CAB80-13 — Page 55

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33. Leading elements of 52 Division began landing in France on the On the 8th June, and moved forward at once to their concentration area. 12th June 157 Brigade moved up into the line with French X Army, where its arrival had great moral effect. General Headquarters under Lieutenant-General Brooke arrived on the 12th June.

Norway.

34. The Allied forces in the Narvik area were evacuated during the period the 2nd-8th June, and the first troop convoy has arrived in the United Kingdom.

The evacuation was carried out in four phases.

Phase 1.-Consisted in despatching surplus and valuable stores in ships which were in the Narvik area when the order to evacuate was received. The last of these ships sailed on the 1st June.

Phase 2-Fast passenger and M.T. ships embarked troops evacuated from the Bodo area, vehicles, guns and further valuable stores, and sailed independently for the United Kingdom between the 2th June and the 5th June.

Phase 3.-15,000 troops and the bulk of remaining stores were embarked and sailed for the United Kingdom on the 6th June.

Phase 4-Remaining personnel (approximately 10,000) were embarked during the nights 6th-7th and 7th-8th June and sailed on the 8th June.

The

The final convoy is expected during the night the 13th-14th June. evacuation was completed without loss; during the early stages weather condi- tions were favourable and the expected enemy interference from the air did not materialise.

Italy and Italian Possessions.

35. Since the Italian declaration of war, there has been little information of any active military operations except for the three following minor incidents : (a) the demolition of the frontier bridge at Ventimiglia on the Franco-Italian frontier; (b) a minor encounter at Sidi Omar on the Egyptian-Libyan frontier, of which no details are known except that two Italians officers were captured; and (c) an attack on a French frontier post in the Sahara.

There have also been unconfirmed reports of the possibility of certain Italian formations being employed under the German command on the Western Front.

Mediterranean and Middle East.

36. Malta.-Malta was bombed at dawn and sunset on the 11th June. No damage was caused to vulnerable points, though barracks and civilian property suffered. Approximately 7 military and 30 civilians were killed, and 7 military and 127 civilians wounded. During the day there were enemy reconnaissances over the Island. Three aircraft were brought down, two by A.A. fire, one by a Gladiator, and one more by A.A. fire unconfirmed. On the 12th June one enemy aircraft on reconnaissance is believed to have been destroyed by A.A. fire. The conduct of the civilian population was admirable.

37. Aden. Enemy raided Little Aden on night the 11th-12th June, pre- sumably in error for Aden. Little damage was done.

38. Cyprus.--Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, gave orders for remainder of the Sherwood Foresters to proceed to Cyprus forthwith on the 7th June. This will bring the garrison up to one battalion of British infantry.

39. Sudan.-Three Italian aircraft bombed Kassala, the 12th June, and caused 9 civilian casualties. There was no other activity along the Sudan frontier. 40. East Africa. The following South African Troops have now arrived in Kenya :-

1 Field Regiment.

1 A.A. Battery and Lights.

1 Field Ambulance.

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