On 10th May 1940, the Germans launched their offensive into France going through Sedan. The Panzer troops crossed through the Ardennes forest, thought by now to be "impassable' by the French Government. They raced quickly, unopposed to the coast. The allied troops, split in two, are driven back to the sea. The British troops reached Dunkerque, the only port left in allied hands.

On 6th June, the French defence lines are broken in the Somme and the Aisne. On 14th June, the Maginot line falls in Lorraine and Paris is captured on the same day. Lyon is taken on the 20th June. The armistice asked by France is signed on the 22nd June in Rethondes..

Battle of Dunkerque