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Closing the Trap

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Title
Closing the Trap
Description
The situation for the French and the British was desperate during the last days of May. Their remaining units were crowded in at Dunkirk on the French coast, while the Germans moved to squeeze the pocket closed around them. 7th …
Subject
Publisher
Date
1940-05-28
Scenario#
44
Scenario Description
The situation for the French and the British was desperate during the last days of May. Their remaining units were crowded in at Dunkirk on the French coast, while the Germans moved to squeeze the pocket closed around them. 7th Panzer Division was given the task of closing the trap near the town of Lille, where the last elements of the French 1ere Armee tried hold them at bay. The last remnants of the 3e DLM, 2e DI Nord-Africaine and the 1er DI Marocalne launched a limited attack in order to punch a hole in the German lines. The French units fought bravely, knowing their destiny was sealed, but they were unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the Germans were impressed by their determination and let the French forces march into captivity with their dignity and their colors.
Location
Lille, France
Battle Name
Battle Narrative
The Siege of Lille, or Lille pocket, (28–31 May 1940) took place during the Battle of France in the Second World War. The siege around the city of Lille took place between the French IV Corps and V Corps (about 40,000 men) of the First Army (General René Prioux) and four German infantry divisions supported by three panzer divisions. The III Corps of the First Army had managed to retreat to the Lys river with the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) divisions nearby. The two surrounded French corps resisted German attacks until forced to surrender at midnight on 31 May/1 June. The defence of the Lille Pocket enabled more Allied troops to retreat into the Dunkirk perimeter and take part in the Battle of Dunkirk.
Narrative Source
Combatants
German
American

Geolocation