St Valery and Its Aftermath

During the German May 1940 offensive, the 51st (Highland) Division, including 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 feats of great courage and tenacity, 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 contains many inspiring stories that deserve and merit reading. AUTHOR: Stewart Mitchell became Volunteer Researcher at the Gordons Museum. Aberdeen in 2005 after a career in environmental protection. He is also the author of Scattered Under the Rising Sun The Gordon Highlanders in Japanese Captivity (Pen and Sword Military, 2012) describing the horrific ordeals of the officers and men of 2nd Battalion Gordon highlanders between 1942 and 1945. Stewart lives with his wife at Bridge of Down, Aberdeen. 16 b/w plates