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| The fight for the liberation of Paris began on August 19 1944. Having tracked the
Allied advance from Normandy, local resistance forces were inspired to rise up against the German garrison
commanded by General Dietrich Choltitz. A subsequent attempt to negotiate a truce failed, and the Germans
counter-attacked with tanks. Fierce exchanges ensued.
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| Although mortal enemies, the actions of Cholitz and De Gaulle unwittingly conspired to limit the bloodshed
and a bring a quick outcome to the battle. With fighting in the streets becoming ever more intense Cholitz ignored Hitler's order to
destroy Paris, instead sending the Swedish diplomat, Nordling, to ask the Allies to march on the city to bring about a swift conclusion.
This action together with De Gaulle's threat that the Free French would start the fight for the liberation of Paris regardless of the other Allies resulted
in General Bradley (on Aug 22) ordering General Leclerc to lead the 2nd French Armored Division into the French capital.
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| Resistance in Paris |
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| Over the next two days French troops started to reach Paris. Captian Dronne's
French tanks arrived in the city on the evening of the 24th, followed closely by infantry and artillary. The remainder
of the French Division then marched into the capital early on the 25th. Being overwhelmed, the Germans were forced to capitulate.
At 15h30 General Cholitz signed the Act of Surrerender. Within the hour De Gaulle entered Paris, and declared Paris back under French
control. |
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The Liberation of Paris was, for many, an important milestone in the Allied advance.
Having been embarrasingly overrun in 1939 and suffered six years of collaborationist governmment the French public
were overjoyed to see their capital free again. Similarly, American morale was significantly boosted. Many in the USA
viewed the occupation of Paris with much romanticism. so much so to be greatly lifted by the freeing of the French capital. |
| Genaral DeGaulle leads the victory parade through Paris |
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