traced
the bullets to the Division Mess Sergeant killing pigs with rifle fire.
20th May: Froidmont - A warning order received that the Battalion would relieve the 8th Battalion
The Royal Warwickshire Regiment on the River Escaut near Calonne that night. The Battalion "O"
Group got orders that morning at St. Maur under fairly heavy shell fire. Fifth Columnists were
very prevalent amongst the troops ocupying St. Maur, so much so that the Commanding Officer found
the muzzle of a loaded revolver in the pit of his stomach with avery excited young Staff Officer
demanding his identity card.
21st May: River Escaut - A hellish day! Mortared and shelled heavily all day. Battalion Headquarters
took up a position supporting "D" and "B" Companies owing to the open right flank. "D" Company and
the Carriers, with the remnants of the 7th Battalion The Royal Warwickshire Regiment, put in several
counter-attacks during the afternoon in an attempt to re-establish the line on our right. These
attacks failed. Colonel Baker, Commanding Officer of the Royal Warwicks, was killed and our
caualties were heavy. Later The Cameron Highlanders managed partially to re-establish the line,
which eased our position. The Battalion had over 150 casualties that day and we had great
difficulty in evacuating them. The Battalion suffered a severe loss by the death of Major G.
Byam-Shaw. He never spared himself throughout the whole operation and no Commanding Officer
could have had a more unselfish and thoughtful Second-in-Command. Second-Lieutenant R.E. Gallie
was killed beside Major Byam-Shaw, and Captain Thorburn and Second-Lieutenants Liddell,
McDuff-Duncan and Kyle were wounded.
22nd May: River Escaut - Still a good deal of shelling. Second-Lieutenant Turcan took over "A"
Company, and Second-Lieutenant Carpenter, Intelligence Officer and H.Q.Company, Orders received for
withdrawal to Gort Line by night. Lieutenant Musee, Officer de Liaison at Brigade Headquarters,
volunteered to come to the Battalion as a reinforcement, but it was not neccessary.
23rd May: Cobrieux - After marching all night the Battalion went into rest at noon in Cobrieux.
They then went into Brigade reserve in the Gort Line.
24th May: Essars - Captain F.M. Bucher rejoined the Battalion from leave. At 0900 hrs. the Battalion
embussed and moved to Essars, near Bethune, and went into billets. At 1600 hrs. shelling commenced
and French tanks began coming back to our lines. Stores were reloaded on transport and the Battalion
hastily took up a position. During the afternoon "D" Company put in a successful counter-attack to
assist The Royal Irish Fusiliers and restore a lost post on the La Bassee Canal. The Battalion
suffered another great loss through the death of Major C.C. Winchester M.C., that afternoon,
shortly after he had with great difficulty rejoined the Battalion from leave. Second-Lieutenant
Drysdale was killed during the counter-attack. Second-Lieutenant Crrokshank went to "D" Company as
Second-in-Command. By nightfall the front was firmly held and except for some shelling the night
was quiet.
25th May: Carlonne-sur Leys - Moved back into Brigade reserve at Calonne-sur-Leys in the early
morning and went into billets. A pleasant day spent in sleeping and cleaning up. A fair amount of
shelling in the afternoon, but no casualties. At 1500 hrs. "C" Company moved u to fill a gap
between the 4th and 6th Infantry Brigades and took our fist prisoners. They were young, fine-looking
men with brand-new excellent equipment.
26th May:Le Paradis - The Battalion took up a position covering the village, with "C" Company still
filling the gap on the right of the Brigade, with "A" Company supporting the 2nd Royal Norfolks. A
peaceful night and morning, and in the afternoon Battalion Headquarters moved into the village and
"D" Company took up a position in rear of "A" Company. Shelling all day and contact with the enemy
was maintained. Captains Bucher and Bruce were promoted Acting Majors. Lieutenant MacKinnon and
Second-Lieutenants Errington, McGregor, Edie and Thorne promoted Acting Captains.
27th May:Le Paradis - At 0200 hrs. warned that a large attack was expected on the left of the
Brigade font, and that the Brigade might expect to receive the flanks of the attack. By 0800 hrs.
the Battalion was heavily engaged. "A" and "C" Companies received very heavy casualties.
Lieutenant-Colonel Money, Major Bucher, and Second-Lieutenant Cruickshank were wounded, and Captain
Elliot and Second-Lieutenants Turcan and Page killed. Major Watson took over command of the
Battalion until about 1000 hrs., when he was killed and Battalion Headquarters were set on fire.
Command of the Battalion now devolved upon acting Major and Adjutant J. Bruce. "A" and "C"
Companies were overrun, but not until the frormer had severely damaged enemy tanks with their
grenades.
