The 2nd Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment’s Positions Days before the Massacre
By John Head
Our gratitude is expressed to
i) Mrs Debbi Lane, widow of the author Richard Lane, who has kindly allowed us to use the research information contained in his book ‘Last Stand at Le Paradis’ in his memory.
ii) The Long family for the use of Capt. Charles Long’s War Diary
May 10th:
0300 hours: Company Commanders Conference.
0535 hours: Wehrmacht cross the borders of neighbouring countries.
1030 hours: At Orchies 2Norfolks prepare to move to area close to Beuvry-la- Forȇt finding concealment in Forȇt de Sec Marias Marchiennes which was completed by early afternoon.
1700 hours: 2/Norfolks’ Company Commanders given details of the move into Belgium
1830hours: 2/Norfolks leave cover of forest to journey to the Dyle 67 miles away. They embussed at Rosult passing through Rumegies.
May 11th:
0130 hours: Frontier crossed at Pont Cailloux with BEF deployed from Louvain to Wavre
Noon: 2/Norfolks attacked by Stukas close to Tombeek.
At Tombeek 2/Norfolks take up position on the southern bank of the River Dyle and defences dug. War Diary.
May 12th:
Morning: 2/Norfolks position was west of the Dyle.
1200 hours 2/Norfolkks move to their new position above Wavre in the rear of Bois de Beaumont
Early afternoon: 2/Norfolks move back with Brigade Reserve to give greater defensive depth.
May 13th:
Belgian soldiers and refugees clog the roads. BEF artillery commence to range on hillside east of the river Dyle.
May 14th:
2/Norfolks digging and wiring position. Bridges over River Dyle blown. Heavy gunfire opened on enemy. Enemy infantry in contact with 1/Scots. 2/Norfolks under light shell fire. Dutch army rumoured ‘broken’.
May 15th:
Wehrmacht press home attack on the whole BEF front.
2/RN dig densive positions ready Enemy shells dropping on Coy C D and Battalion HQ
Coys A & C prepare to take the village of Bierges reported to be in enemy hands but 1/RS had already taken it.
Midnight: 2/Norfolks withdraw to new positions covering Overyssche near River Lasne.
May 16th:
0700 hours: 2/RN take up new position around La Hupe. B, D C Coys in line., A in reserve.
Resting and preparing position and under Stuka attack.
1600 hours; Coy commanders conference.
Orders received to withdraw to a position near Grammont on the River Dendre
Dusk: Withdrawal begins through Forȇt de Soignes.
May 17th:
2/RN reach Loth the early hours then Ribstraat.
1900 hours: River Dendre crossed and 2/ Norfolks go straight into reserve.
May 18th:
Early morning: concern over Lieutenant Colonel de Wilton’s health and he was evacuated. Major Nicholas Charlton took over command with major Lisle Ryder promoted to second in command and Captain Charles Long appointed OC HQ Company.
0600 hours: Reconnaissance of defensive positions along west bank of the River Dendre commenced. The Brigade is covering sector between Grammont and Lessines. 2/Norfolks on left 1/Scots on right and 1/8 Lancashire Fusiliers in reserve.
0900 hours; 2/Norfolks had taken up their position south of Grammont while Battalion HQ remained at Ribstraat.
Midday: Bridges spanning Dendre were blown and outposts on eastern side withdrawn. Enemy, temporarily halted, regrouped and started to cross the River Dendre establishing themselves on the western bank in the evening.
May 19th
0100 hours: order received to withdraw to Froidment on the River Escaut.
0400 hours: After a march of 12 miles the 2/Norfolks met their transport point near the village of Renaix. Progress slow and casualties from Stuka attacks. Between 2/Norfolks and objective of Froidment was the town of Tournai which was under severe bombardment from the air. Difficulties with maps and alternative secondary roads scattered many vehicles which did not manage to re-join the battalion until the evening.
End of Day: Froidment reached.
May 20th :
Battalion having reached Froidment then ordered to move forward and take up position on the canalised River Escaut at Calonne, South of Tournai, as it was reported potential fifth columnist had crossed there.
2300 hours; Position occupied on Escaut.
May 21st:
0440 hours; Enemy attack commenced on Calonne using shrapnel and mortar fire effectively. Three officers wounded and evacuated (A/Lt. Col Charlton, Maj. Marshall and 2/Lt Buckingham). Maj. Lisle Ryder takes command with Capt. Charles Long as adjutant. Enemy appear on the opposite bank. Fierce fighting and heavy losses on either side Enemy machine gun unit manages to cross the Escaut and attack 2/Norfolks from their side. CSM Gristock assemble an eight-man party and successfully eliminate the machine-gun unit. Capt. Barclay Capt. Allen and CSM Gristock wounded and evacuated. Intermittent firing into the night.
May 22nd:
Dawn: Heavy enemy attack all along the British front. Civilian movement adds to the problem.
2/Norfolks casualties increasing. Sniper at rear of Battalion HQ – movement dangerous. 2/Lt Willeson takes out patrol to locate – unsuccessful. Enemy attempting to cross canal by ruined bridges.
1700 hours: The Escaut Line is abandoned and there is a withdrawal to the Belgium frontline defences known as The Gort Line.
23rd May:
1100 hours: Having withdrawn from the Escaut Line the 2/Norfolks arrive at the Bois de Wannehain on the Gort Line covering a distance of 8 miles on foot in 9 hours and take up and rest their position.
1400 hours: As part of 4th Brigade, the 2/Norfolks are instructed to hand over their position on the Gort Line to the French and ordered to man a 21 mile stretch of the Canal Line from the railway bridge south east of Aire to La Bassee.
1700 hours: the Brigade is ordered to move into an area around Aubers 20 miles to the west.
2100 hours: The move commences. The 2/Norfolks will face most of the action on and around the Canal Line.
Capt. Hastings (2/Norfolks) observes that lack of sleep and the need to be in a state of constant alert is beginning to take its toll often causing reasonable officers to act out of character.
SS Totenkopf under Gen. Eicke reach the Canal Line sending men across La Bassee Canal without reconnaissance. These come under fire from British artillery and mortars. Gen. Eicke brings up his own artillery to help the stricken men.
24th May:
0700 hours: Having reached Aubers, Maj. Ryder is advised that the 2/Norfolks billets are at Colon just north of Bethune. Capt. Hastings is sent to reconnoitre the sector. The remainder of the Battalion under Maj. Richardson arrive at Colon battling through congested roads. A temporary H.Q. is established.
The 2/Norfolks rest and concentrate on concealment from the Luftwaffe. 4th Infantry Brigade advise there are no enemy troops in the area although French civilians tell otherwise. The Royal Scots are near Essar and the Lancashire Fusiliers are north of Le Touret.
The 2/Norfolks are down to half strength comprising of 22 Officers and 428 other ranks.
1400 hours: Maj. Ryder receives orders to organise reconnaissance of La Bassee Canal from a bridge outside Bethune to the Bois de Pacqueaut as 300 enemy and a few armoured fighting vehicles (AFV’s) have crossed and are engaged with some French units.
Capt. Hallett is left in charge as Maj. Ryder sets off with the reconnaissance party, which includes Capt. Long, in direction along the canal from Bethune. This remains incident free until they reach the outskirts of Le Cornet Malo where they come under light machine gun fire from both sides of the Bois de Pacqueaut. This evidences that the enemy are over the canal. Maj. Ryder reports to Brig. Warren at l’Epinette (Brigade H.Q.) who suspected the enemy were over the canal but only in small numbers.
On leaving l’Epinette enemy artillery open up between l’Epinette and Locon. Maj. Ryder finally reach the Battalion area to find his own HQ and other buildings damaged by enemy artillery.
Whilst Maj. Ryder was away acting Maj. Elwes and Capt. Long have formed the Battalion in a defensive position facing Bethune having received information about the enemy advance from French troops.
Maj. Ryder now intends to move Battalion HQ to Le Paradis and tasks Capt. Hastings to find a suitable site. Driving in the dark and with inadequate maps, Capt. Hastings finds himself near Le Cornet Malo. He retraces his steps to Colon where it was decided that a temporary Battalion HQ should be set up near C Company HQ at Locon.
