The Dash for the Channel Begins

Perhaps the most pivotal battle of the 1940 French campaign was the Battle of Sedan, where the forces of German General Heinz Guderian established a bridge across the Meuse River on May 13-14.  Using assault rafts and supported by tanks they were able to cross the river under heavy French resistance and establish a foothold on the other side.  During that night German engineers built a pontoon bridge that was strong enough to support tanks, and by the next morning the bulk of the 1st Panzer Division’s Panzers were across.  The Germans soon built more bridges, and with troops and armor pouring across the Meuse, Guderian issued his famous command for his forces to turn west, begin driving, and never stop no matter what.

Dragon #9040, Panzer III Ausf. E; Tamiya #35241, German Motorcycle Set