Battle for France 1940

shinky · 01-10-2007, 08:23 AM

I'm hoping to find someone amongst the group who can give me some information about the defence of St Omer and St Momelin during May of 1940.

Im particularly interested in the defence of the bridges here.
A Territorial Regiment, the 52nd Heavy Regt Royal Artillery
(formerly the Bedfordshire Yeomanry)were acting as infantry during the defence of St Momelin supported by a light machine gun company of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, against German armour.

If anyone can help I'd be very greatful and hopefully be of some help with your own questions.

spidge · 01-10-2007, 10:10 AM

Found something about what they were up against however the contributor on the BBC site would be a good follow up unless you have contacted him previously.

Wattenburg France, 25 May 1940: The breakthrough of Panzergruppe von Kleist all the way to the English Channel at Boulogne had been completed. Panzer Division 1, just about to attack Dunkirk, had reached the Canal de l’Aa between Holque and the coast on 24 May and had established several bridgeheads, while Panzer Division 2 was to move to Watten after mopping up Boulogne. Linking up with Panzer Division 2 was Leibstandarte SS-Adolf Hitler, who where to deploy between St. Momelin and Holque. LSSAH was ordered to capture town of Watten, and then to devote itself to the defence of the line at St. Momelin.

spidge · 01-10-2007, 10:31 AM

The only mention I can find is probably what you are already aware of.
"In Usherforce sector, in the north, the 6th Green Howards and detachments of the 3rd Searchlight Regiment, who guarded the bridges at Gravelines and for three miles to the south, held off all attempts by the German 1st Armoured Division to seize the bridges, till they were relieved during the day by French infantry and artillery.[6] At St Pierre Brouck a detachment of the 1st Super-Heavy Battery, fighting as infantry, held off for several hours other troops of the German 1st Armoured Division which began their attacks on the bridge at dawn; but the gunners were forced back late in the morning. Another party of gunners—of the 3rd Super-Heavy Battery—held the crossing at Watten against a German armoured reconnaissance battalion till they were relived late in the day by French infantry.[7] The 52nd Heavy Regiment similarly fought as infantry at St Momelin until French troops releived them on the night of the 25th. Usherforce then withdrew to Bergues to strengthen the French garrison there. From St Omer southwards to Raches Polforce was in command, with Woodforce holding Hazebrouck. Macforce was already moving up to strengthen the defence where the enemy were across the canal between St Omer and the Forest of Nieppe.[8] The divisions now being freed from the main eastern front (2nd, 44th and 48th) were to take over the defence of the Canal Line as soon as possible."

From: http://ibiblio.org/hyperwar/UN/UK/UK...landers-9.html