[*]
ANNOUNCER: So Britain welcomes
the members of the new French government
and the commanders of her forces
and the new French Premier, Monsieur Paul Reynaud.
After the meeting,
Britain and France issue
a solemn declaration binding their two peoples
still more closely.
It declares to the world
that the change of government in France
will mean no change in the cooperation
between the two nations
and there's perfect cooperation too,
between the heads of the allied forces.
Our armies will fight side by side,
so look out Hitler, here we come.
[MAN SINGING ON-SCREEN TEXT]
* You're no match *
[MEN LAUGHING]
[MAN SINGING ON-SCREEN TEXT]
[MEN CHEERING]
* You've no idea how you run *
[FANFARE PLAYING]
ANNOUNCER: Members of the Foreign Press Association
are on a visit to the British Air Forces
on the western front.
They represent many of the newspapers
in neutral countries.
Apart from military secrets,
we have nothing to hide.
We are fighting our war in the open.
Our propaganda is true.
Belgium too is showing off her preparedness.
This is one of her coastal batteries
where the men live in bombproof block houses
and can be ready for action within a few seconds.
And German warships will hardly dare to operate in seas
that are policed by the Royal Navy.
There lies Belgium's best hope of security.
And here's somewhere else where
they're shooting at birds from every angle.
2050... I mean 250 Pacific Boast cuties...
I mean Pacific Coast beauties.
What a picture. What a job.
Ain't it gorgeous?
[FANFARE PLAYING]
At the Mansion House in London,
Mr. Chamberlain makes a statement
on the progress and prospects of the war.
CHAMBERLAIN: The oceans of the world
have been swept clear of German shipping.
There's a flap on.
No, they're just off to another party.
The members of that government do not hesitate to say...
Come on. Let's see what's up. Come on, you two.
...that they desire to achieve
the ruin of the British empire.
I told you there was a flap on.
There's a flap on every week. They save 'em for Wednesdays.
The brig. seems in a heck of a hurry.
Aye, but I bet he noticed you didn't salute him.
I can see you being dropped down to a Lance-Jack again.
Ah, make that a promise
and I'll never salute the old basket again.
Anyway, he doesn't know me from Adam.
Ah, come on. Let's go down and have some vin blanc.
Yes, but don't go pinching Claudette's behind again.
The locals don't like it.
[CHUCKLES]
You think the people back home
believe all that stuff in the newsreel?
What stuff?
All that gaff about being prepared.
Why shouldn't they? It's what they're told.
Besides, it keeps them happy.
My missus says they don't know
there's a war on back home.
Lucky blighters.
Oh, thanks, Barlow.
Fresh landings have taken place in the area.
And our forces are firmly astride
the road to the north.
The Norwegian forces are cooperating
with the utmost gallantry.
Uh, in France, there had been patrol activity
in the Rhine area
to the south of Strasbourg.
Any questions?
Uh, may I ask, sir,
if there's any confirmation of the reports
that have been coming through all day today
about heavy enemy concentrations
along the Dutch and Belgian frontiers?
I have nothing to add to the communiquГ©.
Are you prepared to deny these reports?
I have nothing to add to the communiquГ©.
If large troop movements develop during the night,
will a new communiquГ© be issued?
As far as I know there is no intention
to issue any further communiquГ© before tomorrow.
Is there any truth in the report of heavy air reconnaissance
over eastern Belgium, sir?
Nothing to add.
Is there any security objection
to our using the reports we've received,
or shouldn't the German's be told what they're doing?
That's a matter for the Censor.
Thank you, sir.
Well, Jouvet, what do your people think?
Have you heard anything from any of the Dutch boys?
I was talking to young Van Blerck of the Handelsblad.
They reckon they have got half a million Germans opposite them.
Brouwer, do you know Charles Foreman?
Delighted. How do you do?
Have you heard anything from Brussels this evening?
Nothing.
You've heard nothing of the 500 thousand Germans
sitting on the border?
Has your paper printed it?
No.
Well, I don't get it.
Here are the biggest troop movements
since the war broke out.
Nobody says anything, nobody attempts anything,
nobody knows anything.
What do they think they're there for, maneuvers?
Patrol activity. Utter bilge!
[*]
Evening, Mrs. Jones. Ah, evening, Mr. Holden.
Hello, girls.
Well, how did you get out?
Seventy grams.
Machine broke down just after 7 for half an hour.
Frankie mended it.
MAN [ON RADIO]: Germany calling. Germany calling.
Switch that blasted row off.
No, let's listen to what he says.
Don't tell me you listen to all horse twaddle.
How do you know it's twaddle?
It must be said again
that Germany has no intention
to use military might against small countries
unless they seek to aid our enemies.
If Britain or France were foolish enough
to invade Belgium
we on our side will be obliged to march and protect Belgium.
He makes me sick. Rotten traitor.
All the same, he may be right.
Perhaps they don't want war.
Eh? Don't want war?
What happened in Norway and Denmark?
They went in there quick enough, didn't they?
Hmm, I suppose you're right.
Of course I'm right.
It's a lot of blasted propaganda.
Still, they don't let him say it on the radio, don't they?
Oh, there you are, Frankie.
Awkward evening, Mr. Holden.
What was wrong with the machine?
Oh, the die got jammed. I reset it same as last time.
Oh, let's have a look.
Oh, that's fine there.
Yeah.
How's Mrs. Holden and the baby?
Did you see them today?
Oh, yes, I did. They're grand.
He's gained another 3 ounces. Terrific he is.
Heh, go on. You'll be telling me next
he's had his call-up papers.
Yes, that's the only blight in the picture.
He had to come along when there's a war on.
Don't worry. It'll be all over
before he's out of his nappies.
Heh. I hope you're right.
All right, girls. You can lock up now.
Will you lock up by yourself tonight, Frankie?
Sure, I'll do it myself.
If you want me I'll be over at the Queens Head.
Goodnight, girls.
GIRLS: Goodnight, Mr. Holden.
Don't forget to blackout.
No, I won't.
How about a drink, Alfred,
or do I serve myself?
Serve yourself, Mr. Foreman. I must put up this blackout.
It's okay, Alfred. Don't worry.
[*]
Charles, do you have to do that?
I have a great, I might say, monumental thirst.
I've been to a press conference.
Any news?
Oh, the usual. Leaflets raids over Hamburg.
Patrol activity along the entire front.
The usual claptrap.
A light ale, dear?
Please.
Evening, all. Hello, Alfred.
ALFRED: Evening, Mr. Holden.
Evening, Mrs. Foreman.
Hello. How's Grace and the baby?
Oh, fine. Just fine.
Wet the baby's head, Holden. What'll you have?
Scotch, if I may, please, Mr. Foreman.
Right.
Alfred, the whisky's run dry.
Well, you'd better go easy on it.
If I don't get anymore by Monday
I'll have to ration you.
No more doubles.
Oh, come off it, Alfred.
You can always get some on the side.
I can't do without my Scotch.
What are you kicking about?
You could always turn a little petrol into a little whisky
couldn't you? Well, wouldn't you? Heh.
It's a lovely war.
How many buckles have you turned out this week?
200 gross, I shouldn't wonder.
The Army's got to have buckles, hasn't it?
Especially if it's caught with its pants down.
Still, I suppose somebody's got to make them.
Thank our lucky stars we're not wearing them, eh?
Charles!
Give us another pint, guv, will you?
Well, one does what one can.
They made it a reserved occupation. I didn't.
Anyway, would I have done any more by sitting on my backside
in France for the last six months.
Well, would I?
A new baby, 200 gross of buckles,
unlimited petrol
and all the whiskey you want.
You're sitting pretty, aren't you, Holden?
Yes, it is a lovely war.
Well, wouldn't you if you were in my place?
Wouldn't everybody? Doesn't everybody?
The war's a blasted phony anyway?
MAN: I'm a bit tired of that.
Tired of what?
This "phony war" business.
Well, isn't it?
No, it's not.
I've just come out of hospital
after 10 days in an open boat off the Faroes
and I'm sick and tired of blokes like you
with soft jobs ashore! Come outside!
Now, don't be silly.
I've lost two fingers off that hand
but I'm gonna take you outside
and knock your block off with my right.
ALFRED: Ah, take it easy. There's no need for that.
I'm sorry. I apologize.
I'll come outside if you insist.
