 Complete the following phrase:  After many months of relative inactivity the Phoney War period, on 10 May 1940, Germany launched its assault on the Western Front. Barker was on leave in England and immediately returned to France. The division advanced to Brussels but following a strategic reverse in the campaign, was forced to retreat soon afterwards. On 27 May, Barkers brigade was briefly transferred to the 5th Division and fought to hold the Ypres-Comines canal against an assault by three German divisions. The day after, Barker and his brigade were ordered to 