Diplomatic history of World War II in the Dunkirk evacuation in late May/early June 1940. Tens of thousands of tanks, trucks and artillery guns were left behind, as well as all of the radios, machine guns, rifles, tents, spare parts and other gear. The new Prime Minister Winston Churchill pledged that Britain would continue to fight for France's freedom, even if it must do so alone. After Mers el Kebir, Britain recognised Free France as its ally and the legitimate government of France. The United States maintained diplomatic relations with Vichy (until late 1942) and avoided recognition of de Gaulle's claim to be the one and
Non-British personnel in the RAF during the Battle of Britain the highest scoring non-British pilot in the Battle of Britain. French volunteers and Free French forces served in 245 and 615 Squadron. 13 are recognised in the Battle of Britain Roll of Honour. In addition a French squadron, No. 346 Squadron RAF, was based at Elvington. The Republic of Ireland (officially Called Ireland from 1937) seceded from the British rule in 1922 after a two-year war of independence. Relations between the two countries were still strained in 1940. Although technically a British dominion, Ireland remained neutral for the duration of the Second World War. Many individual Irish citizens did enlist