Last Stand at Le Paradis: The Events Leading to the SS Massacre of the Norfolks 1940

In September 1939, the 2nd Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment was one of the first infantry units to land in France. They encountered the Germans manning the West Wall or Seigfried Line in January 1940 and came into contact with them. The battalion suffered its first tragic loss when Lieutenant Patrick Everitt was mortally wounded. The BEF advanced to the River Dyle in Belgium, but the Germans launched an offensive, forcing the Allies onto the back foot. The Norfolks withdrew to the River Escaut and were ordered to defend a section of the Canal Line between Bthune and Le Cornet Malo. Despite being down to half strength, they held their sector from 24 to 27 May. After the surrender, 99 men were machine-gunned in cold blood by their SS captors, but two men survived and were instrumental in bringing the SS officer responsible to justice. When the battalion reassembled in England, its strength was just five officers and 134 other ranks.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In the early days of September 1939, the 2nd Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment played a pivotal role in the British Expeditionary Force's (BEF) deployment to France. As one of the first complete infantry units to arrive in the country, they encountered the German forces manning the West Wall or Seigfried Line during the first months of World War Two. Despite the relative calm of those early days, the battalion's deployment to the Maginot Line sector in January 1940 brought them into direct contact with the enemy.

On a daring patrol led by Captain Peter Barclay, the battalion ventured into German territory, where they encountered a fierce attack. In the ensuing chaos, Barclay displayed remarkable bravery, earning him the Military Cross, while Lance-Corporal Davis received the Military Medal for their valiant efforts. The remaining members of the patrol were also recognized with despatches for their contributions.

However, the battalion's journey was not without tragedy. Just two days after the patrol, Lieutenant Patrick Everitt, the battalion's first British officer to be killed in action during the Second World War, was mortally wounded while leading a daylight patrol. Everitt's death marked a significant loss for the battalion and the British forces.

As the German offensive unfolded on May 10, 1940, the BEF advanced to the River Dyle in Belgium. The swift and relentless German breakthrough caught the Allied armies off guard, forcing them onto the defensive. The Norfolks, along with the rest of the BEF, retreated to the River Escaut, where they were to make a stand against the advancing German forces.

On May 21, the Company Sergeant Major George Gristock displayed incredible bravery by destroying several German machine-gun posts and ultimately earning a posthumous Victoria Cross. His selfless actions and ultimate sacrifice left a lasting impact on the battalion and the war effort.

As the Allies withdrew towards the Channel, the Norfolks were ordered to defend a section of the Canal Line between Bthune and Le Cornet Malo. Despite being already down to around half strength, the battalion valiantly held their sector from May 24 to 27. However, when the order came to withdraw, it was already too late. The battalion's headquarters at Duries Farm, Le Paradis, was surrounded, and they were forced to surrender.

Despite the surrender, C Company, led by Captain Barclay, continued to fight until the following morning. Their resilience and determination proved to be a source of inspiration for the rest of the battalion, and their bravery in the face of adversity earned them the respect of their fellow soldiers and the admiration of the enemy.

In total, ninety-nine members of the 2nd Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment were awarded decorations for their bravery and valor during the Second World War. Their contributions to the war effort were instrumental in the eventual Allied victory, and their legacy continues to be honored to this day.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399077729