The SS Totenkopf assault Engineers complete a bridge over the canal and Gen. Eicke leads the first wave across. Again he is pinned down but a bridgehead is established. He is then thwarted and enraged by Hitler’s ‘Halt Order’ which means withdrawing across the canal with 42 dead, 121 wounded and 5 missing to be in compliance with the order. Until the ‘Halt Order’ is rescinded the SS Totenkopf can only regroup and prepare for a major assault. British mortar and artillery increase the toll causing Gen. Eicke to order a series of small SS squad raids over the canal line.
25th May :
Early Hours: all four Royal Norfolk Companies move into their position by La Bassee Canal. The 2/ Norfolks are now in the centre of 4th Brigade’s position.
C Company on the left run into enemy but succeed in driving them back over the canal. A and C Companies confirm they are in position. Battalion HQ await news of B and D Companies. As nothing is heard patrols from A and C Companies are sent out but fail to make contact.
0300 hours: the men from A and C Companies are stood to.
The front is quiet but an increase Luftwaffe activity is foreseen come daylight. Enemy machine guns open up on C Company but A Company reports little activity.
0600 hours: Battalion HQ hears from D Company confirming they are in position and in touch with B Company.
2nd Lt. Willeson and runners are sent forward to investigate and establish B and D Companies are in the wrong position. Capt. Long notes that B Company and D Companies have taken up position on a branch line of the canal in error.
B Company is supposed to be on the right of the battalion line then A and D Companies respectively forming the centre with C Company on the left flank.
B and D Companies are presently facing Bethune and are too far forward causing a gap that has to be filled temporarily until they can move back to the correct position. The Battalion’s Pioneer Platoon bridges this gap on the right of C Company until the necessary readjustment can take place under the cover of darkness.
Later in the morning: The Pioneers received some support from a unit of machine gunners from depleted Companies of the Manchester Regiment.
C Company has been unable to locate any force on their left although the Lancashire Fusiliers are there and attempting to make contact with the 2/Norfolks.
Midday: Maj. Ryder sets out for Brigade HQ. Maj. Elwes takes command as Maj Richardson is missing.
Fighting continues along the front. D Company engages the enemy who has crossed the canal. C Company comes under frequent heavy attack as does Battalion HQ.
Whilst there is sufficient cable to connect with Brigade HQ at l-Epinette there is insufficient cable to connect with the four companies especially as some of their positions at times were uncertain. Battalion HQ therefore has little idea what is happening in the company sectors.
Maj. Ryder leaves l-Epinette but instead of going to Battalion HQ he goes to A Company
to organise a counter attack against an enemy penetration at Bois de Pacqueaut. To bolster A Company a company from the Lancashire Fusiliers is brought in. The Norfolk Carrier Platoon under 2nd Lt. Elson gives further support.
Had there been a cable link to A Company then Maj. Ryder’s prolonged absence from Battalion HQ would have been resolved.
1430 hours: 2nd Lt. Elson meets Maj Ryder on the crossroads outside Le Cornet Malo and an attack is planned to drive the Enemy out of the wood (Bois de Pacqueaut) led by Acting Captain Yallop and the men of A Company supported by Lancashire Fusiliers under 2nd Lt Spears. They moved into the wood with bayonets fixed. Through machine gun fire the 2/Norfolks rush the enemy. There are many casualties but they meet the SS Totenkopf at close quarters and drive them out of the wood. Capt. Long reports ‘the enemy is unable to face the bayonet at close quarters’.
With Maj. Ryder directing operations 2nd Lt. Elson’s carriers advance driving the Enemy back towards the canal. Enemy resistance stiffens and the 2/Norfolks cannot recapture the bridge.
The attack is at a price which leaves Acting Capt. Yallop killed and A Company losing half its strength. Two carriers are destroyed and 2nd Lt. Elson is missing (he later turns up at a POW camp to help Capt. Long compile the report of the Battle of La Bassee).
Dusk: Orders are issued for B & D Companies to commence moving into their correct positions.
Capt. Hastings is sent out with a small party to reconnoitre a route to the new HQ at Le Paradis.
The enemy continue to probe defences and attempt to repair one of the canal bridges. C Company report constant enemy activity and send out a patrol along that section of the canal. Company HQ also organised a patrol to try and make contact with patrols from A Company.
2330 hours: The area is confirmed clear of the enemy but A Company cannot be located.
There is still an acute sleep shortage. Several attacks are put in on the 2/Norfolks section of the canal line and small bridgeheads are established on the north-east bank. The 2/Norfolks are still holding their own.
Maj. Ryder’s plan to move Battalion H.Q. to Le Paradis is thwarted by lack of maps and signage which causes Capt. Hastings, who is to select a site at Le Paradis, to get lost and end up with a new H.Q. near Le Cornet Malo.
Night of 25th-26th May: it is reaffirmed to move the H.Q. to Le Paradis.
Under the cover of darkness the two errant companies move into the correct position and at first light D Company moves into the gap between A Company and C Company and B Company to the right of A Company around Le Cornet Malo. Maj. Ryder has now established a front line.
From defending a 128 mile front the total line now being defended by the 2/Norfolks depleted ranks is approx. 2 miles, from the Bois de Pacqueaut, just west of the road leading to from the canal, to Le Cornet Malo, along the canal north of Avelette.
Now in fox-holes the line is being machine gunned and mortar shelled.
Just before midnight: Maj. Ryder sets off to Le Paradis.
26th May:
0030 hours: The convoy reaches Duriez Farm and the last HQ is established.
0330 hours: The enemy launch an attack on C Company with small armed parties but a much heavier attack went in on A Company and B Company positioned near Le Cornet Malo.
The enemy repair a bridge close to area to allow tanks to cross. Supported by intense and accurate mortar fire along the whole front the enemy advance on Le Cornet Malo.
Fighting in the village is fierce. At Bois de Parqueaut the enemy is driven out by counter attacks from A Company and B Company supported by the Royal Scots. Mortar supporting this area is running low on ammunition and Brigade HQ is slow to order supplies.
Manpower at Le Cornet Malo is now critical and Battalion HQ Duriez Farm receive confirmation that A Company and B Company are no longer effective.
Establishing the front line now involves sending Capt. Hastings up to the crossroads at Le Cornet Malo to locate A Company on the 2/Norfolk’s right. Capt. Hastings meets up with 2nd Lt. Slater, who has replaced 2nd Lt. Yallop (killed the previous day) with all that remains of A Company (7) having been overrun by tanks further up the canal.
Lt. Edgeworth, commanding B Company also arrives at the crossroads advising Capt. Hastings that he has been reduced to 19 men but is holding a line 200-300 yards in front of the crossroads. Although there appears to be no Panzers in the vicinity, Lt. Edgeworth thinks there are enemy in the village in front of his position.
Advising Maj. Ryder at Battalion HQ Duriez Farm, Capt. Hastings is ordered to take command at the Le Cornet Malo crossroads with both what is left of A Company and B Company. The crossroads is to be held ‘at all costs to the last man and round’.
Capt. Hastings gets unexpected reinforcements at the crossroads from 50-60 Royal Scots from north of the canal. Capt. Hastings takes command of them advising them to hold the crossroads at all costs and there must be no withdrawal.
With 50-60 Royal Scots and about 25 2/Norfolks together with some extras brought up by Capt. Long they are now in excess of 75 to defend the line behind the hedge row (previously held by Lt. Edgeworth) and astride the road to the wood.
The area now becomes under heavy machine gun and mortar fire. Capt. Hastings and Lts. Willeson and Edgeworth (killed later in the day) remain with their Companies to arrange the final defended posts. The 1/Scots take over the area between road and wood.
Capt. Long drives back to Battalion HQ Duriez Farm noting that many of the wounded are being evacuated from the forward positions. He reports to Maj. Ryder that the position at Le Cornet Malo has been consolidated.
Capt. Hastings is also ordered back to Battalion H.Q Duriez Farm leavings Capt. Hallett in command.
Maj. Richardson, missing the previous day, arrives at Battalion HQ Duriez Farm shortly after Capt. Long. He had been cut off on patrol with D Company and reports that enemy appear to be present in large numbers.