That won't do any good. It's not his fault.
It's the fault of all of us.
You make me sick. All of you!
It may be a phony war to you,
but it's not to all the boys at sea.
It never has been.
Come on, Charles. We'd better be getting home.
Goodnight, Mr. Holden.
You treat this whole thing as a personal issue.
That was nearly a fight,
And poor little Holden would have got it.
To blazes with poor little Holden.
He makes me sick!
He's like a lot more in this country.
It's the same everywhere.
Is this supposed to be a war effort?
You know, you're getting to be a bit of a pain in the neck
about this war effort.
You don't see it anymore than anyone else.
This debate in the House, where's it got us?
Chamberlain's settled in as comfortably as ever,
patting us on the head and saying
that everything's going to be all right
so that little squirts like Holden
can sit back on their fat subcontracts
and make more money than they ever did in peace time.
What'll it be worth if we lose this war?
We haven't lost it.
Now don't tell me next that we're always at our best
when we're nearly beaten,
backs to the wall, and all that bilge.
If you ask me, we are nearly beaten.
Oh, Charles, for goodness sake be human.
I know you feel we're making a mess of things
but that's not the fault of people like Holden.
They're doing their best
and they're doing what they're told.
Of course he fusses about his wife and baby.
There's nothing much wrong with that.
It's no use tearing yourself to pieces, Charles.
Yes, but we're being such fools.
Poor old Charles.
You'd like to get at 'em with your bare hands,
wouldn't you?
As far as I can see that's about all we've got
our bare hands.
[*]
I suppose they're flags left over from the last war.
Aye, they just bring 'em out every 20 years.
Says a lot for the popularity of our fathers, doesn't it?
You're right there, Tubby.
That good looking piece could be your half sister,
except that she's too good looking.
What her? She's as ugly as Punch's sore eyed dog.
[CHUCKLES THEN WHISTLES]
Oi! Oi!
It seems strange having to leave prepared positions.
You'd think we'd have to sit here
and wait for Jerry to appear.
As far as I can gather
we're going up to the River Dyle
to hold a defensive position there.
Yeah, that's right.
We sit up on the end of a line
held by the French to connect up
with the Belgians. Like closing a door.
And we're the door, eh?
Yeah, that's right.
At least so the Major said.
Yeah? Well supposing someone
puts their foot in the bloody door?
[BELL TONGS]
* We're going to hang out the Washing on the Siegfried Line*
* Have you any dirty washing Mother dear?*
* We're gonna hang out The washing*
* On the Siegfried Line*
* ' Cause the washing day Is here *
* Whether the weather May be wet *
* Or fine We'll just rub along *
BRIGADIER: And that is the end of the communiquГ©.
Any questions?
Has the Belgian front broken, sir?
Is it true that they have attacked
in force on either side of Sedan?
Are German tanks on the outskirts of Brussels?
Now, gentlemen, gentlemen, one at a time, please!
The situation is fluid in the highest degree.
The main fighting has not yet begun.
The information that I've given you is...
[BOMBS BLASTING]
* We'll just rub along Without a care *
* We're going to hang out the Washing on the Siegfried Line *
* If the Siegfried Line's Still there *
[BOMBS EXPLODING]
Orders to pull back, sir.
Pull back? Tell the others, Sergeant.
Yes, sir.
We're pulling back, sir.
Get moving. We're pulling back.
All right, Corporal, pack it up.
We're pulling back. Why?
Don't ask me. Ask the blinking generals. I don't know.
Well, we're holding them, aren't we?
They're still the other side of the river.
I don't know I tell you.
All I know is we've got to be out of here
by 1900 hours.
Now, get moving!
We're gonna hang out the Washing on the Siegfried Line*
* 'Cause the washing day Is here*
* Whether the weather May be wet or fine*
* We'll just rub along Without a care*
* We're going to hang out the Washing on the Siegfried Line *
* If the Siegfried Line's Still there *
[BOMBS EXPLODING]
I'm sorry, gentlemen, I have nothing further to say.
It has been reported
that Calais has been heavily attacked.
BROUWER: Is it true that Boulogne has fallen?
REPORTER: What is the true position
of the British Expeditionary...
[*]
Let the first car get on the bridge.
Blast, he's twigged it!
Well, let him have it! Now!
Right! Get your gear together and run!
BINNS: Come on, boys.
[GUNFIRE]
Okay, all of you?
BIRTHS: Yes, sir.
Well, that should hold them for a bit.
Let's get back to the unit. Double up and quick! Keep low!
There's nobody in the forward observation post, sir!
What's that? There must be.
No, sir!
Nobody in the trenches either, sir.
Looks empty.
The vehicles are there.
That's C Company's second truck, sir.
It's US. Transmission went last night.
That Bren's US too, sir. There's nobody there.
Nonsense. They've gone to ground.
There's nobody there, sir.
All right, Corporal, get the stuff up as quickly as you can.
I'll go ahead.
Very good, sir.
Come on, lads. Pick 'em up.
Rum go. I wonder what's happened.
Division pulled out last night, sir. Midnight.
Where to? West, sir.
Concentrating between Arras and Lens, the Major said.
Told me I was to wait for you, sir.
[FIGHTER PLANE WHINING]
Look out! Get to cover!
BELLMAN: You all right, Tubby?
Yeah, yeah. I'm all right.
What about the others? Where's Mike?
He ducked down somewhere over there, I think.
Come on, let's have a yell.
Mike, where are you?
MIKE: I'm here.
You all right?
MIKE: Of course I'm all right.
Well, what are you doing down there then?
I'm trying to get out of this bloody hedge.
Everybody okay?
That was quick.
Yeah, but where's the company?
Where is everybody?
Pulled out. The trucks have gone.
Everything's gone. Yeah, but where?
Mr. Lumpkin.
MIKE: Can you get him, Barlow?
BARLOW: It's too hot.
MIKE: Let me have a go.
BARLOW: I can't reach him. I can't get at him.
[MIKE COUGHING]
He's dead. Oh, my God.
He's dead.
MIKE: No, I can't.
Poor devils, they hadn't a chance in that fire.
It wasn't the fire that killed them.
They got it before that.
Well, what do we do now?
You've got the stripes, Tubby.
You tell us.
Yeah.
Yeah, I suppose you're right.
Then what do we do then?
Well, one thing's certain, the trucks are U/S.
I suppose we'll have to hoof it.
Well, come on. Let's get cracking
before Jerry comes back.
I never wanted the blasted stripes in the first place.
Too late now, Tubby.
You're stuck with them.
Hello, Jouvet.
What on earth's the matter?
We have lost the battle.
Don't be a fool.
They have broken through.
What?
Well, that's not the end of things.
Look, it can't be as bad as all that.
You don't understand. You are an Englishman.
It is France that is being torn.
It is my country.
You English, you can never understand.
My home is at Rheims.
You have never known what it is to have a German in your home.
Even now,
they are in my house tearing things open.
Tomorrow they will be in Paris.
In Paris!
Rubbish! You're talking nonsense.
They've broken through and the situation is bad.
That's obvious. We all know that.
We've all known it for days.
But Gamelin must be getting his reserve into position now.
What reserve?
The strategic reserve, of course.
When I was in Rheims in February
the 7th army was the heart of the strategic reserve.
There was almost nothing else.
Gamelin sent the 7th army to Holland.
What is there left?
But you can't mean that.
The whole principle of the Maginot Line
was to build up a strong reserve.
What have your generals done with them?
Generals.
They sacked 15 front line generals three days ago.
Did you know that?
But you called up two million men.
What have you done with them?
Who are you to talk?
What have you British sent to France?
Two hundred, three hundred thousand?
Now don't be a fool.
What about the Navy and the Air Force?
What will they do for you when you have lost your army?
We haven't lost it yet.
It is the one virtue that we French have left.
We are realists. This battle is lost.
What will you fight with? Those?
Sometimes there's a lot to be said for
not being too much of a realist.
MAN [IN DISTANCE]: Left, right, left, right, left.
Squad will retire.
About turn.
Swing your arms.
Make your dressing by the left.
[SPEAKING IN FRENCH]
Dead stupid. Don't understand their own ruddy language.
We'll never get far with this lot.
Let's get moving.
[SPEAKING IN FRENCH]
[SOLDIERS LAUGHING]
Let's get off the road.
We'll never get through this mob.
Come on, this way.
