TRAPPED AT ST VALRY

FOR THE MEN OF THE 51ST (HIGHLAND) DIVISION, TRAPPED AT ST VALERY-EN-CAUX BY ROMMEL’S 7TH PANZER DIVISION IN 1940, THEIR HEROIC LAST STAND HAS BEEN FORGOTTEN OR SUBSUMED INTO THE DUNKIRK EVACUATION LEGEND. THE STORY OF ONE OF THE REGIMENTS, THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS, IS TOLD BY STEWART MITCHELL.

FORGOTTEN MEN OF THE DUNKIRK STORY

The 51st (Highland) Division was one of the most famous units of the British Army and was already much respected by the Germans as a consequence of their encounters during the First World War. The infantry regiments who made up the 51st (Highland) Division were the Gordon Highlanders, Black Watch, Seaforth Highlanders and Cameron Highlanders, from Grampian, Tayside and the Highlands. There were other supporting units of artillery, medics and signallers, all from northern Scotland together with armoured support from the Lothian & Border Horse.

Before the German offensive began on 10 May 1940, the 51st (Highland) Division was transferred to French command in order to give them some battle experience on the Maginot Line. They were blooded there before engaging in a fierce battle at Abbeville, on the Somme, where the failure of the French armour to break the German line resulted…

Want to read more?

This is a premium article and requires an active subscription.

Existing subscriber? Sign in now

No subscription?

Pick one of our introductory offers