TNA ADM 199 795

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16 JUNE
21. At 0700 hours the C.I.G.S. rang me up and said that all
arrangements could be made for the evacuation of 52nd
Division (less the detachment with Tenth French Army), but
that no actual movement was yet to take place. At 0830
hours, however, he rang up again and confirmed that 52nd
Division (less the detachment with Tenth French Army) could
now begin to embark: NORMAN Force itself was to continue
to co-operate with the Tenth French Army. I then asked
the C.I.G.S. what the policy should be with regard to troops
of the French Army who might wish to embark at CHEREOURG.
He informed me that they would be allowed to do so.
Orders for the embarkation of 52nd Division (less the
detachment with the Tenth French Army) were issued.
I issued orders to G.O.C. L. of C. to the effect that
work of re-embarkation of personnel, stores, and vehicles
was to continue at all ports as long as the tactical
situation permitted.
and from NORMAN Force showed that the enemy was on contact
ance was possible, but reports from Motor Contact Officers
22. Owing, once more, to poor visibility no air reconnaiss-
with the Tenth French Army along its front but that be was
Further to the South enemy movement seemed to be directed
attacking seriously only against 157 Infantry Brigade.
on CHARTRES.
which Information that the Fourth German Army was to attack and FREST. that
was received later from captured orders
day with showed the ultimate object of gaining CHERBOURG
52nd The C.I.G.S. (less the detachment with Tenth unable to
23. telephoned at 1325 hours to French confirm Army) that
could now embark. the future of NORMAN Force, Tenth to
Division He said that he was still which was
continue in the out that that Army was carrying LAVAL
give orders as to meantime to co-operate with the out French the
Army. I pointed had been ordered to withdraw should on be and
RENNES. BRITTANY Plan therefore and asked that NORMAN Force
allowed to I disengage and withdraw on CHERBOURG.
decision, The ring him up my
was not prepared to again give on the
arrival at my
24. reached to REDON At REDON 1430 which hours, soon lies that after about I moved it 1615 had 30 my miles hours. been Headquarters decided N. of I ST. then that S.W. that NAZAIRE, rang NORMAN from Army up and VITRE the Force
C.I.G.S. who said the Tenth French Army MARSHALL-CORNWALL until
was to stay with when General either to
could started withdraw to disintegrate, his force for embarkation CHERBOURG
or the nearest available Port.
25.