Dunkirk, the First Army of the British Expeditionary Force lined up in the square.
One by one, tall horses, fully armed cavalrymen with heads held high, riding rows upon rows, stretching to the horizon.
Infantry stood behind the cavalry, quietly waiting for the commander-in-chief to give a speech, as the cold wind blew fallen leaves swirling in the air, invoking the tragic aura of warriors leaving for a battle of no return.
Haig walked up to Vice Admiral Avis, and after saluting each other, Haig stood in front of the troops and shouted:
"Warriors, you are heading to the front lines."
"Do you know which unit will be cooperating with you?"
"I know, it's that bunch of ladies who like to hide behind tanks!"
The soldiers burst into laughter, filled with mockery and disdain.
Haig waited for the laughter to subside and continued:
"They have indeed achieved victories, but we know it is not because they are strong, but because their opponents were weak and fragile."