1100 hours Brig. Warren arrives at Battalion HQ Duriez Farm and corroborates what Maj. Richardson has observed. He also orders ‘last man last round!’
The Royal Scots HQ is moved from Calonne and established in Le Paradis. The 1/Scots are deployed on the right of the 2/Norfolks manning the defences organised by Capt. Hastings and Capt. Long in the Le Cornet Malo and Bois de Pacqueaut area.
German Panzers have now pushed through a line between Robecq and St Venant and are bearing down on Merville two miles to the north of Le Paradis.
After Brig. Warren departs Battalion HQ Duriez Farm, Maj. Ryder reorganises his officers. Maj. Richardson is appointed 2nd in Command. Lt. Woodwark of C Company is placed in command of A Company. The Motor Transport Officer, Capt. Hallett, is to command what is left of B Company and 2nd Lt. Buchanan is to lead D Company. 2nd Lt. Jones of D Company assumes command of the carriers while 2nd Lt. Merritt takes over Capt. Hallett’s role as MTO. Capt. Hastings is to command HQ Company.
Capt. Hastings is to transform Battalion HQ at Duriez Farm into a stronghold capable of being defended from four sides albeit it not able to withstand a long siege.
Spirits are lifted by a message from 4th Brigade H.Q. (Brig. Warren) “counter attack from French imminent” and a tank battalion on its way. Several messages similar to this are received before the enemy release their attack the next day.
There is little respite from the SS Totenkopf and defence is fierce but German Panzers are kept at bay by A/T rifles (Anti-Tank Rifles) and LMG (Light Machine Guns).
Capt. Hallett takes a proactive approach to his command following Capt. Hastings departure and leads a patrol from B Company forward to the southern side of Le Cornet Malo firing at the enemy approaching from the direction of the canal. Sadly he does not have mortars but his rifles and Bren guns halt the enemy in their tracks. Capt. Hallett, unchallenged, advances again capturing one German (who is in a ditch) with other Germans surrendering without a fight. The prisoner advises Capt. Hallett that he is facing a German Division across the canal.
The enemy counter attack driving Capt. Hallett back from his forward posts. He sends out a patrol to identify the enemy positions on which he launches a mortar attack which has since become available. He is rewarded by what sounds like direct hits.
A Platoon of Argyll and Sutherland highlanders with machine guns arrive and take position behind A and D Companies. The Luftwaffe have a free rein.
1857 hours: OPERATIO DYNAMO BEGINS.
At end of day there is an uneasy calm. Battalion numbers are approx. 250 which is equivalent of just over two manned companies. Maj. Ryder braces his men for a heavy attack on 27th May.
27th May:
The SS Totenkopf is preparing to smash their way through stubborn resistance in order to reach Bailleul half way between Le Paradis and Ypres.
Within a loop of the Canal d’Aire two fresh untried German SS Motorised Infantry Units have taken up position between Hinges and Mont Bernanchon. The SS Totenkopf Infantry Regiment 2 commanded by Col. Bertling and Totenkopf Infantry Regiment 3 led by Lt. Col. Goetz supported by 4th Panzer Division and an SS military regiment are to throw their full weight against what they initially thought were the Norfolk Grenadiers.
At nearby village of Riez du Vinage the 1st Battalion of Totenkopf 2 have crossed the canal by way of repaired bridge and immediate opposition is encountered. SS Sergeant Leitl, a platoon commander in No 3 Company Totenkopf 2, states the defence of houses held them up for long periods.
Riez du Vintage is eventually taken and Totenkopf 2 take cover in Bois de Pacqueaut.
At Dawn: an assault is launched at Le Cornet Malo. No 3 Company, commanded by Capt. Fritz Knoechlein, is in the centre, No 2 Company under Capt. Stoeter on the right with Capt. Kaltofen’s No 1 Company in semi reserve.
Capt. Knoechlein states progress is slow fighting yard by yard through the villages. Losses are heavy with a platoon commander killed and No 2 Platoon suffering badly. There is a brief respite when they are joined by the arrival of other Totenkopf troops. Dead comrades are collected and Capt. Knoechlein takes a brief burial service. During the service it is alleged he has spoken of revenging their deaths.
Increasing numbers of Panzers are crossing the repaired canal bridges. Lorries are also used as bridges for Panzer usage.
0500 hours: tanks appear in B Company’s section. Capt. Hallett notifies Battalion HQ Duriez Farm of about a dozen before his line was cut. Signaller Bob Brown at Battalion HQ Duriez Farm confirms contact with B Company has been lost.
Despite falling back, the remnants of Capt. Hallett’s B Company defiantly face the Panzers placing Mills grenades in their tracks under their line of fire. Four tanks are abandoned and, with order restored, Capt. Hallett gets the LMG back into position and the A/T rifles mounted. With the SS Totenkopf infantry some way behind the Panzers (they will suffer from Capt. Hallett’s Bren guns when they arrive). Sadly Capt. Hallett’s B Company also suffer losses and, following the loss of his last rifleman, the injured Capt. Hallett is taken prisoner as he tries to escape.
There is a solitary mortar team which includes Sgt. Maj. Ireland and Privates Brough and Cockerel endeavouring to support the defence of Le Cornet Malo. They are finally eliminated.
1000 hours: a heavy counter attack is expected by a French infantry brigade supported by a British tank regiment. This message from Brigade HQ is met with optimism at Battalion HQ Duriez Farm. This is relayed to all Companies except B Company where contact had been lost. Had the attack occurred at 1000 hours it would still have been too late for the defenders of Le Cornet Malo as the village was occupied by this time.
Two hours before the capture of Le Cornet Malo ten men from the Pioneer Platoon returned to Battalion HQ Duriez Farm having spent the night in a ruined cottage supporting D Company. A small number of them (volunteers including Ernie Farrow) are assigned to blow the bridge at Pont d’Avelette which had been left intact for the BEF to escape. Using Maj. Ryder’s car they become under intense machine gun fire. Sadly the bridge had already been taken by the enemy.
Back at Le Cornet Malo 1st Battalion Totenkopf 2 set up HQ. Capt. Knoechlein tries unsuccessfully to take control of wounded BEF servicemen.
The German troops suffer considerable casualties attacking across La Bassee Canal. The defenders, however, are being worn down, A company and D Company report heavy attacks by tank and infantry. Several enemy tanks are put out of action in A Company’s area by A/T rifles and Bren gun fire but their own losses are heavy. Lt. Willeson is wounded in the arm and out of action. Enemy troops and light artillery are on the right front of Battalion HQ and enemy mortar fire coming in from Bois de Pacqueaut.
As the SS Totenkopf move forward the 1/Scots are seen to fall back rapidly. Withdrawal is stopped as the 2/Norfolks right flank would be exposed.
Battalion HQ Duriez Farm comes under attack from two Panzers 400 yard away. The 2/Norfolks return fire with hail of machine guns and anti-tank rounds halting their progress for the time being. There is no artillery or air support for the 2/Norfolks.
Contact with A Company ceases and C & D Companies are still not reporting back. There is considerable enemy movement along roads on left flank towards Locon.
Maj. Ryder tries to carry out Brig. Warren’s ‘last Man, last Round’ orders.
A platoon of Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders with ammunition, undamaged weapons and suffering only light casualties join up at Battalion HQ Duriez Farm. They are advised of ‘last man, last round’ stance and ordered to return to their former position unless ordered by the 2/Norfolks to do otherwise. However they are observed leaving their position and abandoning their weapons a few minutes later.
Crews from field guns return to Battalion HQ Duriez Farm as probably their position has become untenable – breach blocks are thrown into the pond and they are issued with rifles to defend the farm.
The fate of A Company is confirmed. Having been overrun, Lt Woodwark and six men, the only survivors of A Company, reaches Battalion HQ Duriez Farm. Getting these men back to defend Duriez Farm is crucial and meets with Maj. Ryder’s approval. Private Albert Pooley is in the remnants of A Company.
