Their Greatest Hour

"While Phil Watson’s Their Greatest Hour recounts only 21 days of fierce operations in the Lancers’ 334-year life, their rear-guard activity during the retreat to Dunkirk was their zenith. Being on the back foot, as the British Expeditionary Force was then, often brings out one’s true colors and it is a testament to the Regiment that this story is one of discipline, loyalty, and fearlessness in the face of the enemy." - Her Majesty the Queen

There can be few military stories which have been written about in such great detail. The story of Dunkirk has found its way into the British consciousness to such a degree it has come to epitomize the very essence of Britishness at times of national hardship.

The phrase ‘Dunkirk Spirit’ has been used to define the British character. Cartoons of the day re-defined the abbreviation of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) to mean Bravery, Endurance, and Fortitude! This has been the prevailing national narrative of May 1940. A story of small boats that came to the rescue of a stranded Army on the beaches of Dunkirk: brave soldiers who would have died, or been captured had it not been for the flotilla that came to their rescue. This is supported by strong images of stoic British soldiers waiting patiently on the beaches for deliverance.

Historians have subsequently identified other factors which contributed to the success of Operation DYNAMO. These include the mild weather and calm sea, as well as the use of the East Mole for the large ships. The smoke which hung in the air as a result of the German shelling and bombardments helped mask the BEF’s activities, and Hitler’s earlier somewhat unexpected Halt Befehl gave the BEF time to consolidate its bridgehead at Dunkirk. However, if Gort’s statement as quoted by Shand is true, that ‘without the Twelfth Lancers only a small part of the Army would have reached Dunkirk,’ then it would appear there is another element of the story which is still to be told. It was to account for the five Battle Honors the Regiment would win in just 21 days.

"As Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Lancers and the daughter of a 12th Royal Lancer, I am enormously proud of the Regiment’s long and illustrious history. While Phil Watson’s Their Greatest Hour recounts only 21 days of fierce operations in the Lancers’ 334-year life, their rear-guard activity during the retreat to Dunkirk was their zenith. Being on the back foot, as the British Expeditionary Force was then, often brings out one’s true colors and it is a testament to the Regiment that this story is one of discipline, loyalty, and fearlessness in the face of the enemy. Amidst the stories of bravery and selflessness, there is nothing more humbling than to read of the Regiment’s family spirit. My father spoke so fondly about this close bond with his fellow Officers and soldiers, and I know this ethos remains central nowadays. If my father had the opportunity to visit The Royal Lancers today, I know he would immediately recognize those amongst his number. ‘Death or Glory’." - Her Majesty the Queen