( This concludes the narrative based on Major Bruce's Diary )
This seems to be an approriate place to say that the Battalion did all that was asked of it ; and
the behaviour of all ranks was in the spirit of the highest traditions of the Regiment. Never once
did the men fail to respond to their orders; never once did the Battalion give up a position until
ordered to do so; and never did the men fail to respond to the old cry, "Come on, The Royals!"
Particularly during the never-to-be-forgotten march through the Foret de Soignies, near Brussels,
when no halt could be allowed, as men were so tired that they could not be aroused once they sat
down. And again the gallant response to this call in the counter-attacks on the banks of the Escaut.
I would like to quote the words of our French Liaison Officer, Michel Martell, from whom I have
recently heard on his release from prison camp: "Your Battalion was the most wonderful anyone can
hope to command. During the five years we waited for our freedom, after what I have seen and lived
with The Royal Scots, I could never despair of seeing Germany beaten."
H.D.K. Money, Brigadier
EXTRACT FROM 4TH BRIGADE SUMMARY OF MOVEMENTS 31st May: -
Then on the 10th May it had advanced as the spearhead of the B.E.F. to the River Dyle. From then
onwards it had the brunt of every attack . . . the gallant defence of the Wavre on the River Dyle
by the 1st Battalion The Royal Scots; the defence of the River Dendre, south of Grammont, by the
1st Battalion The Royal Scots and the 2nd Battalion The Royal Norfolk Regiment; the days of
resistance by the 1st Battalion The Royal Scots at Calonne (near Antoing) and the 2nd Battalion
The Royal Norfolk Regiment at Cherog on the Escaut, then back to the Le Bassee Canal, where the
resistance of the three Battalions of the 4th Infantry Brigade may have had a large bearing on the
eventual success of the evacuation of Dunkirk.
TO ALL RANKS, 4TH INFANTRY BRIGADE
In the hope that many of those who are not yet with us might return, that in the confusion of the
withdrawal and evacuation of Dunkirk there might still be men of the brigade in the Section Camps
and Assembly Areas in England who might rejoin, I have refrained until now from expressing to you
my admiration, my deep appreciation and my pride in the magnificent deeds performed by all ranks
of the Brigade from 10th to 31st May.
You have acquitted yourselves, as I expected you would do, with devotion, with courage, and in
keeping with the very highest traditions of the Regiments to which you belong. When history comes
to be written it will be recorded that the part played by the 4th infantry brigade was second to
none in valour, dauntless courage and tenacity. Its refusal to give an inch to the enemy contributed
tremendously to the successful withdrawal of the three hundred and thirty thousand British and
French troops to this country. It was an optimistic hope that perhaps thirty thousand might be got
away; three hundred thousand was considered an impossibility; but deeds such as yours made the
impossible possible.
The Brigade went into Belgium on the 10th may. 90 Officers and 2,450 other ranks strong; today its
known strength is 25 officers and 697 other ranks. You have indeed given of your best, but not in
vain, and if called upon I know you will do the same again.
I am indeed proud to have had the honour of caommanding you and leading the 4th Infantry Brigade in
battle.
Well done and God Bless you.
(Signed) E.G. Warren, Brigadier
15th June,1940.
4th Brigade remained on the Dyle until May 15 when aretreat was prepared. The front line troops
evacuated their positions between 1.30 and 3 a.m. on May 16. The 1st Battalion The Royal Scots
probably move around that time too.
(Extract from "A Regiment at War" - Major Bruces Diary - courtesy of The Royal Scots Museum,
RSHQ Edinburgh Castle)
Dyle, Defence of Escaut, St. Omer-La-Basse NW Europe 1940
At 0600 hrs. prearranged plan "D" came into operation. Zero hour 1300. Rest of day spent in packing
up, handing over defences, and storing the Brigade stores in the Fabrie under a Royal Scots guard
commanded by Lance-Corporal McGreavie.
Battalion "R" Group with Brigade "O" Group moved according to plan at 2115 hrs. Remainder of the
Battalion under Major G. Byam-Shaw in Royal Army service Corps Bus Company moved at 2310 hrs.
Brigade Supply Point, Pont Caillou on the Franco-Belgian frontier. As we were waiting to cross the
frontier an enemy bomber was brought down in flames quite close to Rumegies, making a memorable
picture against the background of a lovely sunset. It seemed a good omen and the cheers from the
long column of troop-packed motor transportwill never be forgotten.
>
Owing to officers being on leave in the United Kingdom, Major Byam-Shaw acted as Second-in-Command,
Captain Thorburn O.C. "A" Company, and Second-Lieutenant E.I.C. Elliot O.C. "C" Company. C.S.M.
Martin acted as R.S.M., and P.S.M. Allen as C.S.M., H.Q. Company.