Mortar bombs begin to rain onto the farmhouse and fires are extinguished. From his position Pooley observes the landscape along Rue du Paradis and enemy soldiers moving behind the farm. Ferocious defence of Battalion HQ Duriez Farm brings the inexperienced SS Totenkopf to a temporary standstill. In open countryside around Le Paradis the enemy are still suffering severely (one battalion lost, together with all its company commanders, leaving only NCO’s in charge).
SS Sergeant Leitl states ‘the defence of houses held them up and they were very exposed as the British snipers were extremely skilful’.
As morning progresses: the defence stiffens and the SS Totenkopf attacks break down into a series of small vicious actions. Gen. Eicke begins to struggle to regain control of his troops.
By early afternoon: the attack has ground to a halt. Gen Eicke has to get the attack moving again as the taking of Le Paradis is essential for conformity of lines operational on the right and left. If the defence of Le Paradis is prolonged then the SS Totenkopf’s left flank would be vulnerable.
Eventually Gen Eicke orders instructions which reinforce that the talking of Le Paradis is essential and all available reserves are to be used to protect the Totenkopf’s left flank.
German reports state that the centre of Le Paradis is strongly held by snipers especially around the church and Duriez farm, the latter being defended like a fortress. With the 1st Battalion almost wiped out orders are issued for 3rd Battalion Totenkopf 2 together with elements of Totenkopf 3 to complete assault on Le Paradis.
Regimental Commander of Totenkopf 3, Lt. Col. Goetz, come with his men to execute orders but is killed by a sniper bullet on reaching the crossroads close to Le Paradis.
An attack from the rear is now attempted by a German motor cycle unit. Heavy fire drives them into a farm building just across the road where they set up a defensive position.
This unit now delivers a fusillade on Battalion HQ Duriez Farm. The 2/Norfolks find it difficult to close them down until RSM. Cockaday grabs a Bren gun and charges into the open firing at the enemy position. Despite being wounded he keeps the enemy occupied while Maj. Ryder and a small party do a flanking attack forcing the enemy to fall back. Capt. Long then organises the defences of this now advance post whist Maj. Ryder returns to Battalion HQ Duriez Farm to update Brigade HQ of the position.
Regardless of casualties the SS Totenkopf press forward with mortar rounds and artillery shells. British artillery rounds start to land on Duriez Farm. Capt. Long, dodges through a hail of enemy bullets, to rectify the position by getting a message out of Battalion HQ to prevent this uncalled-for attack continuing.
The enemy is now in force to the rear and the battalion is becoming isolated. C Company still reports tanks and enemy troop carriers moving around the left flank. Troop carriers are also moving around right flank in Le Paradis. These are met with artillery and suffer heavy casualties.
The 2/Norfolk’s forward party retires to next house which is held to the end. The enemy begin working up the ditches towards the defended posts which are now:-
i) Houses on right and left of road (to the rear of Battalion HQ)
ii) Battalion HQ farmhouse, yard and ditches surrounding
iii) Houses left and right of the road and the road block (in front of Battalion HQ). All houses are strongly fortified.
News came through from D Company that only Lt. Buchanan and five men are left. They are driven back to their company HQ where they would stand and fight. This is the last that Battalion HQ Duriez Farm hears from them.
Enemy fire intensifies on Battalion HQ Duriez Farm and C Company makes contact. Acting Maj. Elwes inform them that his position was surrounded and requests artillery support. This does not materialise. The lines fall silent and all Companies are now cut off from Battalion HQ Duriez Farm.
1300 hours: War Diary of 4th infantry Brigade state 2nd Division issue a Permissive Order to Brig. Warren for withdrawal but no rendezvous given. There is hope for an organised withdrawal in daylight but at 14.15 hours a rendezvous at La Nouvelle France was received and communicated to 2/Norfolks who agreed no withdrawal until dark. It was requested this to be passed on to 1/Scots but this could not be achieved until after dark.
1330 hours: Several more shells slammed into the Battalion HQ Duriez Farm.
HQ and Brigade War Diaries record the last courageous message from Maj. Ryder is received at this time. ‘HQ on fire, wireless in cellar could not be got out therefore it would be broken up”.
The Regiment is fighting on its own ground and is surrounded.
Maj. Ryder’s final words are that “he would bring his Battalion to the rendezvous after dark”. No further communications are received.
The wireless is destroyed and Battalion paperwork including Capt. Hasting’s diary notes are placed in sack and thrown into the pond. All other equipment, which could prove useful to the enemy, is destroyed including rifles and a remaining truck.
1600 hours: Capt. Long reports that the Battalion’s strength (including 50 in C Company) is estimated at 100 all ranks. C Company, although numerically strong, is without communications and completely isolated and outside main movement of events. Capt. Long surmises the enemy can therefore hold C Company and deal with them later whilst concentrating on reducing key centres of resistance.
Enemy units are still moving to rear of Battalion HQ Duriez Farm which provided good targets but too many for the available ammunition. Capt. Hastings collects rounds from the wounded and issues orders to fire only when certain.
1640 hours: This is the time 2/Norfolk’s records state that the Permissive Order from Brigade is received stating ‘hold position until dusk then if possible withdraw to North East to La Nouvelle France’. The message could not be relayed to 1/Scots and Lancs. Fusiliers.
Maj. Ryder calls a conference with his available officers suggesting when darkness falls parties of men, each accompanied by an officer should attempt to crawl out of Battalion HQ Duriez Farm. This is a forlorn hope as darkness is several hours away and it would not take the enemy long to overwhelm the farm.
Maj. Ryder concedes that it is unlikely that they could get away and he would later give the remaining men a stark choice.
With the farmhouse burning and roof in danger of collapse Maj. Ryder orders everyone out.
Signaller O’Callaghan makes for the byre with bullets whining around him to join up with about 40 other men. Two shell bursts has wounded Capt. Long and Lt Woodwark. They both managed to stumble outside the farmhouse. On returning to his post Capt. Long is patched up by Maj. Ryder and then slips into unconsciousness for about 25 minutes.
Maj. Richardson and 2nd Lt. Willeson are unaccounted for and assumed killed when the roof collapsed. (they are both remembered on the Allied Memorial to the Missing at Dunkirk).
Maj. Ryder seeks the opinion of his men – surrender or fight to the finish. He had earlier received mixed feedback around the farm but in the byre for the last time he asked them whether to fight or surrender. He is not ordering them one way or another, he is giving no more orders and would accept their decision. Reaction is mixed but the majority accept surrender.
A dirty towel is found which is tied to a rifle and displayed until the enemy stopped firing. The first group of men walk out but only go few paces before they are cut down by machine gun fire. Tense moments pass before they tried again, this time no shots are fired.
1715 hours: the surrender is complete.
The captured soldiers are marched to Louis Creton’s farm where they were massacred along with others by the 3rd Company 1st Battalion 2nd SS Totenkopf Rifle Regiment. The alleged motive is that the men in 3 Coy, 1 Bn TIR 2, who had spearheaded the attack on Le Cornet Malo, were ordered to bury their dead in that village. After the burial it is alleged Captain and assault leader, Fritz Knoechlein, called for revenge.
At same time as Maj. Ryder surrendered Capt. Long regains consciousness in a ditch south of the farmhouse. He is with Lt. Draffin (Med Off), Capt. Hastings and a few other men. A white towel is produced by Capt. Hastings and the firing ceases. They are joined by 25 other captives and marched east to the crossroads at Le Paradis. Capt. Long is allowed to look for wounded.
Two miles south 50 member of C Company are ready to fight on with communications lost between them and Company HQ at Locon and Battalion HQ at Le Paradis. Acting Maj. Elwes has therefore no knowledge of what is happening and can only follow the last order he had received from Brig. Warren ‘last man, last round’. At night Maj. Elwes withdraws to Company HQ at Locon. Capt Long’s assessment had been right C Company could be mopped up by the enemy at leisure once Le Paradis had fallen.
28th May:
Enemy troop carriers close in on C Company’s HQ at Locon. Maj. Elwes carries out the last known orders and attacks them. He is killed but to save unnecessary casualties 2nd Lt Simpson surrenders. C Company’s is numbered at 40. Capt. Long is marched to Locon and counted about 70 officers and men upon arrival. Among them are Capt. Hastings, Lt. Draffin and Capt. Gordon the latter being brought in with the remnants of the 1/Scots.
