St Valéry and Its Aftermath: The Gordon Highlanders Captured in France in 1940

by Stewart Mitchell

Overview

During the German May 1940 offensive, the 51st (Highland) Division, including the 1st and 5th Battalions Gordon Highlanders, became separated from the British Expeditionary Force. After a heroic stand at St Valery-en-Caux the Division surrendered when fog thwarted efforts to evacuate them.Within days, scores of Gordons had escaped and were on the run through Nazi-occupied France. Many reached Britain after feats of great courage and tenacity, including recapture and imprisonment often in atrocious conditions in France, Spain or North Africa.Those imprisoned in Eastern Europe were forced to work in coal and salt mines, quarries, factories and farms. Some died through unsafe conditions or the brutality of their captors. Others escaped, on occasion fighting with distinction alongside Resistance forces. Many had to endure the brutal 1945 winter march away from the advancing Allies before their eventual liberation.This superbly researched book contains many inspiring stories that deserve and merit reading.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781473886605
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Limited
Publication date:	05/30/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	948,279
File size:	50 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Stewart Mitchell became Volunteer Researcher at the Gordons Museum, Aberdeen in 2005 after a career in environmental protection. He lives with his wife at Bridge of Down, Aberdeen.