 Complete the following phrase:  He joined the British Expeditionary Force BEF in France in 1939 and 1940, commanding a machine gun company of the 2nd Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, which was attached to Major General Harold Alexanders 1st Infantry Division. During the retreat from the River Dyle in the face of the German blitzkrieg in May 1940, his company formed part of the divisions rearguard, supporting the a href13th18th20Royal20Hussars13th18th Royal Hussarsa and 21st Anti-Tank Regiment of the Royal Artillery. He was awarded the Military Cross MC for his actions, and was 