70th Anniversary May 2010

The Germans called it Fall Gelb or Plan Yellow. As the sun was setting in the late evening of 20 May 1940, the vanguards of 2. Panzer Division entered the city of Abbeville in France. Later that same night, they reached the town of Noyelles and their objective: the Somme river estuary. It was the culmination of a ten-day battle during which the division, along with the other two parts of Guderian's XIX. Armee Korps, had crossed the Meuse, broken through the French defensive lines at Sedan, and penetrated deep behind the enemy lines, covering more than 300km from the German border to the Atlantic shores. At the conclusion of this ten-day drive, the remnants of two French armies plus the British and Belgian ones, which formed the core of the Allied forces, were trapped with their backs to the sea. The inconceivable had become reality; Germany had won a stunning victory, her enemies were in shambles. A little more than a month later France capitulated, and the entire world marveled at the German blitzkrieg.

To commemorate this momentous event in World history, we have put together a number of talks, lectures and guided routes through France, Holland and Belgium.

Opening Moves

Follow General Heinz Guderian’s Panzer Corps attack through Sedan to catch the Allies in a pincer movement including the Maginot Line, France’s impregnable fortress. Alternately study Rommel’s breakthrough across the Meuse at Dinant or the assault on Eben Emael - Belgium’s greatest fortress..

The Sedan Memorial Bunker, France

The Battle for France

Examine the role of the British Expeditionary Force in Belgium and France starting at the Dyle Line and including the tank battle at the Gembloux Gap. Study the defences and battles as the British fall back to the Escaut River and their counter-attack at Arras. Then follow the retreat to the coast including the sacrifice of the BEF’s 2nd Division on the La Bassee Canal and the defence of the Ypres-Comines corridor.

The Evacuation

The evacuation of the BEF from Dunkirk has become one of the most famous escapes in history. Examine how the perimeter was defended and how the men escaped. Also visit the St Valery perimeter, and tour the defences of Calais and Boulogne.

Don't wait to read book to find out what really happened. Book a guide or talk TODAY