What did she want to do that for?
That's one brush with a French girl
your old woman won't mind.
[LAUGHS]
Planes.
Jerry planes!
[CROWD SCREAMING]
[SPEAKING FRENCH]
[SCREAMS]
[FRENCH PEOPLE SCREAMING AND CRYING]
[CHILDREN CRYING]
[SPEAKING IN FRENCH]
What about going back to help them?
What can we do?
We can't do any good.
Didn't use their bombs.
They didn't need to, the bastards.
Can only mean one thing.
They're saving the road for their tanks.
Come on, let's get back to the unit.
[CROWD SPEAKING IN FRENCH]
Got a fag, Mike?
Aye. And I'm keeping it.
Got a fag, Barlow?
Mike, they'll kill you. Get down quick!
[CAR ENGINE WHIRRING]
If it's a Jerry, don't miss.
You can shoot me if I do.
Can you see it?
Not yet.
He's wearing a uniform.
I hope it's a Jerry.
He's a Dunn Hour. He's one of ours.
SOLDIER: I believe he's right.
Who are you? What's your lot?
B Company, Wilshire, 13th Brigade.
Where's your unit?
That's what we want to know.
Thought perhaps you could help.
Who is top of the league this year?
Top of the league?
Darned if I know.
There was no league held this year.
Everton won it last year.
You'll do.
He thinks we're running fifth column.
Well, you can't be too careful these days.
Do we look like fifth column?
No, you don't. And neither do they.
Blasted Jerrys everywhere.
Never mind about that.
Whereabouts will our unit be?
I don't know.
There's an RA battery back there in those woods.
Perhaps they can tell you.
I'd look slippy about it too.
There's some Jerry tanks a few miles back.
I only just missed them.
Sounds like good advice to me.
Well, we didn't check whether he was fifth column.
Don't be a mug, can't you tell a DR when you see one?
Well, he couldn't tell what we were
when he saw us, could he?
Well, uh...
Come on, let's find this battery.
What's your ammo state, Jock?
50 HE,12 AP.
All right.
Corporal.
Where do you think you're going with that heap?
Home sweet home.
Stand to attention when I'm speaking to you.
All right. Don't tell me, don't tell me.
You got left behind when your unit pulled out.
You've been astray and it's not your fault.
Yeah, that's right Sergeant Major. We...
You're a shower.
SERGEANT: Major. Sir?
Get your men down to the cookhouse.
When you've eaten, report to me.
TUBBY: Come on, lads.
We've had our orders, Sergeant Major.
Taken them long enough to make up their minds.
When do we pull out? We don't.
We stay.
How long do we have to hold, sir?
The situation is very confused.
Until it's been sorted out we've just got to stay put.
Until the ammunition runs out, I reckon.
I always did say we were overdrawn on ammo.
Yeah, my name's Miles. He's Harper.
He's a moaning bleeder.
But don't take any notice of him.
He just likes it.
Been astray long?
Too long. And you?
[GRUNTS]
One tin between two.
Have you not got anything hot?
You're lucky to get that.
We're on half rations.
Still don't worry. You'll get something hot before long.
Only it won't be grub.
What's the Sergeant Major's name, Sarge?
They've all got the same name, haven't they?
Ha ha.
Good. Good.
We'll let them get to the culvert as we planned.
Keep me informed.
Sergeant Major. SERGEANT MAJOR: Yes.
Take post.
Mixed column coming up the road, Ser Major.
Two armored cars, six tanks, a mobile 88
and some lorried infantry.
Better get your odds and sods into the slit trenches.
Very good, sir.
Take post! Tank alert!
Sector B! Right section, engage!
What's going on, Sarge?
Stand to. Jerry's coming up.
The muck will start flying soon.
Get into the slit trenches, all of you.
What, me?
Yes, you too, dream.
Why don't you forget it?
You'd have been mad yourself in her place.
Dumping all those bags.
They seem to hate us.
Refugees hate everybody. Wouldn't you?
Well, they don't need to hate us.
SOLDIER 1: One. Soldier 2: Right one.
SOLDIER 1: Fire!
SOLDIER 2: Fire!
SOLDIER 3: Five and six, two boxes of ammo.
[GROANS]
Stretcher bearers!
You two, come on.
Number four gun's had it, sir.
Smashed side bracket.
Three men killed, sir.
Number one's all right.
What about two and three?
All right too, sir. Good.
SOLDIER: Fire.
Right. Put him down here.
Corporal Benskin, hypodermic.
Anything else we can do, sir?
SOLDIER: Stretcher bearer!
It's Fraser, Corp. He's wounded bad.
Shut up. Bad!
Get ahold of yourself.
Where's Bellman, you seen him?
He's helping with the wounded.
It was horrible. Fraser was just
Just looking, and then...
And then...
It was so sudden.
All right, son. All right.
Keep a grip on yourself.
MIKE: Right, Tubby.
TUBBY: Right.
Barlow saw Fraser cop it.
It must have been pretty grim.
I'm worried about that kid.
He's a bit young for this lark.
What's that? Say again?
Good. Good.
They've pulled out Sergeant Major.
Good. There are more casualties, sir.
Another killed and three more injured.
And that's not the end of it.
They weren't expecting anything.
We took them by surprise.
What do you think they'll do now, sir?
Pull back.
Keep our heads down with an occasional shell
and whistle up the Stukas.
That's what they learned in Spain and Poland.
That's what we're learning now.
And we just wait?
Yes, Sergeant Major. We just wait.
I'll see the men get a hot drink, sir.
Just a moment, Sergeant Major.
I'd get the odds and sods away if I were you.
I doubt whether they'll use the infantry now.
They'll wait for the dive bombers.
Very good, sir. I'll do that.
I'm not badly hurt, am I corporal?
I'm not badly hurt.
No. No, I don't think so, son.
The MO didn't spend a lot of time over you, did he?
No, he didn't. Did he?
I don't feel any pain.
I don't feel anything at all.
It can't be bad if I don't feel anything, can it?
No, no, of course it can't. Of course it can't.
Just a little flesh wound I reckon.
[COUGHS]
All right, son. All right.
Now lie back and rest.
Corporal?
Sir?
Get your men together. Those two as well.
Well, come on, man, get somebody moving.
Private Russell, get our party together.
Look lively.
Right, corporal.
You're to take your men and head north, corporal.
Try and connect up with your unit. Understand?
What's the idea, sergeant major?
Never mind why. Just do as you're damned well told.
Smarten yourself up.
Keeps your wits about you and move. Fast.
Very good, sir.
Keep going round to the left, Mike.
Come on, boys.
Good luck, Corporal.
BINNS: Thank you, sergeant major.
I wish I were with them.
So do I by God.
Yeah. What'd they send us off for, corp?
Did you want to stay?
Not on your blinking life.
Is Frazier badly hurt, corp?
He's dead.
[FIGHTER PLANE WHINES]
Stukas! Run for it!
So that's why he send us away.
Do you think he knew?
He knew all right.
That's murder. That's sheer bloody murder.
I hope somebody knows what they're doing.
Has Lt. Johnson seen the C&C as it is?
Oh, I do hope Ron.
Things the way they are he must be a very worried man.
Any news of the 5th and 5th Division pushed to the south?
No, not really.
They're putting out the usual probes,
but so far the main attack hasn't gone in.
Yet, thank goodness.
You know, it's an impossible scheme.
But it's Viscount's plan, isn't it?
Yes, it is.
So we've gotta try something.
We are in a pretty awful mess.
Of course we're in a mess. Shouldn't we be?
With the French breaking down the mirs,
we're wide open on our right flank.
If the Belgian crack on our left,
we'll be in real trouble.
If that does happen we need the 5th and the 50th
and any others we can scrape up
to stop Jerry having a clear run to the north.
What was the outcome of Dills' visit?
That didn't help much.
As far as I know the push to the side it still goes.
Kevin is putting pressure on Gort to carry it through.
How he'd sort it out I wouldn't know.
How come he'd sort it out? He's a subordinate commander.
He can't overrule the French High Command.
He can't go over the head of the CIGS
let alone defy the Cabinet.
Henry? I've come to a decision.
I'm going to call off the 5th and the 50th Division
from the attack to the south
and send them to the left.
Sir, that's against all orders we've had.
The French First Army will never attack
without their support.
I know that. I know that only too well.
