De Gaulle attacks the southern flank of the German corridor
Colonel Charles de Gaulle led the newly forming 4e Division cuirassée in attacks around Montcornet on 17 May and Crécy-sur-Serre on 19 May against the southern flank and communications of the German advance. French armour reached German rear-area positions and caused disruption before German anti-tank fire and Luftwaffe attack forced withdrawals. The division was still assembling and lacked the full infantry, artillery and logistical structure of a mature formation. The actions showed how concentrated French armour could create local danger along the corridor. Their scale and timing left the main…
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