Adolf Hitler invaded Western Europe on 10 May 1940. General Erwin Rommel was at the forefront of the 7th Panzer Division as it crossed the River Meuse in Belgium and punched through the Maginot Line into northern France. An audacious drive toward the English Channel followed. With no prior experience in leading an armoured division in combat, Rommel moved with speed and nerve, frequently surprising and overrunning French units in what he termed a 'lightning Tour de France'. His so-called 'Ghost Division' reached the Channel coast on 10 June, a jubilant Rommel signalling : 'Am at sea.'