Dunkirk 2010 Commemorative March (clip 1 - between Cassel and Wormhout)

A group of 25 re-enactors from various UK and US based re-enactment groups march from Béthune to the beaches of Dunkirk in full BEF kit, a total of about 50 miles to mark the 70th Anniversary of the retreat to Dunkirk.

The route followed one that was used in May 1940, leading through Le Paradis, Merville, Hazebrouck, Cassel, Wormhout, Herzeele, Wylder, Warhem, Téteghem/Uxem, Leffrinckoucke. The march started in the afternoon of Thursday 27 May and the group arrived at the beach on Sunday 30 May. Along the way two massacre sites and several Commonwealth War Graves cemeteries were visited to pay respect to the fallen and lay wreaths.

Nights were spent in a disused factory building, bunker, barn and sports hall using only a greatcoat and blanket each.

On Monday 31 May the group arrived in Dover for a parade & inspection by the Lady Mayor of Dover and a short (private) commemorative service at the original Railway Station where in May and June 1940 thousands of troops disembarked.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Dunkirk
• 2010
• Commemorative
• March
• BEF
• British
• Expeditionary
• Forces
• retreat
• evacuation
• re-enactment
• reenactment
• re-enactors
• reenactors
• Dover
• 70th
• anniversary

[MrMichaelmcnally]

Is this a group that does this every year ? "I would have loved to be involed in this march".

[mikedyse]

@MrMichaelmcnally

This was the second time we did it, the first was held in 2000 to mark the 60th anniversary. I've heard through the grapevines that the next Dunkirk march will be held in 2012, by popular demand!

[LstCowboy]

My dad was in the rearguard and captured in Cassel.

[aliwhitwell]

Thank you all for doing this to remember those who fought for our freedom. My wife's grandfather was killed in the Dunkirk rearguard at the end of May 1940 and is buried in the cemetery at Les Paradis. Many others died around that time including those who were massacred at Les Paradis. We must never forget them.

[dance62tiger]

The marching sound is so evocative, especially linked with the obvious heat! Can only congratulate you all.

[nederland4045]

Wheehey the lads!

[ConstanceMarkiewicz]

What a surprise! James is swearing!! (for a change!) Nice work Mike!