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BATTLE // May 21, 1940

Battle of Arras

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Overview

The Battle of Arras took place on 21 May 1940, during the Battle of France in the Second World War. Following the German invasion of the Low Countries on 10 May, French and British forces advanced into Belgium. The German campaign plan Fall Gelb had evolved into a decoy operation in the Netherlands and Belgium, with the main effort through the Ardennes. German units crossed the Meuse without waiting for reinforcements at the Battle of Sedan. Instead of consolidating bridgeheads on the west bank of the Meuse, the Germans began an advance down the Somme river valley towards the English Channel.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Forces & casualties

Troop strength

  • United Kingdom15,000
    medium
  • Germany5,000–10,000
    medium

United Kingdom fielded a 2.0 : 1 numerical advantage

Casualties

  • Royaume-Uni170
    medium
  • Reich allemand300–400
    medium

Commanders (2)

Germany

United Kingdom

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6 sibling battles · 6 factions

Last verified June 2026
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