Maus Posted June 14, 2000 Share Posted June 14, 2000 I am not aware of any Free French units used at, specifically, the landings at Normandy. Were there any that I am just ignorant of? If not, why? Were they all tied up in other theatres? No ill will is intended towards the French, it is just a history question. Cheers! maus [This message has been edited by Maus (edited 06-14-2000).] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Germanboy Posted June 14, 2000 Share Posted June 14, 2000 <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Maus: I am not aware of any Free French units used at, specifically the landings at Normandy. Were there any that I am just ignorant of? If not, why? Were they all tied up in other theatres? No ill will is intended towards the French, it is just a history question. Cheers! maus<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> There were no Free French among the assault divisions on D-Day, IIRC. They landed at least a Free French armoured division later, and they got into a bit of a tussle during the closure of the Falaise gap, because they occupied the advance routes of some US unit, again IIRC. I think they were the first unit into Paris, for political reasons. ------------------ Andreas The powers of accurate perception are often called cynicism by those who do not possess them. (forgot who said it) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L4Pilot Posted June 14, 2000 Share Posted June 14, 2000 John Keegan's book "Six Armies to Normandy" has a chapter on the Free French Armored Division, and a history of its origin, and usage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikester Posted June 14, 2000 Share Posted June 14, 2000 Free French were the first units to move into Paris exactly for political reasons. It's also interesting to note that Hitler himself issued an order for the city to be burned to the ground / destroyed by whatever means necessary. To the German commander of the Paris garrisons credit, he ignored the order. Mikester out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Shaw Posted June 14, 2000 Share Posted June 14, 2000 Well this is hardly a "credible" source, but wasn't there a French Commando unit in the film "The Longest Day"? As I say, not the best of sources but still. Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maus Posted June 14, 2000 Author Share Posted June 14, 2000 Joe, That's the kind of stuff that I am looking for. I fully realize that there were French troops used in the later campaigns. I should have made that clear. My fault and thanks to all for replying. I was specically after troops that were used on invasion day. Cheers! maus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xavier Posted June 15, 2000 Share Posted June 15, 2000 yes, I know there was a french commando at Ouistreham(may be the 'Hubert commando' but not sure). One curious thing is that free french forces were under command of the us army but I remember this commando was under command of the british. May be because it was a marine commando and not an army one Just before the DDay other commandos were sent (paratroop units) in Britany to disorganize german army in the area... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon_S Posted June 15, 2000 Share Posted June 15, 2000 Yup, approx 150 FF soldiers went in early in the morning (not in the first wave though) at Sword Beach. They belonged to the 10th Inter Allied Commando, organised into two 64 man Troops, and a mortar platoon with six 3" mortars. They were part of the 1st SS Brigade under Lord Lovat. (SS = Special Service in this instance ...) Regards Jon {edit1} ack, after reading this, I'm not sure on some of the details. I'll check later today and change the bits that need it. {edit2} editted for ballsed up content ------------------ Ubique [This message has been edited by Jon_S (edited 06-14-2000).] [This message has been edited by Jon_S (edited 06-15-2000).] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maus Posted June 16, 2000 Author Share Posted June 16, 2000 Jon_S - You da man! Thanks for the info. This lack of major troop numbers begs a question - Where were the rest of the Free French? I'd think that the French would insist that they be the first to land on French soil. And I'm sure many French did but why then were they not there in large numbers? Were they held back by Allied high comand for strategic, political or counter-intelligence reasons, held back because they were not properly organized or equipted? Perhaps they were engaged in other theaters? Any ideas? Cheers! maus ------------------ V ozo ------------------ The who with the what now? ......Where's my medication?! [This message has been edited by Maus (edited 06-15-2000).] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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