By John Head
Our gratitude is expressed to
i) Mrs Debbi Lane, widow of the author Richard Lane, who has kindly allowed us to use the research information contained in his book ‘Last Stand at Le Paradis’ in his memory.
ii) The Long family for the use of Capt. Charles Long’s War Diary
May 10th:
0300 hours: Company Commanders Conference.
0535 hours: Wehrmacht cross the borders of neighbouring countries.
1030 hours: At Orchies 2Norfolks prepare to move to area close to Beuvry-la- Forȇt finding concealment in Forȇt de Sec Marias Marchiennes which was completed by early afternoon.
1700 hours: 2/Norfolks’ Company Commanders given details of the move into Belgium
1830hours: 2/Norfolks leave cover of forest to journey to the Dyle 67 miles away. They embussed at Rosult passing through Rumegies.
May 11th:
0130 hours: Frontier crossed at Pont Cailloux with BEF deployed from Louvain to Wavre
Noon: 2/Norfolks attacked by Stukas close to Tombeek.
At Tombeek 2/Norfolks take up position on the southern bank of the River Dyle and defences dug. War Diary.
May 12th:
Morning: 2/Norfolks position was west of the Dyle.
1200 hours 2/Norfolkks move to their new position above Wavre in the rear of Bois de Beaumont
Early afternoon: 2/Norfolks move back with Brigade Reserve to give greater defensive depth.
May 13th:
Belgian soldiers and refugees clog the roads. BEF artillery commence to range on hillside east of the river Dyle.
May 14th:
2/Norfolks digging and wiring position. Bridges over River Dyle blown. Heavy gunfire opened on enemy. Enemy infantry in contact with 1/Scots. 2/Norfolks under light shell fire. Dutch army rumoured ‘broken’.
May 15th:
Wehrmacht press home attack on the whole BEF front.
2/RN dig densive positions ready Enemy shells dropping on Coy C D and Battalion HQ
Coys A & C prepare to take the village of Bierges reported to be in enemy hands but 1/RS had already taken it.
Midnight: 2/Norfolks withdraw to new positions covering Overyssche near River Lasne.
May 16th:
0700 hours: 2/RN take up new position around La Hupe. B, D C Coys in line., A in reserve.
Resting and preparing position and under Stuka attack.
1600 hours; Coy commanders conference.
Orders received to withdraw to a position near Grammont on the River Dendre
Dusk: Withdrawal begins through Forȇt de Soignes.
May 17th:
2/RN reach Loth the early hours then Ribstraat.
1900 hours: River Dendre crossed and 2/ Norfolks go straight into reserve.
May 18th:
Early morning: concern over Lieutenant Colonel de Wilton’s health and he was evacuated. Major Nicholas Charlton took over command with major Lisle Ryder promoted to second in command and Captain Charles Long appointed OC HQ Company.
0600 hours: Reconnaissance of defensive positions along west bank of the River Dendre commenced. The Brigade is covering sector between Grammont and Lessines. 2/Norfolks on left 1/Scots on right and 1/8 Lancashire Fusiliers in reserve.
0900 hours; 2/Norfolks had taken up their position south of Grammont while Battalion HQ remained at Ribstraat.
Midday: Bridges spanning Dendre were blown and outposts on eastern side withdrawn. Enemy, temporarily halted, regrouped and started to cross the River Dendre establishing themselves on the western bank in the evening.
May 19th
0100 hours: order received to withdraw to Froidment on the River Escaut.
0400 hours: After a march of 12 miles the 2/Norfolks met their transport point near the village of Renaix. Progress slow and casualties from Stuka attacks. Between 2/Norfolks and objective of Froidment was the town of Tournai which was under severe bombardment from the air. Difficulties with maps and alternative secondary roads scattered many vehicles which did not manage to re-join the battalion until the evening.
End of Day: Froidment reached.
May 20th :
Battalion having reached Froidment then ordered to move forward and take up position on the canalised River Escaut at Calonne, South of Tournai, as it was reported potential fifth columnist had crossed there.
2300 hours; Position occupied on Escaut.
May 21st:
0440 hours; Enemy attack commenced on Calonne using shrapnel and mortar fire effectively. Three officers wounded and evacuated (A/Lt. Col Charlton, Maj. Marshall and 2/Lt Buckingham). Maj. Lisle Ryder takes command with Capt. Charles Long as adjutant. Enemy appear on the opposite bank. Fierce fighting and heavy losses on either side Enemy machine gun unit manages to cross the Escaut and attack 2/Norfolks from their side. CSM Gristock assemble an eight-man party and successfully eliminate the machine-gun unit. Capt. Barclay Capt. Allen and CSM Gristock wounded and evacuated. Intermittent firing into the night.
May 22nd:
Dawn: Heavy enemy attack all along the British front. Civilian movement adds to the problem.
2/Norfolks casualties increasing. Sniper at rear of Battalion HQ – movement dangerous. 2/Lt Willeson takes out patrol to locate – unsuccessful. Enemy attempting to cross canal by ruined bridges.
1700 hours: The Escaut Line is abandoned and there is a withdrawal to the Belgium frontline defences known as The Gort Line.
23rd May:
1100 hours: Having withdrawn from the Escaut Line the 2/Norfolks arrive at the Bois de Wannehain on the Gort Line covering a distance of 8 miles on foot in 9 hours and take up and rest their position.
1400 hours: As part of 4th Brigade, the 2/Norfolks are instructed to hand over their position on the Gort Line to the French and ordered to man a 21 mile stretch of the Canal Line from the railway bridge south east of Aire to La Bassee.
1700 hours: the Brigade is ordered to move into an area around Aubers 20 miles to the west.
2100 hours: The move commences. The 2/Norfolks will face most of the action on and around the Canal Line.
Capt. Hastings (2/Norfolks) observes that lack of sleep and the need to be in a state of constant alert is beginning to take its toll often causing reasonable officers to act out of character.
SS Totenkopf under Gen. Eicke reach the Canal Line sending men across La Bassee Canal without reconnaissance. These come under fire from British artillery and mortars. Gen. Eicke brings up his own artillery to help the stricken men.
24th May:
0700 hours: Having reached Aubers, Maj. Ryder is advised that the 2/Norfolks billets are at Colon just north of Bethune. Capt. Hastings is sent to reconnoitre the sector. The remainder of the Battalion under Maj. Richardson arrive at Colon battling through congested roads. A temporary H.Q. is established.
The 2/Norfolks rest and concentrate on concealment from the Luftwaffe. 4th Infantry Brigade advise there are no enemy troops in the area although French civilians tell otherwise. The Royal Scots are near Essar and the Lancashire Fusiliers are north of Le Touret.
The 2/Norfolks are down to half strength comprising of 22 Officers and 428 other ranks.
1400 hours: Maj. Ryder receives orders to organise reconnaissance of La Bassee Canal from a bridge outside Bethune to the Bois de Pacqueaut as 300 enemy and a few armoured fighting vehicles (AFV’s) have crossed and are engaged with some French units.
Capt. Hallett is left in charge as Maj. Ryder sets off with the reconnaissance party, which includes Capt. Long, in direction along the canal from Bethune. This remains incident free until they reach the outskirts of Le Cornet Malo where they come under light machine gun fire from both sides of the Bois de Pacqueaut. This evidences that the enemy are over the canal. Maj. Ryder reports to Brig. Warren at l’Epinette (Brigade H.Q.) who suspected the enemy were over the canal but only in small numbers.
On leaving l’Epinette enemy artillery open up between l’Epinette and Locon. Maj. Ryder finally reach the Battalion area to find his own HQ and other buildings damaged by enemy artillery.
Whilst Maj. Ryder was away acting Maj. Elwes and Capt. Long have formed the Battalion in a defensive position facing Bethune having received information about the enemy advance from French troops.
Maj. Ryder now intends to move Battalion HQ to Le Paradis and tasks Capt. Hastings to find a suitable site. Driving in the dark and with inadequate maps, Capt. Hastings finds himself near Le Cornet Malo. He retraces his steps to Colon where it was decided that a temporary Battalion HQ should be set up near C Company HQ at Locon.
