The BEF and the issue of surrender on the Western Front in 1940

This article explores the reasons behind the surrenders of large numbers of British troops in the 1940 battle for France and Flanders. The article contends that the surrenders do not indicate poor morale but merely a pragmatic reaction to the situation. British troops fought gallantly and with some skill for as long as the situation appeared reasonable, and surrendered only when resistance no longer seemed to offer any valuable service. The reasons behind this approach to battle are identified in British military training and the structure and philosophy of the entire British army.