Anyhow it's got to be done.
We've got to protect our escape route to the north.
I'm very worried about this Belgium sector.
If they crack,
and from my summing up of the situation, I'm sure they will,
our chances of withdrawing to Dunkirk are nil.
And I am now perfectly certain
that is what we shall have to do.
Very good, sir.
Our only hope of getting back is to reinforce Brooking.
And to do that,
I shall have to withdraw the 5th and 50th Divisions.
in spite of any orders that we've had.
It's 1800 hours.
Have the orders drafted at once.
[PEOPLE MURMURING]
Kelly is seeing very heavy shell from west, sir.
We're six hours so she can have support.
What's that she's doing?
Engaging in battles on the San Gab Road, sir.
A grey hounded Belgium should be with her
in half an hour.
Say about 6.00 now.
And I'm afraid that's the end of Kelly.
That leaves only Dunkirk.
Ostend and Zeebrugge?
No, I don't think we should use them
when the time comes.
Dunkirk was heavily bombed last night, sir.
The French lost another destroyer, Shark Ell.
That makes two of their tiger class gone.
How soon can you start moving up your Dutch from the servant?
Well, think we could move the first four at about 1800.
Do so.
Can your ministry start the Aleman U-Boat moving at once?
Yes, sir.
And I have not yet had the report
from the Cardiff area.
I want everything from there started.
Very good, sir.
What information do you have about the Portsmouth tugs?
Two on the way, sir. Four more to follow.
Good.
Sorry, boys. They want it cleared tonight.
Who wants her?
Why didn't you tell us before? You know the rules.
This is different. The Navy want her.
What, a sky like this?
Sorry. But we must have her out in tonight's tide.
We need her across the other side.
Scraping the bottom of the barrel, aren't you?
Afraid so. Anything that can float.
What's it all about?
Sorry. I can't tell you.
Take my word for it. It's important.
I'm sorry, skipper,
but my orders are to transfer you and your crew
to the drifter as soon as she comes alongside.
We've come down to make certain
that every available ship sails tonight.
But how can I sail tonight?
My chief engineer is ashore and half my crew.
I'm afraid you'll have to find them.
Sorry, captain, but you must sail for Dover tonight.
Captain wants to see you on the bridge, sir.
Right.
Operation Dynamo has commenced
and we will proceed with those orders.
I see, sir.
They've got the other's names.
Doesn't it have something to do
with large scale evacuation of troops?
Yes, I suppose they're going to try
and bring the Army away.
There's not a chance, you know.
Two twenty rifts, port fifteen.
Jerry was well past Cari City
and Dunkirk's been bombed to blazes.
What do they think we can do about it?
Pick them off the beaches, sir?
Take an Army off the beaches?
Don't be a fool, James.
Hey, we're all right, Tubby.
Where there's a farm there's some eggs.
Wait a minute.
Looks too quiet to be safe.
Let's take a gander.
That should fetch 'em out if there's anyone there.
Seems quiet enough.
Come on!
I don't like it much.
Why not?
Well, everybody's gone.
The whole blasted place is deserted.
They wouldn't have done that if Jerry wasn't coming.
All right. But we've gotta catch somewhere, Tubby.
All right.
Yeah. Yeah.
Barlow, live upstairs and keep a lookout will you?
Keep an eye keen. All right.
Mainly on the east.
Stay there till somebody takes over.
I'm going to try and scrounge some eggs.
I'll come with you.
I'll take a look around.
You two better check the back out.
We'll need a light in a minute.
Shove the whole screen on the door, will you?
There's a little siren going on over there.
Good. That tells us what direction they're in.
How come?
Usually that's where the fighting is.
That's where our lot will be I reckon.
BELLMAN: You found any yet, mate?
No, I haven't, but gives us a chance.
Oh, you haven't?
Hey! Where did you get those?
I wasn't born in the country for nothing, you know.
I'm glad this isn't my place.
Why?
Having a lot of strangers like us
walk in and scrounge around.
Doesn't seem right somehow.
No, it don't do it.
Funny. I've never thought of us as strangers.
Shut that blasted door!
All right! Keep your head on!
Clumsy klutz!
Well, how would we know you put that thing up?
You should have told us.
How was I to know you'd come tearing in here
like a pregnant camel with it's hump on fire?
No sense of gratitude. That's your trouble.
What'd you find?
Two loaves of stale bread and some butter.
I found a couple of bottles of vino if it ain't vinegar.
What's the difference? It'll taste the same.
Quiet and listen.
[WHINES]
Can you hear that?
What is it?
Somebody's gonna cop it.
How many do you think there?
Too many for my liking.
I wonder who's gonna be on the receiving end of that lot.
As long as it's not us, I don't mind.
Yeah. You did right there.
Should be some grub up soon, I hope.
Where do you think they're going to? London?
Your folks there, son?
My mother.
So is my missus.
Oi, oi! Posh innit?
Looks like a tart's dressing table.
Here we are. Sunny side up.
Ta.
More to come if you're lucky.
Thanks mate.
Dave, pop up and relieve young Barlow
when you're finished, will you?
Righto, corp.
How long ago since we went to Belgium?
Is it 10 or 12 days ago?
Bloke if I know.
Did you notice how all those flags disappeared
when we pulled out?
Aye. Flyers on the way in.
Raspberries on the way out.
It's a funny thing about those flowers, Mike.
I used to like the smell of lilac.
I hate it now.
Got a fag, Mike?
You'll be lucky.
Aw, don't be lousy. Give us a fag.
Typical NCO. Always on the raid.
All right, Dave. Up you go.
What's the time now? About half past eight?
Yeah.
Right. Well, if we do, uh, an hour and a half each,
that should get us away by
round about, uh, well, round about first light.
Bloody marvelous.
We'll be deadbeat before we start.
Match?
Get up! Quick! Jerry's here. Get up! Up! Out!
Hey! Hey! Jerry's here! Get up!
Come on boys! Hurry! Quick!
Jerry's here! Come on! Quick!
Keep going!
Where's Bellman?
He's coming.
Bellman!
Over here!
Dave! Quick!
DAVE: Righto, corp.
Dave! Quick. Get in here!
[GRUNTS]
Mike here! Quick!
[SPEAKING IN GERMAN]
Go on!
I'll keep their heads down. You get Dave.
Look out!
[ALL GROAN]
Go and give them a hand. I'll keep Jerry under cover.
[SPEAKING IN GERMAN]
Can you hold them there for a bit?
Yeah. I reckon I can.
He's got it right through the chest.
We'll never get him away like this.
We'll have to leave him.
We cannot do that. We've got to get him away.
Don't you blasted fool!
He'll be dead in no time
with us trying to lug him around.
We won't be able to hold them much longer.
There are too many of them.
We've got to leave him.
Tell Miles to give him another burst and get back here quick!
Get moving. Quick!
Don't you understand? We've gotta leave him.
It's the only chance for him.
They'll find him and they've got doctors.
They'll look after him.
Now come on! Get moving!
Get moving!
Don't stop! Keep on after them.
Dave! Dave! Can you hear me?
I'm sorry, Dave! We've gotta do it.
We've gotta.
[SPEAKING IN GERMAN]
They'll look after you, Dave. Good luck!
Tubby?
Mike?
Oh, Lisa.
Farewell, Wilma.
[SPEAKING IN GERMAN]
Tubby?
Private Harper!
Here. It's about time you had a go with this innit?
You all right, Mike? I'm okay.
You should never have left him, Tubby.
Forget it! It's over and done with.
Not for him. It isn't.
Come on! Run!
Through here! Quick!
[*]
What do they want with a water boat?
The buffer says the water mains are busted at Dunkirk.
Bet the Army's thirsty.
Huh, me too.
Blimey. They're not gonna send that.
* A roll on the Rodney The Nelson renowned *
* That one final dinghy Is bound to go down *
Okay. She's free. Let her go, Stern.
What are you doing with my husband's boat.
Bring it back at once!
I'm sorry, ma'am. She's commandeered.
[*]
HOLDEN: Oh, Mr. Foreman!
Oh, hello Holden. Did Tough ring you too?
No. He didn't.
He just sent one of his men
to pinch my boat from its moorings.
So he pinched it, did he?
Yeah. He did. Blast him. What's the idea?
I supposed it's got something to do with a BBC broadcast
about registering boats of 30 foot or more.
