Life After Dunkirk: The Army Administration During Evacuation and Readjustment

The events of the Dunkirk evacuation, one of the most harrowing and yet awe-inspiring moments of World War II, not only marked the darkest hour for Allied forces but also brought about significant changes in military administration, as seen through the experiences of evacuees like my father and uncle.

The Arrival and Initial Reactions

For soldiers like my father, who was only 11 years old when he welcomed his uncle back from Dunkirk, the journey home was a mix of relief and cultural shock. After being evacuated from Brittany to Plymouth, his uncle took a week to travel from the port to Manchester, a distance that would seem much shorter by today's standards. Upon his arrival, despite no official greeting, he made himself a tea in the kitchen, a simple yet poignant act that spoke volumes about his assertiveness and cultural norms of his time. His uncle, his brother by blood, was subjected to a stand up bath in the yard—a clear indication of the challenges soldiers faced in adapting to their new homes.

The Organizational Resilience of Armies

Armies, by their very nature, are meticulously organized entities. Soldiers are trained to follow strict routines and procedures. However, the chaos of combat often disrupts these routine practices, leading to impromptu reorganization. During the Normandy Invasion (Operation Overlord), US airborne troops found themselves scattered across the battlefield. Rather than waiting for officers to regroup, they quickly formed units and attacked the enemy wherever they appeared. Outside of immediate combat situations, they often returned to their original units based on nal proximity.

In cases of defeat, such as at Dunkirk, or confusion during an attack, soldiers often resort to similar behavior. For instance, in the Polish Army's experience, they too would regroup with whoever they could find. German units, known for their rapid but hasty retreats, frequently reorganized their ranks en route. The resilience of an army in such conditions is a testament to its adaptability and organizational structure.

I vividly recall my father's account of our Godparent, Uncle Bob, an evacuee from Dunkirk. Upon his arrival, he found himself separated from his regiment. Instead of panicking, he simply sat on the roadside, waiting for someone from his unit to come along. However, this decision was quickly challenged. When a group of Scots Guards approached, an officer announced, "Fall in at the back," to which Uncle Bob replied, "Thank you, Sir, but I think I should wait for others from my regiment." The officer's response with "Sergeant! Shoot that man!" was a stark illustration of the strict discipline and the lack of cohesion that could arise during such chaotic times.

Conclusion

Life after Dunkirk and subsequent evacuations presented soldiers with not only physical but also psychological and organizational challenges. The army's ability to quickly reorganize and find a sense of purpose, even in the most inhospitable of environments, is a hallmark of military resilience. Stories like those of my father and Uncle Bob encapsulate the human experience in the crucible of war, offering a glimpse into the strategies and mishaps that characterized the post-evacuation period.