All Battles

Battle of Arras

1940 • Nord Gegenangriff
The German advance to the English Channel between 16 May and 21 May of 1940.

The German advance to the English Channel between 16 May and 21 May of 1940.

Author: The History Department of the United States Military AcademyLicense:PD
Source

Historical Overview

The Battle of Arras took place on 21 May 1940, during the Battle of France in the Second World War. Following the German invasion of the Low Countries on 10 May, French and British forces advanced into Belgium. The German campaign plan Fall Gelb had evolved into a decoy operation in the Netherlands and Belgium, with the main effort through the Ardennes. German units crossed the Meuse without waiting for reinforcements at the Battle of Sedan. Instead of consolidating bridgeheads on the west bank of the Meuse, the Germans began an advance down the Somme river valley towards the English Channel.

Quick Facts

Outcome:German victory.

German Army

  • Commander: Erwin Rommel
  • Strength: ca. 15.000
  • Casualties: ca. 300

UK (BEF)

  • Commander: Harold Franklyn
  • Strength: ca. 2.000
  • Casualties: ca. 100

Strategic Context

Allied attempt to cut the German corridor to the coast.

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