Dunkirk - Dunkirk Perimeter

On 25th May 1940 Lord Gort, Commander In Chief BEF, despatched the GOC 48 (South Midland) Division, Major General Thorne, his staff and 144 Brigade to Dunkirk. The intent was to establish a defensive perimeter around Dunkirk utilising natural water features and canals. The main stop line would be the Bergues to Furness Canal. Once established the perimeter would be 40 km(25 miles) long and 13 km (8 miles) wide.

Critical points for the defence included the citadel of the town of Bergues, the fall of which would allow a direct route into Dunkirk.

Bergues - Canal and Citadel

Bergues - entrance to town

Bergues

Bergues to Furness Canal

Within the perimeter plans would be made for sustaining 250,000 troops and preparations made for a timely and effective evacuation. A rear guard would be established to protect the troops within the perimeter, and a secondary stop line established along the Dunkirk to Furness Canal.

Dunkirk to Furness Canal

Dunkirk to Furness Canal near Dunkirk

The French Army would protect the west flank.  Each Corps was allocated an area for concentration and a beach from which  they would embark. Where possible areas would be flooded to provide an additional obstacle. Embarkation assembly areas and control centres were established at three beaches; Malo-les-Bains (3 Corps), Bray Dunes (1 Corps) and La Panne Bains (2 Corps). As troops entered the perimeter they destroyed equipment and handed ammunition / weapons to the rear guard.

Dunkirk - BEF withdraw into the perimeter

By 28th May 1940 the majority of troops were within the Dunirk Perimeter. 

Dunkirk Peimeter 28th May 1940


The Germans launched strong attacks, supported by artillery fire, against the defenders of the perimeter. The rear guard fought heroically to block the German advance, their teamwork, resolve and bravery allowing thousands of their comrades to be evacuated.  

One example of the bravery of those defending the perimeter were the actions of Captain Marcus Ervine-Andrews of the East Lancashire Regiment for which he would awarded the Victoria Cross. On the evening of the 31 May / 1 June, the Company Captain Ervine-Andrews was commanding were defending a frontage of  910 metres (1,000 yards).

Captain Ervine-Andrews VC
Engaging enemy for barn roof

 For over 10 hours the Company held their position despite heavy artillery, mortar and machine gun fire. Eventually the German troops were able cross over the Bergues to Furness Canal. Captain Ervine-Andrews climbed on top of a barn and engaged the enemy, firstly with rifle fire then a Bren gun.  

Captain Ervine-Andrews VC
VC action barn

Eventually the barn was set alight,  with all his ammunition expended, and completely surrounded,  he collected the 8 remaining men of his company, and escaped by wading up to their chins and swimming to safety.


Captain Ervine-Andrews VC
VC action barn

 
The rear guard were withdrawn from the outer perimeter to the inner perimeter during the night of 1st to 2nd June. They were replaced by units of the French Army. By that stage of the evacuation nearly 260,000 troops had been rescued from Dunkirk and the beaches. The relieving of the units on the outer perimeter by the French Army allowed most of the British rear guard to be evacuated on the night of 2nd / 3rd June. Many of the French would end up as POWs.