The SS Totenkopf assault Engineers complete a bridge over the canal and Gen. Eicke leads the first wave across. Again he is pinned down but a bridgehead is established. He is then thwarted and enraged by Hitler’s ‘Halt Order’ which means withdrawing across the canal with 42 dead, 121 wounded and 5 missing to be in compliance with the order. Until the ‘Halt Order’ is rescinded the SS Totenkopf can only regroup and prepare for a major assault. British mortar and artillery increase the toll causing Gen. Eicke to order a series of small SS squad raids over the canal line.
25th May :
Early Hours: all four Royal Norfolk Companies move into their position by La Bassee Canal. The 2/ Norfolks are now in the centre of 4th Brigade’s position.
C Company on the left run into enemy but succeed in driving them back over the canal. A and C Companies confirm they are in position. Battalion HQ await news of B and D Companies. As nothing is heard patrols from A and C Companies are sent out but fail to make contact.
0300 hours: the men from A and C Companies are stood to.
The front is quiet but an increase Luftwaffe activity is foreseen come daylight. Enemy machine guns open up on C Company but A Company reports little activity.
0600 hours: Battalion HQ hears from D Company confirming they are in position and in touch with B Company.
2nd Lt. Willeson and runners are sent forward to investigate and establish B and D Companies are in the wrong position. Capt. Long notes that B Company and D Companies have taken up position on a branch line of the canal in error.
B Company is supposed to be on the right of the battalion line then A and D Companies respectively forming the centre with C Company on the left flank.
B and D Companies are presently facing Bethune and are too far forward causing a gap that has to be filled temporarily until they can move back to the correct position. The Battalion’s Pioneer Platoon bridges this gap on the right of C Company until the necessary readjustment can take place under the cover of darkness.
Later in the morning: The Pioneers received some support from a unit of machine gunners from depleted Companies of the Manchester Regiment.
C Company has been unable to locate any force on their left although the Lancashire Fusiliers are there and attempting to make contact with the 2/Norfolks.
Midday: Maj. Ryder sets out for Brigade HQ. Maj. Elwes takes command as Maj Richardson is missing.
Fighting continues along the front. D Company engages the enemy who has crossed the canal. C Company comes under frequent heavy attack as does Battalion HQ.
Whilst there is sufficient cable to connect with Brigade HQ at l-Epinette there is insufficient cable to connect with the four companies especially as some of their positions at times were uncertain. Battalion HQ therefore has little idea what is happening in the company sectors.
Maj. Ryder leaves l-Epinette but instead of going to Battalion HQ he goes to A Company
to organise a counter attack against an enemy penetration at Bois de Pacqueaut. To bolster A Company a company from the Lancashire Fusiliers is brought in. The Norfolk Carrier Platoon under 2nd Lt. Elson gives further support.
Had there been a cable link to A Company then Maj. Ryder’s prolonged absence from Battalion HQ would have been resolved.
1430 hours: 2nd Lt. Elson meets Maj Ryder on the crossroads outside Le Cornet Malo and an attack is planned to drive the Enemy out of the wood (Bois de Pacqueaut) led by Acting Captain Yallop and the men of A Company supported by Lancashire Fusiliers under 2nd Lt Spears. They moved into the wood with bayonets fixed. Through machine gun fire the 2/Norfolks rush the enemy. There are many casualties but they meet the SS Totenkopf at close quarters and drive them out of the wood. Capt. Long reports ‘the enemy is unable to face the bayonet at close quarters’.
With Maj. Ryder directing operations 2nd Lt. Elson’s carriers advance driving the Enemy back towards the canal. Enemy resistance stiffens and the 2/Norfolks cannot recapture the bridge.
The attack is at a price which leaves Acting Capt. Yallop killed and A Company losing half its strength. Two carriers are destroyed and 2nd Lt. Elson is missing (he later turns up at a POW camp to help Capt. Long compile the report of the Battle of La Bassee).
Dusk: Orders are issued for B & D Companies to commence moving into their correct positions.
Capt. Hastings is sent out with a small party to reconnoitre a route to the new HQ at Le Paradis.
The enemy continue to probe defences and attempt to repair one of the canal bridges. C Company report constant enemy activity and send out a patrol along that section of the canal. Company HQ also organised a patrol to try and make contact with patrols from A Company.
2330 hours: The area is confirmed clear of the enemy but A Company cannot be located.
There is still an acute sleep shortage. Several attacks are put in on the 2/Norfolks section of the canal line and small bridgeheads are established on the north-east bank. The 2/Norfolks are still holding their own.
Maj. Ryder’s plan to move Battalion H.Q. to Le Paradis is thwarted by lack of maps and signage which causes Capt. Hastings, who is to select a site at Le Paradis, to get lost and end up with a new H.Q. near Le Cornet Malo.
Night of 25th-26th May: it is reaffirmed to move the H.Q. to Le Paradis.
Under the cover of darkness the two errant companies move into the correct position and at first light D Company moves into the gap between A Company and C Company and B Company to the right of A Company around Le Cornet Malo. Maj. Ryder has now established a front line.
From defending a 128 mile front the total line now being defended by the 2/Norfolks depleted ranks is approx. 2 miles, from the Bois de Pacqueaut, just west of the road leading to from the canal, to Le Cornet Malo, along the canal north of Avelette.
Now in fox-holes the line is being machine gunned and mortar shelled.
Just before midnight: Maj. Ryder sets off to Le Paradis.
26th May:
0030 hours: The convoy reaches Duriez Farm and the last HQ is established.
0330 hours: The enemy launch an attack on C Company with small armed parties but a much heavier attack went in on A Company and B Company positioned near Le Cornet Malo.
The enemy repair a bridge close to area to allow tanks to cross. Supported by intense and accurate mortar fire along the whole front the enemy advance on Le Cornet Malo.
Fighting in the village is fierce. At Bois de Parqueaut the enemy is driven out by counter attacks from A Company and B Company supported by the Royal Scots. Mortar supporting this area is running low on ammunition and Brigade HQ is slow to order supplies.
Manpower at Le Cornet Malo is now critical and Battalion HQ Duriez Farm receive confirmation that A Company and B Company are no longer effective.
Establishing the front line now involves sending Capt. Hastings up to the crossroads at Le Cornet Malo to locate A Company on the 2/Norfolk’s right. Capt. Hastings meets up with 2nd Lt. Slater, who has replaced 2nd Lt. Yallop (killed the previous day) with all that remains of A Company (7) having been overrun by tanks further up the canal.
Lt. Edgeworth, commanding B Company also arrives at the crossroads advising Capt. Hastings that he has been reduced to 19 men but is holding a line 200-300 yards in front of the crossroads. Although there appears to be no Panzers in the vicinity, Lt. Edgeworth thinks there are enemy in the village in front of his position.
Advising Maj. Ryder at Battalion HQ Duriez Farm, Capt. Hastings is ordered to take command at the Le Cornet Malo crossroads with both what is left of A Company and B Company. The crossroads is to be held ‘at all costs to the last man and round’.
Capt. Hastings gets unexpected reinforcements at the crossroads from 50-60 Royal Scots from north of the canal. Capt. Hastings takes command of them advising them to hold the crossroads at all costs and there must be no withdrawal.
With 50-60 Royal Scots and about 25 2/Norfolks together with some extras brought up by Capt. Long they are now in excess of 75 to defend the line behind the hedge row (previously held by Lt. Edgeworth) and astride the road to the wood.
The area now becomes under heavy machine gun and mortar fire. Capt. Hastings and Lts. Willeson and Edgeworth (killed later in the day) remain with their Companies to arrange the final defended posts. The 1/Scots take over the area between road and wood.
Capt. Long drives back to Battalion HQ Duriez Farm noting that many of the wounded are being evacuated from the forward positions. He reports to Maj. Ryder that the position at Le Cornet Malo has been consolidated.
Capt. Hastings is also ordered back to Battalion H.Q Duriez Farm leavings Capt. Hallett in command.
Maj. Richardson, missing the previous day, arrives at Battalion HQ Duriez Farm shortly after Capt. Long. He had been cut off on patrol with D Company and reports that enemy appear to be present in large numbers.
