22nd May, 1940
Gnr. Penman, 1440280
Section 4,
194/60 H.A.A.,
B.E.F.
No. 12
Maycot
22.5.40
My Dearest,
I received three letters from you this morning, two numbered 10 and one 11 of 16th, 17th, and 18th inst. I was so pleased and proud to hear that you were in such good spirits during what must, at times, be a ghastly ordeal. My thoughts are with you all the time, and I am particularly anxious to hear that you are safe and well after the fall of Amiens. It was good to hear today that Arras was once more in Allied hands. We all think you are doing…
…marvellously against difficult odds, and we have no doubt as to the ultimate victory of the Allies.
I am glad that today the Government has rushed thro’ a Bill empowering it to use the Nation’s entire resources of material, men, and property.
Darling, my thoughts and love are with you constantly.
It was very sweet of you to write me three days running (tho’ they all arrived together), and I will send you a note each day. I sent you one yesterday, incidentally…
…there are many Belgian refugees in marquees at Gadsden, and various others have been taken in by people with available space.
Malcolm (next door) has volunteered for the Local Defence Volunteers (“parashooters”), the general response to which has been magnificent.
Dearest, I will say goodbye for a little while. Meanwhile, all my love, thoughts, and kisses.
Till tomorrow,
Yours,
Terry
22nd May, 1940
The Battle of Boulogne begins as German forces attack the French port city, aiming to secure a strategic position along the English Channel.
The Siege of Calais commences, with German troops encircling the city to cut off Allied supply lines and prevent evacuation efforts.
The British Parliament passes the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act 1940, granting the government extensive authority to mobilize resources and manage the war effort.
The Anglo-French Supreme War Council convenes in Paris to discuss the deteriorating military situation and coordinate strategies against the advancing German forces.
German forces continue their rapid advance through northern France, capturing key positions and further isolating Allied troops in the region.