Day spent in digging, trying to take over the Belgian block-houses, the keys of which were only to
be found in Brussels, and the siting of which in no way assisted the Battalion's defensive scheme.
The local Belgian Commander very excited and non-co-operative; the Burgomaster absent and never
appeared at all. Rumours that all was not well with the Belgian Field Army and that the Germans
were over the Maas. Inhabitants friendly and pleased to see us.
The enemy air attack had set fire to the portion of the town behind our forward Companies, thus
adding considerably to the difficulties of supply and communication. Piper Stevenson was killed.
At 1630 hrs. enemy was reported to have broken through the French on our right. A defensive flank
was formed by "B" Company and the Carrier Platoon. The latter proved by reconnaissance that the
report was unfounded. The 13ieme Tirailleurs had withdrawn without informing us. The Cariers were
fired upon, luckily without casualties, by a British Battalion brought up support our now open right
flank. After dark shelling recommenced. At 2300 hrs. orders were received for immediate withdrawal
to Woo, the position to be completely evacuated by 0300 hrs. 16th May. This meant very rapid verbal
orders and the destruction of a certain amount of equipment. In spite of the hustle, Companies
carried out their orders extremely well, the only incident being a false gas alarm which led to
"C" Company marching up the steep hill out of Wavre in their gas masks.
A party of 13ieme Tirailleurs joined the Battalion, having come, so they reported, through enemy
lines. At 1800 hrs. again ordered to withdraw, via the Foret de Soignies. A memorable march with
all ranks very weary and the traffic congestion had to be seen to be believed: columns of infantry
and transport hopelessly intermingled, but in spite of it all the Battalion kept together and
marched past the Brigadier in the early dawn light. The Brigadier congratulated the Battalion on
its march discipline and its spirit. Although dead-beat, hardly a face failed to light up with a
smile as they recognized the Brigadier.
The afternoon was spent in reconnaissance and the Battalion had taken over satisfactorily by
midnight. The relief took place under fairly heavy shell and mortar fire. Shortly after the relief
was complete the Battalion found to its horror that it had no troops on its right flank. Several
casualties ocurred, including Second-Lieutenant W.E. Walker.
The Doctor, Padre and motor transport drivers deserve the greatest credit for their magnificent
work in caring for and evacuating the wounded under almost continuous shell and mortar fire. The
Padre managed to bury some of our dead that night.
The withdrawal was successfully carried out to the accompaniment of shells, mortars and last, but
not least, the song of the nightingales singing as though to drown the sound of the former.
The Lufwaffe bombed us in the evening, but there were no casualties.
At 1900 hrs. embussed and moved to the Aubers Ridge, where the Division was to be held as B.E.F.
reserve. On arrival the Battalion found billets for the night.
Very large enemy air sorties bombed our Brigade positions during the evening, particularly our
Carriers forming part of the Brigade Carrier Company on a special role. The Battalion was ordered
to move up in support of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Norfolk Regiment and the 1st/8th Battalion The
Lancashire Fusiliers at about 2200 hrs.
"B" Company withdrew to Le Paradis, where it was reformed by Captain Gordon, 2nd Norfolks, and
together with the remnants of "D" Company fought on until they were overrun at about 1600 hrs.
Battalion Headquarters and H.Q. Company under Major Bruce, Captain Errington and Second-Lieutenants
Carpenter and Anderson maintained their positions until nightfall. Captain Edie got through to
Brigade Headquarters with information. After dark this party tried to withdraw to its own lines,
but the Battalion never received the Brigade orders which had been given to this effect. Except for
Second-Lieutenant Anderson, who was missing, the majority were captured at Merville on 30th May.
Actually this withdrawal was not attempted until the night of the 29th/30th May, the intervening
time having been spent waiting for a counter-attack which was understood to be coming.
By this time the battalion had received no information regarding the general situation and the
withdrawal from Dunkirk. orders were given for the Battalion, now reduced to some thirty men, to
lay up near the Le Paradis position to support an expected counter-attack.
Late Commanding 1st Battalion The Royal Scots
November, 1945
Commander, 4th Infantry Brigade.
To Lieutenant-Colonel Money, Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Men of my 1st Battalion:
I have received information of the glorious part played by my 1st Battalion in Flanders recently,
and I would desire that you should realise how proud I am of the great gallantry and fortitude
shown by all ranks in what must have been terrible conditions.
You will have added by your stubborn resistance, a fresh page of history, of which all The Royal
Scots, past and present, will indeed be proud.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I deplore the heavy losses that you have had to pay and my sympathy goes in full measure to those
who have lost husbands, sons or brothers in this tragic but marvellous withdrawal.
I am indeed proud to be your Colonel-in-Chief, and I pray to God to watch over you.
Mary.
June,1940.