We have 17 Members travelling to France and Belgium to visit some of the battle sites on the withdrawal of the British Expeditionary Force(BEF) in 1940. This was preceded by the German attack on the Low Countries and France. Sometimes referred to as the 'Blitzkrieg'
The tour will depart from the UK on Friday morning 25 Feb 2011 and travel by mini-coach and Eurotunnel to the line of the Escaut in Belgium, one of the British Army's defensive lines on the withdrawal ultimately ending with the mass evacuation of the survivors from the Mole at Dunkirk and the beaches at Malo Les Baines, Bray Dunes and La Panne.
The group will be staying in Ypres over the period. It is proposed we lay a wreath on behalf of the Guild at the Last Post ceremony.
As this is part of a new Guild initiative for Continuous Professional Development (CPD), travelling Members will present at a variety of stands along the route after having carried out the necessary research. It is likely it will help some to obtain the Badge.
The Recce for this tour was recently carried out by Terry Webb Badge No 40 Team Leader. and Bob Darby Badge No 29 Team Administrator.
Below are some of the stands we will be visiting. It is hoped in future other Members will step forward and organise similar events, perhaps for a different historical period. We are after all, a broad church!
The tour will depart from the UK on Friday morning 25 Feb 2011 and travel by mini-coach and Eurotunnel to the line of the Escaut in Belgium, one of the British Army's defensive lines on the withdrawal ultimately ending with the mass evacuation of the survivors from the Mole at Dunkirk and the beaches at Malo Les Baines, Bray Dunes and La Panne.
The group will be staying in Ypres over the period. It is proposed we lay a wreath on behalf of the Guild at the Last Post ceremony.
As this is part of a new Guild initiative for Continuous Professional Development (CPD), travelling Members will present at a variety of stands along the route after having carried out the necessary research. It is likely it will help some to obtain the Badge.
The Recce for this tour was recently carried out by Terry Webb Badge No 40 Team Leader. and Bob Darby Badge No 29 Team Administrator.
Below are some of the stands we will be visiting. It is hoped in future other Members will step forward and organise similar events, perhaps for a different historical period. We are after all, a broad church!
If any Member wishes to see our itinerary please email me at bobdarby@btinternet.com
The evacuation beaches at La Panne
The Dunkirk Museum
The Ypres Bridge at Veurne (Furnes) over the Bergues-Furnes canal which formed the outer defensive line on the eastern side of the Dunkirk Perimeter. Defended by 7th Guards Brigade
The cottage on the Bergues-Furnes canal defended by Lt Jimmy Langley 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards. Situated on the 'home' side of the canal
The site of the VC Action by Captain Ervine-Andrews 1st East Lancs
The Gatehouse in the town walls of Bergues 
Ypres Cloth Hall
Town of Cassel looking south
Creswell Bunker north of Cassell
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