Mine's not 30 foot.
Not since our own Sappington turn into lock it isn't.
I took six inches off the stem.
So you didn't register it?
I don't know. Fools at the top. Fools at the bottom.
There are times when I don't think
we ought to win this war.
What's it all about, Mr. Tough? We have a right to know.
Why don't you give it to us straight?
By whose authority is this high-handed action being taken?
I can't tell you any more than I have already.
That's precisely nothing.
There must be some reason.
They're our boats you've taken.
Perhaps the commander can tell you.
I can't.
I'm sorry, I'm not allowed to tell you the reason,
but I can assure you it's official.
That's as may be, sir,
but we know nothing about this at the station.
You will, constable, you will.
Mr. Foreman? Yes?
"Vanity"? Yes?
I see you registered your boat.
Are you prepared to help us a bit further, Mr. Foreman?
Certainly.
Would you take it down to Sheerness,
starting at dawn tomorrow?
Sheerness?
Well, yes, of course.
Thank you, Mr. Foreman.
Now, here's your pass for the lower river.
Get your petrol from Mr. Tough. Thank you.
Next, please.
Holden, Heron. She's not registered.
Why not?
Well, it doesn't seem to make any difference.
You've got her just the same.
That's right, Mr. Holden, we're requisitioning her.
But you have no right.
Are you prepared to take her to Sheerness?
My wife just had a new baby.
Sheerness is not at the North Pole, Mr. Holden.
I'm sorry. Sorry. I haven't the time.
I've got responsibilities.
So have many men, Mr. Holden.
I understand you're a motor engineer.
We need them to keep the engines going.
Are you sure you can't take her?
I can't spare the time.
Uh, Excuse me. Mr. Holden!
There wouldn't be any objection to young Frankie
taking the Heron to Sheerness?
Who? Young Fra--?
No, there wouldn't be any objection.
He's pretty good with engines.
Yes, I'll let him know.
[CRYING]
John? John, is that you?
Hello, darling.
Oh, John, you should've been here earlier.
Why weren't you here?
The ARP people have been here.
Well, what of it?
They brought this.
Well, what is it?
It's a gas mask for baby.
A gas mask for baby?
I tried to put him in it,
but he screamed, he was so frightened.
He went red in the face.
Now, look, darling.
You cant just shut your eyes to it.
You must know how to use it.
Come on, let's try it again, shall we?
You go and fetch the baby. Come on.
Now where are the book of words--.
Uh, "Lay the helmet down, open the screw to the back
and turn on top... The window."
Yes, I see. Like that.
"Place the baby in the helmet so that its seat rests
in the curve of the tail press."
That's it. Well, now, show him in.
And put his bottom there.
Then, uh--
[MURMURS INDISTINCTLY]
Oh, I see. Yes. Right.
Now let me try.
Now, then. Pull that back like that.
Tie the tapes over.
Tight, like that.
Okay, just start pumping.
[BABY CRYING]
Don't. Don't!
I'll never be able to do it. I couldn't.
You'll have to be here.
I can't always be here, Grace.
John, promise me you'll never go away.
Never leave baby and me.
I don't think I can, Grace.
I don't feel right about things sometimes.
What do you mean?
Well, about this war.
I don't really feel I'm doing enough.
Sometimes I feel terrible.
Like the other night in the pub with that navy--.
Navy bloke.
I hate this war. I hate it!
Yes, well, uh, there are plenty of others
with reason to hate it more than we do.
I don't think I can make you that promise, Grace.
[BABY CRYING]
Is that Tough's Yard?
Hello, darling. Hello, dear.
Had a good day? Mm-hm.
I heard they're taking over the boats.
Yes.
I suppose that's why they asked us to register them.
When do they collect her?
They don't.
I've got to take her down
to Sheerness tomorrow morning.
Well, that's asking rather a lot, isn't it?
Oh, I don't know.
Some of the other chaps are going.
Be rather like a club outing.
Good excuse for farewell celebrations.
What do you mean?
Farewell to the boats.
After all, they're being conscripted,
they're going off to war.
Yes, of course.
You'll be back by Wednesday?
Be back tomorrow night.
If you weren't going to be back,
I'd ask you to ring Michael.
You promised to go to the school for Founders Day.
All I've got to do is to take the boat to Sheerness
and catch a train back.
Yes. It's just that he'd be disappointed
if he didn't hear from you and--
I'll be back tomorrow night.
Yes.
It doesn't take long to Sheerness and back.
What time do you want the alarm set for?
[*]
Did you have a good trip, Frankie?
Smashing, Mr. Foreman.
[FOGHORN BLOWS]
How did it go?
Pretty well.
Chief, call in the boat owners.
You men there!
Will all boat owners report to the office, please.
Where's the office?
Across the bridge, that building there.
Thanks.
Have you reported yet?
Yes, we have.
And got railway warrants for the return.
They still won't tell us why they want our boats.
I think I can guess.
So can I. But you won't get it confirmed by them.
Hey, look, Mr. Foreman, look.
Come on, pal.
Go over there, straight over the bridge,
right over to the other side.
We got everything you want there.
Good, boys. Come along now.
OFFICER: Come along, sir. Go now.
Straight over the bridge. Right over the other side.
Everything's there.
So that's it.
They'll need all the boats they can get
over there to do any good.
And every man they can get to take 'em over.
Well, they're our boats.
OFFICER: Straight over the bridge,
right over to the other side.
[*]
All right, thank you.
Now, will you collect your railway warrant
at that table over there. Yes?
Come on. Come on.
Name, please? Charles Foreman.
Foreman, Charles.
Name of boat? Vanity.
Vanity. Right.
Will you fill out that form, sign at the bottom,
and then collect a railway warrant
at the table over there.
Right. Next, please.
Name? Holden.
Holden. Name of boat?
The Heron.
Will you fill out one of these, sign at the bottom,
and then you collect a railway warrant from the table there.
I'd like to go over with her, sir.
Well, you can't.
But you can't possibly have naval crews
for all the boats coming in.
Well, I know my own boat, sir. Nobody better,
Don't be a fool. It's no place for civilians over there.
Nevertheless, I'd like to go.
I expect some of you feel the same.
ALL: Yes.
We know our own boats, sir.
We can handle them better than anyone else.
Now, why can't we go with them?
Because this is a naval operation.
Have you the slightest idea what it's like over there?
We've lost two--
We've lost two ships already today.
I still want to take my own boat over, sir.
I have no authority on that.
Who would have?
All right. I'll ask the commodore.
But I don't think he'll agree.
We asked him and he brushed us off.
Wouldn't listen. Of course they can't manage.
MAN 1: Navy never couldn't handle small boats.
MAN 2: Where would they get crews?
MAN 3: Right. We know our own boats best.
MAN 4: How far is it across?
MAN 5: Where are they working from now?
MAN 6: Out from Ramsgate, I hear.
MAN 7: They'll travel in convoy, I suppose.
MAN 8: I hope so. No fun getting lost out in that lot.
MAN 9: I doubt if they'll let us go.
You win, but the commodore has asked me to emphasize
that it's--
Well, it's dangerous over there.
And you'll have to sign T124 articles.
What does that mean?
Well, it's Merchant Navy
serving under Royal Naval command.
Are you prepared to do that?
I'll sign.
Well, I can't sign.
MAN 10: I'm running the place on my own.
MAN 11: Well, I can't go, either.
Well, its crazy, most of them have never been to sea
What about the mines?
How will they know where the mines are?
They're mad.
I suppose you're right, Mr. Holden,
but I'm gonna try. You can't go, you're only s--.
And what can I do for you?
I want to sign, sir.
How old are you?
Uh, 19, sir.
Old for your age, aren't you, son?
Have you got a boat?
I brought him down in my boat, sir.
He can go across with me.
All right.
Oh, what Grace will say. I
COMMANDER: Mr. Foreman?
You'd better draw steel helmets
and duffel coats and charts right away.
The first convoy of boats will leave at dawn for Ramsgate.
Can't we go now, sir?
At dawn. You're under orders now.
And thank you all.
Do you mind collecting our gear, Frankie?
Right, Mr. Foreman.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY]
How long's it been dark?
Not long. Why?
We've got to get started.
What's the hurry?
Barlow? Barlow. Wake up, we're moving.
Come on, Miles, up on your feet.
Hey, what for? On your feet!
