Guiding Member of the
Guild of Battlefield Guides,
Badge Number 19
The 'Cresswell blockhouse' is located north of Cassel on the D916 road toward Dunkirk. Set back from the Peckel cross roads it was for all but the most determined groups a drive by stand. It is a good follow on stand after a study of the defence of Cassel by 'Somer Force' in May 1940. I was at the site two weeks ago and noticed that there is now an approach road and a hardened track around the block house. This work is recent and not quite complete, there was evidence of a collapsed drain on the approach road - not passable for large coaches. However, you can now turn left at the cross roads (coming from Cassel) and park a coach safely to disembark passengers.
There is, as you can see on the photographs now a circuit around the block house. This stand now has far more potential and the actions of Lieutenant Cresswell MC and 1 Platoon, A Company of the Glosters can be recounted in some detail. The block house is large enough to also be a useful backdrop for a discussion on the merits of static defences during the 1940 campaign. Certainly worthy of consideration for your next Dunkirk tour.
On a Health and Safety note - There are holes in the walls and individuals can enter the block house easily.
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