1st Belgian Infantry Brigade (Piron) battle at Branville
Simultaneously, the Armoured Car Squadron advances further in the South. At 0600hrs, Goustainville, while the Squadron's Commander (Major de SELLIERS de MORANVILLE) gives his orders to the leaders of a Troop, the Recce Regiment's CO (Lt Col STEWART visits him and, addressing the group of Belgian officers says to them: "Gentlemen, in front of you Dozulé is on fire, Troarn still burns behind you, over there, on the left, another city burns, I do not know which. I ignore where is the enemy, you will find it well. Good luck". At around Noon, the Squadron finds the enemy's main line of resistance around Branville, Annebaut, La Chapelle and Hainfray. Some armoured cars are ordered to maintain observation posts (OPs) opposite the enemy positions. At about 1800hrs, The General asks the squadron's commander to verify Branville's occupation. However, the ground approaching Branville is dangerous for armoured cars. Nevertheless, Lt DEWANDRE moves with caution at the head of his troop and reaches the middle of the village where he surprises a large enemy detachment. Suddenly, Germans appear in all the houses' windows. All the armoured cars open fire, while in the north of the village the leading armoured car discovers an anti-tank gun emplacement. Lt DEWANDRE gives the order to pull out before the enemy recovers from his surprise. Weapons fire in all directions. The road is covered with wounded and dead Germans. At 1915hrs, Lt DEWANDRE returns with the information. He is later awarded the British 'Military Cross' by Field Marshall MONTGOMERY in recognition of his actions.
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