CALAIS DEFENCE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20262, 1 June 1940, Page 7

CALAIS DEFENCE

BRITISH RESOLUTION VICE-ADMIRAL’S PRAISE STAND TO THE LAST OVERWHELMING ODDS (Elec. To). Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wirelesß.) Reed. 9 a.m. RUGBY, May 30. A visit to Calais was described in a broadcast talk to-night' by ViceAdmiral Sir James Somerville, who said: “I know that the British courage, British resolution and British refusal to admit defeat will to-day, as in the past, bring us victory, however hard and however fierce the struggle. I say this with confidence and with increased certainty because for the last week I have been on the southeast coast and have seen with my own eyes how the British face up to adversity.

“I went over at night to Calais in one of our destroyers when the garrison was hard pressed, surrounded by superior forces, but holding on grimly. As we made fast alongside the quay we came under heavy fire. “With shells bursting alongside and on the quay th< captain gave orders to cast off the wires and with coolness and precision backed his ship clear of this unhealthy berth and brought her alongside at a' spot less exposed to fire. Every order he gave was carried out faithfully and courageously, regardless of the bursting shells.

“On the shore I found the very gallant brigadier in command of our troop's. He realised to the full the situation in which he was placed and the need for the maintenance of the defence to the last minute. His quiet confidence and his grim determination to hold out to the last man was an inspiration to everyone there. “There was no thought of surrender and no thought but to serve the country to the utmost of endeavour and to the last man. This they did. The defence of Calais against overwhelming odds was a magnificent example of British courage."