#OTD 80 years ago German forces invaded the Netherlands, Belgium and France. For Imperial War Graves Commission staff in these countries it was still business as usual – for now - with gardeners continuing with their work, as seen here @CWGC’S Buffs Road Cemetery in Belgium. #WW2

German forces were advancing across Europe in May 1940 – but our work continued. The remains of #WW1 casualties still being recovered were regularly laid to rest @CWGC’s Cement House Cemetery, Belgium. Burial returns for May no longer exist but these are from April 1940. #WW2

#OTD in 1940 a special order was issued to Imperial War Graves Commission staff in northern Europe by Commission Deputy Controller, Reginald Haworth, outlining arrangements for an immediate evacuation. Read more: http://ow.ly/zPGd50zITQr  #CWGCarchive #Dunkirk80 #Dunkirk1940 #WW2

By the end of the day on 19 May 1940 over 200 people, under the guidance of Captain Reginald Haworth, had been moved from Ypres in Belgium to Wallon-Cappel in France as the Imperial War Graves Commission party made for the Channels Ports. #CWGCarchive #Dunkirk80 #Dunkirk1940 #WW2

After losing their transport, and facing a constant battle when moving along roads, on 20 May 1940 Captain Haworth went to Ebblinghem in order to recce a train that had been arranged for the IWGC group. There was however no knowledge of such a train. #Dunkirk80 #Dunkirk1940 #WW2

Heading into Hazebrouck on 21 May 1940, Captain Haworth was able to gain the use of two lorries in order to make for Guisnes - just south of Calais. The group started their journey north only to lose their transport as they reached St. Omer. #Dunkirk80 #Dunkirk1940 #WW2

After spending the night in a convent at Wisques the IWGC road party aimed to meet those moving ahead on bicycle to Calais. By the evening of 22 May 1940 the group had reached the port, however there were no sailings home until tomorrow. #CWGCarchive #Dunkirk80 #Dunkirk1940 #WW2

After dodging morning air-raids the party of over 200 finally boarded the City of Christchurch. All officers from Captain downwards gave up their cabins so that women and children could be undercover. Now they just needed to cross the English Channel. #Dunkirk80 #Dunkirk1940 #WW2

At 1pm on Friday 24 May 1940 the City of Christchurch docked at Southampton – on-board were 250 IWGC men, women & children who had left Calais the day before after being led to safety by Captain Reginald Howarth: http://ow.ly/DGN450zNDxQ  #CWGCarchive #Dunkirk80 #Dunkirk1940 #WW2