12/06/2026
The 12th of June marks the anniversary of the surrender of the 51st Highland Division at St Valery-En-Caux. Amongst the 10,000 men captured were 1st and 5th Battalion The Gordon Highlanders, determined to hold the line until the eventual order for surrender was issued.
To mark the occasion we have delved into our archives and photographed the diary of Major George Bruce, who provides a detailed description of the day:
"Soon after enemy tanks approached HQ from cliffs. At same time Cease Fire was sounded on bugle in St Valery and numerous parties of French troops appeared in corn fields between our positions and tanks with white bandages tied to their rifles. At 10 30 hrs C.O. told individuals or small parties who wished to attempt to escape to do so. He then gave the order to ‘Cease Fire.”
You can learn more about St Valery, the Gordons as POWs, and their service in The Second World War in the Grant Room of The Museum.
