The squadron had just seen its first action earlier that day when it shot down several Messerschmitt Bf.109 fighters. The remaining British destroyers refused to attempt an evacuation while the German bombers roamed overhead-until twelve Spitfire fighters of the RAF’s 92 Squadron came to the rescue. Further directions could only be sent by ship. To top it off, the Twentieth Guards lost radio contact with the British, as their superior headquarters evacuated to the UK without notifying them. Three French destroyers sallied forth to the fort’s defense, but could not prevent its capture after a sharp, seven-hour battle. Then at 2 o’clock the following morning, the Germans assaulted Fort de la Crèche. Marauding Panzers fell upon elements of the twenty-first division transiting by rail, causing the bulk of the unit to scatter and evaporate. German artillery blew away much of the Mont-de-Couple fortress. The French and British also flung their own airpower into the melee, with dozens of Blenheim bombers and two squadrons of French Navy Latécoère 298 float planes bombing and strafing the encroaching German columns.īut the evening swiftly brought grim news to Boulogne’s defenders. ![]() By the end of the day, the heavy pieces at La Creche had knocked out four German tanks from a range of eight miles. Meanwhile, the French Admiral Leclerc finally convinced the fortress troops to stop trying to blow up their own guns, and instead shoot them at the enemy.
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