STRONG RESISTANCE AT DUNKIRK

Southland Times, Issue 24144, 5 June 1940, Page 7

STRONG RESISTANCE AT DUNKIRK

Embarkation Of Allied Troops Continued SPIRIT OF RETURNING MEN IS SUPERB (United Press Association—Telegraph Copyright) (Received June 4,11.45 p.m.) LONDON, June 4. The determined resistance being put up by the rearguard forces enabled the embarkation of Allied troops from Dunkirk to be continued during the night, states the latest French war communique. The troops still in action are holding out despite many difficulties caused by strong enemy pressure. Last night many more Frenchmen and officers arrived at one of the English ports after fighting for several days without rest. Although extremely tired and bearing many signs of the battle, their spirit was superb and their one thought was to go back and have another fight with the Germans. Some of the arrivals stated that the Germans were on the outskirts of Dunkirk. Heavy fighting had continued up to the time they left, the embarkation operations proceeding under heavy artillery fire and air bombardments. The German radio again paid a tribute to the British Expeditionary Force. “We must admit that the members of the British Expeditionary Force in Northern France were magnificent,” it said. “Each soldier was of marvellous physique and full of fight.” The announcer added that the Germans had to storm each house in Hazebrouck separately. A three-hour enemy air raid was carried out on the French Channel port of Le Havre. High explosive bombs were dropped and although no details are available, it is believed that there is a number of casualties.