14th May, 1940
[Front of Field Service Post Card:]
FIELD SERVICE
[Royal Coat of Arms]
POST CARD
[Field Post Office postmark: “FIELD POST OFFICE A. 14 MY. 40”]
The address only to be written on this side.
If anything else is added the post card will be destroyed.
Mrs KENNETH PENMAN
MAYCOT
12 COMMONSIDE
KESTON
KENT
[Crown Copyright Reserved.]
[Back of Field Service Post Card:]
NOTHING is to be written on this side except the date and signature of the sender. Sentences not required may be erased. If anything else is added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card addressed to the sender of this card.]
I am quite well.I have been admitted into hospital
{ sick } and am going on well.
{ wounded } and hope to be discharged soon.I am being sent down to the base.I have received your { letter dated { telegram ,,{ parcel ,,
Letter follows at first opportunity.I have received no letter from you { lately
{ for a long time.
Signature only { C. K. Penman X
Date _
Forms/A2042/7. 51-5437
14th May, 1940
- 11th May, 1940—King George VI signs a proclamation canceling the Whitsun holiday in response to the escalating war situation. Switzerland mobilizes its military forces following Germany’s invasion of the Low Countries, reinforcing its neutrality and defensive posture. British troops land on the Dutch islands of Aruba and Curaçao in the Caribbean Sea to secure oil refineries vital for the Allied war effort. Germany occupies Luxembourg and German airborne troops capture the “impregnable” Fort Eben-Emael in Belgium, facilitating the crossing of the Albert Canal bridges. The 9th Panzer Division crosses the Meuse River, finding an undefended bridge over the Zuid-Willemsvaart canal, advances towards Rotterdam. Seven German armored divisions spearhead into the Ardennes Forest, bypassing the main French defenses and exploiting a weak point in Allied lines.
- 12th May, 1940—German forces cross the Meuse River near Sedan, breaking through French defenses again and initiate a rapid advance into France.
- 13th May, 1940—Winston Churchill, in his first speech as Prime Minister, declares to the House of Commons his commitment to “blood, toil, tears, and sweat” in the fight against Nazi aggression.
- 14th May, 1940—The Netherlands surrenders to Germany following the bombing of Rotterdam and the rapid German advance through the country. British forces commence the evacuation of troops from the Hook of Holland, withdrawing in the face of the German onslaught.