WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk Five Days In May: Dunkirk 85
Jun 2, 2025
Discover the dramatic events at Dunkirk in May 1940, where British troops found themselves surrounded. Delve into Churchill’s cabinet debates, revealing intense political struggles. Explore the emotional turmoil in wartime Britain, where a national day of prayer highlights a mix of hope and despair. Understand the critical military decisions, including Hitler's surprising halt order, and how these moments shaped the course of World War II. The narrative captures both strategic insights and personal stories amid chaos.
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Hitler's Halt Order Saves BEF
- Hitler's halt order on 23rd May 1940 stopped German panzers from cutting off the BEF at Dunkirk.
- The decision was driven more by Hitler's desire for control than military strategy, giving Allies a reprieve.
Britain Faces Dire Threats
- Panic grows in London as the BEF is surrounded and the threat of invasion looms.
- Leaders and the public begin preparing for the worst, including appeals for national prayer.
French Command's Conservative Outlook
- The French military leadership is old and conservative, lacking modern war doctrine.
- Many French commanders seek to end the war and are losing faith in continued resistance.
