The French exodus

As the front collapses and the Germans advance, France in turn experiences an exodus of unprecedented scale: millions of civilians — the figure of eight million people is often cited, French and Belgian and Dutch refugees mingled together — pour onto the roads heading south, fleeing the enemy advance, the bombardments and the fear inherited from 1914.

For you, the French family, the dilemma is the same as for the Belgians a few days earlier, but on an even greater scale. Flee south as fast as possible, in the throng of the strafed roads, with no assured lodging or provisions. Stay at home and await the occupier, keeping house and belongings. Or leave belatedly, hoping that the front will stabilise — at the risk of being caught in the debacle.

The exodus disorganises everything: saturated roads, severed communications, an administration in flight, families separated. The government itself leaves Paris. Should you leave, stay, or wait? The exodus of 1940 would become a major national trauma and one of the symbols of the collapse of France.