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LCDR Sales & Proposals Manager Gas Turbine Products
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I recently watched a BBC three-part "docu-drama" on Dunkirk. In the film, an incident is depicted that is supported by later testimony from one of the officers involved. Background: An element of the Coldstream Guards is holding position forming a rear guard action allowing remnants of the BEF to evacuate. During the fighting, a subordinate company commander of another unit holding a key position on the flank of the Guards indicated his intention to withdraw, based on earlier orders from his regimental commander. The Guards company commander, senior, denied permission, and was challenged. His response was to clearly indicate that any withdrawal beyond a given point specified would be met with lethal fire. The subordinate commander left, persisted in withdrawal, and the Guards officer ordered fire. Whether or not the shot was fatal isn't clear, but it is perceived that it was... the line held further, and we know the history of what happened thereafter.

To my mind, the issue is a grave one, but I can see the justification, based solely on the circumstances. The rear guard was the only force holding back the German advance, and thousands of lives were at stake. If the subordinate commander had been allowed to withdraw, the line would've been broken, the Guards' position flanked, and it is unlikely any of the withdrawing units would've been able to avoid being killed or captured anyway.

The film, and the first person accounts indicate that the Guards' officer tasked himself and a platoon commander to do the firing...not rank and file. To my mind, this was both an expediency, and an effort to shield other ranks from the possible repercussions should they have been faced. As Lieutenant (later Lt. Col.) Langley not only avoided charges, but was decorated for actions in this campaign, it would appear the British Army agreed.
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LCDR Sales & Proposals Manager Gas Turbine Products
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Excellent response; detailed, accurate and insightful-Thank you.

I think it's safe to say no one would ever "want" to face these decisions or these circumstances-a $%^& sandwich all the way 'round. I believe the Guard's commander died later that day in combat. The platoon commander he ordered to do the shooting was wounded (lost an arm), captured, later escaped and went back as Special Services to conduct other escape operations....probably the sort of person most of us would either love or hate to serve under.
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PO3 Donald Murphy
PO3 Donald Murphy
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My wife's grandfather was there and that was pretty much the issue. His unit was earmarked to not get relieved and they were told not to cross certain areas heading towards the beach. To alleviate the "last stand" nature of their position, they were given double rations, all the toys they could play with and most of the soldiers passing their area emptied their wallets to them.
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