Customer Reviews

Refugees and War - By: Michael MCCARTHY, 18 Aug 2007
Much has been written regarding the fall of Francein 1940 &in particular the Dunkirk evacuation. Less so the even larger evacuation of civilians from the invaded territory & the appalling suffering of families whoin many cases experienced retreat & dislocation for the second timein a generation. This study adds significantly to the understanding of these events, particularly the impact that refugees hadin disrupting the Allied response whilst also providing targets of opportunity to add fear & confusion & so fulfil the expectations of Blitzkrieg. Many personal accounts support the narrative & one is left with the image of desperation & frustration of the French civilians who were not trusted by their government to know the reality of the situation. What also comes across clearly is the French beliefin the superiority of their army & beliefin victory; something that is at odds with many of our perceptions today, conditioned by the apparent invincibility of the German Army at that time. A good exploration of the civilian dilemmain warfare.

Mike McCarthy
Editor, The Battle Guide
Guild of Battlefield Guides