1100 hours Brig. Warren arrives at Battalion HQ Duriez Farm and corroborates what Maj. Richardson has observed. He also orders ‘last man last round!’
The Royal Scots HQ is moved from Calonne and established in Le Paradis. The 1/Scots are deployed on the right of the 2/Norfolks manning the defences organised by Capt. Hastings and Capt. Long in the Le Cornet Malo and Bois de Pacqueaut area.
German Panzers have now pushed through a line between Robecq and St Venant and are bearing down on Merville two miles to the north of Le Paradis.
After Brig. Warren departs Battalion HQ Duriez Farm, Maj. Ryder reorganises his officers. Maj. Richardson is appointed 2nd in Command. Lt. Woodwark of C Company is placed in command of A Company. The Motor Transport Officer, Capt. Hallett, is to command what is left of B Company and 2nd Lt. Buchanan is to lead D Company. 2nd Lt. Jones of D Company assumes command of the carriers while 2nd Lt. Merritt takes over Capt. Hallett’s role as MTO. Capt. Hastings is to command HQ Company.
Capt. Hastings is to transform Battalion HQ at Duriez Farm into a stronghold capable of being defended from four sides albeit it not able to withstand a long siege.
Spirits are lifted by a message from 4th Brigade H.Q. (Brig. Warren) “counter attack from French imminent” and a tank battalion on its way. Several messages similar to this are received before the enemy release their attack the next day.
There is little respite from the SS Totenkopf and defence is fierce but German Panzers are kept at bay by A/T rifles (Anti-Tank Rifles) and LMG (Light Machine Guns).
Capt. Hallett takes a proactive approach to his command following Capt. Hastings departure and leads a patrol from B Company forward to the southern side of Le Cornet Malo firing at the enemy approaching from the direction of the canal. Sadly he does not have mortars but his rifles and Bren guns halt the enemy in their tracks. Capt. Hallett, unchallenged, advances again capturing one German (who is in a ditch) with other Germans surrendering without a fight. The prisoner advises Capt. Hallett that he is facing a German Division across the canal.
The enemy counter attack driving Capt. Hallett back from his forward posts. He sends out a patrol to identify the enemy positions on which he launches a mortar attack which has since become available. He is rewarded by what sounds like direct hits.
A Platoon of Argyll and Sutherland highlanders with machine guns arrive and take position behind A and D Companies. The Luftwaffe have a free rein.
1857 hours: OPERATIO DYNAMO BEGINS.
At end of day there is an uneasy calm. Battalion numbers are approx. 250 which is equivalent of just over two manned companies. Maj. Ryder braces his men for a heavy attack on 27th May.
27th May:
The SS Totenkopf is preparing to smash their way through stubborn resistance in order to reach Bailleul half way between Le Paradis and Ypres.
Within a loop of the Canal d’Aire two fresh untried German SS Motorised Infantry Units have taken up position between Hinges and Mont Bernanchon. The SS Totenkopf Infantry Regiment 2 commanded by Col. Bertling and Totenkopf Infantry Regiment 3 led by Lt. Col. Goetz supported by 4th Panzer Division and an SS military regiment are to throw their full weight against what they initially thought were the Norfolk Grenadiers.
At nearby village of Riez du Vinage the 1st Battalion of Totenkopf 2 have crossed the canal by way of repaired bridge and immediate opposition is encountered. SS Sergeant Leitl, a platoon commander in No 3 Company Totenkopf 2, states the defence of houses held them up for long periods.
Riez du Vintage is eventually taken and Totenkopf 2 take cover in Bois de Pacqueaut.
At Dawn: an assault is launched at Le Cornet Malo. No 3 Company, commanded by Capt. Fritz Knoechlein, is in the centre, No 2 Company under Capt. Stoeter on the right with Capt. Kaltofen’s No 1 Company in semi reserve.
Capt. Knoechlein states progress is slow fighting yard by yard through the villages. Losses are heavy with a platoon commander killed and No 2 Platoon suffering badly. There is a brief respite when they are joined by the arrival of other Totenkopf troops. Dead comrades are collected and Capt. Knoechlein takes a brief burial service. During the service it is alleged he has spoken of revenging their deaths.
Increasing numbers of Panzers are crossing the repaired canal bridges. Lorries are also used as bridges for Panzer usage.
0500 hours: tanks appear in B Company’s section. Capt. Hallett notifies Battalion HQ Duriez Farm of about a dozen before his line was cut. Signaller Bob Brown at Battalion HQ Duriez Farm confirms contact with B Company has been lost.
Despite falling back, the remnants of Capt. Hallett’s B Company defiantly face the Panzers placing Mills grenades in their tracks under their line of fire. Four tanks are abandoned and, with order restored, Capt. Hallett gets the LMG back into position and the A/T rifles mounted. With the SS Totenkopf infantry some way behind the Panzers (they will suffer from Capt. Hallett’s Bren guns when they arrive). Sadly Capt. Hallett’s B Company also suffer losses and, following the loss of his last rifleman, the injured Capt. Hallett is taken prisoner as he tries to escape.
There is a solitary mortar team which includes Sgt. Maj. Ireland and Privates Brough and Cockerel endeavouring to support the defence of Le Cornet Malo. They are finally eliminated.
1000 hours: a heavy counter attack is expected by a French infantry brigade supported by a British tank regiment. This message from Brigade HQ is met with optimism at Battalion HQ Duriez Farm. This is relayed to all Companies except B Company where contact had been lost. Had the attack occurred at 1000 hours it would still have been too late for the defenders of Le Cornet Malo as the village was occupied by this time.
Two hours before the capture of Le Cornet Malo ten men from the Pioneer Platoon returned to Battalion HQ Duriez Farm having spent the night in a ruined cottage supporting D Company. A small number of them (volunteers including Ernie Farrow) are assigned to blow the bridge at Pont d’Avelette which had been left intact for the BEF to escape. Using Maj. Ryder’s car they become under intense machine gun fire. Sadly the bridge had already been taken by the enemy.
Back at Le Cornet Malo 1st Battalion Totenkopf 2 set up HQ. Capt. Knoechlein tries unsuccessfully to take control of wounded BEF servicemen.
The German troops suffer considerable casualties attacking across La Bassee Canal. The defenders, however, are being worn down, A company and D Company report heavy attacks by tank and infantry. Several enemy tanks are put out of action in A Company’s area by A/T rifles and Bren gun fire but their own losses are heavy. Lt. Willeson is wounded in the arm and out of action. Enemy troops and light artillery are on the right front of Battalion HQ and enemy mortar fire coming in from Bois de Pacqueaut.
As the SS Totenkopf move forward the 1/Scots are seen to fall back rapidly. Withdrawal is stopped as the 2/Norfolks right flank would be exposed.
Battalion HQ Duriez Farm comes under attack from two Panzers 400 yard away. The 2/Norfolks return fire with hail of machine guns and anti-tank rounds halting their progress for the time being. There is no artillery or air support for the 2/Norfolks.
Contact with A Company ceases and C & D Companies are still not reporting back. There is considerable enemy movement along roads on left flank towards Locon.
Maj. Ryder tries to carry out Brig. Warren’s ‘last Man, last Round’ orders.
A platoon of Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders with ammunition, undamaged weapons and suffering only light casualties join up at Battalion HQ Duriez Farm. They are advised of ‘last man, last round’ stance and ordered to return to their former position unless ordered by the 2/Norfolks to do otherwise. However they are observed leaving their position and abandoning their weapons a few minutes later.
Crews from field guns return to Battalion HQ Duriez Farm as probably their position has become untenable – breach blocks are thrown into the pond and they are issued with rifles to defend the farm.
The fate of A Company is confirmed. Having been overrun, Lt Woodwark and six men, the only survivors of A Company, reaches Battalion HQ Duriez Farm. Getting these men back to defend Duriez Farm is crucial and meets with Maj. Ryder’s approval. Private Albert Pooley is in the remnants of A Company.
Mortar bombs begin to rain onto the farmhouse and fires are extinguished. From his position Pooley observes the landscape along Rue du Paradis and enemy soldiers moving behind the farm. Ferocious defence of Battalion HQ Duriez Farm brings the inexperienced SS Totenkopf to a temporary standstill. In open countryside around Le Paradis the enemy are still suffering severely (one battalion lost, together with all its company commanders, leaving only NCO’s in charge).
