Stand Fast the Guards ETO (id:#56057)

Multi-Man Publishing (ASL 5a - For King and Country ID: 92)   [next]   [previous]

Prior Publication: AH: ASL Annual `90 A 15

Boulogne, France 1940-05-23 (26 others)

Overview:

An epic of disastrous proportions was looming for the BEF as the panzers neared the French Channel ports. If they fell, the BEF would be bereft of supplies-and evacuation, if the worst should come. As the Germans cut through disintegrating French divisions, hastily made and executed plans for holding Boulogne and Calais were undertaken by the British. To Boulogne was shipped the 20th Guards Brigade. Unfortunately, these British battalions had no maps, wireless, mortars or grenades. Undaunted, in the best of tradition, the Welsh and Irish Guards disembarked on the 22nd of May, forcing their way through the refugees on the quay into the streets and to the countryside beyond. But the 2nd Panzer Division, despite being delayed by air attacks mounted by the French Naval Air Arm, was in sight of the towers of the city. The first clashes were inconclusive. During the night, Guderian completed his encirclement of the port. All British units stood to at first light, anticipating a dawn attack-which did not come as expected. Instead, the Germans were occupied while reducing the French garrison at Fort de la Creche, north of town. Finally, at 0730, the whirlwind struck the Irish Guards.

Defender: British (2nd Irish Guards / 69th AT Regiment)  

Errata (source)