Ah, go chase yourself.
What's the matter with you lot?
If we don't move while it's dark,
we may not be able to move at all.
Well, that suits me.
Me too. I'm fed up with the army, anyway.
Dopey blasted fools, you can't buck the army.
What, you want to end up in Jerry's hands?
Well, do you?
Have you had a good look around here? Look.
Jerry trucks. Lights on 'em and all.
Well, that just proves what I said, doesn't it?
We gotta move while it's still dark.
Ah, with that lot out there we don't stand a blinking chance.
Look, why don't you go back to sleep?
What about you, then, Barlow?
You chucking your hand in too?
Well, are you?
I'll go with the others.
I don't care one way or the other.
Whatever they do, I'll do.
Oh, what's the use?
Mike. Mike. How do you feel?
Me? I'm fine.
We gotta push on.
All right. Say the word, corp.
Where's Davy?
You feel all right?
Aye. Why?
We had to leave Dave yesterday.
Aye, so we did.
I must've lost a day somewhere.
Well, come on, then.
They've gone yellow. They're turning it in.
What do you mean?
Packing it up. Well, let 'em.
Why should we worry? We'll be okay.
Easier with the two of us anyway.
They're your lot, Tubby.
You mean they were my lot.
Aye, they still are, so long as you got these.
Always told you I never wanted 'em.
You're still stuck with 'em.
They just hate my guts.
Oh, of course they do. You got the stripes.
Now listen, you lot.
I'm gonna give you one more chance to come to your senses.
I've never kicked a man lying down before,
but this may be the moment to start.
Now get on your feet, we're moving!
That's an order!
Fine, as long as you know your own mind,
we'll have a bash.
Come on, quick. Make for those fires.
Come on. Keep it quiet.
What's the trouble?
I don't know. I feel lousy.
Let's take your rifle.
No, it's all right. I'll manage.
Hold it!
What is it?
[SPEAKING IN GERMAN]
Ruddy nerve, using lights.
Which way now, corporal?
We'll swing to the right,
go around 'em. Come on.
Wait! Get back!
Well?
We'll go right through 'em. Come on.
Wait!
We'll go under cover of Jerry aircraft.
Come on.
[PEOPLE LAUGHING]
[*]
[SPEAKING IN GERMAN]
[GUARD SHOUTING IN GERMAN]
[GERMAN GUARD GRUNTING]
[WHISPERS] Run for it, quick.
[SPEAKING IN GERMAN]
[*]
[ALL PANTING]
Where now, Corp?
[WHISPERING] Come on, quick.
Bear to the left and keep going. Keep going.
Where's Mike?
Mike? Mike! Mike!
Mike!
BINNS: Get him into the ditch, quick!
Come on, shift him, quick!
PROOME: Brown jobs.
We thought you were Jerries.
Could you give us a lift?
Pile in. Make it snappy.
Things aren't too healthy around here.
Got room in the cab for him? He's hurt.
Okay.
Better get a bit of sleep in.
Got too near a grenade, then we had to run for it.
Concussion, I reckon.
He'll be all right, now.
Where've you come from?
Well, originally, we started from outside Arras.
We've been dodging Jerry all day.
How'd you get through the last lot?
Oh, I don't know. We drove. Just drove.
They must have been busy.
[*]
Joe, take the wheel.
Very good, sir.
[WHISPERING] Hey, look at this.
Well, what do you know?
Phew, what a to-do.
MAN: Get off the road!
This is as far as you go.
Leave her where she is, but wreck her.
Wreck it? But this is an RAF...
Now, don't you start.
This truck's got to me made unserviceable.
Just empty the sump and run your engine
until it seizes up, that's all.
Aye, you don't need to tell us, Sarge.
He can wreck cars, all right. He used to work in a garage.
Well, what do we do then, Sarge?
Hoof it into Bergues.
You'll get further orders there.
All right, boys, let's wreck the blasted thing.
It breaks my heart,
but it's jolly good for my inhibitions.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING]
Sir? What is it?
Where are we, sir?
This is the Dunkirk perimeter line.
Well, can you tell me where the 5th Divare, sir?
Up in the line near Ypres, I think.
Well, how do I get there?
You don't. Get your men to the beaches.
But we gotta get back there, sir.
How long have you been adrift?
Oh, about six days.
Well, you've made it.
Good work, Corporal. Take 'em on.
Sir.
[SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY]
Just like home.
I said that once, a long way back.
Didn't do us much good.
It ain't gonna do no good here, either.
And it won't be much like home on them beaches.
Why? Why?
Where've you been these last few days?
Jerry don't like it here much, but the Luftwaffe do.
Interesting.
I've seen thousands go past here.
But I've never heard of any getting through, though.
Oh, stuff it. What have you got to gripe about, anyway?
We're the bloody rear-guard.
That's what I've got to gripe about.
It's all right for you if you get there...
And if you find a blasted boat when you do get there.
[*]
[MAN SHOUTS IN FRENCH]
Ammo!
Haven't got any left.
Didn't open up on us.
Better targets on the beach, that's why.
[SHOUTS IN FRENCH]
MAN: Come on, lads! Come on! Come on!
The whole town is burning, Joe.
Can people be living in that?
MAN [ON PA]: Keep moving. Keep moving.
Plenty of room up front. Keep moving.
Plenty of room up front.
I think we better thin them out, Colonel.
The ships alongside will barely take this lot.
There'll be a jam here in a few minutes if we don't.
[FIGHTER PLANES WHINING]
CAPTAIN: Where's she hit?
LIEUTENANT: She's been hit amidships.
[MEN SCREAMING]
SOLDIER 1: They didn't stand a chance. Bastards.
SOLDIER 2: We gotta go in one of them things?
[SOLDIERS CHATTERING]
Here, what's on, then, chum?
They're gonna take us off in ships, so I heard.
Take this lot off in ships?
The whole bloody army's here.
It ain't, you know, love. Some of them went days ago.
Days ago? How'd they get them away, then?
The navy, of course. Good old navy.
MAN: They ain't that good.
I've had two tries, ain't got away yet.
How far does this beach go?
Twenty miles.
Don't I know, I walked it.
Runs right through here to Belgium.
Belgium started it, did you know?
Where's the HQ, then?
What HQ?
Why, God's, of course. In the pan, ain't it?
No, he's gone. He hasn't, you know, he's still here.
Did you hear that, Tubby? Old God's still here.
Ah, don't talk soft.
He is, I see him today.
Nah. Eh, aye. It's just jolly you've seen him.
Looks like a pier over there, sir.
But it can't be. It's open beaches all the way along here.
It's men, sir. Men.
MAN: If you can bring her up to it here,
we'll steady her.
MAN2: How many can you take?
MAN 1: About 20, I should think. Perhaps more.
MAN 2: First 20 men, forward!
Come on, lads, keep in line, there! Get back in line!
MAN 2: Into the cabin, as many of you can get in.
Wait up for the rest of you.
Come on, move along, there!
[UNINTELLIGIBLE DIALOGUE]
What's the matter with you?
MAN 1: Shake it up in the front, there.
MAN 2: All right, what a Jerry hole, isn't it?
MAN 4: What do you think I'm doing here?
Come on, move on. Move on, now!
MAN 5: All right, all right, that's the lot.
Right. Stay clear.
MAN 6: Fall ahead.
Civvy, wasn't he? No, navy, he must've been.
OFFICER: I'll be back.
SOLDIER: Thank you, sir.
All right, boys, we'll hang on.
Blasted cold, sir.
SERGEANT: All right, you men. On your feet.
Get moving along the dunes to the mole.
Take all your orders from the navy.
BINNS: Come on, lads.
SERGEANT: On your feet. Get mobile.
Now, keep together, all of you.
Understand? Keep together.
NAVAL OFFICER [ON PA]: Get those boats cleared as quick as you can, sir.
Hang on for me, Mr. Foreman!
NAVAL OFFICER [ON PA]: Coxswain, move those troops up forward.
Keep 'em moving.
Get the wounded to the sick-bay as quick as you can.
How many did you bring off, Mr. Foreman?
Thirty.
Fifteen for us.
Right. Speed it up, lads.
Thank you, we're pulling out now.
CHARLES: But you're not full yet!
I know. We've been ordered back.
We just hung on to pick up this lot.
But why? What do we do now? There's nothing else about.
