Included in the work are many maps outlining the unfolding struggle; while helpful, they are of average quality and would have benefitted from a rework. The author has also included a series of appendices that lay out in detail the formations included in the BEF, an outline of the main weapons systems and their capabilities in a comparison of German, French and British forces and finally a detailed rendition of source material broken out by chapter. Thoughtful, balanced and deeply informative, this is truly a worthwhile rendition of the BEF experience in France and a noble testament to its officers and soldiers.

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The Military Reviewer

A well resourced and comprehensive account of what happened to the British Expeditionary Force during the relevant months of 1939 and 1940 with the addition of the author’s indications of what he considers to be the problems which developed with regard to general communications and orders together with some of the associated difficulties of international cooperation between armed forces. The book is well worth reading for those who take a keen interest in military history but certainly not to be read as something to while time away.

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Army Rumour Service (ARRSE)

The late author is an acknowledged author in military subjects, and this book was first published in 1973. That was forty-six years ago, and it is good to see it back in print again. This book should rank as one of the definitive, if not the definitive account of the British involvement in the France and Belgium at the beginning of the Second World War. Alongside the official history, written by Major ELLIS, it provides a full account of the various aspects of the campaign from September 1939 until June 1940.

It is a heavy read in some ways, but it is detailed and thorough in its narrative. It provides a counter-point to the official history, and contains some interpretation and differing viewpoints from that which was allowed to be published in that volume. BLAXLAND was able to speak with several of the key participants, and was also granted access to some regimental histories. This is in addition to the war diaries and other papers from that period. The book contains some useful maps and photographs, but it is the narrative which is central to this book.

In conclusion, a well-researched and thorough account of the campaign of May 1940 in France and Belgium from a British perspective, that should be read by anyone studying that campaign.

British Military History, Rob Palmer

This excellent book should be the basis of all your Dunkirk/BEF reading to get the campaign mapped before you go looking for the more in-depth human interest stuff... It is essential reading.

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War History Online, Mark Barnes

Blaxland wrote a stirring account. Although there are many more recent works of high standard and the evidence is at times anecdotal only this is a book which is a required inclusion in any library on the campaign in 1940 and a tribute to Gort’s Army.

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WW2 Talk

Using British and German war diaries and reports Gregory Blaxland, in his book "Destination Dunkirk" describes the loss of the under equipped British Expeditionary Force, together with its Belgian and French army counterparts. All three were overwhelmed by a well planned German onslaught which broke through the allied defences along a 50 mile front. Supported by Stuka dive bombers and tanks, it began to decimate three allied armies. Churchill was dumfounded and swiftly made plans to save what was left of the BEF through the channel port of Dunkirk. Diaries, eye witness accounts and personal correspondence illustrate the lack signals equipment and confusion which played and important part in the conflict.

Richard Gough, Military Author and Historian