SS Sergeant Leitl states ‘the defence of houses held them up and they were very exposed as the British snipers were extremely skilful’.
As morning progresses: the defence stiffens and the SS Totenkopf attacks break down into a series of small vicious actions. Gen. Eicke begins to struggle to regain control of his troops.
By early afternoon: the attack has ground to a halt. Gen Eicke has to get the attack moving again as the taking of Le Paradis is essential for conformity of lines operational on the right and left. If the defence of Le Paradis is prolonged then the SS Totenkopf’s left flank would be vulnerable.
Eventually Gen Eicke orders instructions which reinforce that the talking of Le Paradis is essential and all available reserves are to be used to protect the Totenkopf’s left flank.
German reports state that the centre of Le Paradis is strongly held by snipers especially around the church and Duriez farm, the latter being defended like a fortress. With the 1st Battalion almost wiped out orders are issued for 3rd Battalion Totenkopf 2 together with elements of Totenkopf 3 to complete assault on Le Paradis.
Regimental Commander of Totenkopf 3, Lt. Col. Goetz, come with his men to execute orders but is killed by a sniper bullet on reaching the crossroads close to Le Paradis.
An attack from the rear is now attempted by a German motor cycle unit. Heavy fire drives them into a farm building just across the road where they set up a defensive position.
This unit now delivers a fusillade on Battalion HQ Duriez Farm. The 2/Norfolks find it difficult to close them down until RSM. Cockaday grabs a Bren gun and charges into the open firing at the enemy position. Despite being wounded he keeps the enemy occupied while Maj. Ryder and a small party do a flanking attack forcing the enemy to fall back. Capt. Long then organises the defences of this now advance post whist Maj. Ryder returns to Battalion HQ Duriez Farm to update Brigade HQ of the position.
Regardless of casualties the SS Totenkopf press forward with mortar rounds and artillery shells. British artillery rounds start to land on Duriez Farm. Capt. Long, dodges through a hail of enemy bullets, to rectify the position by getting a message out of Battalion HQ to prevent this uncalled-for attack continuing.
The enemy is now in force to the rear and the battalion is becoming isolated. C Company still reports tanks and enemy troop carriers moving around the left flank. Troop carriers are also moving around right flank in Le Paradis. These are met with artillery and suffer heavy casualties.
The 2/Norfolk’s forward party retires to next house which is held to the end. The enemy begin working up the ditches towards the defended posts which are now:-
i) Houses on right and left of road (to the rear of Battalion HQ)
ii) Battalion HQ farmhouse, yard and ditches surrounding
iii) Houses left and right of the road and the road block (in front of Battalion HQ). All houses are strongly fortified.
News came through from D Company that only Lt. Buchanan and five men are left. They are driven back to their company HQ where they would stand and fight. This is the last that Battalion HQ Duriez Farm hears from them.
Enemy fire intensifies on Battalion HQ Duriez Farm and C Company makes contact. Acting Maj. Elwes inform them that his position was surrounded and requests artillery support. This does not materialise. The lines fall silent and all Companies are now cut off from Battalion HQ Duriez Farm.
1300 hours: War Diary of 4th infantry Brigade state 2nd Division issue a Permissive Order to Brig. Warren for withdrawal but no rendezvous given. There is hope for an organised withdrawal in daylight but at 14.15 hours a rendezvous at La Nouvelle France was received and communicated to 2/Norfolks who agreed no withdrawal until dark. It was requested this to be passed on to 1/Scots but this could not be achieved until after dark.
1330 hours: Several more shells slammed into the Battalion HQ Duriez Farm.
HQ and Brigade War Diaries record the last courageous message from Maj. Ryder is received at this time. ‘HQ on fire, wireless in cellar could not be got out therefore it would be broken up”.
The Regiment is fighting on its own ground and is surrounded.
Maj. Ryder’s final words are that “he would bring his Battalion to the rendezvous after dark”. No further communications are received.
The wireless is destroyed and Battalion paperwork including Capt. Hasting’s diary notes are placed in sack and thrown into the pond. All other equipment, which could prove useful to the enemy, is destroyed including rifles and a remaining truck.
1600 hours: Capt. Long reports that the Battalion’s strength (including 50 in C Company) is estimated at 100 all ranks. C Company, although numerically strong, is without communications and completely isolated and outside main movement of events. Capt. Long surmises the enemy can therefore hold C Company and deal with them later whilst concentrating on reducing key centres of resistance.
Enemy units are still moving to rear of Battalion HQ Duriez Farm which provided good targets but too many for the available ammunition. Capt. Hastings collects rounds from the wounded and issues orders to fire only when certain.
1640 hours: This is the time 2/Norfolk’s records state that the Permissive Order from Brigade is received stating ‘hold position until dusk then if possible withdraw to North East to La Nouvelle France’. The message could not be relayed to 1/Scots and Lancs. Fusiliers.
Maj. Ryder calls a conference with his available officers suggesting when darkness falls parties of men, each accompanied by an officer should attempt to crawl out of Battalion HQ Duriez Farm. This is a forlorn hope as darkness is several hours away and it would not take the enemy long to overwhelm the farm.
Maj. Ryder concedes that it is unlikely that they could get away and he would later give the remaining men a stark choice.
With the farmhouse burning and roof in danger of collapse Maj. Ryder orders everyone out.
Signaller O’Callaghan makes for the byre with bullets whining around him to join up with about 40 other men. Two shell bursts has wounded Capt. Long and Lt Woodwark. They both managed to stumble outside the farmhouse. On returning to his post Capt. Long is patched up by Maj. Ryder and then slips into unconsciousness for about 25 minutes.
Maj. Richardson and 2nd Lt. Willeson are unaccounted for and assumed killed when the roof collapsed. (they are both remembered on the Allied Memorial to the Missing at Dunkirk).
Maj. Ryder seeks the opinion of his men – surrender or fight to the finish. He had earlier received mixed feedback around the farm but in the byre for the last time he asked them whether to fight or surrender. He is not ordering them one way or another, he is giving no more orders and would accept their decision. Reaction is mixed but the majority accept surrender.
A dirty towel is found which is tied to a rifle and displayed until the enemy stopped firing. The first group of men walk out but only go few paces before they are cut down by machine gun fire. Tense moments pass before they tried again, this time no shots are fired.
1715 hours: the surrender is complete.
The captured soldiers are marched to Louis Creton’s farm where they were massacred along with others by the 3rd Company 1st Battalion 2nd SS Totenkopf Rifle Regiment. The alleged motive is that the men in 3 Coy, 1 Bn TIR 2, who had spearheaded the attack on Le Cornet Malo, were ordered to bury their dead in that village. After the burial it is alleged Captain and assault leader, Fritz Knoechlein, called for revenge.
At same time as Maj. Ryder surrendered Capt. Long regains consciousness in a ditch south of the farmhouse. He is with Lt. Draffin (Med Off), Capt. Hastings and a few other men. A white towel is produced by Capt. Hastings and the firing ceases. They are joined by 25 other captives and marched east to the crossroads at Le Paradis. Capt. Long is allowed to look for wounded.
Two miles south 50 member of C Company are ready to fight on with communications lost between them and Company HQ at Locon and Battalion HQ at Le Paradis. Acting Maj. Elwes has therefore no knowledge of what is happening and can only follow the last order he had received from Brig. Warren ‘last man, last round’. At night Maj. Elwes withdraws to Company HQ at Locon. Capt Long’s assessment had been right C Company could be mopped up by the enemy at leisure once Le Paradis had fallen.
28th May:
Enemy troop carriers close in on C Company’s HQ at Locon. Maj. Elwes carries out the last known orders and attacks them. He is killed but to save unnecessary casualties 2nd Lt Simpson surrenders. C Company’s is numbered at 40. Capt. Long is marched to Locon and counted about 70 officers and men upon arrival. Among them are Capt. Hastings, Lt. Draffin and Capt. Gordon the latter being brought in with the remnants of the 1/Scots.