Well, there still seem to be some old destroyers
working down by the mole.
I'd try there, if I were you.
There's only one ship alongside, here.
We'll never get aboard her.
Be ruddy lucky if you did.
It's my fourth try.
Go on, chums. Close up there. Close up.
Go on, keep moving, lads.
YEOMAN: It's one of the "I's," I think, sir.
I can't get her pennant number.
I think she only came in half an hour ago.
SUB-LIEUTENANT: What's that, chief?
Tell Commander Clouston, sir
Another of the "I's" has just pulled out.
Could be Impulsive or Intrepid.
CLOUSTON: Intrepid was damaged yesterday.
Oh, that's right, sir. Must be the Impulsive.
That's four of the big ones gone in the past hour, sir.
CLOUSTON: None of 'em can't be full, neither.
I can't make it out, sir.
CLOUSTON: I've given up trying to make sense of anything.
We take what comes.
But I'll say they're pulling the big destroyers out of it.
[SOLDIERS SCREAMING]
SOLDIER: I can't see! I can't see!
[SCREAMING]
[EXPLODING]
SOLDIER: Stand back, there. Come on, let us through.
Now. Right, catch!
Hup! Stand back.
Heave. Heave.
Keep moving, keep moving.
[SOLDIERS CHATTERING]
LIEUTENANT: Come on, let's have you.
Close up down the end, there.
Get a move on. Come on, Corporal, get on board.
Wait a minute. I've got to see my lads on first.
How's it going, chief?
Well, we can still take a few more, sir.
We were lucky. We just made it.
And it's flat calm, at that.
I shall be sick, just the same.
Well, you can't.
I can be sick on Finsbury Park Lake. I have.
All right, that's it! That's enough!
[SOLDIERS CHATTERING]
Tell the engine room to stand by.
Engine room, stand by.
CAPTAIN: Let go aft, chief. Let go aft!
MAN: All gone aft, sir.
CAPTAIN: Let go for'ard. Let go for'ard.
ALL: All gone for'ard!
[ALL CHATTERING]
[FIGHTER PLANE WHINING]
[SOLDIERS SCREAMING]
Christ almighty!
There'll be hundreds of them in the water.
[SOLDIERS GROANING]
[SOLDIERS CHATTERING]
You all right, Tubby.
I can't take any more!
Hang on to these!
[GROANING]
[*]
SOLDIER: Harper! Harper!
Back where we started now.
Bad luck, Corp.
Barlow!
Niles! Niles!
You still with us, Corporal?
Seen the others? Where's Barlow?
I don't know. He's bought it, I reckon.
Barlow!
Corporal Binns!
Tubby!
Tubby! Over here!
Harper's calling you, Corp. Over there.
Perhaps the others have turned up.
Everybody here?
Good.
Reckon were just lucky, that's all.
We had to get back to you, Corp.
We knew you couldn't get by without your glamour boys.
Glamour!
Do you think we'll get another ship, Corp?
What, after that lot? Don't make me laugh!
I heard they lost three ships in the last two hours.
Well, I think we've had it now, Sergeant.
Let's get ashore and try and dry out.
Okay, sir.
[*]
Come on, on your feet!
Hold on!
Who's gonna do it if you don't?
I'm all right.
B Company, about turn!
[SHOUTS INDISTINCTLY]
Come on, lads. Off on the beach.
We're gonna get off, sir?
They'll come in again tonight.
The navy won't let us down.
FIRST SEA LORD [OVER PHONE]: First Sea Lord speaking.
DOVER: This is Vice-Admiral Dover, sir.
Ah, Ramsay.
What's this protest of yours about the big destroyers?
I've got to have them back, sir.
We can't do that, Ramsay.
We've considered the whole position.
We've lost too many destroyers already.
We've got to have them, sir.
There are nearly 200 thousand men ashore still.
You've only left me ships enough to lift 40,000 a day.
The perimeter's breaking already, sir.
Ramsay, you know that we've got to guarantee the convoys
that there's a possibility of invasion.
If we get the army back to England, sir,
we shall have a chance of standing up to the invasion.
If I have the big destroyers we'll get the army back.
If you lose the destroyers...
We've got to take that chance, sir.
We've got to balance chances, Ramsay.
There are 30,000 men on the open beaches at this moment.
There are 50,000 in the dunes behind them.
There are 100,000 men in the country
between the dunes and the canal.
We've got to get them out, sir.
The French are doing everything they can.
They've lost heavily in ships, too.
Abrial's doing his damnedest in every way.
Wait.
Very well, Ramsay. You'll have them.
Thank you, sir.
Thank God for that, sir.
That means we've still got a chance.
Order Ivanhoe, Impulsive, and Icarus to Dunkirk.
Harvester and Havant to La Penne, with all dispatch.
Very good, sir.
Gee, there's more of us.
It's getting closer every time.
If we don't get off by tonight, we'll be in the bag.
I don't fancy we're gonna
bank on that blasted mole again.
I reckon we've had the big ships.
We'll try the little boats next.
Take a chance from where we are.
SOLDIER: Take cover!
It's the Vanity.
They've got her, Mr. Holden. They've got her.
SOLDIER: Stretcher bearer. Stretcher bearer.
Over here! Here!
Where's Joe?
We never saw him.
I don't think he stood a chance.
Small boat out there, Captain!
Just like that!
One minute there, next minute gone!
Doesn't Jerry ever let up?
What's there to stop him?
A squadron of two of your blokes might.
Where are they?
Sleeping it off!
We've knocked out plenty.
Yeah, and plenty left.
Sky's full of the swine.
Where is the Air Force?
Ah, they've got no guts.
They've got as much guts as you or anyone here.
Where are they then?
Cut it out! Cut it out, I tell you!
If they got so much guts they'd be here, wouldn't they?
Well, wouldn't they?
I haven't see an aircraft I can recognize for three days.
You mustn't blame the boys.
They've got a lot to gripe about.
Why don't you change into battle dress or something?
It's blasted wicked, Sam, and you know it.
We only had four fighter squadrons in the forward area.
What do they expect to get over here?
There are only about three airfields in England
that can send fighters this distance.
I said, I know. But they don't.
And there a lot like them.
If I were you I'd get that battle dress.
No, thanks.
Well, suit yourself.
SOLDIER: Incoming!
Here we go again.
BINNS: Field dressing, quick!
There's a casualty clearing station over there,
behind the dunes.
[SOLDIER SCREAMING]
BARLOW: Welsh guards, close on me!
Come on over here, all the Welsh guards!
BARLOW: Service corps, close on me!
Over here, the Service Corps.
Padre.
Orderly.
[PATIENT COUGHING]
Huh, they're closing in pretty steadily now.
We'd better make up our minds what we do when they reach us.
Will there be another ship in, sir?
Well, not in daylight, anyway. That's definite.
They might try again tonight.
We're not moving anything up to the mole
until we get definite orders.
That's a heavy machine gun.
Must be pretty close if we can hear that.
It's the first time.
Right, chum.
That's the best I can do for you.
Next one!
Orderly.
Supposing we don't get any orders, sir?
Supposing they come in sooner than we think?
There orders are that one medical officer
and 10 men stay behind for every 100 patients.
That means three medical officers.
30 of the ranks.
I'll stay if you want me to, sir.
No, we'll draw lots.
SERGEANT: Write out the names on slips of paper.
How many medical officers do we have here?
Sixteen, sir. Seventeen.
Put my name in with them.
The first three out of the hat stay.
Put two on the field.
Five to one I'm a loser.
[SOLDIER GROANING]
You better draw, Sergeant.
You're more or less a disinterested party.
Lieutenant Ripley, sir.
It was a slip at five to one. You couldn't lose.
Captain Dean, sir.
He was killed this morning.
Lieutenant Kennedy, sir. He's outside.
Let him know, please, will you?
Lieutenant Levy, sir.
[GUNFIRE OUTSIDE]
How is he? Is he gonna be all right?
I don't know. They're gonna keep him.
That's rotten luck, isn't it?
Yeah. Yeah.
Hey, Corp! Seen this?
[GUNFIRE AND EXPLOSIONS]
Well, you know what you can do with that, don't you?
I don't know whether anybody's interested.
But there's a small boat on the beach.
That's ours.
Where? Down there.
But it looks as if somebody thought of it first.
Come on.
[ALL CLAMORING]
Get off it, lads.
