The Belgian Army was stretched from Cadzand south to Menin on the river Leie, and west, from Menin, to Bruges without any sort of reserves.
With the exception of a few RAF sorties, the air was exclusively German, and the Belgians reported attacks against all targets considered an objective, with resulting casualties. No natural obstacle remaining between the Belgians, the German Army or the sea. Retreat was impossible, as the Belgians had nowhere to go. A retreat to Dunkirk was not possible, as the Luftwaffe has destroyed most of the rail networks capable of operations. Just three road axis were left: Bruges–Thourout–Dixmude, Bruges–Ghistelles–Nieuport, Bruges–Ostende–Nieuport. But such axis of retreat was impossible without losses owing to German air supremacy (as opposed to air superiority).
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