The Battle of Flanders 1940

by Ian Hay

The following narrative, which is based upon Lord Gort's Official Despatches, is an attempt to describe, in as untechnical language as possible, the experiences of the B.E.F. from the time of their landing in France in September, 1939, to the final evacuation of Dunkirk on 3rd June, 1940. I have gone beyond Lord Gort's text in at least two respects. I have offered certain comments, which Lord Gort has punctiliously refrained from doing; and I have included in my story certain incidents which, since they did not occur under Lord Gort's official jurisdiction, are not included in his Despatches, but will I hope be of interest to the general reader.

72 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 2005

About the author

John Hay Beith was a Scottish schoolmaster, soldier, playwright, and novelist.

He was educated at Fettes College, Edinburgh and St. Johns College, Cambridge. He was a second-lieutenant in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and was sent to France in April 1915 where he was awarded the Military Cross. He was later Director of Public Relations at the War Office (1938 - 1941).

As "Ian Hay", he was also a novelist and playwright.