There was something about this withdrawal that sparked my imagination. Initially stumped by a lack of information, I later came across detailed research on the WW2 Talk site concerning the 15th/19th Hussars’ disastrous encounter with the enemy at Asse. This led to the unearthing of more information, including the Hussars’ war diary for this period. What follows is the end result.
SCREENING THE BEF
The 15th/19 Hussars were on the far left of the British screen. After covering roads west and northwest of Brussels, they were ordered to move north to a position east of the small town of Asse at 08.45 on 18 May. There, the unit was to delay the German advance, buying time for Belgian units further north to pull back. Equipped only with machine gun-armed Mk VIB Light Tanks and Scout Carriers, it was a fast, armoured unit, but with a limited amount of infantry.
Advancing against it was the German 19th Infantry Division, which, due to its dependence on feet and horses, led its advance with a (advanced battalion). This was made up of the division's few motorised elements, a handful of light armoured cars, cyclemounted infantry, anti-tank guns, and elements of the reconnaissance battalion. Despite being
