Description
St Valery And Its Aftermath was written by Stewart Mitchell, a Museum Volunteer Researcher.
During the German May 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 has escaped and were on the run through Nazi occupied France. Many reached Britain after 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 the merit of reading.
