Did All of the British Expeditionary Force Leave France During the Dunkirk Evacuation?

The Dunkirk evacuation, a crucial point in World War II, saw the rescue and escape of around 360,000 Allied troops, including a significant number of British and French forces, from the beaches and the outskirts of Dunkirk in northern France. This article delves into the details of who exactly left France during this fateful retreat and the fates of those who remained.

Numbers and Fates

At the heart of the question lies the number of British Expeditionary Force (BEF) troops who escaped the Dunkirk perimeter. Approximately 360,000 Allied troops were evacuated, including 140,000 French troops, who played a valuable role in covering the retreat. Among the British troops, around 25,000 were killed or wounded, while about 40,000 were captured. Another 40,000 French troops surrendered after providing essential cover that allowed the BEF to evacuate.

Rearguard Actions and Prisoners of War

Although a significant number of troops were evacuated from Dunkirk, there was also a rearguard of Allied soldiers, including British and French troops, stationed at the perimeter of Dunkirk. These soldiers fought tenaciously to protect the evacuation routes, but many of them, particularly the wounded, became prisoners of war. A particularly stark example is that of the Norfolk Regiment, where some of their wounded were even summarily executed by the SS. The Germania Regiment locked them in a barn, set it on fire, and threw in hand grenades, leading to a tragedy that is still remembered.

Evacuation vs. Surrender

While many BEF units were evacuated from Dunkirk, others were not. Some British units, which had formed part of the rear guard, managed to be evacuated from other ports, while the rest were captured. This mixed outcome can be attributed to the chaotic nature of the retreat and the German advances that forced many troops into surrender.

Forces and Responsibilities

The situation became more complex when the French abandoned the fight, leading to a critical pressure on the BEF. Despite having a mere 13 divisions compared to the French's 117, the BEF still faced an immense responsibility. Gen. Gamelin, the French commander, deliberately downplayed the crisis, demanding more support from the RAF while the truth was that the French forces were already collapsing. Under such circumstances, the BEF's task seemed impossible, yet they managed to evacuate almost 360,000 troops from Dunkirk with the help of French forces.

The 51st Highland Division

One of the most poignant stories is that of the 51st Highland Division, which remained in France. Unlike other British units that were evacuated, the 51st Highland Division, which was not among the forces evacuated from Dunkirk, served as a protective shield for the French 10th Army. When that army eventually surrendered, the 51st Highland Division found itself in an impossible situation, leading to a significant number of its members becoming prisoners of war. By the end of June 1941, only 134 out of the 10,000 soldiers of the 51st Highland Division who escaped captivity had returned to Britain.

During a speech in 1942, Gen. de Gaulle claimed that the 51st Highland Division's sacrifice was a testament to the resilience of the Free French forces. This division's story is a stark reminder of the complex and often tragic nature of the Dunkirk evacuation.

Understanding the details of the Dunkirk evacuation, the fate of the BEF, and the stories of units that were not evacuated can provide a more nuanced perspective on this pivotal moment in history. The struggle and sacrifice of the Allied forces during the Dunkirk evacuation were a testament to the resilience and bravery of the soldiers involved.