Keep off, please.
SOLDIER: What's wrong, sir?
Those blasted fools rushed us.
We're half full of water anyway
and not in working order. We've drifted ashore.
Anything we can do?
I doubt it. Jammed up solid coming across.
Mike! He used to work in a garage.
I own a garage
but I expect we could do with some expert help, though.
Want any more, sir?
No, no, two would be enough.
Well, can I go ashore, Mr. Holden?
We'll both go ashore.
I'm not much good with engines, anyway.
What's the trouble, Mac?
Ah, it's the gears, I think. They're jammed up solid.
I never thought I'd see a sight like this.
Us neither, sir.
What a mess!
What a shambles we've made of this rotten affair.
When was it we went into Belgium?
May 10, wasn't it?
Yes, that's right.
Less than three weeks and now this.
One can hardly credit it.
Takes a bit of believing, doesn't it?
[*]
What do they think about all this at home?
I don't know.
They weren't thinking much about it when we came away.
They didn't know much.
Things look very different from the other side, you know.
I suppose they think we've made a muck of it?
Somebody's made a muck of it.
But I don't think it's the army.
What do you mean?
Listen!
I can't hear anything.
The guns have stopped.
Do you suppose they've chucked their 'and in?
Don't be a clot!
They've certainly stopped.
Maybe it's like that leaflet said.
We can't have packed it in!
Listen!
There it is.
It's their bombers again.
That's why they've stopped shelling.
They're sending in a low level attack.
What do you do? Run?
Where to, son?
You mean, we stay put?
What else? Get your head down.
Come on, son.
SOLDIER 1: Can you see them?
SOLDIER 2: No.
SOLDIER 1: Do you think they're coming for us?
SOLDIER 2: Who else, you blasted mug?
[PRAYING IN FRENCH]
BINNS: Keep counting, son. Keep counting.
SOLDIER 3: Five, 10, 15, 20, 25...
SOLDIER 4: I wish I was blind, stinking drunk.
BINNS: Oh, Mother of Mercy, keep me through this night.
Oh, Mother of Mercy, keep me through this night.
SOLDIER 5: I don't wanna die!
SOLDIER 6: You might have to.
SOLDIER 5: I don't wanna die!
SOLDIER 6: You might bloody well have to, chum!
Oh, God!
MAN: Stretcher bearers.
Stretcher bearers! Over here!
Is it always like this?
Like as not it won't happen again tonight, son.
I should kip down and get a bit of sleep.
[ALL MURMURING]
What happened? What caused all this?
Stupidity.
Everybody saying that war was so damnable
it couldn't happen again.
Shoving our heads in the sand like a lot of ostriches.
Well, the Germans didn't think that way.
To them, war meant guns or butter.
They chose guns.
We chose butter.
No, you can't blame the Army.
They had what we gave them,
last war weapons, last war methods.
This is the result.
What happens now, after this?
If we're lucky, we'll get another chance.
Heaven knows we don't deserve it.
Got the best men in the right jobs.
You think we made a start, with old Churchill, I mean?
Yes. Yes, I think we've made a start.
We found the trouble.
What was it?
A rope around the prop.
It must've stopped her with a jerk
and then jumped the gears.
We can't do anything about it in the dark,
but Mr. Holden says there'll be plenty of time in the morning.
The tide won't be in for hours.
That's right, it won't.
Will I try it?
Might as well.
We're lucky. Give it a swing.
[ENGINE REVS]
We've done it.
You'll need to go easy, though.
There's a three-inch crack in the casing.
Will she run?
We'll try her when the tide's in.
[ALL CHATTERING]
[HARMONICA PLAYS TUNE]
[MEN CHEERING]
Church parade?
Yeah, Sunday morning.
Sunday?
Yes, of course, I should've known.
I'm glad I came, Frankie, very glad.
[MEN CHATTERING]
Our Father...
ALL: Our Father...
PRIEST: Who art in heaven...
ALL: Who art in heaven...
PRIEST: Hallowed be thy name.
ALL: Hallowed be thy name.
PRIEST: Thy kingdom come...
ALL: Thy kingdom come...
PRIEST: They will be done...
ALL: They will be done...
PRIEST: On earth as it is in heaven.
ALL: On earth as it is in heaven.
PRIEST: Give us this day our daily bread...
ALL: Give us this day our daily bread...
PRIEST: Forgive us our trespasses...
ALL: Forgive us our trespasses...
PRIEST: As we forgive them that trespass against us.
ALL: As we forgive them that trespass against us.
PRIEST: Lead us not into temptation...
ALL: Lead us not into temptation...
PRIEST: But deliver us from evil.
ALL: But deliver us from evil.
PRIEST: For thine is the kingdom...
ALL: For thine is the kingdom...
PRIEST: The power and the glory..
[FIGHTER PLANE WHINING]
He's a civvy.
Must be a Frenchman.
No, he's not. He's Mr. Foreman.
Are you hurt bad, Mr. Foreman?
Oh, my back!
[GROANS]
Get to the boat, Frankie.
Tell Mr. Holden....
Stretcher bearers! Stretcher bearers!
MAN: Stretcher bearers!
Get to the boat, Frankie.
Tell Holden...
Tell my wife...
We'll get you away with us.
I don't think so.
[WHIMPERING]
Is he a civvy?
What's the difference?
Well, it won't be long now.
Where's the corporal?
You'd better tell him to get his men together.
[WATER SPLASHING]
What's the matter, Frankie?
[WHIMPERING]
Frankie, what's the matter?
Where's Mr. Foreman?
He's dead, Mr. Holden.
He's dead.
He's dead all right.
That last Stuka got him.
We were at church parade.
He said you were to tell his wife, Mr. Holden.
Poor Diana.
Oh, God.
We had to leave him, Mr. Holden.
We had to.
You'd better get your men together, corporal.
How many of them are there?
Seven altogether.
No. No, only six now.
I'll take 12. We can't carry more than that on a long trip.
Get the anchor in, Frankie.
I want six of you, six and no more.
Six. Sorry, that's the lot.
[MEN SHOUTING]
All right, lads. Shove the bows round.
Jump aboard, lads. Jump aboard, Frankie.
[ENGINE STOPS]
It had to happen.
Must be the gears again. Let's have a go anyway.
What do we do now?
Here, what's that town over there?
Calais, must be.
Well, we're drifting into it fast.
It's the tide. The tide's taking us in.
Well, so long as it's dry land.
Don't be a mug! Jerry's got Calais.
He's had it for a week now.
How's it going, Mr. Holden?
It's not.
It's okay, lads. Here comes the ruddy Navy.
[*]
OFFICER: Small boat bearing green 2-0, sir.
Very good.
Small boat, bearing green 2-0, sir.
[*]
[PEOPLE CHEERING]
England, I don't believe it.
You wouldn't, would you, you moaning bleeder.
We're home, Tubby.
Yeah.
I never thought we'd make it.
We wouldn't have made the beaches
if it hadn't been for you.
All right, soldiers, come on, keep moving.
Get up on the pier.
They'll give you tea and something to eat
in the fish sheds.
Keep moving, soldiers.
All right, soldiers, keep moving.
Soldiers.
[*]
NARRATOR: This was Dunkirk.
Over a third of a million men
were lifted from the mole and the beaches.
But for others, there was no escape.
Some thousands, mainly the sick and the wounded,
were held in the captivity
that was to last five long years.
Many remained, never to return.
Those that were saved straggling ashore,
dazed and resentful
found, almost to their astonishment,
a new reality waiting for them.
[CROWD CHEERING]
Dunkirk was a great defeat and a great miracle.
It proved, if it proved anything,
that we were alone, but undivided.
No longer were there fighting men and civilians.
There were only people.
And nation had been made whole.
[FOOTSTEPS MARCHING]
SERGEANT MAJOR: Parade, halt!
Parade will retire.
Left, turn!
Order!
Come on, come on, smarter than that! Wake up!
Slope, arms!
Order, arms!
Stand at ease!
All right. Look, from the way you're going on,
anyone might think we just won a war.
But you may as well know it
we came darn near losing one!
You got a long way to go yet.
And the quicker you get going, the better!
Parade, shun!
Parade will advance!
About turn!
Slope, arms!
Parade will move to the right in threes!
Right turn!
By the left, quick march!
Left, right, left, right, left!
[*]