Flames of Calais: A Soldier's Battle 1940

by Airey Neave DSO OBE MC

The defense of Calais in May/June 1940 was a superb example of selfless courage and sacrifice. Sent by Churchill to divert the Germans from Dunkirk and so save the British Army from total annihilation and capture, 29 Brigade had orders not to evacuate or surrender.

Airey Neave, later to be Margaret Thatcher's right hand man until his assassination in 1979, was one of those who fought, and was wounded and captured there

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War II, War, Military Fiction, Memoir, British Literature

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should be read with or after reading the history of the appeasement period. Neave's memoir illustrates the price paid for Chamberlain's failure to confront Germany and failure to support a speedier rearmament. Having said that, it also illustrates the failure of Britain's military to innovate tactically and strategically, particularly after Poland, to force the pace of training, and to learn from the German innovations in tank and combined arms warfare.

[Peter S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very detailed telling of the 4 day defence of Calais in 1940 which probably assisted the successful evacuation of Dunkirk some days later along with Hitler's halt order of 24th May.
As this was a paperback, the detailed maps were a little difficult to decipher because of their small size. I found myself referring to the maps to follow the battle as it progressed.

[Grant Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as my Grandad fought in the battle before being made prisoner of war. He escaped twice amd was presumed dead before reappearing in London at the end.of the war.
This is an important first hand account of a pivotal battle that I am proud to be associated with.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Friday Otuya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally, I love war diaries; but this is more than a war diary. It details the struggles of soldiers who fought a war against an overwhelmingly strong enemy. They were bound to loose from the outset, but because of their love for their country and their commitment to what they believed in, they sacrificed themselves so that others might live... classically British. Read it, draw out lessons from it and contribute to the betterment of the world.

[Shaun Major · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neave lived an incredible life but you would scarce credit it from reading this tale of how his soldiering career began. He has a breathless pace and an adventurous eye and this tale is a fascinating counterpoint to the better known story of the great evacuation of Dunkirk.