St Valéry and its aftermath : the Gordon Highlanders captured in France in 1940 / Stewart Mitchell.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Mitchell, Stewart, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Great Britain. Army. Division, 51st (Highland).

Great Britain.

Great Britain. Army. Gordon Highlanders.

Saint-Valery-en-Caux, Battle of, Saint-Valery-en-Caux, France, 1940.

Escaped prisoners of war--Europe--History--20th century.

Escaped prisoners of war.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xvii, 238 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates) : illustrations, maps

Place of Publication:

Barnsley, South Yorkshire : Pen & Sword Military, 2017.

Summary:

This WWII military history chronicles the bravery and daring of Britain's Gordon Highlanders in Nazi occupied France. During the German offensive of May, 1940, the 51st (Highland) Division-which included 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 harrowing travails, 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 vividly recounts their many inspiring stories.

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9781473898356

1473898358

9781473886599

1473886597

9781473886605

1473886600