LAST TROOPS LEAVE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 160, 6 June 1940, Page 8

LAST TROOPS LEAVE

EVACUATION OF DUNKIRK CLASSIC WAR OPERATION (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph. -Copyright.) Received June 5, 1.2 p.ru. RUGBY, June 4. A War Office communique issued this evening states that the evacuation of the Allied Forces from the Dunkirk area has now been successfully completed, the last troops having been withdrawn during the night. / “Tlie outstanding success of this operation, which must rank as one of the most difficult operations of war ever undertaken, has been due to the magnificent fighting qualities ot the Allied troops, and to their calmness and discipline m the worst of conditions; also to the devotion to duty of the Allied JNavies and the gallantry and exertions of the R.A.E. *

FIGHTING CONTINUES. “As a result,” says the communique. “although out losses have been considerable, they are small in comparison to those which a few days ago seemed inevitable. “South of the Somme our troops are now operating in conjunction with the French. “To-day has been quiet on the Brit ish front. “In Norway, on the night of Maj 31-June 1, the British Forces in the Bodo area were withdrawn by sea, having achieved the purpose of delaying the enemy advance until the Allied operations for the captur£ of Narvik had been completed.” HEAVY FIGHTING. The French troops who landed in England to-day described the heavy fighting in the last hours before the final abandonment of Dunkirk. In addition to the Admiralty’s congratulations to all concerned in the evacuation epic, tributes were exchanged among the leaders of the naval and air forces. “IVe owe a deep debt o'f gratitude to the Ii.A.F. for their support and protection,” declared the Vice-Admiral ■ of the Dover Command. The curtain has fallen on the Dunkirk drama. Admiral Abrial was the last man to leave the port aboard a warship at 7 a.m. The Germans claim the capture of much booty at Dunkirk. but semi-official French quarters , declare that the last of the defenders destroyed immovable war material.