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In the course of the day the Germans succeed in crossing the Loire, both east of Tours and at Saumur. Along the Cher they break through at Selles and push southward, scattering the left wing of the 5th Army: 4 French divisions vanish almost without a trace. Farther east, the Germans enter Montluçon, Riom and Thiers. In several places, however, the French are still resisting fiercely in an attempt to slow down the enemy's advance. These are acts of individual bravery, desperate sacrifices that can do nothing to alter the course of events. For nothing can now stave off the final debacle, so fast approaching, nor the withdrawal southward of France's dislocated forces, hopelessly entangled in the panic-stricken flow of refugees. Some formations have been in the front line since May 10th. They have been fighting, without respite or hope of relief, since the start of the battle. These men are exhausted. Although they are anxious to fight on to the last, they are collapsing at the roadsides. At one point during the day, some civilians see a car bearing the tri-color flag draw up beside a group of prostrate soldiers. A general, elderly, rather short, and haggard with strain and lack of sleep, gets out. He walks over to the men and says: 'Bear it just a little longer! March just a little farther!' Those who heard him say that he spoke very gently, very like a father talking to his children. It was Gen Weygand. In the evening the remains of Gen Daille's XLV Corps, after two days of fierce fighting in the Lomont area, cross into Switzerland and are interned. They had been up against vastly superior armor and had resisted until food and ammunition gave out. At 1:30pm Adm Darlan sends the following message to all senior naval officers:
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