Key Information
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1940 Apr 12-1940 May 30 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent
1 vol
Scope and content
Brooke's personal diary as Commander, 2 Corps, France and Belgium, notably covering final arrangements for advance into Belgium in the event of German invasion of Low Countries, Apr 1940, start of German offensive, 10 May 1940, advance of 2 Corps to Dyle River, 10-12 May, and subsequent retreat to Dunkirk, 16-30 May 1940. Gives detailed descriptions of official meetings and informal conversations with French commanders and other British Expeditionary Force (BEF) commanders, notably Maj Gen Bernard Law Montgomery, Commander 3 Div and Gen John Standish Surtees Prendergast Vereker, 6th Viscount Gort, Commander-in-Chief, British Expeditionary Force (BEF). Also includes entries on Brooke's lack of confidence in the fighting quality of Belgian Army.