The surrender of approximately thirteen thousand British and French troops to Major General Erwin Rommel at Saint-Valery-en-Caux marked a notable event in the early conflict of World War II. In the spring of 1940, German forces launched a swift and aggressive campaign through the Low Countries and into France. The speed and ferocity of the Blitzkrieg tactics caught the Allies off guard, leading to a rapid escalation of military engagements in the region.

By June, German forces had pushed back the Allied troops, who were attempting to regroup and maintain a defensive line. Rommel, commanding the 7th Panzer Division, utilized innovative tactics and took advantage of the confusion among Allied troops. The geographical features of Saint-Valery-en-Caux, including its coastal position and limited escape routes, contributed to the challenges faced by the encircled troops. The British Expeditionary Force, along with French units, found themselves beleaguered and unable to execute an effective withdrawal or defense.

As the situation deteriorated, the decision to surrender was taken to avoid further loss of life and to save the remaining fighting capabilities of the troops. The surrender shocked the Allies and highlighted the vulnerabilities in their strategic planning. Rommel's victory at Saint-Valery-en-Caux further solidified his reputation as a capable commander and was part of the broader narrative of German dominance in the early stages of the conflict in Western Europe.